Finding the Perfect Sunscreen for Patients with Skin of Color

Ultraviolet radiation exposure is known to cause deleterious effects on the skin and leads to a host of problems ranging from sunburn to photoaging, DNA damage, and malignancy, all of which can affect people across various skin tones.¹ Individuals with skin of color have a higher eumelanin-to-pheomelanin ratio, as well as an increased amount of melanin in the upper layer of the skin.² Despite this presumed increase in innate sun protection, individuals with skin of color are still at risk for photoaging, skin cancer, and photo-exacerbated pigmentary disorders, such as hyperpigmentation. One of the best preventative interventions for these conditions is taking photoprotective measures, such as incorporating the use of sunscreen.

Sunscreen serves as a relatively affordable and easy-to-use topical preventative measure against solar radiation. Despite the benefits of sunscreen, however, its usage in people with skin of color varies significantly. This variation is due to a multitude of factors, some of which include difficulty finding sunscreen for darker skin tones and concerns about a white cast.³ One of the most desired factors in choosing a sunscreen is its cosmetic elegance and compatibility, meaning how easily it will spread on the skin and how invisible it will appear after application.⁴ Many sunscreens are formulated using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide due to their strong UV protection.² However, these ingredients are not cosmetically compatible with skin of color and often leave a white residue or “ashy” appearance on the skin, leading to decreased satisfaction and usage in darker complexioned populations. The high prevalence of white casts in numerous sunscreens also causes a significant financial and time burden on individuals with skin of color, leading them to trial multiple products in hopes of finding one that is compatible.

There are a few existing resources that have reviewed and rated sunscreen products and their components;⁵ few are in scientific journals, and many are short magazine review articles with only a few selections discussed.^6,7,8 However, we have created a comprehensive resource on sunscreens compatible with skin of color and have categorized them by price and formulation. This was performed by reviewing existing literature and online publications, reading reviews of products, and compiling recommendations from dermatologists with skin of color and/or extensive experience managing skin of color. Other aspects such as tint, multiple shades available to increase compatibility, and inclusion of iron oxide (to address high-energy visible light contribution to hyperpigmentation) are also noted. This database will serve as a free, accessible educational tool for individuals with skin of color to lessen the emotional and financial burden that is unfortunately tied to finding the right sunscreen. This will also help dermatologists provide recommendations to their patients with skin of color. Our long-term goal is to turn this resource into a live and interactive online database that will stay up to date as new products become available and can incorporate consumer feedback. 

There is a significant knowledge gap in sunscreen formulations that are both protective and cosmetically compatible for skin of color. The creation of this resource that organizes sunscreens by formulation type and price point addresses many of the barriers to photoprotection that are present for individuals with skin of color. Below, we also include an overview of foundational sunscreen information for the public and patient counseling, as we hope this list of sunscreens can be helpful to the general public and non-dermatologic healthcare providers.

A Reference for Patient Counseling

Sunscreens fall into three categories: inorganic filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), organic filters (avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene), and hybrid formulations. Inorganic filters are typically referred to as mineral sunscreens, and organic ones are chemical sunscreens. Despite common belief, both mineral and chemical sunscreens work very similarly, primarily by absorbing UV radiation.9 Mineral sunscreens reflect only about 4% to 5% of UV rays and absorb the rest just like chemical filters do.9 Chemical sunscreens tend to blend more easily into skin, while mineral formulations leave a white cast on darker skin tones, which can reduce user compliance as above.^12,13 Newer tinted formulations with iron oxides have improved cosmetic appearance and provide enhanced visible light protection, which can help prevent hyperpigmentation in skin of color.^10,11,14,15 Broad-spectrum sunscreens, which protect against both UVA and UVB rays, are recommended.¹⁶

Sunscreens are tested with an application amount of 2 mg/cm², with the level of protection being directly tied to the amount of sunscreen applied.¹⁷ Most people apply significantly less than the amount needed, which drastically reduces protection.^17,18 In order to achieve the labeled sun protection factor, the general recommendation is to apply approximately 0.5-1 tsp to cover the face and neck (about two fingers’ length), and about 2-3 tbsp (about enough to fill a shot glass) to all exposed areas of the body, though these recommendations vary based on body size.^16,19 Sunscreen—at least SPF30 but ideally SPF50—should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied regularly because sweating, swimming, and physical activity disrupt the protective sunscreen film on the skin and create gaps in coverage.^16,19 While reapplication every 2 hours is commonly recommended, best practice is to reapply more frequently—such as every 60-90 minutes—after swimming, heavy sweating, or toweling off.¹⁸ Other aspects of sun protection are also important such as wide-brimmed hats, sun-protective (UPF) clothing, sunglasses, and peak sun avoidance (between 10 AM to 2 PM).¹⁶

Common Sunscreen Myths

A widespread myth claims that mineral sunscreens are “safer” than chemical sunscreens. While some chemical sunscreen ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream, there is currently no clinical evidence that this absorption causes any health problems.^20,21 Both mineral and chemical sunscreens have been used safely for decades, and all major dermatology organizations and regulatory bodies continue to recommend regular use of either type.²¹

Another common belief is that mineral sunscreens are inherently “safer” for coral reefs than chemical ones. At this time, further studies are needed to identify potential environmental risk, as the existing reports of coral reef harm are based on inconclusive, limited studies. Thus, “reef safe” marketing claims lack sufficient scientific data currently.^16,22,23

Sunscreen accessibility presents a significant barrier, particularly for people with darker skin. Tinted sunscreens designed for skin of color average $24 per ounce compared to less than $7 for traditional options, and cost is cited as a barrier by 16% of people with skin of color compared to only 2% of white individuals.^12,24 Many tinted products also offer limited shade ranges despite diversity in skin tones. By understanding these facts about sunscreen formulation, application, and accessibility, patients and providers can make more informed decisions to establish effective and sustainable sun protection habits. 

References

1. Taylor SC, Alexis AF, Armstrong AW, Chiesa Fuxench ZC, Lim HW. Misconceptions of photoprotection in skin of color. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022;86(3 suppl):S9-S17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2021.12.020

2. Krutmann J, Piquero-Casals J, Morgado-Carrasco D, et al. Photoprotection for people with skin of colour: needs and strategies. Br J Dermatol. 2023;188(2):168-175. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljac046

3. Wang JY, Patel P, Philip R, et al. Sunscreen practices and preferences of skin of color patients. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(6):456-462. https://doi.org/10.36849/JDD.8268

4. Maldonado López AM, Gallagher EA, Curry A, Sahloff KQ, da Silva Souza ID. A standardized scoring method for measuring white cast of mineral sunscreens and improving user compliance across diverse skin tones. PLoS One. 2025;20(8):e0319891. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319891

5. Xu S, Kwa M, Agarwal A, Rademaker A, Kundu RV. Sunscreen product performance and other determinants of consumer preferences. JAMA Dermatol. 2016;152(8):920-927. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.2344

6. Rodriguez C. I’m on the hunt for the best sunscreens without a white cast. The Cut. Published September 3, 2025. Accessed February 13, 2026. https://www.thecut.com/article/best-sunscreens-without-a-white-cast.html

7. Murden K. 9 tinted sunscreens that combine light coverage with all the benefits of SPF. Vogue. Published July 21, 2023. Accessed February 13, 2026. https://www.vogue.com/article/best-tinted-sunscreen

8. Song H, Beckles A, Salian P, Porter ML. Sunscreen recommendations for patients with skin of color in the popular press and in the dermatology clinic. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2020;7(2):165-170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.10.008

9. Cole C, Shyr T, Ou-Yang H. Metal oxide sunscreens protect skin by absorption, not by reflection or scattering. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2015;32(1):5-10. doi:10.1111/phpp.12214

10. Mahmoud BH, Ruvolo E, Hexsel CL, et al. Impact of long-wavelength UVA and visible light on melanocompetent skin. J Invest Dermatol. 2010;130(8):2092-2097. doi:10.1038/jid.2010.95

11. Bernstein EF, Sarkas HW, Boland P. Iron oxides in novel skin care formulations attenuate blue light for enhanced protection against skin damage. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;20(2). doi:10.1111/jocd.13803

12. Wang JY, Patel P, Philip R, et al. Sunscreen practices and preferences of skin of color patients. J Drugs Dermatol.2024;23(6):456-462. doi:10.36849/jdd.8268

13. Tsai J, Chien AL. Photoprotection for skin of color. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2022;23(2). doi:10.1007/s40257-021-00670-z

14. Krutmann J, Piquero-Casals J, Morgado-Carrasco D, et al. Photoprotection for people with skin of colour: needs and strategies. Br J Dermatol. 2022;188(2):168-175. doi:10.1093/bjd/ljac046

15. Lyons AB, Trullas C, Kohli I, Hamzavi IH, Lim HW. Photoprotection beyond ultraviolet radiation: a review of tinted sunscreens. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;84(5). doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.079

16. American Academy of Dermatology. Shade, clothing, and sunscreen. American Academy of Dermatology. Published 2025. Accessed February 1, 2026. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen

17. Petersen B, Wulf HC. Application of sunscreen – theory and reality. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed.2014;30(2-3):96-101. doi:10.1111/phpp.12099

18. Schalka S, dos Reis VMS, Cucé LC. The influence of the amount of sunscreen applied and its sun protection factor (SPF): evaluation of two sunscreens including the same ingredients at different concentrations. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2009;25(4):175-180. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0781.2009.00408.x

19. Kohli M, Srinivas CR, Saraswat A, et al. Practical recommendations for Indians on sunscreen use—A modified Delphi consensus by Indian Sunscreen Forum (PRISM-ISF). J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(9). doi:10.1111/jocd.70441

20. Adler BL, DeLeo VA. Sunscreen safety: a review of recent studies on humans and the environment. Curr Dermatol Rep. 2020;9. doi:10.1007/s13671-020-00284-4

21. Matta MK, Florian J, Zusterzeel R, et al. Effect of sunscreen application on plasma concentration of sunscreen active ingredients: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2020;323(3):256-267. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.20747

22. Mitchelmore CL, Burns EE, Conway A, et al. A critical review of organic ultraviolet filter exposure, hazard, and risk to corals. Environ Toxicol Chem. 2021;40(4):967-988. doi:10.1002/etc.4948

23. Miller IB, Pawlowski S, Kellermann MY, et al. Toxic effects of UV filters from sunscreens on coral reefs revisited: regulatory aspects for “reef safe” products. Environ Sci Eur. 2021;33(1). doi:10.1186/s12302-021-00515-w

24. Basch ED, Hillyer GC. An overlooked risk for skin health: less availability and higher cost of sunscreen for people with melanated skin. Dialogues Health. 2024;5:100194. doi:10.1016/j.dialog.2024.100194

Jeanette Akuamoah

Medical Student 

University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine and Public Health
Madison, WI

Vincent Doan

• Medical Student
• Lincoln Memorial University- DeBusk COM
  Knoxville, TN

Andrea M. Rustad, MD

• Dermatology resident, University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School
• Internist, St. John’s Ascension Hospital
  Chicago

Nonye Ogbuefi, MD

• Dermatology resident
• Feinberg School of Medicine
  Chicago

Pranvera Sulejmani, MD 

• Dermatology resident (PGY-2)
• Rush Medical College
  Chicago

Lily Njoroge, MS

• Licensed Esthetician
• Founder, Cave of Beauty, New York City

Kunal Malik, MD

• Dermatologist, Spring Street Dermatology
• Assistant Professor of Dermatology
• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
  New York City