We should be wearing sunscreen every day, regardless of the season, skin tone, or whether we can see the sun or not. Sunscreen is a very crucial step to our skincare routine because it not only protects us from the harshness of the sun, but it helps fight against aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancers like melanoma. Let's be honest, there are several reasons why black people still aren't wearing sunscreen. For one, the medical field historically hasn't played fair when it comes to awareness and treatment in the black community. Two, we grew up with myths like "black don't crack" or not realizing that black people can get sunburn too. And lastly, the lack of diversity in the actual sunscreen formula itself.
Historically, sunscreen has been catered to white people. For a long time, sunscreen brands didn't concern themselves with how the formula worked on people of color. Sunscreen formulas now and then often gave people with deeper tones the Casper or ghost effect, which left a white cast on our skin. Believe it or not, this is a huge deterrent for people of color and I can't blame them. Who seriously wants to walk around with a white or gray hue on their skin? I don't and I know you don't either. Thankfully, some brands cater to sun protection for all skin tones.
Here are 10 Black girl-friendly sunscreens that won't give you the Casper effect.
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1.Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Matte
Black Girl Sunscreen
The Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Matte has SPF 45 and consists of aloe, squalene, and shea butter that help moisturize, soothe and heal your skin. It works for all skin types but it's ideal for people with oily skin looking to control the oils and find a balance of hydration and nourishment that isn't too thick and greasy. The love is defintely real, as the product is currently out of stock as I type this, but if I were you, I'd get on that "notify me" email list quick for the restock.
2.Black Girl Sunscreen Original
Black Girl Sunscreen
A cult favorite, the Black Girl Sunscreen original creamy formula has SPF 30 and consists of natural ingredients avocado, jojoba, sunflower oil, carrot juice, and cacao. It works for all skin types and doubles as a moisturizing lotion while protecting your skin. And unlike its Matte successor, it is for individuals who aren't afraid of a glow.
3.Alba Botanica Hawaiian Coconut Clear Spray Sunscreen SPF 50
Amazon
Alba Botanica Hawaiian Coconut Clear Spray Sunscreen is a lightweight, quick-dry mist made with SPF 50, coconut, and shea butter to protect against sunburn, skin cancer, and premature signs of aging. It has a subtle scent and leaves your skin with an extra glow.
4.Alba Botanica Hawaiian Green Tea Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45
Amazon
Alba Botanica Hawaiian Green Tea Sunscreen Lotion is a creamy non-greasy moisturizing sunscreen lotion with SPF 45 made of aloe vera, green tea, and tropical fruit extracts. This is a 100 percent vegetarian-friendly product and does not contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, gluten, or synthetic fragrances.
5.EltaMD UV UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Dermstore
EltaMD UV UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a clear sunscreen formula made with SPF 46, sodium hyaluronate to moisturize, and lactic acid to refine your skin to clear pores and reduce shine. It's fragrance-free and protects your complexion from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
6.Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
Fenty Skin
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is made with SPF 30 and acts as a moisturizer and sunscreen. It's lightweight, oil-free, and invisible on all skin tones. Another added benefit of this sunscreen is you can purchase refills instead of repurchasing the bottle. Another bonus? It's vegan.
7.EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35
EleVen
EleVen's Unrivaled Sun Serum by Venus Williams is a lightweight serum that combines skincare and mineral sun protection. It's made with SPF 35 to protect you from UVA and UVB rays. It also provides long-lasting hydration while calming and soothing your skin, creating a smooth velvety finish.
8.Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50
Neutrogena
Neutrogena has mastered the cooling and hydrating water-gel formula in most of their products and it's no different with their sunscreen. The Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion is made with SPF 50 to protect and moisturize your skin. It gives your skin a cooling and refreshed feel without any white residue. It's also oil-free and non-comedogenic, which means it won't clog pores.
9.Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 60
Aveeno
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion has SPF 60 and prebiotic oat to protect and heal dry skin. This sunscreen can be used on all skin types but is ideal for people with sensitive and extremely dry skin. It aids in relieving itchy skin while strengthening the skin's barrier.
10.Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Biossance
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen is a good option for those who can only use a mineral sunscreen and have sensitive skin. It has an invisible, non-toxic formula that calms and cools your skin with a dewy finish. It's made with SPF 30 squalane, and water lily for a cool, refreshing feel.
Featured image by Shutterstock
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