Hello, beauties!
We hope you are enjoying your summer <3
We're here bringing you some great sunscreen products to try, all created by wonderful women of color owned beauty/wellness brands.
If you're thinking, "I have melanated skin, I don't need sunscreen"... We're here to tell you - yes, yes you do.
The reason melanated people still need sunscreen is because while we might not get "burnt" by the sun easily, exposure to UV rays can still be harmful to our skin, not to mention can lead to premature aging of the skin. (No thank you!)
And to debunk melanated skin myths further, darker skinned people CAN still get skin cancer. Unfortunately, usually when this happens, the diagnosis comes at a much later stage since it can be harder to detect or even ignored, and can have very serious health effects.
It is important to protect our skin and to get regular check ups! Speak with your doctor about getting your skin checked for any signs of discoloration, large bumps/moles, or even get regular check ups just as a precaution.
Below are 8 SPF products and brands that provide sun protection created by WoC, made with melanated skin at top of mind.
1. Black Girl Sunscreen
Created by Shontay Lundy in 2016, this is the OG sunscreen made for darker-skinned beauties. The line has expanded to carry a kids line, as well as SPF lipgloss. This OG sunscreen made for melanated skin is beloved by many—and rightfully so, thanks to its paraben-, fragrance-, oxybenzone - octinoxate-, silicone- and aluminum-free formula. You can shop BGS online, at Target, and Ulta stores!
2. Fenty Skin
The infamous Rihanna AKA Robyn Fenty, founded Fenty Skin after the major success of it's predecessor, Fenty Beauty. Fenty Beauty is probably THEE best celebrity owned beauty line, each product made with a wide range of shades in mind. Fenty Skin takes notes from it's sister brand, with innovative formulas to cater to all skin tones and refillable packaging to reduce your carbon footprint.
3. Eleven by Venus
Tennis star Venus Williams created EleVen, a fashion-forward activewear and lifestyle brand in 2007. In 2020, Williams partnered with Credo Beauty to serve up skin protection infused with 25 percent zinc oxide and skin-loving ingredients that provide white cast-free protection no matter your skin tone. Credo Beauty is known for its strict ingredient list and carrying clean, vegan brands, so you know this line is quality. EleVen by Venus SPF products are also dermatologist approved. Shop Eleven by Venus online or at Credo Beauty stores.
4. Bolden
Founded in 2012 by two childhood friends who reconnected later in life, Bolden was created to provide effective skincare solutions for women of color. Their Brightening Moisturizer with SPF 30 leaves no white-cast on the skin, and is infused with Vitamin C to give you a luminous glow. You can find Bolden products online and at Walmart!
5. cocokind
cocokind was created by Priscilla Tsai in 2014 to change the status quo of the beauty industry and break the cycle of “aspirational beauty.” This hydrating lip oil with SPF protects against both UVA and UVB rays with a flattering "my lips but better" tint. Antioxidant-rich starfruit moisturizes and adds an extra layer of protection. Over 20,000 members of the cocokind community weighed in on the development of this product. You can find cocokind products online or at Target!
6. Undefined Beauty Co.
Founded in 2o18 by Dorian Morris, Undefined Beauty is "clean, conscious, inclusive, plant magic". They believe in creating plant-based products that fuse mother nature's plant magic with powerful active ingredients that are affordable and consciously sourced. Niacinamide, Tremella mushroom, and raspberry are just some of the skin loving ingredients listed in their sun serum. You can shop Undefined online, or at CVS, Target, and Ulta!
7. Kinlo
Tennis star Noami Osaka founded this brand in 2021, after years of thinking she didn't need sunscreen because of her melanated skin. Kinlo was created with the help of dermatologists, with Naomi's mission to provide inclusive education on how to protect skin of all colors. Kinlo uses natural ingredients to address common melanated skin concerns from blue light and sun protection, to healing and nourishment. You can shop Kinlo online, or at Walmart!
8. Live Tinted
Live Tinted started as a community platform turned beauty brand, founded by Deepica Mutyala in 2017. The brand's mission is to change the beauty narrative and celebrate and unite beuaty for all tinted skins. After releasing different makeup products, in 2021, they released Huegard, an SPF created to leave no white-cast on melanated skin, and combat the idea that melanated skin doesn't need sun protection. According to their website, 80% of our community has been told to stay out of the sun to avoid darkening their skin, while nearly 60% of our community has been told they don't need to wear sunscreen because they have tinted skin. You can find Live Tinted online, and at Ulta or Sephora Canada!
Have you tried any of these brands/products? Comment below!