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Anointing myself the authority for an entire people might sound a little presumptuous. But consider my chops: I’ve tested hundreds of sunscreens over the course of my career and made it a particular mission to identify the ones that work for those of us with deep and delicious skin tones. I’ve spent years rubbing and rubbing...and rubbing... often in vain. The truth is that most sunscreens don’t blend into my complexion (which, as you can see, isn’t even the deepest of deep); they leave my skin looking ashy or chalky. Which, besides being unattractive, may lead to an actual health threat.
Yup, I said health threat, because—spoiler alert—our Black person magic doesn’t fully protect us from the sun’s damaging rays. At most, our skin can act like a natural SPF 13, which just isn’t enough. We all need to be wearing a minimum of SPF 30 (a broad-spectrum one that blocks UVA and UVB rays) Every. Single. Day. But when it’s hard to find formulas that work, it’s easy to just skip them altogether. Hence the urgency, because when skin cancer is diagnosed in people with darker skin, it often is caught late and comes with lower survival rates.
There are some companies already formulating products that work for deeper skin tones (check out them out down below). But the melanin-as-sun-protection myth won’t fully die as long as advertising and mass marketing keep leaving Black people out of both the visuals and the conversation. Where are the scenes of Black folk frolicking on the beach while gleefully reapplying their sheer or clear sunscreen? Brands are missing a huge opportunity to share crucial information and create solutions for a community that deserves them.
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Now, I’m a glass-half-full type of gal, so I’m positive this SPF situation will get better and we’ll find our rightful, beautifully protected place in the sun. Until then, let’s collectively make sure that we’re checking for moles, rough patches, and dark spots in less obvious places like our scalp, palms, genital areas, nail beds, and bottoms of our feet—and that we’re keeping this conversation very much alive.
Coppertone Every Tone SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
I'm always skeptical when a product claims it works for EVERY skin tone, but this bb isn't lying. The creamy lotion blends beautifully and is non-comedogenic (aka won't clog your pores).
Sunscreen on-the-go is a-must! This non-sticky formulation goes on clear and leaves skin super hydrated and protected. It's also a genius way of reapplying SPF throughout the day over your makeup—and not messing it up.
BYOMA Moisturizing Gel-Cream SPF 30
Can't get enough of a SPF that I don't have to rub into my skin for hours. And this one gives me a glow thanks to a dope combo of hyaluronic acid and beta glucan.
Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42
I didn't think Shiseido could improve on its iconic fluid sunscreen formulation—but *boom* they did! This iteration is giving protection from the sun as well as environmental pollution. And the addition of vitamin C keeps my complexion bright and clear.
Paula's Choice RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Face Sunscreen SPF 50
This lightweight pick is an amazing multitasker! Not only are you getting full-spectrum sun protection, but it's also a skin-perfecting serum with antioxidants.
I keep at least two cans of this non-aerosol SPF at all times. Yes—it's that good! First of all, it smells like heaven and secondly, it sprays on seamlessly for allover protection without a white cast.
Nuria Defend Matte Finish Moisturizer with SPF 30
It's rare to find a mineral (or physical) sunscreen that actually works on deeper skin tones. So you can only imagine how pumped I was to discover this bb. The dried down matte finish works great as a primer before applying makeup.
Coola Refreshing Water Cream Moisturizer with SPF 50
It's not enough just to protect our skin from the sun—the blue light from our computers and devices can also be damaging. Thankfully this pick has you covered. Plus, the skincare actives (hyaluronic acid and coconut water) keep skin plump and hydrated.
Julee Wilson is Beauty Editor at Large at Cosmopolitan. Previously, Julee was Beauty Director at Cosmo and Global Beauty Director at Essence and has held various editorial positions at Huffington Post and Real Simple. She counts herself lucky AF that she gets to play with beauty products for a living and tell dope stories. And if you’re as obsessed with beauty as she is, make sure to follow her on Instagram for plenty of product recs, natural hair inspo, skincare testing, and Black girl magic shenanigans.
