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Let’s get this out of the way right now: Yes, Black girls need sunscreen too. I know, I know — we grew up hearing “Black don’t crack,” and while melanin is magical, it’s not a shield. Our skin absolutely still needs protection from the sun. And no, sunscreen is not just for beach days or sunny vacations — it’s an every single day kinda deal.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of using sunscreen that left your face looking like Casper’s cousin. That ghostly white cast? We’re leaving that in the past — along with the idea that SPF isn’t necessary for deeper skin tones.

Here’s the thing: UV rays don’t discriminate. Whether your skin is light caramel or rich chocolate, unprotected sun exposure can still cause hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and even skin cancer. And if you’re dealing with acne scars or dark spots (because, same), the sun will only make those marks darker and harder to fade. Protecting your glow is non-negotiable!

But let’s be real — we need SPF that works for us and was made by us. That’s why I rounded up five amazing Black-owned sunscreen brands that understand our skin, our tones, and our beauty routines. These brands don’t just talk the talk — they walk it, slay it, and leave no ashy residue behind.

1. Skin by Brownlee & Co. – “Melanin-Friendly” and Esthetician Approved

Created by celebrity esthetician Sylvia Brownlee right in Cincinnati, Skin by Brownlee & Co. is my go-to for products that treat AND protect. Her Protecting SPF Moisturizer is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and specifically designed with melanated skin in mind. It’s perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin and wears beautifully under makeup — no white cast, no breakouts, just a smooth, hydrated finish. Support a hometown hero who’s changing the skincare game for Black women, one face at a time.

2. Bolden – Smart Skincare with a Mission

���DZ�����’s SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer is a dream for those of us juggling skincare and sun care. It’s packed with niacinamide to help fade dark spots, plus it’s sheer, moisturizing, and gives that glowy finish we love. Founded by two dynamic Black women, Bolden is all about empowering us to love the skin we’re in — safely and boldly.

3. Black Girl Sunscreen – The OG Game-Changer

We can’t talk about Black-owned SPF without bowing down to Black Girl Sunscreen. This brand basically started the movement of making sunscreen cool — and inclusive. Their SPF 30 Moisturizing Sunscreen is infused with jojoba and avocado oils and melts seamlessly into deeper skin tones. It’s also water-resistant and fragrance-free, so it’s perfect for everyday wear or poolside slay.

4. Unsun Cosmetics – Sunscreen with Soul

���Բ��ܲ�’s Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is perfect if you want sun protection and a touch of complexion coverage. Created by Katonya Breaux (yes, that’s Frank Ocean’s mom), Unsun offers a blendable mineral formula that doesn’t leave residue behind. Whether you’re bare-faced or beating your face to the gods, it plays well with makeup and comes in multiple shades for our varied skin tones.

5. EleVen by Venus – Serving SPF and Serena-Worthy Glow

Tennis icon Venus Williams isn’t just a beast on the court — she’s also protecting our skin with her wellness brand EleVen by Venus. Her Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 40 is lightweight, reef-safe, and gives that dewy finish we crave. It’s also a great choice for active days (hello, hot girl walks or sweaty workouts) without clogging your pores.

So, What’s the Glow-Up Takeaway?

Sunscreen is self-care, period. If you want to preserve your melanin magic, even your skin tone, and stay glowing for years to come, SPF needs to be a part of your routine — every day, rain or shine.

As Black women, we deserve products that were created with our beauty and health in mind. So this summer (and every season), let’s protect our pretty, support Black-owned businesses, and show up for ourselves — one pump of SPF at a time.

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