Skin pigmentation is the occurrence of discoloration of your skin that is often caused by sun damage. To be specific, pigmentation is caused by the sun’s UVA rays. This means that it is preventable to a certain extent.
If you have already experienced hyperpigmentation, then you want to be sure to increase your protection efforts and condition the skin that has already been affected. In order to protected pigmented skin and avoid further discoloration, it is wise for you to follow the guidelines set out by the Skin Cancer Foundation:
You should wear UV protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses, and especially try to avoid sun exposure by seeking shade whenever possible.
Don’t leave it at that, though! Be responsible and protect and prevent pigmented skin by wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen every day no matter what the weather. The sun is always working so you must do the same!
I am here to help you figure out what kind of sunscreen will best protect your pigmented skin from the sun’s UV rays!
After thorough research into what kind of care your pigmented skin needs, SimplySunSafe recommends Badger Sport Sunscreen SPF 35 as the best sunscreen for pigmentation. Keep reading for a detailed buyer’s guide, comparison table, and in-depth reviews of the top 5 sunscreens for pigmentation!
Buyer’s Guide
Be sure that your pigmented skin is receiving sufficient and quality protection by searching for these must-have features in your sunscreen:
Broad spectrum protection
Navigating the plentiful choices for sunscreen can be overwhelming. There is one thing that you can always keep in mind to narrow down your selection from the beginning. You want broad spectrum protection.
This means that you will receive balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and is essential because each type of ray works differently:
- UVB rays damage the outer layer of your skin causing you to tan or burn
- UVA rays penetrate the deepest layer of your skin (the dermis) and cause premature aging
Pigmentation is caused by the harmful effects of UVA rays so you need to be protected against them! Not to mention that exposure to both types of rays increases your risk of skin cancer.
Luckily, it is very easy to find sunscreens that provide broad spectrum protection.
They are available virtually everywhere and are easy to distinguish. Just take a close look at the sunscreen’s label and ingredients list.
The label will often have words like ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘UVA/B’ making it clear that your ideal protection is provided.
You can also check the ingredients list for zinc oxide. Sunscreens with zinc oxide protect against the full range of UVA/B rays and are always a safe and effective choice for pigmented skin!
Best SPF for pigmentation
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is something that you’ve heard about your whole life and know is important when choosing a sunscreen. But do you understand what that prominent number means?
It seems to be one of those things that is rarely further explored, but understanding how the SPF rating works will enhance your sunscreen search. Let me give you a simple explanation!
SPF tells you what fraction of the sun’s rays will reach your skin if you have properly applied the sunscreen. For example, if you are wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50, then only 1/50th of the sun’s rays will reach your skin. Rejoice, but don’t get carried away!
Wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50 does not mean that you can stay in the sun 50 times longer than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. Don’t take this risk with your pigmented skin!
There are many factors which influence the effectiveness of SPF including time of day, amount of sunscreen properly applied, and even reflections from surfaces such as sand and water.
Check out this table below to gain a better understanding of how much protection you receive with different SPF ratings:
| SPF Rating | UVB Protection |
| None | 0% |
| 2 | 50% |
| 15 | 93% |
| 30 | 97% |
| 50 | 98% |
| 100 | 99% |
It’s a bit surprising isn’t it?
The truth is that there is very little difference between an SPF rating of 30 and one of 100. So how do you know which to choose to protect your pigmented skin?
SimplySunSafe follows expert guidelines and suggests that you always choose sunscreens with SPF ratings no lower than 30 and no higher than 50.
And remember, your pigmented skin is best protected when you reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours!
Physical is better than chemical
Did you know that sunscreen can be divided into two main categories?
These categories are chemical and physical, and the differences between them lie in their active ingredients and in the ways they work to protect you:
- Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays as they reach your skin
- Physical sunscreens reflect UV rays before they reach your skin
There are many reasons to choose physical sunscreens over chemical ones.
Physical sunscreens:
- Stop more light reaching your skin
- Protect against a broader UV spectrum (and more UVA)
- Work immediately upon application
- Last longer
- Are less likely to cause irritation
- Have a longer shelf life
If these reasons aren’t enough to convince you, listen to this:
Chemical sunscreens often contain ingredients that mess with your hormones. This is not something you when you’re trying to prevent further pigmentation!
The worst of these ingredients is called oxybenzone and is still legal despite FDA concerns. I advise you to avoid this ingredient at all costs!
The best sunscreen for hyperpigmentation will always be a physical one!
Zinc oxide as an active ingredient
As I mentioned before, pigmentation can be caused by the harmful effects of the sun’s UVA rays. So it is necessary that the sun protection you use provides protection not only against UVB rays which cause tanning and burning, but also UVA rays.
Zinc oxide is your best option when it comes to active ingredients in your sunscreen. It protects against the full range of UVA/B rays so you know that you will not be risking further avoidable pigmentation from UVA rays.
Many physical sunscreens employ zinc oxide as an active ingredient. SimplySunSafe has you covered and has listed 5 products which all use zinc oxide as an active ingredient!
Suitable for daily use
When your skin is pigmented, it becomes more vulnerable to sun damage. There is no longer an option of skipping sun protection.
You must be sure to wear sunscreen every day, no matter the season. You will need to find a sunscreen that will fit well into your daily skincare routine to ensure its daily use.
Ask yourself these questions before beginning your search:
- Do you want a sunscreen you can use daily on both your face and body?
- Will you wear makeup on top of your sunscreen?
- What skin conditions or sensitivities do you need to accommodate for?
- Is your lifestyle especially active (e.g. exercise, sports)?
Having these answers in mind will streamline your search process and lead to you to find the right product for your skin much faster.
This is because you need to prioritise sunscreen features. An active person will care more about water resistance than finish, but for everyday users finish and compatibility with cosmetics is more important.
Any product that will be used daily must be effective yet mild. SimplySunSafe has listed products that will sufficiently protect your skin while providing a level of sensitivity which will ensure that you do not experience irritation!
Best Sunscreen for Pigmentation Comparison
 Badger Sport Sunscreen |
 Blue Lizard Sensitive |
 Thinksport Sunscreen |
 Raw Elements Eco Formula |
 Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector |
|
| SPF | 35 | 30+ | 50+ | 30 | 50 |
| Broad spectrum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (22.5%) | Zinc Oxide (10%) & Titanium Dioxide (5%) | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Zinc Oxide (23%) | Titanium Dioxide (7%) & Zinc Oxide (6%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes | No | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | No |
| Invisible finish | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Price | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon |
5 Best Sunscreens for Pigmentation
After extensive research into what is needed to properly protect pigmented skin which included discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer feedback, and participating in skincare forums, SimplySunSafe has compiled a list of the 5 best sunscreens for pigmentation.
Each product provides physical, broad spectrum protection with an SPF rating of 30 or greater. They are all suitable for daily use with zinc oxide as an active ingredient!
1. Badger Sport Sunscreen SPF 35
- Cruelty-free
- Non-GMO
- One 87 ml. Tube of spf 35 sport unscented sunscreen cream
- Organic
Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Badger Sport Sunscreen is SimplySunSafe’s choice for the best sunscreen for pigmented skin. This durable and versatile sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection with a high concentration of your ideal active ingredient zinc oxide (22.5%).
Although its name suggests toughness, Badger Sport Sunscreen is extremely gentle with a formula comprised of a total of 5 natural ingredients. You will not experience irritation with this product, and your pigmented skin will be very well protected.
Badger Sport is an excellent option if you live an active lifestyle, as it provides 80 minutes of water resistance. Sweating and water activity will not compromise your sun protection with Badger Sport!
The very high concentration of zinc oxide provides stellar protection against UVA/B for your pigmented skin, but creates a thick formula that leaves a slight white cast on your skin.
You may find that this is worth the compromise for unbeatable protection, and you can always wear some makeup if you want to cover up the white cast!
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- Simple, natural formula
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Thick formula
- Slight white cast
2. Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30+
- WE LOVE THE REEF – To help protect delicate coral reefs, our Sensitive sunscreen contains no Oxybenzone or Octinoxate
- MINERAL SUNSCREEN, NO CHEMICAL ACTIVE INGREDIENTS – Protects your skin by acting like thousands of tiny mirrors that reflect UV rays away before they enter your body
- DERMATOLOGIST-RECOMMENDED BROAD SPECTRUM UVA/UVB SPF 30+ – Mineral active Zinc Oxide provides broad spectrum protection
- PARABEN-FREE & FRAGRANCE-FREE – Contains no fragrances or parabens, making it ideal for sensitive skin
- WATER RESISTANT– Up to 40 minutes water resistance, so you stay protected longer
Last update on 2023-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30+ is SimplySunSafe’s next choice for pigmented skin sun protection. This formula provides broad spectrum protection through its active ingredients zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (5%).
Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen is a great choice for pigmented skin because it is especially designed for sensitive skin. This means that you will not risk causing your skin any irritation. Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen is safe to use on your face and body.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen’s formula is thick and moisturizing, but will blend in very well with your skin without leaving a white cast.
It is an ideal addition to your skincare routine if you do not lead an especially active lifestyle, as it does not provide water resistance.
You will find that it morphs right into part of your daily life!
- Zinc oxide as an active ingredient
- Designed for sensitive skin
- No white cast
- Does not provide water resistance
3. Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+
- SAFE, NATURAL PROTECTION: Thinksport sunscreen provides effective sun protection for athletes, sports and active use. The broad spectrum UVA & UVB sun cream is suitable for daily use on even sensitive skin, offering gentle defense against the sun’s rays.
- EASY APPLICATION: The hydrating body and face sun cream is quick and easy to apply, and protection from the sun begins instantly. The fast absorbing SPF 50+ sun lotion won’t leave your skin feeling oily or sticky, and has no unpleasant chemical scent.
- CLEAN MINERAL FORMULA: The first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements, Thinksport vegan, Leaping Bunny certified sun creams contain no PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals.
- WATER RESISTANT: Ideal sunscreen for sport and other activities that make you sweat. Our sun cream provides the highest water resistance per the FDA, offering continuous protection for up to 80 minutes in the pool or sea before the sunscreen should be re-applied.
- Accurate Ingredient List: Our updated packaging guarantees precise ingredient listings while preserving our unchanged formulas. Rest assured, there have been no changes to our ingredients. Our fragrance is derived solely from natural oils, ensuring a pleasant scent without any harmful effects. Note: "Natural Fragrance Oils" simply describes the natural oils used to provide a delightful aroma.
Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another excellent choice for pigmented skin is thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+.
This sunscreen is another which provides broad spectrum protection with a high concentration of zinc oxide (20%).
Thinksport Sunscreen is one of the safest choices of sun protection to use on your pigmented skin. It was the first sunscreen to pass the Whole Foods premium care requirements. You can rest assured that irritation will not be an issue with thinksport.
Thinksport’s high SPF rating makes it a great option for those with paler or especially sensitive skin. It also provides 80 minutes of water resistance, making it a good choice for an active lifestyle or humid climate.
Its thick formula tends to leave a bit of a white cast so that is something to consider when making your choice!
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- Suitable and safe for daily use
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Thick formula
- Slight white cast
4. Raw Elements Eco Formula Sunscreen SPF 30
- EWG TOP-RATED SUNSCREEN – Performance-driven face and body sun protection lasts up to 80 minutes and does not run or sting your eyes
- DAILY USE FOR ALL AGES – Gentle, moisturizing formula can be used as part of your daily skin care routine and is gentle enough for kids
- NATURAL AND ORGANIC MINERAL SUNSCREEN – Soy, gluten and nut free, contains no synthetic chemicals and packed with nourishing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, so your skin stays protected long after environmental exposure
- SPF 30+ BROAD-SPECTRUM PROTECTION – With a sole active ingredient of 23% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, our Face + Body Lotion 30+ provides UVA-UVB true broad-spectrum coverage
- SAFE FOR OUR PLANET – Reef-safe, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, non-GMO and biodegradable in recyclable plastic-free bio-resin tube. Protect yourself and the environment!
Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Raw Elements Eco Formula Sunscreen is an excellent choice for the sun protection of pigmented skin.
It provides the list’s highest concentration of zinc oxide (23%) for broad spectrum protection, and has landed in the 4th spot on our list only due to it being a little pricey pricey.
Raw Elements Eco Formula is hypoallergenic, will not cause any irritation, and is ideal for daily use on your face and body even with hyperpigmentation.
It will even nourish your skin with Vitamin E while you are protected from the sun!
This sunscreen is another good option for an active lifestyle. Providing 80 minutes of water resistance.
As you can probably guess, you will get a thick formula that leaves a slight white cast with such a high concentration of zinc oxide. But that is a compromise worth making for top notch protection!
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- Suitable for daily use
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Thick formula
- White cast
5. Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector SPF 50
No products found.
SimplySunSafe’s final recommendation for pigmented skin is Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector SPF 50. This sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection through its active ingredients titanium dioxide (7%) and zinc oxide (6%).
Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector is ideal for your daily skincare routine. It was designed by dermatologists for daily use on face and body for all skin types, including sensitive areas.
Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector has a lightweight formula which does not leave a white cast or greasy feeling. It works very well under makeup and is also quite moisturizing.
Although you won’t receive water resistance, your skin will be nourished by green tea and Vitamin E with Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector.
You may find that this slightly pricey sunscreen is worth the investment for your daily skin protection!
- Zinc oxide as an active ingredient
- Suitable for daily use
- Nourishing formula
- Works well under makeup
- No water resistance
- Expensive
Conclusion
This guide was written for those seeking the best sunscreen for pigmentation. I hope that by reading this guide you learned how to care for your pigmented skin and found a product that fits your specific needs.
SimplySunSafe recommends Badger Sport Sunscreen SPF 35 but all 5 listed products will sufficiently protect your pigmented skin against the sun’s UV rays.
Learning about different products is just the first step. Now you’ll want to start testing different sunscreens to see which ones work best for your skin. That way you’ll be able to make the most informed decision about which sunscreen to use!
I love learning new things and hearing about different products from other people because it’s the best way to get insider tips! If you use or know of another sunscreen for pigmentation, share it in the comments. I’ll check it out and maybe it will even be added to this list!
If you’d like sunscreen recommendations for other skin conditions, SimplySunSafe has a range of guides including sunscreen for dark spots and melasma sunscreen. Just go to the top of this page and search for a condition to find the recommendations you’re looking for.
Photo credit: Produnis / CC BY-SA 3.0
Please assist, I used to steam my face a lot growing up, now I’ve got dark spot in my nose (both sides) not in the cetre, so somebody told me to use sunscreen to prevent that, is there a sunscreen that can help remove this spots???
Hi Dollface,
I’m not sure what you mean by dark spots, whether they’re caused by the sun or are some form of acne/blackhead.
Either way, a sunscreen won’t remove them but will instead help to prevent them getting worse.
But I’ll point you in a couple of directions and hope you find what you’re looking for:
– best acne sunscreen
– best sunscreen for dark spots
– best nose sunscreen