I’ve Tried Tons of SPFS, and These 8 Are My Go-To Sunscreens for Black Skin—From $10

Like a lot of Black people, I grew up constantly being reminded that “Black don’t crack.” And this is pretty true for me, since few people believe me when I tell them my age. However, no one told me that while my skin “don’t crack,” it absolutely can burn. I spent my teens and twenties recovering from some pretty nasty sunburns because I skipped sunscreen, just assuming that my extra melanin would protect me. Spoiler alert: While melanin’s amazing for anti-aging, it’s not so great for sun protection.

By the time I turned 30, I was a big believer in sunscreen. But between the smell and the annoying white cast most traditional sunscreens created, I was only using it on days at the beach or pool. Finally, brands are listening to darker-skinned people and started creating sunscreens that were invisible—and I’ve tested a ton of them. As a mom, not only do I embrace a regular sunscreen routine, but I make sure that my daughter is protected, too. Below, I’ve rounded up eight of my go-to options for both my daughter and me—and they start at just $10.

Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Hybrid Mineral Combo SPF 50

Black Girl Sunscreen is my gold standard when it comes to sunscreens. I’ve used many of their products and I’m always confident that it will not only protect me but won’t create a white cast. This twist on the brand’s original sunscreen blends chemical and mineral sunscreens, with one shopper loving that it’s “very lightweight and leaves my skin glowing without any sticky residue.”

Mineral sunscreens are usually more effective than chemical ones because they start working from the moment they’re applied. However, their zinc oxide ingredient is also the culprit behind the white cast—thankfully, more brands are releasing mineral formulas that don’t create a Casper-like effect, including Black Girl Sunscreen. 

Elf Cosmetics Untouchable Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35

Earlier this year, Parents tested tons of skincare products for babies, kids, teens, and pregnant people for our 2024 Best Skincare Awards—including this sunscreen I tried out. I’ve been an Elf fan since they were a $1 brand back in the early ‘00s, and this product doesn’t disappoint. You can buy it in tinted or invisible forms, though I prefer the invisible option so it glides on the same whether I’m paler in the winter or tanned in the summer.

The affordable pick “blends well on my skin and is easy to apply,” confirmed another owner. Though it can be worn by itself, I tend to use this as a primer: Just remember that SPF-infused cosmetics can lull people into a false sense of sun protection. For continuous protection, the American Academy of Dermatology advises reapplying sunscreen every two to three hours.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100

If you dislike sunscreen smells and are seeking a full-body solution, La Roche-Posay’s unscented Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100 is a great choice. I’ve used this for my daily runs and for the beach, and I love how also designed with sensitive skin in mind.

“It is not greasy, doesn’t have a foul odor, and lasts for hours,” raved one reviewer. I burn easily and have sensitive skin, so this product offers serious peace of mind. Plus, it’s safe for adults and children as young as 6 months old.

Banana Boat Kids’ 360 Coverage Advanced Control Mist Sunscreen Sprayer 

My daughter is significantly lighter than me, so I’m not quite as concerned about the white cast on her versus me. However, applying sunscreen on kids is a chore, so a sunscreen that can be applied with continuous spray is a game-changer. Along with its broad spectrum SPF 50 protection, this is a greener choice since the container is refillable and recyclable. The sunscreen is sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and the brand promises that this won’t drip into your child’s eyes.

Bath & Body Works Coconut SPF Lip Balm

All of your skin needs protection, including your lips. I like that this sunscreen-infused lip balm has a light coconut scent and fully penetrates your lips to keep them soft and hydrated. “Good price, good protection, like, like, like,” exclaimed one shopper.

You’ll get broad spectrum SPF 35 coverage and up to 80 minutes of water-resistant protection. Although I opted for the clear version, Bath & Body Works also offers this balm in tinted options for a hint of color. 

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

Remember how I said that my favorite sunscreens have to check off several boxes? Shiseido’s Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ does that. It doesn’t have that traditional sunscreen smell (which I hate), and it’s clear, water-resistant, and offers broad spectrum SPF 50+ protection. The stick design is travel-friendly and I can quickly reapply without the mess. It’s ideal for when I go running every morning, and it doesn’t have a greasy feel to it.

“Easy to apply and goes well under makeup,” added one reviewer. While I use it just as a sunscreen, it can go under makeup, too.

Coola Refreshing Water Plumping Gel Serum Sunscreen SPF 30

While this Coola serum is a splurge, it was one of my favorites during winter: I struggle with very dry skin, so the “water plumping” claims supported by the hyaluronic acid, organic aloe, and coconut water helped to keep me flake-free while still offering the SPF protection I needed.

That sentiment is echoed by one reviewer who shared that “the dual benefit of a plumping serum and a 30 SPF has made this my ‘go to’ product.” I also appreciate the blue light-blocking properties since I’m in front of a screen all day. Technically, you could use this as a primer since it plumps the skin. (Just remember that SPF is most effective when it’s continuously applied.) 

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream

I’ve tried my fair share of beauty products from drugstore brands to luxury lines. Though I always recommend a real sunscreen for frequent time spent in the sun, this Maybelline BB cream is a pretty good pick if the most sun exposure you’re getting is your morning commute to the office. I’ve used it routinely since about 2012—when the product launched—and have found that the tinted moisturizer checks off a lot of my boxes.

Along with its broad spectrum SPF 30 inclusion, Maybelline promises to brighten, blur, hydrate, smooth, and enhance your complexion with this product. “The best part is how much it blurs and plumps my skin,” exclaimed one shopper. The Dream Fresh BB Cream is an affordable go-to that I will always keep in my makeup vanity drawer. My only complaint is that I am the darkest shade for this product, which leaves out about half of the remaining deeper-toned Black and brown community.

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