11 Brightening Sunscreens That Tackle Dark Spots and Even Out Skin Tone

Sun damage has a long list of negatives, from serious stakes like skin cancer to aesthetic nuisances like pre-mature signs of aging. Some side effects of getting too much sun, many of us deal with include dark spots, discoloration and melasma. Once dark spots have settled into our skin, they’re hard to erase, so protecting your skin from the sun with quality SPF is key to avoiding pesky discoloration. To reduce the evidence of current dark spots and prevent future ones from forming, grab a multi-tasking sunscreen that protects skin from UV while brightening it for a more even complexion.

The Best Brightening Sunscreens

1 / 11

La Roche-Posay Mela B3 UV Daily Sunscreen ($35)

La Roche-Posay’s Mela B3 line was a revelation for dark spots, so I was thrilled to see they also offer a sunscreen with the same technology as the serum. The brightening  stars here are Melasyl, an exclusive ingredient to the brand, and niacinamide.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $35
• BUY ON ULTA – $35

2 / 11

Murad Superactive Moisturizer SPF 50: Brightening ($55)

This new hydrating and brightening moisturizer features SPF 50 and is packed with vitamin C. What more could you want from a sunscreen? The leveled-up formula is based on a previous product of theirs, but this one makes bigger promises, like a more even skin tone in a week.

• BUY ON MURAD – $55
• BUY ON AMAZON – $55

3 / 11

SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen ($60)

Naturally, dermatologist-loved SkinCeuticals has a solid brightening sunscreen. The formula features brightening powerhouses tranexamic acid, niacinamide and phenylethyl resorcinol for long-term benefits while mica instantly brightens.

• BUY ON BLUEMERCURY – $60
• BUY ON DERMSTORE – $60

4 / 11

Ranavat Brightening Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($65)

Ranavat is beloved for their brightening products, so it was exciting to see them launch a brightening sunscreen recently. It’s one of those rare mineral sunscreens that doesn’t leave a white cast. In addition to SPF, this formula features the brand’s signature brightening saffron.

• BUY ON RANAVAT – $65
• BUY ON AMAZON – $65

5 / 11

Kopari Bright As Day Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($38)

This daily sunscreen leaves skin immediately looking a touch brighter, thanks in part to mica. Plus, the vitamin C, astaxanthin and niacinamide work toward a more even skin tone for the long haul.

• BUY ON KOPARI – $38
• BUY ON AMAZON – $38

6 / 11

Caudalie Vinosun Protect Brightening Daily Mineral Face Sunscreen ($39)

A whopping 90 percent of users felt their skin looked brighter after 14 days with this new sunscreen from Caudalie, while 93 percent agreed their skin tone appeared more even. Those would be good stats for a brightening serum, but they’re even more impressive from a sunscreen.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $39
• BUY ON SEPHORA – $39

7 / 11

L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum Daily SPF 50 UV Lotion ($28)

This sunscreen promises a brighter, younger-looking, more even complexion over time. It’s a great primer for makeup and seamlessly blends into skin, making it a good option for easy daily use.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $28
• BUY ON ULTA – $33

8 / 11

RoC MULTI CORREXION Revive + Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 ($27)

Users found skin to be noticeably revitalized, hydrated and tighter after a week of use. Even better? Eight out of ten users said they experienced brighter skin immediately after using this sunscreen.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $27
• BUY ON ULTA – $35

9 / 11

OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30 ($35)

OLEHENRIKSEN’s Banana Bright products are iconic, so this sunscreen is definitely worth a try. Reviewers love its tint and note seeing brighter skin in four weeks.

• BUY ON REVOLVE – $35
• BUY ON SEPHORA – $35

10 / 11

NEOSTRATA Enlighten Skin Brightener SPF 35 ($65)

This formula is not messing around, with 100 percent of users saying they noticed brighter skin after four weeks of using it alongside the Enlighten regimen. The hero ingredient, neoGlucosamine, gently exfoliates skin and helps fade the appearance of discoloration.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $65
• BUY ON DERMSTORE- $65

11 / 11

Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 ($38)

Sheer, hydrating and brightening, this sunscreen is an all-around winner. Users say they noticed brighter and smoother skin after two weeks of use.

• BUY ON NORDSTROM – $38
• BUY ON AMAZON – $38