Summer is here, and with it comes the crucial reminder to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. National Don’t Fry Day, observed on the Friday before Memorial Day, emphasizes the importance of sun safety. For too long, a myth persisted that darker skin tones were immune to sun damage, but we now know that’s far from the truth. Finding effective sunscreens that don’t leave a ghostly white cast on melanin-rich skin, however, has been a challenge. Thankfully, Black entrepreneurs are stepping up to fill that gap. Here are 8 Black-owned brands offering fantastic sunscreens designed specifically for you.
Brands That Understand Melanin
- **Black Girl Sunscreen:** Launched in 2016 by Shontay Lundy, this brand directly addresses the white cast issue. It’s not only effective but also became the first Black-owned sunscreen brand available at Target. They offer lotions, sprays, and even lip glosses, ensuring sun protection is accessible and suitable for deeper skin tones.
- **Buttah Skin:** Founder Dorion Renaud created Buttah Skin to find skincare solutions that worked for him. His Invisible Tinted Mineral Facial Sunscreen SPF 30 is specifically tinted to blend seamlessly into deeper skin tones, effectively preventing that dreaded white cast.
- **KINLÒ:** Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka founded KINLÒ to educate people of color about sun protection. Formulated with ingredients like jojoba seed oil, hemp seed, and green tea, her products are cruelty-free and reef-safe. The line includes sunscreens, a brightening moisturizer, and more.
- **Mèlasun:** Marina Camu launched Mèlasun in 2022, driven by a desire to cater to the sun-care needs of people of color. Her Le Glow brightening face cream hydrates and protects from the sun, melting into the skin without a white cast.
- **Undefined:** Dorian Morris is committed to democratizing beauty with Undefined. This brand focuses on conscious capitalism, inclusivity, and clean ingredients. Their offerings include a tinted sun serum, sunscreen, and an SPF lip tint.
- **Fenty:** Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty revolutionized the industry by offering inclusive shade ranges. While known for makeup, Fenty also provides excellent sunscreen options, including moisturizers and tinted moisturizers that cater to a wide spectrum of skin tones.
- **Bolden Skincare:** Founded by friends Chinelo Chidozi and Ndidi Obidoa, Bolden Skincare addresses various skin concerns for women of color, including dryness and acne. Their sunscreen is formulated to be brightening and contains Vitamin C.
- **Cay Skin:** Model Winnie Harlow, known for embracing her vitiligo, created Cay Skin after experiencing a severe sunburn that altered her skin. Her brand offers SPF sunscreen sticks, lotions, and lip balms with UVA/UVB protection, inspired by her personal journey.
These brands are not just selling sunscreen; they’re providing essential protection and representation for melanin-rich skin. By prioritizing inclusivity and effective formulations, they ensure that everyone can enjoy the summer sun safely and confidently, without compromising their skin’s natural beauty.
Which of these Black-owned sunscreen brands are you excited to try this summer? Share your favorites in the comments below!