Does not matter if it is winter in your area or not. Black Skin needs to be treated and taking care of… That is why we set you up with this killer list. Tested by black women:
Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish SPF 50 ($9.50)
This is another lightweight feeling Korean mineral sunscreen. Give it a few minutes to “settle” as it leaves a slight tint on the skin at first, but after some time it does tend to not be as noticeable. It has a nice satin matte finish that can work well on most skin types.
BIOSSANCE Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ ($30)
I really enjoyed how easily this one blended in. There is a bit of a dewy sheen to it, so it might be better suited for normal to dry skin types when it’s warmer out. If you have oily skin, you might like this better in the cooler months.
Supergoop! Zincscreen 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 40 PA+++ ($42)
This isn’t my top favorite and it takes a bit of time to blend into my skin, but it does have a nice satin finish to it. Honestly, a lot of mineral sunscreens are like that by nature. This article on the Supergoop site will explain why. But this one is still better than a lot of the other ones I’ve tried.
Cotz Flawless Complexion Spf 50 ($25)
This one is a little tinted, but it blends nicely into the skin once you rub it in carefully. It has a nice satin matte finish that I think most skin types would like.

Versed GUARDS UP DAILY MINERAL SUNSCREEN BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 35 ($21.99)
This one glides nicely on the skin (my own skin hates extra friction so I appreciated that I didn’t have to rub too much with it) and has a nice satin finish. This one might be liked more by those with normal to dry skin. I have oily skin and while I didn’t find it to be heavy or greasy, it wouldn’t be my first choice for warmer temps.
PETER THOMAS ROTH Instant Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen ($30)
I’ve used this powder mineral sunscreen for years as my reapplication method when I’m wearing makeup. I still wear my regular sunscreen (or moisturizer with SPF) so I don’t rely on this being my only SPF.
But this helps to touch-up your makeup throughout the day while you’re also reapplying your sunscreen. I remember this one being for combo to oily skin and they had another version in blue packaging for normal to dry skin, but I no longer see the normal to dry version being sold. Just this one which says it’s for all skin types so maybe there was an upgrade in between.
Replenix Sheer Physical Sunscreen SPF 50 Plus ($24.45)
This is a mineral sunscreen spray that you spray into your hand and then apply to your face with your hands. This is NOT something that you can spray over your makeup. I REPEAT. This is NOT something that you can spray over your makeup. The way this sprays will leave deposits of product on your face if you spray it directly to your face. But when you use it correctly (by spraying it into your hand and then applying to your face with your hands) this is a really nice mineral sunscreen that blends well into dark skin. It feels weightless and seems like something that most skin types would enjoy.
Replenix UltiMATTE Perfection Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($25.74)
Replenix seems to know a thing or two about mineral sunscreens for deeper skin! This one has a nice satin matte finish and blends nicely into the skin. Apply it in thin layers but ensure you’re applying enough for your face. You may need to give it a few minutes to “settle” so it doesn’t look ashy (it can look a bit cast-y when you first put it on. It also works really well with makeup.
MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 ($25.60)
This one glides on the skin nicely and has a pleasant texture and feel. If you have oily skin, you’ll be happy to know this has a soft matte finish. It’s a bit more matte than the Replenix UltiMATTE, but not that casket-sharp matte that can make the skin look dry.
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation ($46)
This is a hybrid makeup and skincare product and has one of the best shades ranges I’ve seen so far if you can classify this as a tinted mineral sunscreen. I have a whole video that goes through the pros and cons as well as shows it applied to my skin. Watch it below!
One thing to note is that the product looks lighter when you first apply it and then after about 30-60 seconds it will appear darker. You might wind up picking a shade that looks too light, but it will adjust. My shade is 16.
If there’s one thing you take away about skin care, let it be to always wear sunscreen. That doesn’t just mean on clear, sunny days, but on overcast days, in airplanes, on long car rides, and at home, too. “With UV radiation attacking our skin every time we step outdoors — even indoors or near windows — sunscreen is the main line of defense we have to protect ourselves,” dermatologist Sphoorthi Jinna, MD, who specializes in skin cancer and Mohs surgery, says. “Our face, in particular, having typically no coverage, is one of the most vulnerable areas of our bodies. Facial sunscreen is extremely important to add to your daily regimen, both from an anti-aging and skin-cancer-prevention standpoint.”
That’s not to say it’s always easy to find a formula that works for you, especially if you have a sensitive or acne-prone skin type. According to Dr. Jinna, the skin-care industry has put a lot of effort into changing that, formulating face sunscreen that’s “efficient with high SPFs while making more elegant formulations than traditional body sunscreens.” That means more lightweight textures that easily blend into skin, can be layered under makeup, or are tinted for a more elegant application for dark skin tones. The most important thing is to find a sunscreen you’ll want to use every day.
First, Dr. Jinna recommends using an SPF of 30 or higher with broad-spectrum protection “so it covers different types of UV radiation that can cause skin cancers and premature aging,” she says. Another thing to note is to apply the proper amount: “Typically, it’s recommended about a nickel-size dollop of sunscreen should cover the face, remembering the upper eyelids and neck as well.”
There are plenty of sunscreens on the market, and we’ve tried and tested hundreds over the years to help you pick the best formula for your specific needs. From chemical formulas to physical ones and even a hybrid option, we rounded up the best face sunscreens on the market. We made sure these passed our tests with elegant formulations ideal for your skin type and zero white cast for those with dark skin tones.
Because Dr. Jinna also points out that “sunscreen typically lasts 90-120 minutes, and therefore, it is important to reapply every two hours, especially when you are outdoors or in a vehicle exposed to sunlight all day,” we even included a few options perfect for sunscreen reapplication, like a facial mist and makeup SPF. (Just make sure you use that as additional protection over normal sunscreen since Dr. Jinna says those are “typically not enough coverage on their own.”)
Whether you’re looking for hydrating sunscreens, mattifying ones, or options for acne-prone or sensitive skin, find your perfect daily face sunscreen ahead.
Sphoorthi Jinna, MD is a dermatologist who specializes in skin cancer and Mohs surgery.
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