The 9 Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin, According to Experts


Managing your oily skin can seem impossible, especially during the warm summer months when sweat buildup is unavoidable, and SPF is a daily must. Since you’re reading this article, chances are you can relate. There are various factors that can contribute to excess oil production on your skin, including stress, humidity, genetics, and hormones. While the combination of oily skin plus sun isn’t an easy feat, with the right products and our help, you can manage it.

Even if you have normal to dry skin, sunscreens can leave you feeling greasy or looking chalky. It all depends on their ingredient formulation. There’s a longstanding debate between mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens as there are pros and cons to both. Mineral sunscreens made from zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are known to leave a white film on your face because they sit on top of the skin to physically block UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb into the skin and neutralize UV radiation. These can sometimes feel greasy because many are made with oily bases.

What to Look For

Over the last decade, aesthetic considerations have been in demand for both mineral and chemical sunscreens. There are a ton out there that can help oily skin—you just have to know what to look for. Vanessa Lee, Celebrity Medical Aesthetic Provider and Founder of The Things We Do, says, “If you have oily skin, you’ll want to steer clear of sunscreens with heavy oils and emollients like coconut oil, mineral oil, and petrolatum. Also, avoid formulations with alcohols that can trigger excess oil production or irritation. Look out for ‘comedogenic’ ingredients, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts,” she explains. Instead, opt for sunscreens labeled "non-comedogenic" and "oil-free" to keep your skin clear and shine-free.

The best sunscreens for oily skin are lightweight, mattifying, and specifically formulated for oily or acne-prone skin. SkinSpirit Physician Assistant April Brinkley, PA-C says, “Choose a lighter preparation that incorporates hyaluronic acid for a hydration base and seek out active ingredients like niacinamide and silica to regulate oil production and leave a matte finish.” Make sure your face sunscreen is at a minimum of SPF 30 and remember, reapplication when outdoors is needed every two hours. “Gel-based sunscreens are excellent choices as they tend to absorb quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Ingredients like silica or dimethicone can help to mattify the skin and reduce shine,” Lee adds.

We did a ton of research to bring you the best sunscreens for oily skin. We consulted skincare experts, combed through countless reviews, and put a ton of sunscreens to the test. Scroll on to learn what to look for in the best sunscreens for oily skin and shop our top picks to keep excessive oiliness at bay.

1. Cerave Ultra Light Moisturizing Lotion

This non-greasy sunscreen will never leave a white cast. It serves as an ultra-light moisturizer, made with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for oil control and protection. Reviewers rave about this product, especially because of the price point, lightweight formula, and matte finish.

Size: 1.7 oz. Type: Broad spectrum, chemical SPF 30

Customer review: “This is a light moisturizer, it isn't greasy, and it has SPF 30 for sun protection. I love that it doesn't have a strong sunscreen smell. It's good for daily use because it does not irritate my sensitive skin.”

2. Vacation Inc. Sunscreen Face Mist + Air Freshener

Vacation Inc. broke the internet for creating “the world's best smelling sunscreen.” This product is a facial mist, ideal for reapplication throughout the day. It's easy to throw in a bag, and even easier to apply without smudging your makeup. A few sprays will give you SPF 50 protection and an energizing and hydrating mist to help wake up tired skin and aid oil pockets. It also comes with a yummy smelling car air freshener as an added bonus.

Size: 2.2 oz. Type: Broad spectrum, chemical, SPF 50

Customer review: “Absolutely love this product! It's lightweight and easy to apply. Smells amazing, instant mood lifter for sure. Re-application of sunscreen is important in prevention of cancer, this product makes it easy by being a spray. It's easy to stash away in your purse, beach bag, or even your pocket.”

3. Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30

This tinted sunscreen is the perfect no-makeup makeup look with sun protection that won't weigh your skin down. This AAPI brand provides 18 different shades to choose from so you can find the perfect match. It does not contain any pore-clogging ingredients, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin.

Size: 1 oz. Type: Broad spectrum, mineral SPF 30

Customer review: “I absolutely love this product! I’ve seen such an improvement in my skin since I started using it. I struggle with oily skin and hormonal acne, and this is hands down the best foundation I’ve found. I love the finish. It’s dewy but not overly shiny. It’s also super buildable but has great coverage so I wear it for a night out as well as my day to day tinted sunscreen.”

4. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

EltaMD's UV Clear sunscreen has over 40,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It's formulated by a physician to mirror medical-grade SPF. It doesn't have any fancy packaging, but you get a reliable product that won't clog your pores or cause an oil build-up. It's a pretty epic mineral sunscreen that works well under your makeup and doesn't create a white film.

Size: 1.7 oz. Type: Broad spectrum, mineral, SPF 46

Customer review: “I've been using this EltaMD sunscreen since it was recommended to me by a friend years ago. It's the very first thing I apply after washing my face. One pump is all it takes, and I love having that automatic measurement - there's no waste from squeezing out too much in your hand. It's not greasy, seems to disappear right into my skin, and my makeup goes on smoothly over it.”

5. MaeLove Sun Protector SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen

MaeLove's formula is the perfect mix of lightweight but luxurious. It doubles as a makeup primer to set yourself up for success. It's also infused with antioxidants and botanical extracts for skin nourishment and protection against free-radical damage.

Size: 2 oz. Type: Broad spectrum, mineral, SPF 30

6. COOLA Clear Skin Oil-Free Moisturizer Zinc Oxide

COOLA made this sunscreen specially for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It gives a subtle glow that hydrates, protects, and nourishes. It contains 2 percent niacinamide and Centella Asiatica that helps support a clear, balanced complexion.​

Size: 1.1 oz. Type: Broad spectrum, mineral, SPF 30

Customer review: “I have naturally acne prone skin so COOLA's Clear Skin Oil-Free Moisturizer was one of the first sunscreens I have tried that hasn't caused any breakouts (besides hormonal). I have been using it for about 3 weeks now and enjoy the product's smell and consistency. It does leave a very slight white cast behind but that doesn't bother me as it blends in well. Overall, I love this sunscreen and will be repurchasing another bottle when I run out. I received this product complimentary to sample but my opinions are my own.”

7. Freaks of Nature Daily Defender SPF 30

This sunscreen was formulated with the skin's microbiome in mind. It contains a powerful blend of microbiome-balancing, moisture-locking vegan shark lipid squalane, blue light and pollution-repelling vegan spider silk protein, and non-nano zinc. It's super lightweight and fast-absorbing.

Size: 1.7 oz. Type: Broad spectrum, mineral, SPF 30

Customer review: “I recently tried a mineral-based sunscreen and it's fantastic! It's incredibly easy to apply, spreading smoothly without leaving a white cast. It absorbs quickly, feels lightweight, and provides excellent UVA/UVB protection. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an effective, user-friendly sunscreen!”

8. Nude Stix Daily Mineral Veil SPF 30

Available in five shades, this tinted sunscreen is a great multitasker acting as your makeup (or primer), skincare, and SPF in one. It's an oil-free formula made with extracts of green algae, passionflower, and purple tea for nourishment and environmental protection against UV rays, premature skin aging, and blue light.

Size: 1.69 oz. Type: Broad spectrum, mineral, SPF 30

Customer review: “This is the perfect sunscreen-primer combo! Most mineral sunscreens have an unpleasant scent and are somewhat thick and sticky, but this one has no scent, glides on smoothly, and wears well. It also acts as a smooth base for my foundation. Great stuff!”

9. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen

This sunscreen is made free of oils and contains ingredients that help regulate shine and build-up. It not only prevents this, but actively works to unclog pores in the process. It's water-resistant and lasts 80 minutes. It's a great option for those with sensitive skin that require an SPF above 50.