Best SPF Moisturizers: No White Cast Products for Brown Skin, Dark Skin, and People of Color
- Sun protection and moisture in one product?!
SPF Moisturizers combine the benefits of sunscreen protection with the benefits of a hydrating moisturizer.
But, sunscreen moisturizers without a “white cast” can be hard to find for brown skin, dark skin and other people of color.
I’ve tried tons of facial sunscreens and I feel confident that this list of SPF Moisturizer give both sun protection and hydration in one amazing product!
Best SPF Moisturizers for Brown Skin, Dark Skin, and People of Color
No matter which sunscreen you choose, make sure you use a sunscreen that says “broad spectrum” on the label.
Broad spectrum sunscreen provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays (the two types of ultraviolet radiation you need protection from) by providing a “chemical barrier that absorbs or reflects UV radiation before it can damage the skin”.
Read: Sunscreen – How to help protect your skin from the sun
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 for Balanced to Oily Skin
The CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion ($20) is one of the most lightweight and non-greasy sunscreens I’ve ever tried, but it also gives just the right amount of moisture all year round.
I’ve purchased it at least 2 times already!
Available at: Ulta Beauty | Amazon | Target
Black Girl Sunscreen – Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
If you want a guaranteed “no white cast” sunscreen with ultra hydration, then you’ve gotta try this one by Black Girl Sunscreen ($15.99).
It’s more for the normal and dry skin beauties, but when my skin needs that extra glow (usually in the colder months) this comes in clutch!
Available at: Ulta Beauty | Amazon | Target
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Broad Spectrum SPF 45
The entire Water Drench product line is wonderful for beauties looking for hydrating, yet lightweight skincare products.
The Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Broad Spectrum SPF 45 ($22-$55) lives up to the rest of the product line with a sheer sunscreen that looks beautiful under makeup or alone.
Available at: Peter Thomas Roth | Sephora
Kiehl’s – Ultra Facial Cream Sunscreen SPF 30
The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is famous, and their SPF 30 Facial Cream ($39 – $67) is just as hydrating and smoothing on the skin.
This is another SPF moisturizer that I love in the colder months but its awesome all year round.
Its never greasy, but it does bring the shine so oily skin beauties might want to skip this one.
Available at: Sephora | Amazon | Kiehl’s
NYX Cosmetics Bare With Me Daily Moisturizer Primer SPF 30
NYX Cosmetics is a staple in any makeup lovers routine, but the Bare With Me line takes it to a whole new level with skincare products that are designed to work with makeup.
The NYX Bare With Me Daily Moisturizer Primer SPF 30 ($17) is one of the only drugstore brand primers (with moisturizing properties and SPF) to give sheer coverage, no white cast, and smooth skin!
Available at: Target | Walmart
Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 40
Olay offers skincare products that function like high end product, but retail for a more affordable price.
The Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 40 ($30) is smooth and airy, with no white cast.
What makes this product even better is that you can grab the non-SPF version to wear at night!
Available at: Olay | Amazon | Target
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30
This product is awesome!
The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30 ($25.99) feels similar to other drugstore brand moisturizers but also has SPF 30 coverage, with no extra greasiness and a decent price.
Available at: La Roche-Posay | Ulta Beauty | Target
Vichy Aqualia Thermal UV Defense Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 30
If you’re looking for a light as air moisturizer with sunscreen coverage then definitely try the Vichy Aqualia Thermal UV Defense Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 30 ($32).
It’s shocking how they formulated a product to give the right amount of sunscreen coverage and still keep the consistency thin enough to use all year round.
Available at: Vichy | Walmart | Amazon
Lancome Renergie Lift Multi Action Ultra Face Cream SPF 30
Lancome’s Renergie line of skincare products is known for its ingredients.
The Lancome Renergie Lift Multi Action Ultra Face Cream SPF 30 ($59-$137) product delivers the same great ingredients but in a hydrating sunscreen.
Great for beauties who want that extra hydration with sunscreen.
Available at: Lancome
Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor Face Moisturizer with SPF 30
If you want a hydrating moisturizer with SPF and dark spot fighting active ingredients (niacinamide) then the Hydra Vizor Face Moisturizer with SPF 30 by Fenty Beauty ($22-$40).
It blends easily, has a pleasant non-sunscreen scent, and comes in packaging that is re-fillable. *Chef’s Kiss*
Available at: Fenty Beauty | Sephora
Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 and Hyaluronic Acid
If you’re looking for a drugstore moisturizer with sunscreen, the Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 and Hyaluronic Acid ($19.99) is a great place to start.
It’s been a drugstore favorite for almost a decade!
This product is so popular because it works for most skin types and doesn’t have a white cast.
Available at: Ulta Beauty | Target | Walmart
Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30
If you struggle with oily skin, then try this drugstore favorite to keep the shine away.
The Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30 ($17) looks great under makeup because it won’t add any addition glow but still gives you the SPF 30 that is recommended.
Available at: Ulta Beauty | Target | Walmart
Aveeno Calm + Restore Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
Sensitive skin beauties will love this Aveeno sunscreen.
The Aveeno Calm + Restore Moisturizer SPF 30 ($20) gives you everything there is to love about Aveeno’s gentle products, but also adds easy to blend SPF with no heavy sunscreen feel.
Available at: Ulta Beauty | Amazon | Target
Shop the Best SPF Moisturizers from this post:
What type of sunscreen is best for dark skin?
There are two types of sunscreen commonly used in skincare products: Physical (or called mineral) sunscreens and Chemical Sunscreens.
According to Healthline “Physical (mineral) sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin and act as a shield, while chemical sunscreens sink into your skin and act more like a sponge.”
Most Physical (mineral) sunscreens are formulated with:
- zinc oxide
- and titanium oxide
Physical (mineral) sunscreens tend to have the worst “white-cast” on brown skin, so many people of color opt for chemical sunscreen formulas.
Chemical sunscreens don’t sit on the skin or block rays.
Instead, they feature active ingredients that absorb UV rays before your skin can soak them up.
Most Chemical sunscreens are formulated with chemical UV filters like:
- oxybenzone
- avobenzone
- octisalate
- octocrylene
- homosalate
- octinoxate
When looking for a new sunscreen, check the ingredients so that you know what type of sun protection you are getting.
Read: What’s the difference between Chemical and Physical Sunscreen?
What SPF level do you need for dark skin?
There are a few theories on sunscreen protection and what level of SPF to use every day.
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests wearing SPF 30 or higher daily, however the FDA recommends SPF 15 or higher.
Read: Sunscreen – How to protect your skin from the sun
Read: Sunscreen Stats from the American Academy of Dermatology
In the beauty industry (including skincare brands, experts, beauty magazines, etc.) its generally agreed on that SPF 30 or higher is best for a facial sunscreen.
There is also evidence to suggest that you don’t get any additional benefits from SPF’s higher than SPF 50.
