If you have dark skin and have been in the skincare space for any length of time then you have heard about black girl sunscreen. The target audience you is in its name, talk about marketing.
The major problem for people with dark skin who want to wear sunscreen is the dreaded white cast. No one wants to walk around looking like Casper all day and even if you wear makeup, it would still somehow breakthrough so I rushed to buy a tube once it was available.
Like I mentioned in my previous review of the Altruist Dermatologist Sunscreen, my goal is to review as many as possible so that you can choose which works best for your skin
Let’s get started
What is it
Black Girl Sunscreen is a broad-spectrum chemical Sunscreen with an SPF of 30. It is fragrance-free non-sticky. Broad-spectrum means it will protect your skin from both UVA (ageing rays ) and UVB ( burning rays ) , SPF 30 means it will protect you from 97% of the UV rays.
Appearance and packaging
Black Girl Sunscreen comes in a black plastic tube (Duh). It does not come with any external or secondary packaging, which is great for the environment. It is currently available in one size 89 ml which although is not huge is quite reasonable compared with other similar products.
The product itself comes out in a thick white runny consistency and tends to sometimes over pour but it absorbs easily.
How to use
For adequate protection for your face and neck, you should use the 2-finger sunscreen rule. Make sure to, dot the sunscreen around your face making sure to get to all the quadrants and rub in carefully. You may need to do it in 2 phases to ensure it is all absorbed. Your sunscreen is the last skincare product you should apply before your make-up and do it at least 20 minutes before leaving the house.
Pros
- Moisturizing so allows you skip your moisturizer
- Zero white cast it absorbs beautifully into the skin
- Fragrance free which means it can use used by sensitive skin types
- Suitable for dry skin types
- Relatively affordable so gives good value for money
- Broad spectrum so protects from both UVA & UVB rays
Cons
- It stings my eyes horribly which is a huge problem for me
- Runny consistency which makes it a bit prone to spillage if you are not careful
- Not great for oily or acne prone skin
Who is it for
- Works best for dry skin Anyone who has skin
Cost
NGN7,250 -13,000 depending on the source.
Rating
Performance 3/5
This is okay sunscreen especially if you have darker skin, it absorbs easily without leaving a white cast. It stings my eyes and skin badly and makes it uncomfortable to use. One of its selling points is that it is formulated as a sunscreen and a moisturizing lotion, meaning it is able to replace your moisturizer cutting out one step in your routine It is emollient which means you can use it instead of a moisturizer if you choose.
Quality 3/5
- Good quality, lightweight.
Value for money 3/5
- Mid-range in price 89 ml
Ease of use 3/5
- It is easy to use and applies like a regular face cream or moisturizer.
Overall rating 3/5
I wouldn’t recommend this sunscreen, although it works well with dark skin the stinging around the eyes and skin makes it impossible to use for me I stopped using mine halfway through because it wasn’t worth the effort.
Where to buy
Alternatives
- Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen
- Bondi Sands
- LaRoche Posay Anthelios
- Super Goop Unseen Sunscreen
Sunscreen is absolutely essential for your skin. To learn more on why it isn’t negotiable read these blog posts Sun protection: The ultimate guide to everything you need to know about sunscreen, SPF vs PA+++ factor, is there a difference? and which is the better measure of sun protection.
What are your thoughts about this sunscreen? have you used it and what are your favourites.
Love your review initial thoughts I was been sensitive. The sunscreen string my eyes
Thank for sharing an honest review. It is a little oily.
I have used almost a full tube. I have sensitive prone skin, however, it does not sting my eyes. By mid day, I do find that my skin is a bit oily, but I have dry skin and so far that doesn’t really bother me. I do use a moisturizer and sunscreen, which I will cut back a bit on the moisturizer since I use a day and night. it is also a great sunscreen for the full body if you’re out walking outside. I would recommend the sunscreen because it does not leave a cast. It is full spectrum and it does help with my need for moisture.