Daily sunscreen is an absolute must, but it can be tricky to find formulations that don’t leave a white cast on darker complexions. Sunscreen has to be usable if we’re going to wear it regularly, and in high enough quantities for it to actually be effective (two-to-three finger rule, anyone?). Thanks to innovative, skincare-forward formulations, we can confidently say there’s a sunscreen out there for everybody.
Below, I’ve listed my current favorite sunscreens for Fall 2022. I’ve found each of these is non-irritating, melts beautifully into the skin, and has nourishing ingredients that make skin better from wearing it. Most of these also pair well with makeup.
These formulations are all vegan, cruelty free (no animal testing), and avoid use of toxic ingredients.
Botanical Sun Cream – The Pure Lotus SPF 50 PA++++ – $32 , 50ML
Actives:
- Homosalate
- Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol
- Methoxyphenyl Triazine
- Octocrylene
“Sun cream” feels like a misnomer, because The Pure Lotus’ Botanical Sun Cream melts into skin as light as air. As with many Korean sunscreens, Sun Cream glides on effortlessly like a light moisturizer. While there’s no fragrance added, it has a beautifully light botanical scent – not quite floral, not quite citrus – from the natural ingredients.
This sun cream is SPF 50+, PA++++ so it provides broad spectrum coverage and protection against UVA and UVB rays. Among other skin nourishing ingredients, the formulation includes Niacinamide to help lighten dark spots and strengthen skin against environmental stressors, and adenosine to help visibly firm skin. It also includes white lotus leaf extract which soothes skin, and infuses a heathy dose of antioxidants. The best part? This sun cream is absolutely invisible on the skin, and doesn’t clog pores, meaning it wgoes on easy the first time, and with every re-application. This list is in no particular order but this is my favorite of the bunch.
Benton Air Fit Sunscreen SPF50+/PA++++ – $21 , 50ML
Actives:
- Eylhexyl Triazone
- Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
- Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
- Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazon
Benton is another K-Beauty brand that you’ve likely seen in your TikTok and Instagram feeds. Launched in 2011, Benton’s objective is to restore skin health with clean, vegan, and cruelty free cosmetics that are as safe for the environment as they are effective.
The Air Fit Sunscreen applies smoothly without a white cast, though the product does have a signature green hue which blends in after a bit. For those who deal with redness, the green can act as a natural color corrector. Centella asiatica and panthenol help to moisturize and smooth the skin, and SPF 50+, PA++++ protection provides broad spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB rays. There’s no artificial fragrance, however you’ll notice a hit of rosemary from the rosemary oil in the formulation.
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 $18.99, 89ml
Actives:
- Avobenzone: 3%
- Homosalate: 10%
- Octisalate: 5%
- Octocrylene: 2.75%
This Sunscreen is a great broad spectrum option, formulated for face and body. This rich sun lotion melts into skin leaving no white cast, and works to soothe and brighten with sunflower oil and carrot juice. While useable for the face, I strictly use Black Girl Sunscreen on my body; while the richly moisturizing formula is perfect for body – featuring ingredients like avocado oil and cacao seed butter – it’s too heavy for my sensitive face. Black Girl Sunscreen is vegan and cruelly free, with a focus on natural ingredients.
(Re)setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40 $32, 3.4 fl. oz
Actives:
- Avobenzone 2.9%
- Homosalate 9.8%
- Octisalate 4.9%
- Octocrylene 9.5%
This multi-tasker is both a setting spray and a broad spectrum SPF 40 skin shield. The formula applies as a fine mist, diffusing Silica Silylate to help absorb oil and leave a matte finish, Polyvinylpyrrolidone to help lock makeup in place, and antioxidant rich Rosemary and Mint to help revive and soothe skin. English Field Mustard & Chinawood Oil round out the protective properties, creating a breathable barrier to help filter pollution.
(Re)setting Refreshing Mist applies effortlessly, and dries down beautifully with no stickiness or mess. While this mist should not serve as your main SPF, it’s a no brainer for re-application when you’ve got a full face. All Supergoop! Products are cruelty free; this product is also vegan and formulated without ingredients from the Supergoop! “No List.”
Honorable Mention: Skin Fit Mineral Sun Cream SPF50+/PA++++ – $22, 50ml
Actives:
- Zinc Oxide
- (Plus Butyloctyl Salicylate – sunscreen actives solvent)
Another sunscreen from Benton, this time in a mineral formulation. This Sun Cream does leave an initial white cast from the zinc oxide, but with a bit of effort, it blends to nearly sheer; it also wears well under-makeup. This is another SPF50+/PA++++ offering broad spectrum protection, alongside skin healing ingredients like witch hazel and niacinamide. Once again you may notice a hit of rosemary from Rosemary Oil, though there’s no added artificial fragrance. Best of all, I haven’t found the Sun Cream irritating, though the cast will build up with re-application.
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