Every once in a while, a beauty brand comes along that doesn’t just launch a product—it changes the conversation. That’s exactly what Black Girl Sunscreen has done.
The cult-favorite brand has redefined sun care for melanin-rich skin, solving a problem our community had talked about for years: creating SPF that protects without leaving a white cast.
We sat down with founder Shontay Lundy to discuss the inspiration behind the bestselling brand, why daily SPF should be a non-negotiable part of every skincare routine, and how Black Girl Sunscreen continues to raise the bar for inclusive beauty. Here’s what she had to say.
3H: Before Black Girl Sunscreen became a household name, many people with melanin-rich skin tones often overlooked sunscreen in their skincare routine. What do you think our biggest misconception about sun protection is?
SL: That people with darker skin don’t need sunscreen. One of the main reasons I created Black Girl Sunscreen was to challenge that belief and develop products that actually work for melanated skin.
We deserve sunscreen that protects us without leaving a white cast while also supporting the skincare concerns in our community.
3H: Speaking of skincare concerns, what issues do you think could be significantly improved through consistent SPF use?
SL: Consistent SPF is one of the most important things you can do for healthy skin, period. Whether you’re concerned about fine lines, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, protecting your skin from UV exposure is what helps all of your other skincare efforts pay off.
For our community especially, hyperpigmentation and melasma are common concerns, and both can be worsened by the sun. If you’re working toward a more even complexion, sunscreen isn’t optional—it’s mandatory.
3H: Many people only think about sunscreen during the summer. If you had to highlight three months when sun protection deserves the most attention, which would they be, and why?
SL: Summer; June, July, and August naturally deserve a lot of attention because UV levels are at their highest in many parts of the country. But if there’s one thing I always encourage people to remember, it’s that sun protection doesn’t end with summer.
December, January, and February are often the most overlooked months. Because UVA rays are present year-round, and snow can reflect UV exposure onto your skin. The goal shouldn’t be seasonal SPF—it should be daily SPF.
“Sunscreen isn’t optional—it’s mandatory.”
– Shontay Lundy
Founder, Black Girl Sunscreen
3H: Can you elaborate on why you recommend using sunscreen daily?
SL: Daily sunscreen should be a non-negotiable part of your routine. Even indoors, your skin is exposed to UV rays through windows and during everyday moments outside. Your skincare routine should be finished with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to help protect against premature aging, discoloration, and sun damage.
3H: How can consumers tell whether they’re applying enough sunscreen to actually get the SPF protection listed on the label?
SL: For your face, you’re looking at about a quarter teaspoon of sunscreen, or roughly the length of two fingers. If you’re including your neck and ears, as you should, you’ll want closer to half a teaspoon.
For the body, the general guideline is about a shot glass full. Most people aren’t under-protected because they skipped sunscreen altogether; they’re under-protected because they didn’t apply enough. When in doubt, use a little more.
3H: On a lighter note, what’s one Black Girl Sunscreen product you can’t live without, and what makes it a staple in your routine?
SL: Our SPF 30 lotion will probably always be my favorite because it’s where everything started. It was the first product we launched, and I still reach for it every day. It goes on clear, feels lightweight, and is packed with ingredients like avocado, carrot juice, and sunflower oil that help keep my skin moisturized while protecting it, reminding me why I started this brand in the first place.
By creating SPF that truly works for melanin-rich skin, the brand has transformed a once-skipped skincare step into an everyday essential. Black Girl Sunscreen didn’t become a cult favorite because it followed a trend—it became one because it filled a gap the beauty industry had ignored for far too long.
