|

The 9 Best Sunscreens For Oily Skin, According To Dermatologists

If you have oily skin, you may find that sunscreens can leave behind a greasy sheen on your complexion. To find the right version, you’ll want to consider formula type, oil-free labeling and of course your own preferences in feel and finish. The best sunscreens for oily skin are lightweight, non-occlusive (i.e. they don’t clog pores) and include the right combination of sebum-absorbing, mattifying ingredients while providing broad-spectrum sun protection. That’s exactly what you’ll find in our top pick for this category, La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Clear Skin sunscreen, which has a dry-touch formula that’s specifically formulated to absorb excess sebum and reduce shine.

Since the right sunscreen for this skin type might look different from person to person, we scoured the market to find SPFs that meet a wide range of preferences. From tinted options to gel formulas, find our recommendations for the very best sunscreens for oily skin.

Best Sunscreen Overall For Oily Skin

An SPF 60 Lotion That Absorbs Oil And Reduces Shine

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen

Type: Chemical | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Scent: None | Finish: Matte

What you’ll love:

  • High SPF
  • Reduces shine and mattifies skin, even in high heat and humidity

Keep in mind:

  • Dry-touch formula requires quick application

With a formula that includes oil-absorbing ingredients like perlite and silica, La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen is designed to reduce shine even in hot, humid weather. The oil-free formula also includes potent antioxidants and the brand’s signature ingredient: thermal spring water sourced from France, which is high in minerals, trace elements and selenium. The lightweight chemical sunscreen has a high SPF 60 along with the dermatologist-recommended UVA and UVB protection.


Best Drugstore Sunscreen For Oily Skin

A Non-Greasy, Affordable Formula

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

Type: Chemical | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Scent: None | Finish: Matte

What you’ll love:

  • Oil-free
  • Gentle formula

Keep in mind:

  • Some reviewers say it has a strong odor

The lightweight texture and oil-free formula make this budget-friendly pick feel more like moisturizer than sunscreen despite its SPF 30 sun protection. The non-greasy, non-comedogenic sunscreen lotion, which made our list of the best sunscreens, includes hyaluronic acid and ceramides to maintain moisture and restore the skin barrier. It dries to a matte finish, which is a major plus for oily skin. All of CeraVe products are developed in conjunction with dermatologists, and this sunscreen is allergy-tested and free of both fragrance and parabens. Best of all, it’s easy to find at local drugstores and pharmacies, often for less than $20 on sale.


Best Luxury Sunscreen For Oily Skin

An Ultra-Sheer Formula With Skin-Repairing Actives

Isdin Eryfotona Actinica

Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Size: 3.4 fluid ounces | Scent: Lightly powdery | Finish: Matte

What you’ll love:

  • Sheer, lightweight and quick to absorb
  • Includes antioxidants and photolyase to help repair damaged skin

Keep in mind:

  • It’s scented
  • The formula is runny

Isdin’s mineral sunscreen, one of our top tested picks for the best mineral sunscreens overall, has a thin, watery texture that spreads evenly and absorbs almost immediately, leaving a matte finish. Zinc oxide, which has natural oil-absorbing properties, gives the formula a high SPF rating of 50. Meanwhile, its antioxidant- and photolyase-rich formula is said to help repair sun-damaged skin, which is a great bonus if you spend long days outside. The Isdin sunscreen does have a light, powdery scent, but it fades relatively quickly.


Best Face Sunscreen For Oily Skin

An Hybrid SPF That Won’t Trigger Breakouts

EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen

Type: Hybrid | SPF: 46 | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces| Scent: None | Finish: Matte

What you’ll love:

  • Hybrid formula that includes both chemical and mineral actives
  • Matte finish to nix shine

Keep in mind:

  • May leave a white cast on dark skin tones

This oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen includes both mineral and chemical sun protection in the forms of zinc oxide and octinoxate. It features prominently on several Forbes Vetted lists, including stories on the best sunscreens, face sunscreens and sunscreens for sensitive skin. It’s highly recommended by dermatologists, too, thanks to ingredients like skin-smoothing lactic acid and niacinamide, which helps balance sebum production. The gentle formula works well for acne-prone skin, and the lightweight texture goes on smoothly with a non-greasy finish.


Best Tinted Sunscreen For Oily Skin

A Tinted Mineral Option With A Matte Finish

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen

Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Scent: None | Finish: Matte

What you’ll love:

  • Non-greasy and absorbs quickly
  • No white cast

Keep in mind:

  • Goes on thin and shiny, but mattifies quickly

Mineral sunscreens often leave behind a white cast, but this pick from La Roche-Posay (which made our list of the best tinted sunscreens) has a pigmented mineral formula that easily blends into most skin tones. It absorbs quickly, dries to a matte finish and offers great SPF 50 broad-spectrum coverage, plus a healthy dose of antioxidants. The dermatologist-recommended formula is a great pick for both oily and sensitive skin.


Best Sunscreen For Combination Skin

A Long-Lasting Daily Sunscreen With A Soft Finish

Curology Everyday Sunscreen

Type: Mineral | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Scent: None | Finish: Soft-focus

What you’ll love:

  • Soft-focus finish leaves skin looking fresh
  • Oil-absorbing ingredients

Keep in mind:

  • May leave a white cast on darker skin tones

Curology’s mineral sunscreen includes oil-absorbing dimethicone and zinc oxide, which helps minimize shine on your T-zone throughout the day. The non-greasy sunscreen goes on slightly tacky, but sinks in quickly and leaves a soft-focus finish that layers well under makeup. The non-comedogenic formula won’t clog pores, and the mineral protection shields the skin against both UVA and UVB rays. Reviewers say it’s a great everyday option for reliable sun protection.


Best Korean Sunscreen For Oily Skin

A Deeply Hydrating Formula That Neutralizes Redness

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen

Type: Mineral | SPF: 45 | Size: 1.69 fluid ounces| Scent: None | Finish: Satin

What you’ll love:

  • Lightweight and hydrating
  • Green tint corrects redness

Keep in mind:

  • Goes on slightly shiny but dries quickly to a satin finish

Eight types of hyaluronic acid and squalane in this lightweight mineral sunscreen hydrate without making skin look oily, while a subtle green tint neutralizes redness for a more even skin tone. The soothing, zinc-based formula won’t clog pores, and it’s safe for even sensitive skin. The silky formula has a soft, satin finish, though reviewers note that it looks a little shiny when it’s first applied.


Best Gel Sunscreen For Oily Skin

An Antioxidant-Rich Gel Formula

Dune Suncare The Mug Guard

Type: Chemical | SPF: 30 | Size: 2.4 fluid ounces | Scent: None | Finish: Natural

What you’ll love:

  • Quick to absorb
  • Antioxidants and botanicals protect and repair

Keep in mind:

  • Finish is glowy at first, before losing its shine

This hydrating gel sunscreen includes hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract, which has natural antioxidants that help minimize the effects of UVA and UVB rays, while protecting skin against free radicals. The SPF 30 formula sinks in quickly, with a serum-like texture that spreads easily and gently plumps skin. The green tint also helps ease redness and enhances all complexions without pilling under makeup.


Best Tinted Moisturizer With SPF

An Easily Layerable Skin Tint With 20 Shades To Choose From

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Natural Matte Tinted Moisturizer

Type: Mineral | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.18 fluid ounces | Scent: None | Finish: Natural matte

What you’ll love:

  • Wide range of shades
  • Instantly controls oil and shine

Keep in mind:

  • Best if applied with a sponge or brush

This tinted moisturizer from BareMinerals—featured in our roundup of the

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *