We know it and you know it: sunscreen is a total non-negotiable, no matter your skin tone.

Not only does it provide necessary protection from harmful UV rays, but it’s also your best defence against the myriad environmental factors that can accelerate skin ageing. But no matter how necessary they may be, finding an SPF that doesn’t feel like a total chore to apply can be a seriously tricky task, especially for those of us with deep skin tones.

Why? Because so many SPF formulas leave behind an ashy, grey tint, often referred to as a white cast. The reason this happens is all down to the formula itself. Many SPFs contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide which form a protective shield by reflecting and scattering UV rays as they hit the skin. Efficient though they may be, these ingredients are opaque and white in nature which means they can show up as a grey or ashy tint that’s more noticeable the darker your skin tone.

Thankfully, the tide is finally turning, and in recent years there has been an influx of ‘invisible’ gel or serum-textured sunscreen formulas that protect the skin without turning it grey. Want to know the ones that our Skin Mentors always recommend to clients? Here’s the Lion/ne approved list of SPFs suitable for dark skin:

Want to find out which sunscreen is best for your skin type, mood, concerns and goals? Then book in for a one-to-one Holistic Skin Session.