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Summer is right around the corner and I want to share 7 sunscreens for women of color that don’t leave an awful white cast. Check out these amazing sunscreens to help protect your melanated skin this summer!
Women of Color Need Sunscreen Too
I have a confession. I just started wearing sunscreen about a year ago. Growing up as a competitive swimmer, it was difficult to find sunscreens that wouldn’t leave a white cast. Also, like many women of color, I assumed that my melanated skin was enough to protect me from the sun. I mean, “Black Don’t Crack,” right?
Not entirely so. Although people of color possess a high level of melanin that can help delay aging and protect the skin from the sun’s immediate harm, they can still develop skin cancer. While it is true that people of color have a lower risk of developing skin cancer than white people, precautions should still be taken to protect the skin. A recent study showed that over 60% of black participants had never used sunscreen. This is scary!
In addition, skin cancer is extremely dangerous for people of color because it is often not caught until the advanced stages. Black people have significantly higher death rates from skin cancer than white people because it much harder to detect.
While skin cancer is the most drastic consequence of not using sunscreen, people of color should also use sunscreen to prevent aging, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots. In addition, people of color should wear sunscreen when using strong acne medications and treatments (such as retinol) to protect the skin and reap the fullest benefits of skincare ingredients.
Check out these sunscreens for women of color below to protect your skin this summer!
Bolden Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30
- Started by Chinelo Chidozie and Ndidi Obidoa. These two Nigerian sisters designed this sunblock specifically for dark skin tones.
- Good for all skin types
- Works for all skin tones – no white residue!
- Contains Vitamin C to help brighten skin tone and diminish signs of sun damage
- Prevents hyperpigmentation
- Gentle and non-irritating – contains nourishing moisturizers and robust antioxidants that help restore hydration and radiance.
- Sulfate, parabens, and phthalates free
Urban Hydration Dry & Eczema Prone Skin Moisture-Locking Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30
- Certified Women-Owned and Minority-Owned Brand
- Formulated with Castor Oil and Shea Butter to help combat dryness
- Protects skin from damaging UV rays
- Smooths and evens skin tone
- Safe for daily use and any skin type
- SPF 30 Protection
- Silicone, paraben, and sulfate-free
- Contains: castor seed oil, shea butter, hemp seed oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and aloe vera leaf extract
- Protection from environmental factors that increase signs of aging.
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
- Sunscreen made by women of color for people of color.
- Cruelty-free, natural, vegan, and reef safe
- Dries completely clear – perfect for outdoor activities or wearing under makeup
- Oxybenzone and Octinoxate free means you won’t have to worry about toxins disrupting your hormones
- Avocado- moisturizes, reduces signs of aging and treats sunburns
- Jojoba- soothes and moisturizes the skin leaving it flawless while preventing acne.
- Cacao – provides powerful anti-oxidants and evens out the complexion of your skin for a smooth, consistent skin tone.
- Carrot Juice – contains vitamin C which enables it to promote healing and even boost the level of melanin in the skin.
- Sun Flower Oil – prevents skin irritation from sunburn and other skin irritants.
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF: Make it Matte
- Gel formula that protects against sun damage leaving no white residue and a matte finish.
- Make it Matte is a broad-spectrum SPF 45 specifically crafted for women of color
- Helps prevent sun damage such as premature aging, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots
- Also infused with natural ingredients such as shea butter, aloe, squalene, and coconut oil to help soothe, heal, and moisturize your skin
- Great for wearing under make-up
- FREE from – Parabens, Fragrance, Oxybenzone, and Octinoxate
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free
- Reef-Friendly
Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen
- 100% mineral sunscreen primer and color corrector in one
- NO white cast – covers a range of skin tones from olive to dark chocolate
- Minimizes your pores and moisturizes your skin.
- Wear alone or as a primer under makeup
- Natural ingredients
- Non-animal tested and reef safe
EleVen by Venus Williams – Natural Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35 Mineral Sunscreen
- Founded by pro tennis player, Venus Williams
- A lightweight serum that combines sun protection with silky hydration
- For daily use over moisturizer or under makeup
- The clean, reef-safe formula utilizes Zinc Oxide (25%) to protect skin from the sun’s harmful rays
- Vegan, Paraben-Free, and Cruelty-Free
- Natural/naturally-derived ingredients
- Made in collaboration with The Sunscreen Company, experts in mineral sunscreen formulation
MS Metics Sun Shield
- MS Metics is Africa’s foremost Hybrid Beauty Brand
- Light Weight
- Non-greasy
- No white cast
- Hydrating
I hope that this inspires you to explore sunscreens for women of color. It’s important for women of color to use sunscreen to protect their skin from the sun. Let me know in the comments which sunscreen is your favorite! For more skincare tips, check out my Korean skincare routine.
Love,
Miracle With Grace