The weather is heating up, which means it’s time to get the best sunscreen for Black women that you can find!

Women everywhere are planning vacations, shopping for swimwear and hitting the gym to obtain the “perfect summer bod.” But there’s another thing that women, especially Black women, should consider when it comes to making summer plans.

There’s a common misconception that people with darker skin tones, particularly Black people, don’t need to wear sunscreen. The idea is that warmer complexions produce enough melanin to protect them from sun damage. Unfortunately, this just isn’t the case.

Black People Can And Do Suffer From The Harmful Effects Of Sun Damage

Contrary to popular belief, Black people can and do suffer from the harmful effects of sun damage. Dermatologists recommend a daily SPF of 30 or higher. The naturally-occurring SPF in darker-skinned individuals is closer to only 13. Because of this, Black people who don’t wear sunscreen are at greater risk of developing skin cancer and other skin-related ailments.

In a 2018 study, the CDC reported that skin cancer occurs in one per every 100,000 Black people. And unfortunately, many cases of skin cancer in Black people go unnoticed for far too long. Due to widespread misinformation about skin cancer in the Black community, Black people are four times more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage skin cancer, according to Healthline.

Ways That Black People Can Prevent The Development Of Skin Cancer

There are many ways that Black people can prevent the development of skin cancer. Opt for staying in the shade or wearing protective clothing. Doctors and dermatologists recommend that individuals incorporate wearing sunscreen into their daily routines. Sunscreen helps protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation that damages skin cells. This decreases the risk of all types of skin cancer. Experts recommend wearing sunscreen even when the sun is not out because UV rays can penetrate through the clouds.

With the interest in skincare growing online, many Black people are starting to incorporate sunscreen into their daily routines. Unfortunately, many sunscreen products are not formulated for dark skin, with most leaving a white cast on the skin. Luckily, more and more brands are becoming aware of the lack of products available to Black people.
As a result, they’re creating sunscreen products that are designed to protect dark skin.

While skin cancer proves a threat to people of all skin tones, it’s preventable. Wearing sunscreen is one of the most effective ways of preventing a skin cancer diagnosis. Here are some sunscreens formulated with Black women in mind:

Bolden

 

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Touted as “skincare for Black and Brown skin,” Bolden was founded by two extraordinary Black women with a dream. The company devotes itself to its roots that it upholds even to this day — to inspire and empower women to embrace their natural beauty.
This includes creating nutrient-rich, sustainably sourced products that enhance Black beauty.

Bolden’s products provide a protective layer of moisture-rich ingredients to the skin. They carry a full range of facial products for all skin types and textures, from clarifying cleansers to restorative serums. And for those who can’t decide on just one product, the company also carries several beauty kits comprised of various products that target different skincare goals.

Bolden’s products are sold on their website and at retailers like Amazon, Walmart and other select stores.

Naomi Osaka’s Kinlo

 

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Like many in the Black community, tennis star, Naomi Osaka, thought that the melanin in her skin was enough to protect her from sun damage. But as someone whose livelihood involves being in direct sunlight, Osaka was surprised to know that wasn’t the case. Upon finding the truth, she sought to dispel the widespread belief by starting a sunscreen brand Kinlo that was specifically for people with dark skin.

The purpose of the company’s products are to not only protect melanated skin from sun damage but to nourish it as well. Using a blend of natural ingredients, the company developed a line of nutrient-rich sunscreen and other skincare products. The new sunscreen company took off, with products sold online and at Walmart.

Black Girl Sunscreen

Black Girl Sunscreen was founded by a Black woman with a mission to “always put customers first”. Although anyone can use Black Girl Sunscreen products, their formula focuses on the unique features of dark skin.

The company encourages customers to incorporate its products with their regular facial products and makeup. They’re creamy, velvety and glide smoothly onto the skin without leaving behind a white cast. They also act as moisturizers with ingredients such as avocado, jojoba and cacao. Aside from making sunscreen for Black women, they also have a line of sunscreen products designed for children’s sensitive skin.

The environmentally conscious sunscreen brand sells its products online and at national retailers like Walgreens, Target, Ulta Beauty and CVS.

Fenty Skin

Fenty Skin was founded by billionaire and music superstar, Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty. The line of skin care products focuses on nourishing all skin tones and types with natural ingredients such as the Barbados cherry, which is rich in vitamin C.

Vitamin C is known to provide multiple skin benefits such as preventing sun damage, improving the appearance of dark spots and acne and reducing the risk of early skin aging. Fenty Skin combines vitamin C with other beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, to promote healthy skin.

Each of their invisible moisturizers works well for Black women because they provide sun protection that doesn’t leave behind the dreaded, gray cast. Customers can purchase Rihanna’s Fenty Skin products on the company’s website or both online and in stores at Sephora.

Supergoop!

 

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Supergoop! is an all-inclusive skincare brand that creates sunscreen for individuals of varying shades. They’ve developed an entire line of SPF-infused skincare and makeup products that promote healthy, vibrant skin. Some of these products include daily moisturizers, eye creams, serums and body butters — all with the added benefit of sun protection.

For over 15 years, the self-proclaimed “experts in SPF” have been on a mission to prevent the harmful effects of sun damage. Its founder, Holly Thaggard, began donating SPF pumps to schools in Texas so that children could protect their sensitive skin while they played outdoors. Now, the company provides more than 4,300 SPF pumps to over 1,600 schools nationwide. Customers can purchase Supergoop! products at Sephora, Amazon, Nordstrom and other select retailers.

Absolute Joi

Absolute Joi is a top contender in sunscreen for Black women. When medical researcher and skincare expert, Dr. Anne Beal, started the company, she made it her mission to produce clean skincare products using safe ingredients. By using science to develop formulas for products, Absolute Joi can provide quality sunscreen and other skincare items that are effective.

This all-inclusive brand features models of varying ages, ethnicities, and skin tones. Its products target several common skin concerns from dry skin to fine lines to hyperpigmentation. Customers can purchase Absolute Joi products from their website or at Amazon, Heyday, Brown Beauty Co-Op, BLK + GRN and Macy’s for a limited time.