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Welcome to Cosmo’s first-ever SPF week, a space dedicated to two very important things: (1) reminding you that sunscreen is the most essential step in any skincare routine and (2) sharing the best sunscreen recs to shop right now, according to four very picky beauty editors.
We all know by now that sunscreen is a nonnegotiable when it comes to your everyday skincare routine. Not only does it protect your skin from those damaging UV rays that can cause skin cancer, but it’s pretty effective at keeping your skin healthy and firm too. The tough thing, though, is that finding a sunscreen that you actually want to slather on your face daily isn’t easy. So many options on the market feel heavy, look greasy, or worse—leave behind a dreaded white cast on your skin (no one likes to look ashy). That’s exactly why I wanted to put together this Black Girl Sunscreen review—because when a product promises to do it all without the chalky finish, it deserves a closer look.
I decided to put the Black Girl Sunscreen lineup to the test to see how the products actually live up to their no white cast, weightless finish claims. Keep reading to discover which Black Girl Sunscreen formulas are truly worth adding to your cart.
About Black Girl Sunscreen
The whole ethos behind Black Girl Sunscreen is to create SPF products that look good on deeper skin tones, but legit anyone can use them. They’ve got a whole lineup of formulas, so whether you’re into a dewy finish or something more matte, there’s one with your name on it. Oh, and they all protect without that annoying white cast and pull double duty as a seriously hydrating moisturizer. Plus, the formulas are also cruelty-free and vegan. (Peep my full review of each one below.)
What’s the difference between chemical sunscreen and mineral sunscreen?
Black Girl Sunscreen offers a mix of chemical and mineral sunscreen options, but which one should you choose? The main difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen is how they protect your skin from UV rays. Chemical SPF works like a sponge, absorbing the UV rays before they can do any damage to your skin. These formulas tend to be more lightweight and easier to blend. On the other hand, mineral sunscreen (aka physical sunscreen) sits on top of your skin and acts like a shield, physically blocking UV rays. They tend to be gentler for sensitive skin, but sometimes, their formulas are thicker and a bit chalky. However, newer formulas are way more blendable than they used to be, but some can still leave a little white cast.
Black Girl Sunscreen reviews:
1
The Moisturizing One
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Pros
No white cast- Super hydrating formula
Cons
- Might be irritating for sensitive skin types due to chemical base
This is the OG Black Girl Sunscreen formula, and it has a good reputation for a reason. The formula is so lightweight and creamy, it doesn’t take forever to work into my skin. The formula is packed with avocado, jojoba, and sunflower oil, which makes it super moisturizing too (honestly, enough that you could prob skip moisturizer).
I have combination skin that can lean a bit oily as the day goes on, but this formula didn’t make my skin look or feel greasy at the end of the day. Full transparency: If you have sensitive-AF skin, you might want to patch test this formula first. It didn’t irritate my skin, but the ingredient list plus the fact that it’s a chemical sunscreen may make it tricky for some.
- Key ingredients: Avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice, sunflower oil
- SPF type: Chemical
Pros
- Leaves a smooth finish on my skin
Cons
- A little tough to rub in fully to avoid the white cast it can leave behind
- Has a strong scent
Mineral sunscreen is notoriously difficult to work for deep skin due to the white cast zinc oxide leaves behind. In effort to work with mineral filters (which protect your skin more quickly and aren't as irritating), Black Girl Sunscreen created this hybrid option that offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 using a mix of both mineral and chemical filters.
When I squeezed it out of the tube, I found the formula to be super runny, making it easy to accidentally squeeze too much out (it was lowkey a messy application process, but TBH, that may be my fault). That being said, a little goes a long way with this formula, so you’ll be able to get a lot out of one bottle. I found it a bit tough to rub the product fully into my skin. And even after working up a sweat, I still couldn’t seem to rub it in enough to get rid of the white cast on my deep skin. If you’re really adamant about using mineral SPF, then this one might work for a medium to tan skin tone but was a bit too heavy for my skin.
- Key ingredients: Aloe, shea butter, carrot seed oil, avocado
- SPF type: Hybrid (both chemical and mineral)
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3
The Matte One
Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte Sunscreen SPF 45
Pros
- Applies to my skin *so* easily
Cons
- I wish it came in a bigger bottle
When I first pumped this sunscreen out, it looked a little separated, which made me nervous—but don’t let that fool you. It goes on super easily and has the creamiest texture that immediately plumped and hydrated my skin. Also, the matte finish is honestly a perfect base for makeup, and it plays well with other products. Buuuut it does feel a bit greasy at first and takes a minute to fully dry down. I have combo skin, and while it works for me, I’d be cautious if you’re on the oilier side. It’s not totally shine-proof, but the hydration and smooth finish make it worth the extra blotting sheet or two.
- Key ingredients: Aloe, squalene, shea butter
- SPF type: Chemical
4
The Spray One
Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Glow Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
Pros
- Water-resistant up to 80 minutes
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Has a strong scent as you apply it (but dissipates as it absorbs)
This spray sunscreen’s extra-fine mist feels so satisfying to apply—like a mini spa moment with every spritz. It leaves a gorgeous sheen on my skin, giving that effortless glow without feeling greasy or slimy. It’s technically fragrance-free, but there’s definitely a light scent that’s not unpleasant, just...there. While it’s not the most hydrating formula, it stays put all day, even through sweat and sun, making it perfect for a day at the beach or park. Honestly, it’s the kind of no-fuss SPF I keep reaching for when I’m running out the door.
- Key ingredients: Avocado oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, shea butter, glycerin
- SPF type: Chemical
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Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Ama Kwarteng is a contributing beauty writer at Cosmopolitan with more than six years of experience researching and writing beauty stories including neck-firming creams and under-eye patches. She tests and analyzes hundreds (if not thousands!) of beauty products every year and regularly works with key leaders in the beauty industry, from brand founders to leading makeup artists and hairstylists.
Ama Kwarteng
Ama Kwarteng was appointed the Associate Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan.
