11 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave Behind a White Cast on Your Skin (2025)

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission

To maintain the health of your skin, it’s imperative that you wear sunscreen daily. You also need to learn to layer it properly with your other products (and re-apply consistently)…even when your only plans are to sit on the couch and binge-watch your favorite TV shows. Let’s be real, though: It’s been historically hard (understatement) for people with darker skin tones to find a sunscreen without white cast being an issue.

The good news: More brands are finally formulating options with darker complexions in mind in order to avoid this problem. Below are eight options that all passed our test by going on sheer, offering broad spectrum protection, and giving us a glow.

The best sheer sunscreens for every skin tone

11 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave Behind a White Cast on Your Skin (1)

Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 — $16.00

This sunscreen can be used both on the face and body and protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays. It doesn’t have that old-school sunscreen scent and goes on 100-percent sheer.

11 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave Behind a White Cast on Your Skin (2)

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 — $41.00

Dermatologists love this sunscreen for all skin types and complexions and rightfully so! This cult-favorite is oil-free and great for people with sensitive skin and discoloration caused by acne and rosacea.

advertisement

11 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave Behind a White Cast on Your Skin (3)

Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen SPF 35 — $25.00

If you’re someone who doesn’t like sunscreen, this one will change your mind quickly. It’s a lightweight, water-gel formula that essentially feels like nothing when applied to the skin, plus, it’s makeup-friendly.

11 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave Behind a White Cast on Your Skin (4)

If you’re someone who likes to wear makeup, this serum will work as a great base, helping your foundation go on smoothly and providing a semi-matte glow.

advertisement

11 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave Behind a White Cast on Your Skin (5)

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen — $38.00

Give your skin the luxury it deserves with this two-in-one moisturizer and sunscreen. It promises “light-as-air hydration” while also reducing the appearance of pores. It’s a great option for those who like to wear makeup as it won’t pill or cause flashback (aka a white cast on your skin in photos).

11 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave Behind a White Cast on Your Skin (6)

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ — $36.00

Here’s a great option no matter your skin concerns or complexion. We’re filing this one under “provides protection and feels and smells like nothing.”

advertisement

11 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave Behind a White Cast on Your Skin (7)

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA+++ — $30.00

Finding a mineral sunscreen that doesn’t create a white cast can be tricky for darker complexions, but this one goes on completely sheer—we promise! Not to mention, it will hydrate, cool, and calm your skin due to the water lily and sugarcane-derived squalane.

11 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave Behind a White Cast on Your Skin (8)

Bea Skincare Solar Defence SPF 30 — $31.00

If your skin concerns include discoloration, photo-aging, and hyperpigmentation, this sunscreen was made with you in mind. It’s so good that finding it in stock is almost impossible.

advertisement

11 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave Behind a White Cast on Your Skin (9)

Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50 — $145.00

These sun drops are 100-percent worth the investment and your skin will thank you. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid for hydration; green tea leaf extract to protect from free radicals; and a combination of cassia extract, vitamin E, and beta glucan to protect against premature aging and support the skin’s regeneration of damaged cells, which all means one thing: Your skin is going to be glowing.

11 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave Behind a White Cast on Your Skin (10)

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 — $34.00

In addition to being ultra sheer, this lightweight sunscreen has sunflower shoot extract, algae extract, and raspberry seed oil for antioxidant and free radical protection. It has no chemical screens, silicones, or fragrances, and is suitable even for sensitive skin.

advertisement

11 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave Behind a White Cast on Your Skin (11)

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen — $8.00

You’ll get good bang for your buck with this drugstore pick. The sunscreen uses Dry-Touch technology that’s fast absorbing, non-greasy, and blends in without leaving white streaks. It’s oil-free and non-comedogenic so you won’t have to worry about breakouts after wearing it all day.

Want to learn more about sun care for darker complexions? Check out this video:

Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cutting-edge wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.

Sign Up for Our Daily Newsletter

Get all the latest in wellness, trends, food, fitness, beauty, and more delivered right to your inbox.

Got it, you've been added to our email list.

11 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave Behind a White Cast on Your Skin (2025)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Patricia Veum II

Last Updated:

Views: 6588

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Patricia Veum II

Birthday: 1994-12-16

Address: 2064 Little Summit, Goldieton, MS 97651-0862

Phone: +6873952696715

Job: Principal Officer

Hobby: Rafting, Cabaret, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Inline skating, Magic, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.