We all have a complicated relationship with SPF, right? Some formulas feel way too heavy, some leave you greasy and others bestow a less than desirable white cast. Add skin tone into the mix and you’re unlocking a whole new level of complexity. But never fear, because I've searched high and low for the best facial SPFs for darker skin, and things are looking up. No more ashy finish; hello, gorgeous, glowing skin.
Enter a new wave of SPFs that are lightweight, absorb like a dream and even have added skincare benefits. Best of all, they're all totally or nearly invisible. Since there's no getting out of using SPF daily—come rain or shine—this new generation of upgraded formulas makes using sun protection a lot easier for everyone, regardless of skin tone.
Do Darker Complexions Really Need SPF?
Despite the common skincare misconception that darker and Black skin doesn't need sun protection, experts have said over and over that everyone, even those with the highest melanin content, will benefit from using SPF every day. UVB and UVA rays affect us all and ultimately result in skin damage from exposure to the sun, regardless of skin tone.
"Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has high levels of UVA protection (as indicated by PA++++ or a star rating of 5 stars), explains consultant dermatologist Dr Mary Sommerlad. "This is because whilst people with deeply pigmented skin have higher natural protection from sunburn, they are prone to patchy hyperpigmentation and worsening of pre-existing hyperpigmentation from UVA exposure. The ideal would be a tinted broad-spectrum sunscreen as this will block high energy visible light too, which is responsible for persistent hyperpigmentation and is more of an issue in those with richly pigmented skin," she says.
How to Find a Sunscreen for Dark Skin
Before getting into our edit of the best SPFs for dark skin, I was keen to know what an expert recommends looking out for. First up is choosing between a mineral SPF or a chemical formula, and the latter usually suits darker skins better. "Neither chemical nor mineral is better on a population level. On a personal level, chemical sunscreens are significantly less likely to leave a white cast," says Dr Sommerlad. "They tend to have flexibility in their application (e.g. as a liquid, spray or mist) whereas mineral sunscreens may be more tolerable to people with very reactive skin, but as they are a physical blockade they are usually cream, balm or lotion formulas.
"The white cast is caused either by the sunscreen filter or by the tint in the product. [The most commonly used filter] is a mineral or physical ingredient such as titanium," she explains. Something else worth noting is that tinted SPFs in one 'universal' shade can also be unsuitable for darker skin as they are often too pale or have the wrong undertone.
It can be helpful to look for additional ingredients in your SPF that will further enhance how well it protects the skin. "A good sunscreen should contain antioxidants too, says Dr Sommerlad. "An effective antioxidant in combination with sunscreen works synergistically to reduce the impact UV rays and pollution have on our skin. Pollution and UV not only contribute to reducing collagen in the skin, leading to premature wrinkles, but the combination can also drive hyperpigmentation," she says.
"I advocate a personalised sunscreen approach. If someone has melasma or hyperpigmentation, they should look for tinted sunscreens that contain anti-pigmentation ingredients. Those with dry or mature skin should look for something hydrating, whilst those who are blemish-prone should opt for formulas [that contain ingredients] such as salicylic acid. People with oily skin might want to [try] mattifying gel or mist formulas," says Dr Sommerlad.
So, if you’ve been searching for that perfect invisible SPF to conveniently slot into your skincare routine sans white cast, look no further than our pick of tried-and-tested SPFs for darker skin tones.
Shop the Best SPFs for Dark Skin:
- Best Budget-Friendly Option: Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Sun Protection Face Fluid SPF50+, £13
- Best for Hydration: Naked Sundays SPF50 Hydrating Glow Mist, £18
- Best for Under Makeup: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30, £37
- Best Total Clear Protection: Hello Sunday The Take-Out One Invisible Sun Stick SPF 30, £19
- Best for On-the-Go Use: Decree Day Shield SPF 30, £75
- Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Non-Perfumed Suncream SPF50+, £20
- Best for Beach Days: Shiseido Expert Sun Protector Lotion SPF50+, £19
- Best for Top-Ups: Kate Somerville Uncomplikated SPF50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray, £34
- Best for Every Day: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion, £17
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Skin + Me Daily Defence Oil-Free Spf 50 Sunscreen, £20
- Best for Tinted Protection: Ilia Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30, £42
- Best for Mineral Protection: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+, £34
The 12 Best SPFs for Dark Skin, According to Experts
1. Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Sun Protection Face Fluid SPF 50+
Best: Budget-Friendly option
If you're looking for something effective and affordable, Garnier has nailed it with this SPF at a purse-friendly £13. The super-lightweight fluid absorbs easily into the skin, and not only does it offer sun protection, but it also works on the dark spots caused by sun damage, whilst vitamin E and hyaluronic acid keep skin hydrated. It's by far one of the best near-invisible, high-factor SPFs.
2. Naked Sundays SPF50 Hydrating Glow Mist
Best for: hydration
What's better than a cool, refreshing glass of water on a hot summer's day? This Naked Sundays' offering is just that but for your face. It's a glowy spray formula with a light, refreshing texture formulated with a trio of super-hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract and vitamin C-rich kakadu plum to leave you with glowy, fresh and hydrated skin. Just spritz it on and you're good to go.
3. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30
Best for: under makeup
A clear SPF formula is typically hard to come by, but Supergoop! has done it. This is a totally clear SPF formula that is completely invisible on the skin, and as a bonus, the texture feels very reminiscent of a makeup primer. It leaves you with a super-smooth canvas for makeup whilst providing broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. I love it for wearing under makeup—it's the best SPF and primer in one, in my opinion.
4. Hello Sunday The Take-Out One Invisible Sun Stick SPF 30
Best for: total clear protection
Another totally clear SPF, this one also doesn't leave a white cast. Plus, it comes in a handy stick/roll-on situation. Sunscreen sticks are great for when you're out and about with a small bag, as application is as simple as swiping it onto your face, and there's no bulky bottle to lug around. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils, this is one I reach for when my skin is feeling on the drier side.
5. Decree Day Shield SPF 30
Best for: on-the-go use
This completely invisible SPF is always in my handbag. It leaves no white cast and applies beautifully on top of a full face of makeup. It's designed for SPF top-ups on the go and is so reliable that you won't even need a mirror to apply it. Incredibly lightweight, it contains UV filters titanium dioxide and zinc oxide along with peptides to leave skin feeling super soft, plus rose water to provide a dose of hydration.
6. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Non-Perfumed Suncream SPF50+
Best for: sensitive skin
I have incredibly sensitive skin and find that a lot of SPFs cause my face to react. However, this non-perfume spf from La Roche Posay is the perfect formula to soothe and moisturise as you get your sun protection. Don't be put off by the slightly-beige formula—I find that there is still no white cast; it just might take a little extra massaging into the skin. This is all the sun protection without any nasty reactions.
7. Shiseido Expert Sun Protector Lotion SPF50+
Best for: beach days
Beach days call for the big guns, and Shiseido's Expert Sun Protector Lotion does not disappoint. I appreciate the convenience of one SPF product that works amazingly on both the face and body, and it's also water- and sweat-resistant. It's created with smart "HeatForce" and "WetForce" technologies that apparently make the SPF work harder when skin is exposed to sea or sweat. Finally, despite the high protection factor, it's totally invisible on the skin.
8. Kate Somerville Uncomplikated SPF50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray
Best for: top-ups
The thing with SPF is that it needs reapplication; applying once in the morning doesn't provide adequate protection throughout the whole day. This begs the question: How do we top up our SPF throughout the day when we're wearing makeup? This clever spray by Kate Somerville saves the day. Mist it on top of your makeup whenever you want for constant sun protection and to reduce shine and set your makeup.
9. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion
Best for: every day
This is a daily moisturiser with SPF protection. It has a lightweight, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and non-greasy formula that absorbs easily into the skin to offer protection against UVB and UVA rays whilst helping strengthen and repair the skin barrier. For extra protection (like if you're sunbathing), I would advise wearing a dedicated SPF over the top.
10. Skin + Me Daily Defence Oil-Free Spf 50 Sunscreen
Best for: acne-prone skin
I'll put my hands up: When my skin was going through an acne-prone phase, I stayed away from SPF because I found it would irritate my skin further and cause it to break out more, which was not what I wanted. That was until I came across the Skin + Me SPF. The serum-like, non-comedogenic formula was created with acne in mind, hence the niacinamide, vitamin e and the absence of oil. It works to protect skin whilst fighting off blemishes and UV-induced hyperpigmentation. Apply it like you would your typical SPF but expect the opposite of a heavy, pore-clogging formula that might break you out.
11. Ilia Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Best for: tinted protection
Okay, I am slightly obsessed with this skin tint with added SPF. It's literally perfect. It leaves you with the most gorgeous, healthy-looking coverage and a "no-makeup makeup" finish, all whilst protecting your skin from the sun's damaging rays. As someone with a darker skin tone, I find tinted SPFs hard to come by, but this is a dream. It has a large shade range and is one of those products that you can easily apply with just your fingers. Again, if you want extra protection, you can wear a separate SPF underneath.
12. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+
Best for: mineral protection
This brand may be relatively new in town, but there's certainly hype around the products, and for good reason. This is hands down one of the best mineral SPFs available. Boasting a host of skincare properties, this is not your average SPF. It has vitamin C and peptides to promote plumpness and protects against infrared, visible light and blue light.
Why Trust Us?
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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