15 Brown People-Approved Sunscreens That Won't Leave A White Cast

    Ashy for what???

    Patrice Peck
    by Patrice Peck

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Contrary to popular opinion, melanated folks should absolutely wear sunscreen.

    ZDF / Via giphy.com

    Although the rates of skin cancer are much higher for people with light skin, people with dark skin are also susceptible to skin damage from excessive sun exposure, including skin cancer (this in-depth explainer breaks it all down.) Plus, wearing sunscreen is the easiest, safest, and cheapest ways to reduce and prevent hyperpigmentation. Can you say win-win?

    But finding an effective sunscreen that doesn't leave white cast or residue ain't easy. So we asked the BuzzFeed community to tell us which sunscreens keep their brown skin poppin AND protected. Here are the helpful results:

    1. Black Girl Sunscreen

    Instagram: @blackgirlsunscreen / Via Instagram: @blackgirlsunscreen

    "BLACK👏🏾GIRL👏🏾SUNSCREEN👏🏾! First of all, it doesn’t leave a white cast. It's fragrance-free and lightweight, plus I can wear it daily as a moisturizer. Before I apply my makeup, I prep my skin with BGS and my skin feels amazing! It’s definitely become a staple in my kit of go-to products."

    —Chazney Thomas, Facebook

    "I’ve tried many sunscreens and Black Girl Sunscreen is now my go-to. I’m very active (swimming, running, and beach volleyball) and it’s the only sunscreen that doesn’t burn my eyes when I sweat or leave me looking white LOL. I also have super sensitive skin and it’s never broken me out. Plus it rubs on just like lotion and I don’t have to wash my hands after using."

    —Orla Manning, Facebook

    Get it from Black Girl Sunscreen for $18.99.

    2. UNSUN SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

    Instagram: @unsuncosmetics / Via instagram.com

    "I use Unsun. I took it with me to French Polynesia and had no problems. It didn’t turn my brown face white, and it protected me from the intensity of the sun. I highly recommend it!" —lawgirl

    Get it from Dermstore for $29.

    3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen

    Instagram: @neutrogena / Via instagram.com

    "I’m brown-skinned and my new favorite is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel! It absorbs and layers easily, isn't remotely greasy — which is great because I have oily skin — and most importantly, NO GRAY CAST!" —lauratalks


    Get it from Target for $10.99.

    4. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

    Instagram: @supergoop / Via instagram.com

    "I use Supergoop! It’s completely clear, and I use it as a base for my makeup since it leaves a silky smooth finish and no white cast or oiliness. A lot of face sunscreens break me out, but I’ve been using this for two to three months now with no issues. I love it." —singhkathleenk

    "I’m Indian and have super sensitive skin so that eliminates most sunscreens for me. But Supergoop is the best! It has no parabens, sulfates, or toxins, is cruelty-free, and has a great sheen. There's also no tint so it’s perfect for darker skin like mine! I swear by it." —varshar2

    Get it from Amazon for $14.

    5. Alba Botanica Facial Sunscreen

    Alba Botanica / Via albabotanica.com

    "I'm a honey brown color and this sunscreen works perfectly and is super inexpensive on Amazon." —bh1hdka

    Get it from Amazon for $10.90.

    6. Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Daily Shade Facial Lotion SPF 18

    Andalou Naturals / Via andalou.com

    "I have highly sensitive skin with the occasional eczema flare up, but I’ve been using this sunscreen for about two years now and have never had a reaction from it. They have ones that are like BB/CC creams, but the one I use does not have any color in it. It’s lightweight and also smells so good!" —gigimomster

    Get it from Amazon for $11.51.

    7. Cetaphil PRO Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

    Cetaphil / Via cetaphil.com

    "This is the best moisturizer sunscreen I've ever used! It's non-greasy, absorbs well, and maintains a natural semi-matte appearance throughout the day. One pump is enough to cover the whole face without leaving white film or buildup, so I don't have to use too much. It's also great for hot and humid weather as well as the cold and dry months." —janine71493

    Get it from Amazon for $14.36.

    8. Missha Essence Sun Milk SPF 50

    Soko Glam / Via sokoglam.com

    "Missha Essence Sun Milk SPF 50 is amazing! It’s a lightweight K-beauty sunblock that leaves no white cast or oily residue. It has a light citrusy scent and leaves a dewy finish without having you look like a grease bucket. I have oily/acne prone skin and this sunblock is a HOLY GRAIL as it protects my skin without the risk of a breakout. Also, a little goes a long way :)" —lissasunnym

    Get it from Soko Glam for $18.

    9. Dr. G Brightening Up Sun

    http://@myskinmentor.drg / Via instagram.com

    "It’s the only thing that doesn’t break me out or make me look ashy. 🙌🏽 A little pricey but it’s lasted me awhile." —Karen V Flores, Facebook

    Get it from Amazon for $22.90.

    10. EltaMD UV Clear

    11. Benefit Dream Screen

    Benefit Cosmetics / Via benefitcosmetics.com

    "I use Benefit's Dream Screen SPF 45. It's an oil-free chemical sunscreen [as opposed to a physical sunscreen] and definitely doesn't leave a white cast. It seems a bit oily side at first, but after a few minutes it dries down and you forget you're wearing it." —Tas Jordan, Facebook

    Get it from Benefit for $32.

    12. CVS Health Clear Zinc Broad Spectrum Sun Lotion

    CVS / Via cvs.com

    "CVS Clear Zinc Sunscreen is the BEST. It DOES give you a whitish cast, but only for a minute or two before melting into your skin. It doesn't run, doesn't have a scent, and doesn't sting your eyes. And I swear I look younger with it on."

    —lalaorange

    Get it from CVS for $4.19.

    13. Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

    Instagram: @drunkelephant / Via instagram.com

    "The non-tinted option will leave some ash but the tinted one doesn't. Also, it's a physical (rather than chemical) sunscreen." —zboy549

    Get it from Sephora for $36.

    14. Eau Thermale Avène Mineral Light SPF 50+ Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion

    Instagram: @Aveneusa / Via instagram.com

    "I use the Avène non-whitening sunscreen! It’s super lightweight and good for sensitive skin as well." —ndeeram

    Get it from Amazon for $36.

    15. Lancôme Bienfait UV SPF 50+ Super Fluid Facial Sunscreen

    Sephora / Via sephora.com

    "It works great without casting a hue and goes great under makeup!"

    —grattonerica

    Get it from Sephora for $40.

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