A Review of Bolden's SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer To Hydrate Skin

We purchased the Bolden SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer so our writer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

Sunscreen. The dermatologist-recommended white goop used to protect our skin from the sun.  Wearing sunscreen daily has never been a priority for me on beach vacations, and even when I did slap some on, I wasn’t applying it properly. For most of my life, I bought into the myth that Black folks can’t get a sunburn, or worse, get skin cancer. In fact, not only do we get skin cancer, we are more likely to die from it than our white counterparts.

Now as a beauty writer, getting the facts from dermatologists about the importance of sun protection has changed my view completely. Now that I protect my skin daily, I see the value of using a facial sunscreen on my neck and decolletage daily. However, as a Black woman, I know how many sunscreens of the past and the present leave a white cast and sticky residue. Bolden from day one has formulated their skincare products for Black skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, so I’m excited to put their SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer to the test.

Ahead—my honest review of this SPF moisturizer.

About My Skin: Combination, prone to dark spots and hormonal breakouts

At this point, I know my skin pretty well. For starters, it hates when I overdo anything, so I have to treat my skin with products that are effective yet gentle. Each morning, I wash my face with a cream cleanser. Though in the summer months, I use a gentle foaming cleanser to cut through the oil my skin produces.

Next, I follow up with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C serum, and sunscreen. At night, I treat my skin. I start with an oil cleanser (on days I wear makeup) and then double cleanse with a gentle foam cleanser. I follow up with hyaluronic acid, retinol, and facial oil. For an extra treatment for my dark spots, I treat my skin with a glycolic acid pad twice a week. 

The Packaging: Needs a little work 

The sunscreen comes in a green tube with a pump. Initially, I loved the design. However, once I began to use the product daily the pump didn’t always cooperate. In addition, the clear cap used to cover the dispenser broke and I’d find product residue left inside after each use. 

The Feel: Lightweight and hydrating 

I love the texture of this sunscreen: it's creamy, yet lightweight.

As I apply it over my skincare products it glides on without pilling or leaving a white residue behind.

We’ve all had an experience with sunscreen that leaves the face feeling sticky. I am happy to report this sunscreen feels just like a moisturizer. No sticky residue even after hours of wear in the summer heat. One other benefit is this is perfect under makeup and even plays nice with primers. 

Ingredients: Brightening and hydrating 

Bolden’s sulfate, paraben, and phthalate-free facial moisturizer is formulated with broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection, vitamin C, squalane, and safflower oil. The formula’s vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) is a stable form of the brightener that helps stimulate collagen production and fades skin discoloration aka hyperpigmentation. And squalane protects the skin’s intercellular matrix, reducing dryness and fine lines, while safflower oil repairs the skin’s barrier.

The Results: Protected skin without a residue

When applying other sunscreens after my serums, I often get pilling. But with this formula, there was no pilling. And, best of all, no white cast or sticky residue. When used without makeup my combination skin never became an oil slick—even when the temperatures reached the high 90s.

With makeup, the same was true and applying this before my primer didn’t cause any problems. Again, there was no pilling or product separation and my makeup stayed intact without any overproduction of oil. 

The Value: Worth it

As a daily use sunscreen, a little of this goes a long way. Anything that protects my skin from harmful sun rays and is boosted with skincare-like ingredients is worth it in my book. 

Similar Products: Great options 

Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 ($16): This oxybenzone and octinoxate-free sunscreen soothes and smooths out skin with avocado, jojoba, and sunflower oils, cacao, and vitamin C-rich carrot juice to help protect melanin-rich skin.

Supergoop Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Serum ($46): Infused with 10 percent vitamin C and niacinamide, this dual-use SPF brightens and protects from both UV and blue light.

EltaMD UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ ($32): This lightweight, hydrating formula offers up to 80 minutes of sweat and water-resistance protection and is packed with squalane, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and zinc oxide.