By: Sheila Leftridge
I am constantly seeking new skin care brands to try. I recently heard of Black Girl Sunscreen from a friend. When she mentioned that they were Black-owned, I had to try the brand.
First, I had to do my research. The brand was founded by Shontay Lundy in 2016. Lundy was frustrated with the sunscreens on the market, none of which catered to darker skin tones.
That same year, she launched a moisturizing sunscreen formulated for women of color that absorbs completely clear, leaving no white residue, called Black Girl Sunscreen (BGS) SPF 30.
In 2019, BGS became the first Black-owned sunscreen brand carried by Target, launching in 250 stores nationwide, and it later expanded internationally.
Now BGS is available nationwide, featured in over 18,000 stores, from Kohl’s to Walmart.
Signature Product
A sunscreen created for everyday use that doubles as a moisturizing lotion, Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 is filled with key ingredients that protect your skin from the sun. This sunscreen dries completely clear and can be used under your favorite makeup.
Key Ingredients
Avocado oil helps to moisturize and reduce signs of aging, as well as treat sunburn. Containing fatty acids and loaded with essential antioxidants (vitamin E), avocado oil has become one of the hottest trends in the beauty industry. Eating avocado on a weekly basis can also be beneficial for your skin. The key benefits of avocado oil are that it helps promote healing, boost collagen, and soothe inflammation.
Jojoba oil also helps to moisturize the skin and aid in preventing acne. Keeping your skin hydrated is essential to maintaining skin health, and it also helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Jojoba oil is a natural moisturizer, providing deep and long-lasting hydration without clogging the pores. It is also known for its healing properties and helps accelerate the healing of cuts, burns, and sun damage.
Cacao oil/butter provides powerful antioxidants and helps even out your complexion while keeping the skin smooth. It helps repair the skin while boosting elasticity. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe sensitive skin, calm redness, and reduce stretch marks and scars. It promotes blood flow to the skin’s surface, which encourages a healthier, more radiant, glowing complexion.
Carrot juice contains vitamin C, which helps promote healing of the skin as well as boosting melanin levels in the skin. Carrot juice has also been associated with helping acne breakouts. It promotes cell turnover and enhances radiance. It increases skin hydration, improves elasticity, and fights signs of aging with antioxidants, while also aiding liver detox for a clearer complexion.
Sunflower oil helps prevent skin irritation from sunburn and also helps relieve inflammation. It is excellent for protecting and soothing all skin types without clogging the pores. It helps regenerate skin cells, remove dead skin cells, and promote a clearer, more radiant complexion.
How to Use
Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and at least every 2 hours.
Sun protection measures: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. To decrease this risk, regularly use sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF value of 15 or higher and other sun protection measures, including limiting time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
How to Apply When Using Makeup
You can apply sunscreen under or over your makeup. When applying under your makeup, apply the sunscreen as the last skin care product before your makeup. When applying sunscreen over your makeup, use a spray or powder formula. When using it over your makeup, you never want to rub—only pat. If you are using an oily or thicker sunscreen, lightly blot your face before applying.
Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours to maintain effective protection, particularly when outdoors, sweating, or swimming. For daily indoor or sedentary activities, reapplication every four to six hours may be sufficient.
