5 Ways to Avoid White Cast From Sunscreen

Use chemical sunscreens Ingredients like avobenzone, octocrylene, or Tinosorb M are invisible once rubbed in, so they won’t leave a chalky look on dark skin.

Choose micronized mineral sunscreen If you prefer mineral formulas for sensitivity or reef safety, look for “micronized” or “nano” versions of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They are ground finer and blend better.

Try tinted mineral sunscreen Tinted mineral sunscreens can work, but finding the right shade for dark skin is often a hassle.

Test on your jawline first Before buying a full-size bottle, apply a small amount on your jawline. Some chemical sunscreens still look weird on certain skin tones.

Avoid non-micronized mineral sunscreens The white cast is almost always from standard zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They sit on top of the skin and reflect UV, which leaves an ashy look on dark skin.