The Best Sunscreens for Medium / Dark Skin — & Super Sensitive Skin

Disclaimer: These sunscreen recommendations are based on my experience.

After trying dozens of sunscreens since the beginning of 2024, I’ve come to the realization that there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all sunscreen. I did not know how sensitive my skin was until I wrote this article!

If you want to know how committed I was on my quest to find the best sunscreens for brown / dark skin, that were also suitable for my very sensitive skin, here are a few ones that didn’t make the cut: 

innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36 

Paula’s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30

Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50

Bubble Skincare Tinted Daily Mineral Sunscreen

I also didn’t have any luck with invisible sunscreens that have a silicone gel texture, like Glossier’s Invisible Shield Priming Sunscreen SPF 50 and Bask’s Daily Invisible Gel SPF 40. Bask was recommended by my aesthetician Megan (The Pointed Pearl Skincare), who lives in the California desert and has very sensitive skin. I loved the concept of the brand and I really wanted it to become my go-to sunscreen, but the gel texture felt slightly greasy on my face. After using it for two days in a row, I started noticing tiny white pimples on my chin and cheeks.

Many people swear by the Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Oil Free Invisible Gel, which is a cheap dupe for the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 – a brand I find to be incredibly overhyped and expensive – but I had a horrible reaction to it. 

Noto Botanics (PRACTICE) SAFE SUN // SPF 30 is a face / body sunscreen that was recommended by my friend Philip. When Megan read the ingredients, she told me that coconut oil was the third ingredient on the list – which may have been the culprit of the tiny pimples that popped up the week I started using it. It’s also heavily fragranced.

Another sunscreen that I was itching to try was the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 Moisturizing Lotion, until I read that it was formulated with essential oils. 

These are all amazing brands, but they didn’t work for me. The struggle was real! 😭😭

When you incorporate a sunscreen into your routine, try not to use other new products at the same time to see whether your skin loves it or not. There’s a difference between purging and breaking out. For example, when I started using a new BHA exfoliator a few weeks ago, I noticed white pimples that dissipated within 24 hours. Now, whenever I use the same BHA exfoliator, there’s not a pimple in sight.

The pimples I got from using these sunscreens took a few days to go away. Also, most of these sunscreens were chemical, so they didn’t have any active ingredients. This trial-and-error process is also why it took me so many months to test all of them. Whenever I tried a new sunscreen, that’s the only sunscreen I tried for a least a week.

Since I couldn’t return some of these sunscreens, I used them on my body. 

Another sunscreen I tried at Sephora was the recently released Caudalie Vinosun Protect Daily Mineral Sunscreen. Even though this is a tinted sunscreen, the white cast from the zinc oxide wouldn’t go away. Someone left a comment on the Sephora website, sharing the same experience:

“I really wanted to like this sunscreen. Unfortunately, it left me with a horrible white cast that would not blend. Would not recommend this for someone with brown/darker skin I received this product for free from Topbox Marketing for testing and review purposes.”

While I was doing my sunscreen research, it was interesting to know Australia has the strictest SPF rules in the world, and that Asian sunscreens are all the hype. The reason why the US is so far behind in sunscreens is because in other countries, sunscreen is regulated as a cosmetic product, which gives more room for innovation and new formulas. In the US, sunscreen is regulated as an over-the-counter drug. If you walk into a CVS Pharmacy, the sunscreen stock is very limited compared to other countries. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a good sunscreen at your local Sephora in the US. 

I highly recommend watching this video, where Youtuber Currently Hannah goes on a year-long research to test the differences between Asian and Australian sunscreens. It’s so in-depth and very interesting! She also dispels the negative connotation that chemical sunscreens have gotten over the last few years. 

After testing different sunscreen formulas, I’m now partial to physical sunscreens. I’ll use a few chemical sunscreens I have on rotation to run errands and go to work, but if I’m going to be out in the blazing sun for a prolonged period of time, I’ll reach for a physical sunscreen.

When I moved to Los Angeles almost 10 years ago, I didn’t wear sunscreen because at that time, there weren’t that many options in the market for people of color. During my first year living here, I developed three minuscule brown spots that are now irreversible.

For many decades, people of color have been left out of the sunscreen conversation. There’s a common misconception that black or brown can forgo sunscreen, which is far from the truth.

Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide, a white active ingredient that creates a physical barrier to block UV rays. Whenever you see surfers with pale faces, that’s what they’re wearing. 

I used to avoid mineral sunscreens like the plague. But in the last few years, it’s been incredible to see so many brands come out with mineral sunscreen formulas catered to dark skin tones. 

After trying out every sunscreen under the sun (no pun intended), I narrowed it down to five sunscreens that haven’t wreaked havoc on my sensitive brown skin. When it comes to physical sunscreens on this list, there will be a minimal white cast upon application due to the zinc oxide – but it’ll quickly settle into the skin.

Remember, sunscreens help you from getting sunburnt, but the best protection is avoiding the sun as much as you can. If you’re going to be out all day, wear a hat, a long-sleeve shirt, and reapply your sunscreen! And if your arms are going to be exposed to the sun, don’t neglect them and use a body sunscreen. 

Tips

Make sure your mineral sunscreen has a zinc oxide concentration of at least 20%. A higher zinc oxide equals higher protection against UVA and UVB rays. For chemical sunscreens, look for the UVA protection.

Apply your sunscreen liberally! Always make sure your sunscreen is evenly spread out across your face. Instead of applying too much all at once, I build it up. I start on my cheeks and chin. Then, I apply more on my forehead and around my nose. For the neck and arms, any body sunscreen will suffice. 

Note: If you buy a sunscreen from any of the Amazon links below, I’ll earn a small commission from that sale. 🙂

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer sunscreen

At the end of June, I was exasperated by all the sunscreens that had caused me breakouts. After sharing my frustration with one of the employees, she immediately walked me to the Drunk Elephant display stand and pointed to the Umbra Sheer sunscreen, which came in three different shades. 

She said: “They’ve just released this sunscreen last Friday and it’s been flying off the shelves. We’re sold out from the medium-tinted shade, but it’s a great sunscreen. Also, it has 20% zinc oxide, which is a really high percentage and you don’t see that very often in the market.” 

If you live in the US and you like beauty, you’ll know that Drunk Elephant’s products are among the highest-ranked skincare products in Sephora. Given the fact that I had a really good experience with their marula oil, I bit the bullet and bought the Umbre Sheer sunscreen in the Tinte shade the following day at another Sephora. 

Suffice it to say, this has been my go-to sunscreen this summer!! From withstanding the long sunny drives in LA to enduring the heat and harsh sun in Tennessee, I can attest to its wonderful efficacy. The other best part? It didn’t break me out! When I went to Tennessee this summer, I’d go on walks in the afternoon, and despite sweating profusely due to the crazy humidity, the sunscreen looked intact. 

The Umbra Sheer sunscreen is formulated with astaxanthin; an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from UV rays and sunburn, and Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate; a highly effective form of Vitamin C that helps to diminish signs of aging and uneven skin texture. 

There is no smell and I love the smooth and weightless texture. This summer, my makeup routine has been this sunscreen, concealer under my eyes and a little bit of blush. Because the sunscreen already evens out my skin, I haven’t reached for my foundation since I started using it!

At the end of August, I had a facial at The Pointed Pearl Skincare in Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree. Before my facial, I was having a conversation with my aesthetician that day, Erika, about my sunscreen journey for the article.

As soon as I pulled out the sunscreen from my bag, it felt like I had just brought her a present: “Oh My God!!! I love that sunscreen. It’s my favorite! They’ve been sold out for a long time. I was just going to mention it! How funny.”

For those who don’t know, Yucca Valley is located in California’s Mojave Desert, one of the most unforgiving environments in the US. If an aesthetician based in this area recommends it, I can’t think of a better reason to add it to your shopping cart!

Drunk Elephant: Website and Instagram

Naked Sundays Lotion Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming SPF50+

Did you know that sunscreen was created in Australia in 1932? Australian sunscreens are known for having the strictest SPF rules. The sun in that part of the world is notorious for its high levels of UV radiation. Many people attribute the harsh sun in this geographical area to the ozone hole theory. 

I went to Reddit Australia and searched “Best Australian Sunscreens”. On one thread, someone mentioned the Lotion Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming SPF50+ by Naked Sundays, which was upvoted many times. 

Naked Sundays was founded in 2021 by seasoned Aussie news reporter, Samatha Brett, who would spend hours under the blazing sun with heavy makeup. Samantha said that it was common to see her colleagues coming into the newsroom with marks across their faces. She later found out that those people were actually getting their skin cancer surgically removed. When Samantha saw this, she thought that there had to be a better way to deal with the unforgiving Australian sun, which ultimately led her to create her own SPF.

For those who don’t know, the main cause of skin cancer is overexposure to sunlight. It starts as a tiny bump that continues to grow, and change appearance and color. Sadly, in Australia is very common to have known someone who has passed away from this disease. There are many scary skin cancer ads to encourage sunscreen use and limit sun exposure. Sunburns in Australia are taken very seriously.  

Samantha said it took two years to get the formula right. She poured out all of her savings and conducted surveys on thousands of people about what they liked and disliked about sunscreens. The brand launched in 2021 with two products that sold out in less than three weeks: the SPF50+ Mist, and the Lotion Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming SPF50+ .  The latter is Naked Sundays’ signature product.

For the formulation of the sunscreen, Samantha collaborated with makeup artists to ensure no white cast was visible under bright studio lights. 

The brand has become one of Australia’s #1 SPF brands, and since its release, they’ve launched a myriad of award-winning products: tinted sunscreens, serums, foundations, and suncreen sticks! Naked Sundays is your one-stop shop for all your SPF needs.

The Lotion Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming SPF50+ has a 22.5% zinc oxide!! Due to the high zinc content and other skincare ingredients, the formula is thick (most Australian sunscreens are), but easy to spread around the face. For those who find the formula difficult to spread, Naked Sundays offers makeup brushes for purchase. 

Despite its thick and waxy consistency, the formula feels very light on the face. This sunscreen is also infused with collagen, which helps with anti-aging, and watermelon extract, an antioxidant that protects the skin against sun damage and other environmental stressors. 

Here’s me wearing the sunscreen on bare skin (with a little blush) during golden hour! As you can see, it leaves a beautiful glow without being too shiny. 

If you’re looking for an elegant, heavy-duty sunscreen loaded with zinc oxide and skincare-friendly ingredients, Naked Sundays will be another good choice. In 2021, the sunscreen won at The Prevention Beauty Awards, Australia’s most trustworthy beauty guide.

One reviewer commented on Amazon:

“This is the best mineral sunscreen I have ever found. I have sensitive, eczema prone fair skin. I have tried countless mineral spf formulas. All were too greasy, too drying, too white or (shudder) too orange. This doesn’t give coverage like a foundation the tint is just perfect for me though and I love it!”

If you live in the US, Naked Sundays is carried by a few online retailers. Additionally, a few products are carried by selected Targets, but I suggest ordering them from their official Amazon store. I’m itching to try their SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Face Mist, which is perfect to double down on your SPF protection throughout the day. 

After taking a deep dive into Australian sunscreens, I’ll be doing an article about them in the future. The shipping fees will be exorbitant, but I’m very curious to try a few of them! If you’re interested in learning more about the most popular sunscreens in Australia ➡️ click here

Naked Sundays: Website and Instagram

Beauty of Joseon

Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++)

With so many beauty products going viral on TikTok nowadays, it’s hard to discern which ones are actually worth the money and which ones are a fad.

However, this viral Korean sunscreen sold me on the fact that their SPF and PA tests were completed in their labs in my hometown of Spain.

On the website, they disclose the SPF and FA conversion to the European UV Index. Unlike some Korean brands that are only catered to white skin, Beauty of Joseon is brown / dark skin friendly.

The Rice + Probiotics sunscreen feels like you’re putting on a luscious silky moisturizer that quickly absorbs into the skin. After applying it, my skin feels nourished and soothed. Think of a lightweight creamy moisturizer packed with excellent ingredients while also providing you SPF 50 protection throughout the day!

The sunscreen is formulated with rice extract, an ingredient that stimulates collagen production, protects against UV damage and diminishes hyperpigmentation, among other things. All the ingredients in this sunscreen are non-comedogenic, which means they are less prone to cause breakouts.  

If you’re familiar with Rhode Skincare by Hailey Bieber, the texture is very similar to the Barrier Restore Cream. 

With rice extract being the most prominent ingredient and the elegant aesthetic of the brand, this sunscreen reminded me of the Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35, which comes with the hefty price tag of $70. 

At the beginning of this post, I included a link to the video of Currently Hannah – where she compares Asian sunscreens to Australian sunscreens. At the end of the video, she said that the Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics sunscreen was by far her favorite Asian sunscreen. It’s really worth all the hype! She also included an Excel sheet where she goes in depth about what she liked about each sunscreen she tried for this project. Here’s what she said about Beauty of Joseon.

When I was writing this article, Beauty of Joseon released the Relief Sun Aqua-fresh Rice + B5 Sunscreen, which has a water-based formula. 

We experienced a brutal heatwave in LA at the beginning of September, so I’m glad when I read a glowing review from someone who lived in LA and put it to the test during that time. But remember, if you’re looking for a chemical sunscreen, always focus on the UVA protection and not the heat. 

Here’s what other reviewers have said about the Aqua-fresh Rice + B5 Sunscreen:

“I have used many SPF products but couldn’t find one that wouldn’t burn my skin. I live in Puerto Rico so SPF is very important and sadly most of the products I used made me swell and caused redness BUT I decided to buy this one and so far have had no issues with it. It goes on easy, doesn’t make me look like a clown, doesn’t burn, no sensitivity, no chemical smells, nada. I love it and will probably try the other SPF they offer once I’m done with this one, but I absolutely love it.”

“I am from Miami and the sun and humidity is crazy but this is nice and light. love it.”

NOTE: Beauty of Joseon US Amazon store sells the American sunscreen version, which has a different packaging and ingredients. When you buy the sunscreen, make sure you compare the packaging. The Korean version should always have the PA + rating.

The official website lists their authorized retail sellers throughout the world. I got mine from the website Stylevana, where it was also 30% off. My total (including shipping), was $20 and it only took two days to ship!

I’ve been using other Beauty of Joseon products, and wow. Korean skincare is a miracle worker. Next year, I’ll write another article about my current skincare routine. 

Beauty of Joseon: Website and Instagram

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 – Tinted

I wonder if doctors and celebrities are on Elta MD’s payroll because this specific sunscreen is always coming up!

A few celebrities that have raved about this sunscreen are the Kardashians, Emma Stone, Sydney Sweeney, Nicola Petz, Emma Chamberlain, Hailey Baldwin and Drew Barrymore! If this isn’t enough, the EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 is also the best-selling sunscreen on Amazon.

Between 2019 and 2021, this was my go-to sunscreen. Even though the airless pump bottle is not that big, it will last you for a few months of daily use! I always made sure to apply three pumps on my face and upper neck. 

I would have continued buying it, but I wanted to branch out into different sunscreens, so it’s been a while since my last purchase. However, I can attest firsthand to its efficacious formula and soothing ingredients. This sunscreen was specifically made for those with skin conditions, like rosacea or eczema. Whenever I look back at pictures of me from that time, my skin always looked glowy and radiant. 

In the last few years, the brand has released a myriad of sunscreens that range from mineral to water-resistant, but I’ll stick to their best-selling one: the EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 Tinted Face Sunscreen Moisturizer. Since this sunscreen was formulated to work on sensitive skin like mine, applying it felt like a warm hug on my face: soothing and comforting. Not too long ago, the brand released a deeper shade for darker skin tones. The packaging was also changed recently, which I’m grateful for because I had to carefully read the text on the bottle to ensure I was buying the tinted version.

This Elta MD sunscreen is formulated with a low percentage of zinc oxide and powerful filters that help block out the UV rays. Other skincare ingredients include; niacinamide, which is a form of vitamin B3 that helps improve skin texture; hyaluronic acid, which helps with hydration; and lactic acid, which increases cell turnover and treats skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. The texture feels like a weightless mousse. It’s not formulated with any oils, so it’s not greasy and won’t clog your pores. It’s also scent-free and works VERY well under makeup! 

Before the sunscreen was available on Amazon, I had to drive to doctor’s offices in LA to get it. 

Elta MD: Website and Instagram

La Roche Posay – Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+

This is the Elta MD of sunscreens in Europe! If you walk into a pharmacy in Spain or France, La Roche Posay dominates the display shelves. It’s widely known that French skincare reigns supreme in European pharmacies.

The two most popular sunscreen brands in Australia are Cancer Council and Hamilton, but I was very surprised when I found out that the Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ was one of the best-selling sunscreens in Australia! Here’s what one user said on Reddit Australia’s Aussie Skincare thread: 

“La Roche Posay was recommended by the dermatologist last time I got a mole check done too.”

The sunscreen has also been featured on multiple Aussie sunscreen recommendations lists.

When I went to Spain in December of 2022, I bought a giant bottle of the spray version (not available in the US). I loved the subtle glowy finish. As the name implies, this sunscreen has a fluid consistency that quickly absorbs into the skin without feeling greasy or leaving any white cast. When La Roche Posay was created in 1975 in a laboratory, sensitive skin was at the forefront, hence the brand’s close partnership with dermatologists.

As an avid driver who spends a lot of time outdoors, this sunscreen did wonders protecting me against the sun when I used it for the first half of 2023, especially when I went to the beach and the desert. I really want to try the body version, which is also a best-seller in Australia. Unfortunately, this one is not available in the US. 

The hero ingredients in this sunscreen are glycerin, which helps to diminish fine lines, and mexoryl, a filter that absorb the UV light and dissipates it. The L’Oreal behemoth has developed Netlock technology in many of their brands, like La Roche, Garnier or Vichy. This filter is responsible for its resistant, invisible protection film against the sun and other environmental stressors. 

Given the strict sunscreen regulations in the US, the La Roche sunscreens you see at Target or Ulta have different ingredients from their French counterparts. 🙁 If you’re planning a trip to Europe in the near future, I’d recommend stocking up on a few bottles! Each bottle about 15 eur, which is approximately $16 – a great price-to-quality ratio!

One user on Reddit verified this: “So I called La Roche Posay, and they confirmed this. There are two separate formulas: American and European.”

“The European formula is heavily regulated for the European market- and blocks out 3x as much UVA and also blocks out UVB. Compared to the US formula which doesn’t due to some of the ingredients being illegal here in the US.”

I highly recommend buying this sunscreen from these other other retailers that ship to the US, where the shipping is reasonably priced.

• The French Pharmacy is a great place to buy it from, but they’re always sold out. 

• Cocoon Center (UK)

• Feel Unique (UK)  

• Ebay France

Here’s what Stephannie Karlsson, a reviewer from California wrote on thefrenchpharmacy.com :

I started using this European formulated sunscreen after having a Co2 resurfacing laser last year and doing homework on Euro sunscreen formulations vs American. I used to tan no matter how high American SPF I used. This stuff blocks it all out. I’m a 45 year old fair skinned woman and my sun damage (caused by years of exposure in the California desert) that was eviscerated by the laser is gone and has stayed gone because of this exceptional sunscreen. Wonderful serum texture soaks in the face and doesn’t foul up or negatively impact makeup application or look. Stock up! This one sells out fast. I go for 4 bottles at a time.

A reviewer named Marapat commented on cocooncenter.co.uk:

“I bought this product in the Maldives, in a small store… It worked out fantastic, and now I want to buy it again for my summer! Great feeling, amazing product!!”

Thank you for reading! 🧴

What are your favorite sunscreens?