Sunscreen for Medium Dark Skintone – Tried & Tested

Two peeves when dealing with sunscreens: Claiming no white cast but only tested on light skin tones, and the advice that darker skin tones don’t need sunscreens. Luckily, the later has been debunked, and that experts mostly agreed that we also need sunscreen, at a recommended minimum of SPF30. Here’s the best sunscreen for medium dark skin!

I will tell you in the post which ones are my favorite, and on the list are ones I have tried for a longer period. But first what you need to know:

1. My skin is a combination in summer / hot weather, but dry in winter.
2. I like something that’s non-greasy (don’t we all) and it has to work with makeup. I don’t mind fragrance per se, only if I actually don’t like the scent.
3. My skin tone is mostly described as medium-dark with a warm undertone, MAC NC42/44, Fenty 330, Hourglass Golden Tan.
4. For sunscreens without a white cast, our best bet is something without mineral filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), and Tinosorb M (Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol). There are ways around it (I will explain later in the post) and the companies are improving (I actually found one which is pretty good). Do remember, when they claim “but you should just use a bit”, please don’t believe that. You have to use a lot of it for the sunscreen to work, two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin – see here).

The best sunscreen for medium dark skin:

No White Cast Sunscreens

There are currently four winners in this category:

There are three chemical/organic sunscreens I like: Beyer & Söhne Dayshade SPF50, Isdin Pediatrics FusionWater 50+ SPF (2019 Formula), Missha Essence Sun Milk SPF50+ PA+++.

And then there’s one physical/inorganic sunscreen: The Organic Pharmacy Cellular Protection Sun Cream SPF30.

Beyer & Söhne Dayshade SPF50

This is one of my favorite go-to sunscreens. I have reviewed it here. It’s full of good ingredients and it has absolutely no issue with white cast.

Facts

• Chemical sunscreen: Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S), Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone), Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul T 150)
• Oil form, with a reddish tone

Pros and Cons

Verdict

This is the one sunscreen I find myself repurchasing. I know it’s not perfect, but it’s still a great boost to be worn underneath other sunscreen that’s a bit drying, for example.

Made in Germany and ships internationally with a fair shipment price too. Get it on their website.

Isdin Pediatrics FusionWater 50+ SPF (2019 Formula)

This is also one of my favorite go-to sunscreens. It works better than the Beyer & Sohne Dayshade, because you can easily apply the recommended amount without feeling oily. The big downside, they reformulated it so you can’t get this formulation anymore.

Facts

• Chemical & physical sunscreen: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Titanium Dioxide
• Discontinued, with a 2020 reformulation containing different sunscreens.

Full Ingredients

[simple_tooltip content=’Normal (well kind of – it’s purified and deionized) water. Usually the main solvent in cosmetic products. ‘]Aqua (Water)[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Octinoxate – an old-school chemical sunscreen that absorbs UVB radiation (wavelengths: 280-320 nm). Not photostable and does not protect against UVA. Read more‘]Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’An often used glycol that works as a solvent, humectant, penetration enhancer and also gives a good slip to the products. ‘]Butylene Glycol[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A common glycol that improves the freeze-thaw stability of products. It’s also a solvent, humectant and to some extent a penetration enhancer. Read more‘]Propylene Glycol[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A microsphere powder that can scatter the light to give products a soft focus effect. It also works as a texture enhancer giving formulas an exceptional smoothness and a velvet touch.’]Polymethyl Methacrylate[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A very common silicone that gives both skin and hair a silky smooth feel. It also forms a protective barrier on the skin and fills in fine lines. Also used for scar treatment.’]Dimethicone[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A smallish polymer molecule that is used as a solubilizer and viscosity control agent in cosmetic products.’]PEG-8[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A colorless to light yellowish oily liquid that works as a UVB (280-320nm) sunscreen filter with a peak absorbance at 306 nm. It’s not a strong filter in itself, it’s always used in combination with other sunscreen agents.’]Ethylhexyl Salicylate[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Tinosorb S – a new generation, broad-spectrum and very photostable sunscreen agent with great safety profile. Read more‘]Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Avobenzone – the only globally available chemical sunscreen that gives proper UVA protection. It is not photostable so has to be combined with ingredients that help to stabilize it. Read more‘]Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A white powdery thing that can mattify the skin and thicken up cosmetic products.’]Silica[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Pretty much the current IT-preservative. It’s safe and gentle, and can be used up to 1% worldwide.’]Phenoxyethanol[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A physical/inorganic sunscreen with pretty broad spectrum (UVB and UVA II, less good at UVA I) protection and good stability. Might leave some whitish tint on the skin, though. Read more‘]Titanium Dioxide[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A common helper ingredient that stabilizes emulsions and helps to thicken up products. ‘]Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Pro-Vitamin B5 is a goodie that moisturises the skin, has anti-inflammatory, skin protecting and wound healing properties. Read more‘]Panthenol[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A form of vitamin E that works as an antioxidant. Compared to the pure form it’s more stable, has longer shelf life, but it’s also more poorly absorbed by the skin.’]Tocopheryl Acetate[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’It can boost the effectiveness of phenoxyethanol (and other preservatives) and as an added bonus it feels nice on the skin too.’]Ethylhexylglycerin[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’The generic term for nice smelling stuff put into cosmetic products so that the end product also smells nice. It is made up of 30 to 50 chemicals on average.’]Parfum (Fragrance)[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Lye – A solid white stuff that’s very alkaline and used in small amount to adjust the pH of the product. ‘]Sodium Hydroxide[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A handy white powder that magically converts a liquid into a nice gel formula.’]Carbomer[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Super common little helper ingredient that helps products to remain nice and stable for a longer time… Read more‘]Disodium EDTA[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Pure Vitamin E. Great antioxidant that gives significant photoprotection against UVB rays. Works in synergy with Vitamin C. Read more‘]Tocopherol[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’It’s the acronym for Butylated Hydroxy Toluene… Read more‘]BHT[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’An oil soluble vitamin C derivative that has mixed data about its effectiveness. Read more‘]Ascorbyl Palmitate[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Pure Vitamin C. A skincare superstar that is clinically proven to boost collagen production (in 5-20% concentration), fade hyperpigmentation and boost UV protection under sunscreen. Also, it’s extremely unstable and hard to formulate. Read more‘]Ascorbic Acid[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’An AHA that comes from citrus fruits. It is usually used as a helper ingredient to adjust the pH of the formula.’]Citric Acid[/simple_tooltip]

Hover the mouse / tap over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

I love Isdin Pediatrics FusionWater 50+ SPF (2019 Formula), only it’s a bit unfair to say because it’s discontinued. So, let’s move on to other possible candidates, shall we?

Missha Essence Sun Milk SPF50+ PA+++

I only got this two weeks ago, so I am still in a honeymoon period with this sunscreen. So far I can say it really has no white cast, and sits really well on the skin. On top of that it plays well with makeup, and is overall the best one I have in regards to texture.

Facts

• Chemical sunscreen: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine.

Full Ingredients

[simple_tooltip content=’soothing’]Helichrysum Italicum Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Octinoxate – an old-school chemical sunscreen that absorbs UVB radiation (wavelengths: 280-320 nm). Not photostable and does not protect against UVA. Read more‘]Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Simple alcohol that’s a great solvent, penetration enhancer, creates cosmetically elegant, light formulas, great astringent, and antimicrobial. In large amount can be very drying.’]Ethanol[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’An oil-soluble chemical sunscreen agent that protects skin in the UVB and somewhat in the UVA II range with a peak absorption of 304 nm.’]Octocrylene[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A colorless to light yellowish oily liquid that works as a UVB (280-320nm) sunscreen filter with a peak absorbance at 306 nm. It’s not a strong filter in itself, it’s always used in combination with other sunscreen agents.’]Ethylhexyl Salicylate[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Avobenzone – the only globally available chemical sunscreen that gives proper UVA protection. It is not photostable so has to be combined with ingredients that help to stabilize it. Read more‘]Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’An often used glycol that works as a solvent, humectant, penetration enhancer and also gives a good slip to the products. ‘]Butylene Glycol[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Porous spherical microbeads that can give an elegant silky texture to the products. They are also used to scatter light to reduce the look of fine lines on the skin, as well as to absorb excess oil and give a matt finish. ‘]Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A white powdery thing that can mattify the skin and thicken up cosmetic products.’]Silica[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Tinosorb S – a new generation, broad-spectrum and very photostable sunscreen agent with great safety profile. Read more‘]Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’moisturizer/humectant’]Althaea Rosea Root Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’antioxidant’]Rosa Davurica Bud Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Purslane Extract – a traditional Korean medicinal plant with skin-soothing, antioxidant and wound healing abilities. ‘]Portulaca Oleracea Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Sorry, no explanation for this one yet. :(‘]Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Sorry, no explanation for this one yet. :(‘]Abronia Villosa Leaf Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’The extract coming from the juice containing leaves of the Aloe vera plant with moisturizing, emollient and anti-inflammatory properties.’]Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Sorry, no explanation for this one yet. :(‘]Cinchona Succirubra Bark Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’emollient’]Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’astringent’]Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Sorry, no explanation for this one yet. :(‘]Limonia Acidissima Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Sorry, no explanation for this one yet. :(‘]Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Green Tea – one of the most researched natural ingredients that contains the superstar actives called catechins. It has proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic properties. Read more‘]Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’moisturizer/humectant’]Pueraria Lobata Root Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’antioxidant’]Morus Alba Fruit Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Sorry, no explanation for this one yet. :(‘]Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Sorry, no explanation for this one yet. :(‘]Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Sorry, no explanation for this one yet. :(‘]Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’emollient’]Camellia Japonica Flower Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Sorry, no explanation for this one yet. :(‘]Prunus Mume Flower Extract[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’perfuming’]Calendula Officinalis Flower Water[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’astringent, deodorant’]Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Water[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Sorry, no explanation for this one yet. :(‘]Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Water[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Sorry, no explanation for this one yet. :(‘]Biosaccharide Gum-4[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A very common silicone that gives both skin and hair a silky smooth feel. It also forms a protective barrier on the skin and fills in fine lines. Also used for scar treatment.’]Dimethicone[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A polymer microsphere that gives products an elegant, silky texture. Can also scatter light to blur fine lines.’]Nylon-12[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A common helper ingredient that stabilizes emulsions and helps to thicken up products. ‘]Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’It’s the acronym for Butylated Hydroxy Toluene… Read more‘]BHT[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Lye – A solid white stuff that’s very alkaline and used in small amount to adjust the pH of the product. ‘]Sodium Hydroxide[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’viscosity controlling’]VP/Hexadecene Copolymer[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A sugar beet derived amino acid derivative with nice skin protection and moisturization properties. Its special thing is being an osmolyte, a molecule that helps to control cell-water balance. ‘]Betaine[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A light and volatile silicone fluid that has excellent spreadability and leaves a light, silky and smooth feel on the skin. ‘]Caprylyl Methicone[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’It’s a super commonly used water-thin volatile silicone that gives skin and hair a silky, smooth feel. ‘]Cyclopentasiloxane[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’emulsifying, emulsion stabilising’]Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’emulsifying, emulsion stabilising’]Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A polymer molecule (big molecule from repeated subunits) whose main thing is being a film-former… Read more‘]Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A very common emollient that makes your skin feel nice and smooth. Comes from coconut oil and glycerin, it’s light-textured, clear, odorless and non-greasy.’]Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’Super common little helper ingredient that helps products to remain nice and stable for a longer time… Read more‘]Disodium EDTA[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A handy multi-tasking ingredient that gives the skin a nice, soft feel and also boosts the effectiveness of other preservatives.’]Caprylyl Glycol[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’It can boost the effectiveness of phenoxyethanol (and other preservatives) and as an added bonus it feels nice on the skin too.’]Ethylhexylglycerin[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’A multi-functional helper ingredient that acts as a humectant and emollient. It’s also a solvent and can boost the effectiveness of preservatives.’]1,2-Hexanediol[/simple_tooltip], [simple_tooltip content=’The generic term for nice smelling stuff put into cosmetic products so that the end product also smells nice. It is made up of 30 to 50 chemicals on average.’]Fragrance[/simple_tooltip]

Hover the mouse / tap over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

I love the feel of this one. I will see after some time if the alcohol content bothers my skin, but otherwise, it’s a nice sunscreen to use for makeup days!

Missha is quite easy to get worldwide and in Germany, even Douglas has this product.

The Organic Pharmacy – Cellular Protection Sun Cream SPF30

I only had a sample of this, although I have been wearing it a couple of times now. I can safely say that it has no white cast at all. The only issue is that the consistency is quite thick. You don’t really want to do several layers on your skin. I have only worn this in summer though, and maybe this would actually be a great sunscreen for winter.

Facts

• Physical sunscreen: Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide

Full Ingredients

*Aloe Barbardensis Leaf Juice Powder, Aqua (Water), Zinc Oxide , **Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, *Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, *Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, *Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, *Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Ascorbic Acid, *Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Citrus Grandis, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Isostearic Acid, Lactic Acid, Lecithin, Parfum (Fragrance), Silica, Titanium Dioxide, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Hexyl Cinnamaldehyde, Geraniol, D-Limonene, Linalool

*Ingredients from organic farming ** Made using organic ingredients

Pros and Cons

Verdict

I’m seriously impressed with the non-existence of white cast in this one. I might purchase the full bottle comes winter, and see how my skin reacts to it.

Available worldwide, organic and science-based. Made in London, in Germany it’s available in one of my favorite shop: Amazingy

Tinted Sunscreens

In general, physical/inorganic sunscreen ingredients are very tricky for darker skin tones. The active ingredients itself (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) are considered safer, especially when you have sensitive skin. It doesn’t get into the bloodstream like some other chemical/organic sunscreens. But the caveat remains, the white cast issue is really bad for us.

Note that I found one exception above (The Organic Pharmacy – Cellular Protection Sun Cream SPF30), but the usual solution is to either put foundation on top, mix some mineral powders in, or go with the tinted version. The tinted ones I tried and liked are Algamaris – Certified Organic Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF30 in Golden, .

Algamaris – Certified Organic Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF30 in Golden

One thing I love about French pharmacy products is that they tend to include the darker skintones. Like this one. Although it is really a sad attempt with three tones, at least one named “golden” is actually quite suitable for a darker skintone.

Facts

• Physical sunscreen: Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide

Full Ingredients

Aqua, Coconut Alkanes, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Titanium Dioxide, Sorbitan Olivate, Zinc Oxide, Talc, Silica, Glycerin*, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, CI 77492, Parfum, Octyldodecanol, Alumina, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Magnesium Sulfate, Gelidium Sesquipedale Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, CI 77891, Potassium Olivoyl PCA, Octyldecanol, CI 77491, Maris Aqua, CI 77499, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol, Jojoba Esters, Trihydroxystearin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide

Pros and Cons

Verdict

This is not a foundation, so you can pile it on the skin. I’d like to see a color slightly lighter than this and in a warmer tone. In the meantime, it’s a good one to wear with a foundation that’s a bit too light.

Made in France by Laboratoires de Biarritz. Sustainable, organic, and ocean friendly. Easily available in organic stores like BioCompany in Germany and many online shops.

NIOD Survival 30

Dorit wrote a long review about NIOD Survival 30, and I agree with her, so I don’t think I need to add a lot. This is a sunscreen that I can pile on, so even if it’s making my skin slightly purple toned, I just live with it.

Facts

• Physical sunscreen: Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide

Pros and Cons

Verdict

It’s a great physical sunscreen to bring to a warm and humid climate.

Available quite easily worldwide (when it’s back in stock), through the Deciem website.

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF30 in Kamari

When Ilia released this product, I was very excited about it. A sunscreen serum in 18 shades? WOW. Then comes the covid time, which means it’s difficult for me to swatch the colors. I bought the shade ST13 Kamari without swatching it first. Big risk. Luckily it works out for my easily tanned skin in summer! Phew.

Facts

• Physical sunscreen: Zinc Oxide 12%
• Comes in 18 inclusive shades
• Touted as SPF40 in the US and SPF30 in Europe

Full Ingredients

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 12.0%

Aqua/Water/Eau, Squalane, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Isoamyl Laurate, Polyglyceryl-3 Ricinoleate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Isopropyl Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, Sodium Chloride, Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Phenylpropanol, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polyhydroxystearic Acid. May Contain/Peut Contenir (±): CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide). 

Pros and Cons

Verdict

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF30 is a great product I currently use as a substitute for foundations in summer. It might improve my skin texture (although this needs more observation). It does bring a dewy glow in pictures (sometimes so much so that will use a setting powder).

Available in Germany through Amazingy.

That’s it from me for now. I know there’s still a whole world of sunscreen out there. I’m so curious to try out Black Girl Sunscreen if the shipping cost is more reasonable. Do you have fave sunscreens that work well on darker skin tones? Do share!

Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.