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Top Black-Owned Sunscreen Brands for Every Melanin-Rich Skin Tone

Discover five essential Black-owned sunscreen brands that protect and nourish melanin-rich skin—no white cast, just glow.

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 2, 2025

Discover five essential Black-owned sunscreen brands that protect and nourish melanin-rich skin—no white cast, just glow.

If you’re protecting your skin from sun damage, daily SPF is non-negotiable—regardless of your skin tone. While melanin provides some natural UV protection, dermatologists emphasize that no one is truly immune from the harmful effects of UV rays. Historically, finding a sunscreen that didn’t leave an ashy residue was a real struggle for people with deeper skin tones. Enter a new generation of Black-owned sunscreen brands shaping the industry: these companies craft formulas specifically designed for rich complexions, providing essential protection and eliminating the dreaded white cast.

This guide spotlights five innovative Black-owned sunscreen brands that offer broad-spectrum protection, luxurious textures, and skin-nourishing ingredients—all without compromising your glow.

Why Sunscreen Is Vital for Melanin-Rich Skin

It’s a persistent myth that “Black doesn’t crack,” suggesting melanin-rich skin doesn’t need sun protection. While deeper complexions are less likely to burn, melanin only provides natural UV protection equivalent to about SPF 13—far less than the dermatologist-recommended SPF 30 or higher.

Without sunscreen, everyone is susceptible to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, sunburn, and even skin cancer. According to dermatologist Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon, “sunscreen is needed for all skin tones for adequate protection.”

SPF 30 or higher is advisable for daily use.
UVA and UVB protection helps prevent signs of aging and skin cancer.
Look for sunscreens with nourishing ingredients that suit your skin type.

What to Look For in a Black-Owned Sunscreen

No White Cast: The best formulas dry clear, blending seamlessly into darker skin.
Broad-Spectrum Protection: Block both UVA and UVB rays for comprehensive coverage.
Moisturizing Ingredients: Avocado oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, and niacinamide support skin’s natural barrier.
Makeup Compatibility: Lightweight textures that layer well under foundation or go bare.
Diverse Options: Tinted, matte, gel, and serum formats for personalized routines.

5 Black-Owned Sunscreen Brands to Shop Now

Each brand here was created by visionary founders who set out to make sunscreen approachable, effective, and enjoyable for all skin tones—especially those with more melanin.

1. Black Girl Sunscreen

Founder: Shontay Lundy
Signature Product: SPF 30 Moisturizing Sunscreen
Best For: Everyday use for all skin types, including kids and sensitive skin

Arguably the MVP of sunscreens for people of color, Black Girl Sunscreen was born from Shontay Lundy’s mission to create a formula “by women of color, for people of color.” This vegan, fragrance-free, and water-resistant sunscreen stands out for its hydrating ingredients (avocado and jojoba oils) and clear-drying, lightweight texture. Gone are the days of chalky, greasy SPF that sits atop skin—it melts in, nourishes, and protects without leaving any residue.

SPF 30, broad-spectrum coverage
Zero white cast
Convenient travel sizes, plus formulas for children and oily skin (matte gel)

User Tip: Black Girl Sunscreen is perfect under makeup or alone and leaves skin soft and smooth—no greasy feeling or breakouts.

2. Bolden

Founders: Chinelo Chidozie and Ndidi Obidoa
Signature Product: SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer
Best For: People wanting added skincare benefits with sun protection

Bolden takes sun care a step further by infusing its sunscreen with niacinamide (vitamin B3), which works to fade dark spots and even skin tone while shielding from UV rays. The creamy texture is never heavy and blends seamlessly, leaving a natural, glowy finish without greasiness. Bolden makes products that actively support the health of melanin-rich complexions, powered by expertise and mission-driven founders.

SPF 30, broad-spectrum
Enriched with niacinamide to help minimize hyperpigmentation and fine lines
Lightweight, elegant feel that works under makeup

User Experience: Treat this as both a sunscreen and a nourishing daily moisturizer for a subtle glow and smooth canvas.

3. Unsun Cosmetics

Founder: Katonya Breaux
Signature Product: Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Best For: Those seeking clean, mineral-based protection and a hint of complexion coverage

Unsun Cosmetics came about when Katonya Breaux, frustrated by the lack of non-toxic, residue-free SPFs for people of color, decided to make her own. Offering mineral, reef-safe protection, their best-selling Tinted Face Sunscreen shields and perfects the skin’s appearance with natural pigments. With a blend of vitamin E, coconut oil, and fruit extracts, Unsun’s formulas hydrate while giving sheer, blendable coverage—ideal for people who want both protection and a flawless base.

SPF 30, mineral-based and reef-safe
Natural tint adapts to a range of skin tones (no chalkiness or purple cast)
Lightweight, fragrance-free, and can double as a primer or skin tint

User Tip: Use Unsun as the last step in your skincare routine or as a sheer, nude makeup base for days on the go.

4. EleVen by Venus Williams

Founder: Venus Williams
Signature Products: Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35 / On-The-Defense Sunscreen
Best For: Active lifestyles; lightweight, velvety finishes that don’t clog pores

Tennis legend Venus Williams founded EleVen to champion both athletic performance and skin health. The Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35 (and SPF 40) are transparent, featherlight serums that dry down with a beautiful, velvety finish—no stickiness, no residue. For those who want semi-matte options, EleVen offers On-The-Defense, a non-chalky formula for days out in the sun. Every product is reef-safe, making it perfect for both beach days and sweaty outdoor workouts.

SPF 35–40, broad-spectrum, with a non-greasy, serum-like texture
Reef-safe and designed for all skin types
Created by a world-class athlete who knows the demands of sun exposure

User Tip: Layer the Sun Serum under makeup or use on its own for a fresh, dewy finish that lasts even during intense activity.

5. Skin by Brownlee & Co.

Founder: Sylvia Brownlee
Signature Product: Protecting SPF Moisturizer
Best For: Sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and those wanting professional-grade care

Cincinnati-based celebrity esthetician Sylvia Brownlee created Skin by Brownlee & Co. to fill the gap for “melanin-friendly” SPF that works for sensitive, breakout-prone faces. The Protecting SPF Moisturizer is non-comedogenic, featherlight, and helps hydrate while never leaving a white cast. Esthetician-approved, it’s perfect for layering under makeup or going bare-faced, offering comfortable daily wear and reliable protection.

SPF 30, no-residue finish
Designed to minimize irritation and not trigger acne
Supports skin barrier for a hydrated, protected complexion

User Experience: This is the everyday hero for sensitive or acne-prone skin—use it to keep skin soothed and glowing under the harshest sun.

How to Incorporate These Sunscreens Into Your Routine

Apply Generously: Use a nickel-sized amount for the face, or a shot-glass worth for the body.
Layer Under Makeup: All of these sunscreens dry clear or blend in, making them perfect primers.
Reapply Every 2 Hours: Sweat, water, and daylight break down protection—refresh your SPF regularly.
Finish With Additional Antioxidants: Layering vitamin C serums or moisturizers can enhance protection, especially for reducing dark spots.

Comparison Table: Black-Owned Sunscreen Brand Features

Brand	SPF Level	Texture	Main Benefits	Great For
Black Girl Sunscreen	30	Lightweight Cream, Clear	Hydration, Water-resistant, No residue	All skin types, daily wear
Bolden	30	Creamy Moisturizer	Brightening, Fades spots, No cast	Normal/dry skin, skincare multitasking
Unsun Cosmetics	30	Tinted Mineral	Reef-safe, Sheer tint, Natural ingredients	Clean beauty, makeup hybrid
EleVen by Venus	35–40	Serum, Lightweight, Matte	Velvety finish, Active wear, Reef-safe	All skin, athletes, beach days
Skin by Brownlee & Co.	30	Moisturizer	Non-comedogenic, Sensitive skin safe	Acne-prone, Esthetician approved

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do people with darker skin really need sunscreen?

A: Yes. While melanin offers some protection (equivalent to about SPF 13), dermatologists recommend using SPF 30 or higher regardless of skin tone to prevent aging, skin cancer, and hyperpigmentation.

Q: Will these sunscreens leave a white or purple cast on my skin?

A: No. These Black-owned brands have specifically formulated their products to dry clear or blend invisibly into even the deepest skin tones.

Q: What’s the best sunscreen format for oily or acne-prone skin?

A: Look for gel or serum formulas, like Black Girl Sunscreen’s matte gel or the lightweight options from EleVen by Venus. Skin by Brownlee & Co. is also formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Q: Can I wear these sunscreens under makeup?

A: Absolutely. These products are designed to work as both standalone SPFs and makeup primers, providing a smooth, hydrated base for foundation or tinted moisturizer.

Q: How often should I reapply sunscreen?

A: Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, and more often if swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.

Where to Shop These Black-Owned Sunscreen Brands

Brand websites (e.g., Black Girl Sunscreen’s site, Bolden’s official shop)
Major retailers such as Ulta Beauty, Macy’s, and select specialty beauty supply stores
Regional boutiques spotlighting Black-owned businesses

Choosing a sunscreen from a Black-owned brand protects your skin and supports companies dedicated to celebrating and empowering every shade of beauty. Powerful, innovative, and inclusive—this new generation of sun care changes routines and outcomes for melanin-rich skin everywhere.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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