the best sunscreens for oily skin

Ever wondered what the best sunscreens for oily skin are? If this is your skin type, you probably don’t even want to hear the word sunscreen. I have so many clients who are resistant to adding it to their skincare routine: “It turns me into a disco ball and it slides off my face within half an hour, Giorgia! Can’t I just skip it?”

I hear ya. If you have oily skin, sunscreen is the last thing you wanna put on your skin. Blame UV filters. A lot of them have thick, oily textures that are hard to dilute into a lightweight lotion your skin can tolerate – especially if you’re determined to avoid alcohol at all costs. (Fun fact: the reason why you see alcohol in so many sunscreens is because it thins out their textures).

But going without sunscreen ain’t an option. Not if you’re serious about antiging. No sunscreen means more wrinkles and dark spots – sooner than you thought, too. Not to mention the risk of skin cancer… But how to track down the few sunscreens that are a good match for your skin type? Fret not, I’ve done the work for you. Here are the best sunscreens for oily skin:

What To Look For In A Sunscreen For Oily Skin?

Looking for the best sunscreens for oily skin? Here are the criteria they must fulfil:

  • Oil-free: Your skin already produces too much natural oil on its own – and it’s ending up in your pores, clogging them. A good sunscreens for oily skin don’t contain an extra drop of oil, keeping your skin matte-looking and acne-free.
  • Non-comedogenic: In addition to avoiding oils, sunscreens for oily skin should also avoid other rich ingredients, like natural butters, Isopropyl Myristate, and Isopropyl Palmitate, that clog pores and give you acne.
  • UV filters: While zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can certainly be formulated to be oily skin-friendly, don’t discard chemical UV filters. They tend to have more lightweight textures that sink in quickly without clogging pores.

Need help creating the best skincare routine for you oily skin? Sign up to the newsletter below to receive the “Oily Skincare Routine Cheatsheet” (it includes product recommendations, too!).


FAQ ABOUT SUNSCREENS FOR OILY SKIN

Is mineral or chemical sunscreen better for oily skin?

Mineral sunscreens are better for sensitive skin that can’t tolerate chemical filters. For everyone else, it’s a matter of personal preference. They both work, so pick a sunscreen that fits all your boxes.


How do you use a sunscreen for oily skin?

The same way you apply sunscreen on any other skin type. You need at least 1/3 of a teaspoon for your face and neck. Apply it generously and reapply every couple of hours.


How often should you use sunscreen for oily skin?

Every single day. UV rays can penetrate through clouds and windows and be reflected on snow. You’re not safe just because it’s winter or you’re indoors.


What ingredients should you avoid in a sunscreen for oily skin?

Avoid sunscreens that are high in natural oils and butters. Also be aware of anything with Myristate or Palmitate in the names. They’re highly comedogenic.

Best Sunscreens For Oily Skin

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($9.32)

If you’re just looking for a basic sunscreen that gets the job done without leaving a greasy mess behind, Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a good option to consider. It has stabilised avobenzone for UVA protection, plus a bunch of UVB filters to keep you safe from the entire UV spectrum. The silky lotion is lightweight and sinks in quickly even on oily skin. Just don’t use it when you’re pregnant. Avobenzone is on the no-go list for anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive.

Available at: iHerb, Neutrogena, and Walmart

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (2.5%), Homosalate (6%), Octisalate (4.5%), Octocrylene (8%)

Benefits: Provides broad spectrum protection without clogging pores.

Cons: If your skin doesn’t like chemical UV filters, this isn’t for you. Its also contains fragrance, which may irritate sensitive skin.

Skin type: Oily.

Fragrance-free: No.

Related: Which Ingredients Should You Avoid When You’re Pregnant?

EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 ($25.00)

Prefer an all mineral sunscreen? Mineral UV filters titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are gentler on the skin, less likely to cause irritations and still provide excellent UV protection. You can find them in EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47, one of the best mineral sunscreens for oily skin. Its silky texture is pretty lightweight and sinks in quickly without turning your skin into a greasy mess. Plus it’s water-resistant. The catch? It does leave a slight white cast on the skin, but if you don’t mind that, it’s worth checking it out.

Available at: Dermstore and Walmart

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, and Ascorbyl Palmitate.

Benefits: Provides broad spectrum protection and is water-resistant.

Cons: Leaves a white cast behind.

Skin type: Oily and sensitive.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

Related: 3 Reasons Why Mineral Sunscreen Is Better For Sensitive Skin

Paula’s Choice Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 ($33.00)

Paula’s Choice Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 is my fave sunscreen – bar none. It has the lightest texture I’ve ever come across in a mineral sunscreen. It spreads like a dream and sinks in quickly without leaving a greasy residue behind. Plus, it’s tinted, so no white cast either. The icing on the cake? This baby is loaded with antioxidants that helps you slow down premature aging. It doesn’t get any better than this.

Available at: DermstoreSephoraNordstrom and Paula’s Choice

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, green tea.

Benefits: Provides broad spectrum protection and prevents wrinkles.

Cons: The bottle is small, so you’ll have to buy it often.

Skin type: Oily.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

Related: Why You Should Add Vitamin C To Your Skincare Routine

paula's choice super-light daily wrinkle defense spf 30 review

Supergoop! Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF30 PA+++ ($38.00)

This mineral sunscreen does double duty: it provides broad spectrum protection against UV rays and acts as a primer to blur out large pores and small imperfections, getting your skin ready for makeup. Ideal for long summer days when you don’t want to wear too many layers on your skin, this little gem controls oil production and dries to a matte finish. It’s gentle on the skin, so even sensitive skin can use it.

Available at: Cult Beauty, Sephora, and Supergoop!

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.

Benefits: Provides broad spectrum protection and acts as a primer to prep skin for makeup.

Cons: If you don’t like silicones, this isn’t for you.

Skin type: Oily and sensitive.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60 ($19.99)

If your skin is SO oily, you’ve lost all hopes of finding a sunscreen that doesn’t make you look even more of a shiny frying pan, give La Roche Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60 a last try. The creamy texture dries down to a matte finish quickly and is enriched with oil-absorbents to soak up the excess oil on your skin. The UV filters are synthetic but then your skin doesn’t get along with mineral ones – they’re just too greasy for you. The best part? It can withstand heat and humidity better than most sunscreens and works well even in water for up to 80 minutes.

Available at: Blue Mercury, Dermstore and Ulta

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7%, silica.

Benefits: Provides broad spectrum protection and absorbs excess oil.

Cons: If your skin doesn’t like chemical UV filters, this isn’t for you.

Skin type: Very oily.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

Related: Mineral Vs Chemical Sunscreen: Which One Is Right For You?

BIOSSANCE Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen ($32.00)

This mineral sunscreen contains 14% zinc oxide, but the formula is so lightweight, you’d never believe it. Broad-spectrum, it protects your skin against the entire UV range, keeping it safe from premature wrinkles, dark spots, and cancer. The addition of squalene moisturises skin without clogging pores. Fun fact: squalane is safe for acne-prone skin as well. Plus, the formula is so gentle, even the most sensitive of skin types can use it.

Available at: Cult Beauty, Harrods, Selfridges, Sephora, and SpaceNK

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide and Squalane.

Benefits: Provides broad spectrum protection and moisturises skin.

Cons: If your skin doesn’t like zinc oxide, this isn’t for you.

Skin type: Oily, sensitive, and acne-prone.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

Vichy Capital Soleil Mattifying 3-in-1 SPF50+ ($18.95)

I don’t know about you, but I’m all about multi-tasking products that help me save time in the morning. This broad spectrum sunscreen does three jobs. One: it protects skin from sun damage even in the hottest summer weather, thanks to a mix of the old and new generation of chemical UV filters that don’t irritate skin. Two: it uses silica and clays to absorb excess oil and dry to a matte finish. Three: it’s enriched with probiotics and Vichy Mineralizing Water to hydrate skin without adding more oil to it. An excess choice for oily skin, especially on-the-go.

Available at: Boots and Sephora

Active Ingredients: Homosalate, Silica, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

Benefits: Provides broad spectrum protection, absorbs excess oil, and hydrates skin.

Cons: Contains fragrance, which can irritate sensitive skin.

Skin type: Oily.

Fragrance-free: No.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen + WetForce ($42.00)

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen + WetForce does leave a whiteish cast on the skin. It’s the price to pay for mineral sun protection. Mineral filters are gentler but you can see them a little. If that bothers you, wear foundation on top. Trust me, if you lead an active lifestyle and like running, outdoor activities or days at the pool, this is worth the effort. The “WetForce”, a mix of film-forming ingredients that swell when they come in contact with water, allow titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to spread evenly all over your skin even in the water or when you’re sweating buckets, increasing your sun protection. Told you it was worth the effort!

Available at: Ulta

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 9.1% Sunscreen, Zinc Oxide 19.3%

Benefits: Provides broad spectrum protection and is water-resistant.

Cons: Leaves a white cast behind.

Skin type: Oily and sensitive.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

Final Verdict

The best sunscreens for oily skin have oil-free formulas that provide broad spectrum protection and absorb excess oil without clogging pores. Whether they contain mineral or chemical UV filters doesn’t matter. It’s the formula that counts.