All products in this article are independently selected by AMAKA or by the interviewee for AMAKA. However, when you purchase an item or product through our retail links, we may earn a small affiliate commission.

We recently tested and tried a few online fan favourites, so that you don’t have to. Weightless, hydrating, and 100% traceless — these game-changing formulations reign supreme in the SPF department, providing sheer and white-cast-free finishes on melanin-rich skin tones.

1. Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion for Face and Body

Type: Chemical

SPF: 30

Key ingredients: Avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice and sunflower oil.

Other notes: Reef-friendly (does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate).

Formulated specifically for melanated skin tones, Black Girl Sunscreen sits high and mighty in rankings of award-winning SPF blends. Beauty editors and skinthusiasts all-over attest to the hydration benefits and lightweight formula of this nourishing protective base, and after testing it ourselves, we can confirm that it’s worth every dime. This lotion and SPF hybrid contains a rich dose of natural moisturising ingredients that deliver the very best skin-nourishing perks. Some of these ingredients include avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice, and sunflower oil — a succulent mash-up with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that hydrate, soothe, even, and restore skin tone. This holy grail superstar gets two thumbs up from us, especially for drier skin types.

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2. Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer

Type: Chemical

SPF: 30

Key ingredients: Kalahari melon, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, aloe and baobab.

Other notes: Reef-friendly.

A featherlight SPF that actively tackles dryness, dullness, and discolouration — ticking all the boxes for glow-getters. When it comes to translucency, as Rihanna promises, it provides a “now you see me, now you don’t” protective coat. Kalahari melon, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and baobab work as a dynamic quartet to give skin a considerable and visible moisture boost — while pigmentation-fighting niacinamide keeps dark spots and excess sebum production in check. We highly recommend this for frequent makeup wearers as it is non-comedogenic (it won’t clog your pores) with also zero pilling or flashback.

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3. La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid

Type: Chemical

SPF: 50

Key ingredients: La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water.

Non-greasy, light-as-air, fast-absorbing, and white-cast-free — these are just some of the words that can be used to describe this best-selling broad-spectrum sunscreen. It truly ticks all the boxes. In addition to the high level of protection that it provides, this super fluid is also water, sweat, and sand-resistant, making it a worthy choice for those with active lifestyles. Key ingredients include La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water and glycerin to soothe and hydrate sensitive skin.

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4. Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum

Type: Chemical

SPF: 50

Key ingredients: Mushroom peptides and blackcurrant seed oil.

This broad-spectrum SPF boasts a triple threat that blurs, primes, and protects skin, ensuring that your layers of makeup stay put from nine to five. It consists of a unique Soft Focus Complex that works to minimise the appearance of pores and fine lines, leaving you with a refined and airbrushed-like skin finish. Mushroom peptides tackle signs of aging, allowing the skin to literally bounce back, while blackcurrant seed oil provides moisture and anti-inflammatory properties.

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5. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum

Type: Chemical

SPF: 50

Key ingredients: Frankincense.

Other notes: Reef-friendly.

You’ve probably heard all about Supergoop’s Unseen online, and we’re here to reaffirm that this cult favourite is worth the hype. This multi-tasking broad-spectrum SPF can be worn solo or as a “gripping” foundation primer — either way, the result is velvety-smooth skin and an impressive invisible finish.

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6. Unsun Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion

Type: Mineral

SPF: 30

Key ingredients: A blend of natural extracts.

Sunscreen meets primer — this is the perfect SPF accessory for makeup minimalists. Much like Supergoop’s offering, Unsun’s can be worn alone for a gorgeous dewy tint that will lift and brighten your complexion. Alternatively, it can be utilised as a makeup primer to enhance your foundation’s colour and coverage. There are a whole lot of skin-nourishing and conditioning ingredients in this formula such as shea butter, cucumber, coconut oil, and vitamin E-rich olive oil. It's available in two shades, light/medium and medium/dark for a skin-like colour coat.

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7. Paula’s Choice Skin Restoring Moisturizer

Type: Chemical

SPF: 50

Key ingredients: Shea butter, niacinamide and licorice extract.

If you’re looking for a hydrating formula, keep this sunscreen on your radar. It contains antioxidant-rich shea butter and coffee seed to moisturise and protect skin from free radicals. Niacinamide and licorice extract join forces to balance uneven tone. Overall, you’ll love the dewy glow and skin-restoring benefits that come along with this gem.

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8. Kate Somerville Uncomplikated Broad Spectrum SPF Setting Spray

Type: Chemical

SPF: 50

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and rhodiola rosea.

Kate Somerville’s SPF-infused setting spray will elevate makeup days. It’s an ultra-fine mist that sets makeup extremely well and it includes both UVA and UVB protection. The one thing we love about this spray is that it makes it a lot easier to reapply sunscreen over your foundation and concealer throughout the day. It simply adds a perfectly matte finish with a subtle second-skin film that doesn’t tarnish your base.