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Best Sunscreens for Melanated Skin

  • Writer: Mana Faye
    Mana Faye
  • Jun 3
  • 4 min read

While sunscreen is a must have every day, it becomes even more crucial as the temperatures heat up. Protect yourself from harmful UV rays without the annoying white cast of traditional sunscreens! Just in time for your beach vacations or leisurely strolls outdoors, we've curated a list of our favorite sunscreen options across low, mid, and high price ranges. Get ready to enjoy the sun while keeping your skin safe and radiant! Check it out!



Low Price:
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This sunscreen is great for all ages, and not only contains hyaluronic acid, which helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, it is also hypoallergenic and designed for all skin types. It won’t leave you feeling oily, or dry, and also has non-comedogenic properties, meaning it won’t clog your pores, while still leaving you looking moisturized and protected. 


“Loved it!” said one reviewer, The product was great, I absolutely fell in love with it, had no problems at all whatsoever I have already recommended it to my family & friends, this is super convenient and highly helpful. You can benefit tremendously from this product so if you're thinking about purchasing it please do not hesitate you will not regret it :)


“Great sun protection, raved another “I have been using this tinted sunscreen everyday because it not only protects me from the sun’s rays, but it also gives me a nice wash of color to help even out my skin tone.”


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Any Neutrogena product is a classic, however the original sunscreen contains a white cast that may not be suitable for those with deeper skin tone. Not to worry, they released their Ultra Sheer mist version that is the ultimate triple threat: non greasy, easy application, and easy re-application throughout the day. It’s water resistant, easy-to-use sunscreen spray is built for everyone and a perfect alternative to its original formula. 


“I have used Neutrogena sunscreen for many years, " said one reviewer, "this particular incarnation is outstanding. The protection from the sun is excellent. 


Another reviewer raved about its easy use: “It feels like nothing on my skin. Have used for many years and prefer the spray application”.



Mid-Price:

For the girlies who have a little more bank to break we have two options that are slightly more of an investment. 


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Black Girl Sunscreen is a fan favorite, and for good reason, its formula is perfect for the melanated girls and guys, providing protection, preventing sun damage, and helping prevent hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It’s great for layering under makeup and infused with natural ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil. 


One reviewer raved about the sheer quality “I’m loving this sunscreen! I’ve been searching for a face sunscreen that doesn’t leave the dreaded white cast. It is fragrance free and absorbs into the skin quickly”. 


Another praised its strength against perspiration “This is a great product that is comfortable to wear and won’t leave a cast. If you sweat, it won’t run and become white, I’m super happy with BGS.”


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This portable sunscreen stick is the perfect option for people on the go. With SPF 50, it is not only hydrating but also easily re-applicable throughout the day, over or under makeup for everyone. 


“This sits well on top of makeup, " says one reviewer, "I use it for reapplication during the day if I don’t want to ruin my makeup - just glide it on.”. 


“I have several of these around the house, said another, “Easy to pick up and reapply sunscreen throughout the day”. 


High Price:

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Supergoop is a classic for the skin girlies, and this tinted sunscreen is a personal favorite. With fourteen shades, this lightweight skin tint merges sun protection with coverage, making for a natural finish, and even-looking skin. The formula is buildable and has 83% skincare ingredients. This is a perfect alternative for super-hot days when you want a little something on, while simultaneously protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. 


One reviewer described it as the ‘best base and bonus sunscreen’, “This sunscreen is like makeup that blends smoothly and looks and feels like silk. I absolutely love protectant!”


Another reviewer praised its attention to undertones for deeper skin “It’s been tricky for me to find a tinted moisturizer with spf that actually matches my skin and undertone…..Supergoop has come the closest in matching my skin. I bought two shades, one for now, and one for when I get a tan. 


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The most outstanding sunscreens are those that work quietly in the background, becoming virtually invisible once applied. This dermatologically-designed formula seamlessly sinks into the skin, leaving behind a natural, radiant finish that enhances your glow without any greasy residue or chalky appearance. Infused with Even Tone Defender™, it not only shields your skin from harmful rays but also works to brighten your complexion and promote a more balanced, even tone. It’s the kind of sunscreen that effortlessly combines protection with a flawless, luminous look—truly a must-have for everyday radiance.


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The Tatcha Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 is a ‘mineral SPF cocooned in clinical skincare’. Its weightless formula contains next-gen zinc oxide for powerful premature aging protection, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to even skin tone and hydrate, and silk extract to smoothen skin texture. 


I love that the sunscreen has a tint to it, and makes my face feel and look brighter, " said one reviewer…”it does not make me break out versus others. This is my new go to sunscreen I just wear alone and go out”. 


Another reviewer appreciated the texture “I really like the texture. My other high number of spf products make my skin feel like it’s blocked and suffocating. This is milky and smooth. It’s easy to apply and works well under makeup”. 


Find your perfect summer shield: our top sunscreen picks work for every budget and skin type and protect your skin even on cloudy days. 


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