Sunscreens are non-negotiable in my skincare routine but they’re not all the same. I tried five sunscreens on my Black skin, from thick and glowy to light and breezy. Here’s how they performed.
I’ve been an advocate for sunscreens since I unlearnt the myths about their use on Black skin. If you’re still wondering whether sunscreens are necessary for Black skin, let me tell you for free: yes, they are. Once I realised that sun damage doesn’t discriminate, I completely changed my skincare approach. Now, wearing sunscreen is a daily habit, as essential as brushing my teeth.
Your skincare routine isn’t complete without a solid sunscreen. You can spend all the money in the world on serums and moisturisers, but if you skip SPF, you’re basically pressing reset on your glow-up every morning. UV rays don’t care about your retinol or vitamin C; in fact, they can reverse their effects if you don’t properly protect your skin. If the sun can reduce the potency of skincare products through their packaging, imagine how much it can undo on your skin when you skip sunscreens. That’s why sunscreens are not a suggestion, they’re a necessity.
As a beauty editor, I get to test a wide range of products, and lately, sunscreens have been dominating my PR packages. No complaints here — the more, the merrier! I’ve been trying out quite a few SPFs lately, from silky fluid formulas to mattifying ones, and comparing them against my holy grails. Some surprised me in the best way, others, well, let’s just say they’re still part of the lineup but not necessarily at the top.
Sunscreens have come a long way from being ashy, grey-cast nightmares as brands are finally creating formulas that cater to deeper skin tones. Whether your skin is oily, dry, acne-prone or sensitive, there’s a sunscreen out there that works for you without making you look ghostly in daylight. I support inclusivity in SPF formulation.
In this round-up, I’m sharing my honest thoughts on five SPFs I’ve used regularly. Consider this as your SPF guide as I examine each from texture and wearability to price point. We all deserve sun protection that doesn’t compromise our radiance.
Read also: Tried and Tested — As a beauty editor, these are the products I swear by
The best sunscreens for Black skin by texture and performance
As someone with sensitive skin. I’ve tested five sunscreens with different formulas, consistencies and promises. Here’s how each sunscreen performed, from thickest to lightest.
Uncover Aloe Invisible Sunscreen
Texture-wise, this is the thickest of the sunscreens I use. The first time I applied it, I paused. It felt like a rich moisturiser, and while I was unsure at first, the payoff was my skin looking well-moisturised without being greasy. There’s a healthy-looking glow it gives that makes you feel like you’ve just had a facial. However, because it’s heavy, I struggle with reapplying it during the day, especially if I already have makeup on.
Formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 50, this sunscreen contains Niacinamide and Vitamin E for an extra boost of antioxidant protection. The dewy glowy finish beautifully complements darker skin tones. I just wouldn’t take this on a sweaty, errand-filled day. It works as more of a glam-day sunscreen for me.
Priced at around ₦21,000, it is slightly more expensive than most sunscreens on this list, but the payoff in hydration and glow is worth the splurge.
Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel Sunscreen
My holy grail, but maybe I’m just a bit sentimental. We all have that one product we never fall out of love with. For me, it’s Skin Aqua. It has been in my skincare stash for years. This product perfectly balances protection and wearability, with a moderate consistency that absorbs quickly. It feels weightless, and never pills under my serums or makeup.
While it doesn’t give me that glazed-doughnut glow like Uncover, it’s perfect for oily or combination skin and works well under makeup. Retailing for under ₦15,000, it’s the most affordable of the bunch. It offers SPF 50+ PA++++ protection and contains Hyaluronic Acid to maintain moisture levels without creating extra shine. If you’re new to sunscreens, start here. It won’t let you down; and its consistency is the real MVP.
Read also: It’s still Skin Cancer Awareness Month — here’s why sunscreen is essential for Black skin
Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
I’m already obsessed with Anua’s toners and cleansers, so I was excited to try their sunscreen. It did not disappoint. Sunscreens like this one make you look forward to applying SPF. The Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream lives up to its name, delivering a feather-light, silky finish that feels like a second skin. Known for its calming ingredients, the hero component here is Heartleaf extract, which is great for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
The texture is slightly lighter than Skin Aqua, and the tube is compact and easy to carry around. I love how well it melts into my skin, giving me a soft, satiny glow. It’s hydrating without being sticky and perfect for days when I’m makeup-free and constantly on the move. For less than ₦20,000, it’s one of the most well-balanced sunscreens in terms of price, performance, and feel.
Verdict: It glides on like a dream and gives a silky finish I love. The texture is luxurious without being heavy, and it works beautifully under makeup. If you like elegance in a bottle, start here.
TIAM Vita B3 Source Sunscreen
Next on the list is the TIAM B3 sunscreen—a newer addition to my collection. This one is such a pleasant surprise. It’s supposed to be “fragrance-free”, but it smells like nature, in a calming, botanical way. The texture reminds me of Anua’s smooth, gentle consistency, making it a great alternative for those who prefer a slightly more affordable option.
The TIAM B3 sunscreen contains Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), a skin-brightening favourite that doubles down on dark spot correction. It comes in a fun yellow tube that sparks joy every time I reach for it. If your skincare love language is “receiving gifts,” this one will definitely feel like a treat. Light, hydrating, and skin-brightening thanks to the Vitamin B3, it’s the underdog you’ll want to root for.
Among the five sunscreens I use, this is the most as budget-friendly, making it a smart entry-level option for sunscreen newbies.
LA ROCHE-POSAY Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Anti-Dark Spot
La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Invisible Fluid is famous for good reason. This lightweight, ultra-fluid sunscreen practically pours out of the bottle and disappears into the skin. The watery consistency shocked me, almost like an essence, but it’s now my go-to for reapplication, even over makeup. I just use a clean beauty sponge to dab it on, and I get protection without ruining the face-beat.
It’s formulated with Mexoryl 400, one of the most advanced UV filters for ultra-long UVA protection. That’s a big deal, because UVA rays are the main culprits behind premature ageing and hyperpigmentation; issues Black skin is especially prone to when not protected properly.
That said, I did notice a slight stinging sensation when I first applied it, nothing too dramatic, and it faded quickly. It could be due to my sensitive skin or a reaction with another product in my routine, so I’m still testing combinations.
At roughly ₦31,000, it’s a bigger investment, and it is also the smallest in quantity among the group. Still, it’s a solid performer, particularly if you’re concerned about hyperpigmentation. The anti-dark spot claim definitely made me excited to see how it performs long-term, especially in my hyperpigmentation-prone areas.
Read also: La Roche-Posay announces skin health pop-up at Ikeja City Mall
A beauty editor’s ultimate sunscreen ranking
Ranking these sunscreens wasn’t easy because they all serve different needs and moods. Based on texture, wear, affordability and reapplication ease, here’s how I rate them:
Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Essence SPF50+
My holy grail. It’s consistent, affordable, dependable and perfectly balanced. Lightweight enough for daily use, moisturising enough for dry days, and just sentimental enough for me to always reach for it.
Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sunscreen SPF50+
This one glides on like a dream and gives a silky finish I love. The texture is luxurious without being heavy, and it works beautifully under makeup. If you like elegance in a bottle, start here.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 SPF50+ Anti-Dark Spots Fluid
For the sheer innovation, this one gets a top spot in potential. It’s light, effective, and goes well with makeup. This is also perfect for reapplication and tackling dark spots. It’s the one I’m most curious to keep exploring.
Uncover Invisible Sunscreen SPF50+
This sunscreen is thick, rich and leaves me glowing. It’s the most moisturising, but reapplication can be tricky, and the texture might not be for everyone. Still, when I want dewy, healthy skin, this is it.
TIAM Vita B3 Source + Sunscreen SPF50+
Lightweight, budget-friendly and smells like a forest in the best way. It’s the kind of sunscreen that makes a lovely gift for yourself and others. It also gets points for feel-good packaging.
Sunscreens are an investment, and as someone with melanin-rich skin, I know the myths that tell us we don’t need sun protection. The truth is, UV damage doesn’t discriminate, and your glow deserves safeguarding.
If you’re starting your sunscreen journey, this list helps you find something that fits, and when you find it, your skin will thank you. Now go forth and protect that melanin!
