The Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin That Will Leave You Protected (Not Greasy!)
We love serums and face masks and all types of skincare as much as the next person, but there’s nothing more important in your skincare routine than a good face sunscreen. It protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Exposure can lead to dark spots, fine lines, and sun damage—and even scarier, skin cancer. Hot tip: Having oily or acne-prone skin isn’t an excuse not to wear it.
“Choosing a sunscreen for oily skin can be tricky but doesn’t have to be impossible,” says Sasha Banner, skincare trainer and licensed esthetician at Heyday. “Ultimately the goal is to minimize the appearance and over production of oil, protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays and prevent breakouts that often accompany oily skin types.”
See? It is possible to find the best sunscreen for your skin type, even if you have sensitive skin that’s prone to breakouts. Keep reading to find your best sunscreen for your oily skin.
About the Expert:
Sasha Banner is a skincare trainer and licensed esthetician at Heyday.
1. Best Oil-Free Sunscreen:
DERMALOGICA Oil Free Matte SPF 30
“This chemical sunscreen is fantastic for oily skin types because it contains enantia chlorantha bark extract which is a plant extract that balances oil production and controls shine,” Banner says. It’s also totally sheer with no white cast, so it’s great for all skin tones.
2. Best Matte Finish:
SUPERGOOP! Mattescreen SPF 40
A mineral sunscreen “will reduce the appearance of oils that live on the surface of the skin,” Banner says. “Because chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays, this option can cause irritation and heat for a sensitive skin type.” This one from SUPERGOOP! is lightweight, doesn’t pill, and pairs well under our makeup.
3. Best for Sensitive Skin:
LA ROCHE-POSAY Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen For Face SPF 50
This mineral tinted face sunscreen has titanium dioxide, making it a favorite for sensitive skin. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores), and dermatologist-tested. “A physical (a.k.a. mineral sunscreen) contains ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and will sit on the surface of the skin, reflecting light away from the skin,” Banner explains. We love how the sheer, subtle tint provides a pretty glow even when you’re not wearing makeup.
4. Best Invisible Sunscreen:
SUPERGOOP! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
If you have a darker skin tone, it can be difficult to find a truly invisible sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast. We love this one that’s weightless, free of parabens, fragrance-free, and totally invisible when applied to the skin.
5. Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin:
ELTAMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Dermatologists and skincare experts alike swear by this clear sunscree. We love that it contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid to help reduce redness and inflammation, as well as decrease sebum production.
6. Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin:
ZITSTICKA MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Sunscreen Serum
When you have acne-prone skin, just adding one more product to your skincare routine can be a bit scary. We get it! But this lightweight formula from ZITSTICKA truly won’t clog pores. It goes on like a non-dewy serum and finishes smooth with zero whitecast. The mineral-chemical hybrid also contains hydrating ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and Kakadu plum rich in antioxidants.
7. Best Anti-Aging Sunscreen:
NEUTROGENA Age-Shield Face Oil-Free Oxybenzone-Free Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70
When we’re looking to diminish our fine lines and wrinkles, we reach for this oil-free face sunscreen lotion that helps combat free-radical damage that can accelerate the signs of aging. We especially like how quickly it absorbs and how it doesn’t leave a greasy feeling behind.
8. Best Powder Sunscreen:
BRUSH ON BLOCK Translucent Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 50
This powder sunscreen is the easiest way to reapply your SPF throughout the day. You can apply it to a bare face, but we like to keep it in our bag for quick touch-ups on top of makeup.
9. Best Sunscreen with Vitamin C:
MURAD Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | PA+++
We love to multitask, so we’re pretty obsessed with this brightening, daily sunscreen and moisturizer infused with vitamin C. IPSY members agree, saying “It showed me that vitamin C is EXACTLY what my skin had been craving. It was lightweight, moisturizing, and not at all sticky.” We couldn’t agree more.
10. Best Sunscreen Stick:
CETAPHIL Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50
A combination of sheer zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with prebiotics and soothing vitamin E helps protect skin from free radicals, as well as UV rays. Even with our sensitive skin and eyes, it’s fun to swipe on our face throughout the day.
11. Best Ultra-Light Sunscreen:
NEOGEN DERMALOGY Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen
We barely feel like we’re wearing anything after applying this lightweight sunscreen. It contains a broad spectrum SPF 50 and 20 plant extracts (such as aloe, arnica, and damask rose) to hydrate and calm skin. “It goes on super light and blends into my skin well without leaving a white cast,” says one IPSY member.
12. Best Cruelty-Free Sunscreen:
FIRST AID BEAUTY Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide SPF 30
We love FIRST AID BEAUTY for the way the products continue to impress, all while being cruelty-free. This mineral sunscreen is one of our favorites. One IPSY member says it’s the “best sunscreen I’ve ever used. Only zinc formula to not break me out.”
13. Best Dewy Sunscreen:
KINSHIP Self Reflect Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen Zinc Oxide SPF 32
Those with acne-prone skin can panic at hearing the words “dewy” or “glowy.” But this clean mineral sunscreen, made without parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances or dyes, won’t clog pores. We love that it also contains antioxidant-rich turmeric and a probiotic complex to soothe your complexion and promote a healthy barrier. IPSY members agree: One says it “looks a little greasy but it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave you feeling uncomfortable like other sunscreens do.”
14. Best Sunscreen SPF That Doesn’t Feel Like Sunscreen:
INNISFREE Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36
There’s nothing worse than finding a great facial sunscreen only to have it leave your skin feeling sticky and greasy. IPSY members swear this lightweight version is totally weightless. “Goes on wonderfully and doesn't even feel like sunscreen. Sets into my skin nicely and makes my skin soft and not greasy,” they say.
15. Best Sunscreen That’s Also a Makeup Primer:
SUGAR COSMETICS Goddess Of Flawless SPF30 Mattifying Sunscreen
We know we have to wear sunscreen SPF daily, but we also want one that works well with our makeup. This invisible chemical sunscreen has the perfect amount of grip and doesn’t pill under makeup. IPSY members love that it doesn't make oily skin feel greasier. “I have slightly oily skin and most sunscreens make it even shinier, but this one is perfect. Leaves my skin feeling like satin without shine,” says one member.
Want to try a new sunscreen? Get in on all the IPSY fun! Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own beauty subscription. Already a member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.
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