If white cast haunts you, it’s time to switch to tinted sunscreens—your skin will thank you.
Sunscreen hasn’t always been the Black woman’s best friend. For years, we’ve faced the choice between looking ashy or skipping sun protection altogether. We’ve stood in beauty aisles, tested numerous products only to end up with a ghostly cast that refuses to fade.
What is tinted sunscreen?
They are skin-loving, tone-evening, glow-enhancing formulas designed to protect and perfect. No more ghostly residue. No more so-called “universal” formulas that leave us looking like we dipped our faces in flour. Tinted sunscreens give Black women the best of both worlds—flawless skin and proper SPF protection.
Essentially, tinted sunscreen is the ultimate hybrid product that combines sun protection with sheer coverage. Think SPF meets BB cream. It evens out your skin tone while shielding you from UV damage, making it the perfect two-in-one must-have. The best part? It melts seamlessly into deep skin tones with no white cast in sight.
A dark-skinned woman wearing tinted moisturiser via Pinterest (original creator unknown)
Beyond sun protection, many tinted sunscreens contain skincare ingredients such as niacinamide for brightening, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and antioxidants to protect against pollution and blue light. If you are all about a minimalist routine, the right tinted sunscreen can replace your foundation on low-maintenance days. We love a product that does it all.
Why Black women need tinted sunscreens
For too long, we’ve been sold the myth that melanin is all the sun protection we need. While darker skin tones do have some natural SPF (around SPF 13), that’s nowhere near enough. Hyperpigmentation, premature ageing, and even skin cancer don’t discriminate against Black women, and skipping sunscreen definitely makes things worse in the long run.
A woman wearing tinted moisturiser via Pinterest (original creator unknown)
But regular sunscreens? They’ve often let us down. The thick, chalky formulas that work for lighter skin tones often leave deeper skin tones looking ghostly. That’s why tinted sunscreens are a game-changer. They offer:
• No white cast. Finally, a sunscreen that melts into melanin-rich skin.
• Even skin tone. A little coverage to blur imperfections and dark spots.
• Protection against UV rays and blue light. Iron oxides in tinted sunscreens help prevent hyperpigmentation from screen exposure and sunlight.
A natural, healthy glow. Because SPF should enhance your skin, not make it look dull.
Best tinted sunscreens for Black women
Matte Sun Stick SPF 50 by Beauty of Joseon
Beauty of Joseon’s Daily Tinted Sunscreen via beautyofjoseon.com
This sun stick offers convenient and non-greasy SPF 50+ PA++++ protection. Formulated with artemisia capillaris (mugwort), a medicinal herb known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it ideal for calming sensitive or acne-prone skin and green tea extracts, it nourishes and soothes the skin while providing a matte finish. It’s particularly suitable for oily and combination skin types.
SPF50+ BB Cream by Naked Sundays
Naked Sundays’ Tinted Sunscreen via nakedsundays.com
Naked Sundays SPF50+ BB Cream is a trendy Australian brand in the tinted sunscreen space. Offering broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection, it enhances the skin’s natural glow while shielding it from UV damage. Packed with skincare benefits like hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract, it multitasks as both a protective and hydrating product. The price is around $32, which converts to approximately ₦30,000.
Anthelios Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 40 by La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 40 in “Medium” and “Dark” via laroche-posay.us
La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 40 offers advanced UVA/UVB protection with a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture. The universal tint suits a range of skin tones, providing a natural, healthy glow without the dreadful white cast. Formulated with Cell-Ox Shield® technology and antioxidants, it protects the skin from environmental aggressors. This product is popular in the media for its powerful effects and suitability for different skin types.
For too long, Black women have been overlooked in the sunscreen conversation, but the beauty industry is catching up, and now, we have options that protect our skin while enhancing its natural glow.
Therefore, the next time you hear someone say, “Black people don’t need sunscreen,” hit them with the facts. Melanin might be magic, but it still needs protection. Protecting your skin isn’t just about maintaining that glow, but also about prioritising your health and ensuring long-lasting radiance.
