Black Girl Sunscreen built its reputation on one revolutionary idea that should not have been revolutionary: sunscreen that does not make dark skin look ashy. The original formula proved the concept. The Kids SPF 50 extended it to children. And then came Make It Matte, the brand's attempt to solve a second problem that disproportionately affects melanin-rich sunscreen wearers: the shine that most chemical sunscreens leave behind.
The thinking is sound. Chemical UV filters solve the white-cast problem by absorbing rather than reflecting UV light, but they come dissolved in oily or emollient bases that can leave a dewy-to-greasy finish — particularly on skin that already produces abundant sebum. For anyone trying to wear makeup over sunscreen, or simply get through a workday without looking reflective, this is a daily frustration. Make It Matte promises to thread the needle: chemical filters for invisible protection, gel texture for lightweight wear, and silica-based mattifying agents for shine control.
The UV filter system is a step up from the Kids formula. Four chemical filters — avobenzone at 3%, homosalate at 10%, octisalate at 5%, and octocrylene at 10% — deliver broad-spectrum SPF 45. The addition of octocrylene is notable because it serves double duty: providing its own UV absorption while significantly stabilizing avobenzone, which is notoriously prone to photodegradation. This combination should maintain its protection better throughout a day of sun exposure than simpler three-filter systems.
The gel format delivers on the lightweight promise. It spreads easily across the face, requiring only a nickel-sized amount for full coverage. There is no white cast — not a hint, not a whisper, not even a slight ashiness. On this front, Black Girl Sunscreen continues to deliver exactly what it promises. The gel is clear, and it stays clear on every skin tone.
Where the product gets more complicated is the matte claim. User experiences diverge significantly. Some find the silica-based finish adequately matte, reporting that it controls shine and works well as a makeup base. Others describe the feel as silicone-heavy — a slippery, slightly tacky sensation that never fully sets to a true matte finish. The difference may come down to skin type: those with moderately oily skin find the mattifying effect sufficient, while those with very oily skin report breakthrough shine within a few hours.
The honest assessment is that this sunscreen produces a satin finish rather than the powder-dry matte that the name implies. If your reference point for matte is a setting powder or a truly oil-free mattifying primer, this will not meet that expectation. If your reference point is a standard dewy sunscreen, this is meaningfully less shiny. The matte-ness is relative.
The inactive ingredient list includes an eyebrow-raiser: coconut oil. For a product positioned for oily skin, the inclusion of a comedogenic oil is a puzzling choice. Its concentration is likely low — it appears well into the inactive list — but for acne-prone users who have learned the hard way to scan ingredient lists for coconut-derived oils, this is a legitimate concern. It is a small detail, but for the target audience of oily-skinned consumers, it is the kind of detail that matters.
Squalane and aloe vera provide the comfort layer, preventing the formula from feeling overly drying despite the silica mattifying agents. This is a thoughtful balance — pure mattifying formulas can leave skin feeling tight and stripped, which triggers reactive oil production that defeats the purpose. The squalane keeps the skin comfortable without adding visible shine.
The texture requires a brief setting period. Unlike water-light Japanese gel sunscreens that absorb in seconds, Make It Matte needs a good minute or two to fully set. During this window, the product can feel tacky and transfers to anything that touches your face. Once set, it holds up reasonably well, though some users report transfer to phone screens and clothing throughout the day.
At $17.99 for 1.7 fluid ounces, the pricing is fair for a face-specific sunscreen with four UV filters. It is less expensive than many comparable products at Sephora, and it is widely available at Target, Ulta, CVS, and Walmart. For a specialized face sunscreen in a mass-market retail channel, this represents reasonable value.
The product ultimately delivers about seventy percent of its promise. The no-white-cast claim is fulfilled completely — that remains Black Girl Sunscreen's core competency and it does not waver. The broad-spectrum protection is robust with its four-filter system. The matte finish is partial — better than most sunscreens, not as good as the name suggests. For melanin-rich consumers with oily skin who have been cycling through sunscreens looking for one that is both invisible and non-greasy, this is worth trying. It may not be the perfect solution, but it is a meaningful improvement over most alternatives, and the brand deserves credit for continuing to address the specific needs of an underserved market.
