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:
- My skin is a combination in summer / hot weather, but dry in winter.
- 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.
- My skin tone is mostly described as medium-dark with a warm undertone, MAC NC42/44, Fenty 330, Hourglass Golden Tan.
- 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
Just a dot 
Semi blended 
Blended
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
| Pros | Cons |
| – No white cast at all. – One of the best mix of sunscreen ingredients available. – Full of antioxidants, can work as an extra serum combined with other sunscreens. | – The oil form is (at least for me) too much for a recommended application, it stays oily on top of my skin. – Doesn’t work well with some hyaluronic acid products (pilling sometimes occurs when I’m not careful). – On the pricey side at 49.90€. |
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.
Dot 
Semi Blended 
Blended
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
Aqua (Water), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dimethicone, PEG-8, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, BHT, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid
Hover the mouse / tap over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – No white cast. – Can easily apply the recommended amount without feeling oily. – Plays nice with makeup. | – Discontinued |
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.
Just a dot 
Semi Blended 
Blended
Facts
- Chemical sunscreen: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine.
Full Ingredients
Helichrysum Italicum Extract, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethanol, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Silica, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Rosa Davurica Bud Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Abronia Villosa Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cinchona Succirubra Bark Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract, Limonia Acidissima Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Prunus Mume Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Water, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Water, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Water, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Dimethicone, Nylon-12, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, BHT, Sodium Hydroxide, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Betaine, Caprylyl Methicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone, Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Fragrance
Hover the mouse / tap over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – No white cast at all. – Really nice texture and feel on the skin. – In a good price range of between 15-20€. | – Not the best sunscreen filters out there. – Ethanol / alcohol is pretty high on their ingredients list, could potentially cause dry skin. |
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.
Dot Semi Blended Blended
Facts
- Physical sunscreen: Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide
*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
| Pros | Cons |
| – Almost no white cast at all. – Labeled organic. – Physical sunscreen based. – Very moisturizing | – Only SPF 30 – Very moisturizing (too much for summer) – On the upper price range at 39€ |
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.
Dot 
Semi Blended 
Blended
Facts
- Physical sunscreen: Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide
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
| Pros | Cons |
| – Moisturizing – Available for dark skin tones – In a good price range of between 10-20€ – Organic brand | – Only SPF 30 – Color can be too dark for a medium-dark skintone (see swatch) |
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
| Pros | Cons |
| – Physical sunscreen based. – Great other ingredients – Non-sticky texture you can easily put on | – Only SPF 30 – On the upper price range at 28€ – At the moment (July 2020) sold out everywhere |
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.
Just a dot Semi Blended Blended
Facts
- Physical sunscreen: Zinc Oxide 12%
- Comes in 18 inclusive shades
- Touted as SPF40 in the US and SPF30 in Europe
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
| Pros | Cons |
| – Have plenty of great ingredients – No white cast due to pigment – Double as a sheer foundation – Can be worn in the recommended amount | – Only SPF 30 / 40 – Dewy skin look (not for everyone) – On the pricey range at 49€ – With the mask wearing, pigments will transfer to mask |
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.
I like the Black Girl Sunscreen KIDS edition if you are oily/combo they have a matte one (regular edition), but I have dry skin so I love being glowy!
We would love to try that one day, Jess! It’s really difficult to get when you’re in Europe, though. 🙁