The 9 Best Sunscreens For Oily Skin You Should Try In 2023
Add a protective shield to your oily skin and prevent it from sun damage.
Limor WeinbergEsthetician
Expertise: Skin Care, Injectables, & Lasers/Devices
Experience: 19 Years
Limor Weinberg is an esthetician with almost 20 years of experience. She is also the founder and owner of The Clinic USA that provides various services, including neurotoxins, dermal fillers, PRF, lasers, and permanent makeup. Limor graduat... more
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
Krati DarakCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years o... more
Medha DebCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Beauty, Health, & Wellness
Experience: 5 years
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in ... more
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Oily skin starts looking shiny and greasy again just within a few hours of face wash as it produces excessive sebum, especially when you are out in the Sun. This is why you need the best sunscreen for oily skin that not only acts as a protective shield on your skin but also prevents your skin from becoming oily.
UV rays from the Sun cause blemishes, acne, fine lines, and wrinkles and make your skin even worse. So, applying a sunscreen designed for oily skin is necessary when you are going out. We compiled a list of our 9 sunscreen recommendations for oily skin. Check them out below!
In This Article
9 Best Sunscreens For Oily Skin
1. Best Matte Finish:LA ROCHE-POSAYAnthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen
Image: La Roche-posay The LA ROCHE-POSAY Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen is a broad-spectrum SPF 60 sunscreen that offers a matte and shine-free finish. It is formulated with antioxidants, UVA/UVB filters, and Cell-Ox Shield Technology to provide utmost sun protection. It absorbs excess oil to keep your skin dry and clean even in hot and humid weather. The silica and perlite eliminate pore-clogging oil. This dermatologist-tested oil-free sunscreen offers up to 80 minutes of water and sweat resistance while protecting your skin from oxidative damage. It is also clinically-tested and has been proven to deliver visible results immediately after application.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Allergy tested
- Oxybenzone-free
- Octinoxate-free
- Can be used under makeup
Cons
- Leaves a white residue.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 2,137 great reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Acne-Prone Skin:elta MD SKINCARE UV Clear Facial Sunscreen
Image: Eltamd The elta MD SKINCARE UV Clear Facial Sunscreen contains transparent zinc oxide and is one of the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin as well as hyperpigmented skin. The broad-spectrum SPF 46 protection battles UV and IR rays. This multipurpose sunscreen is the preferred choice of Esthetician, Limor Weinberg. She adds, “This can be used as a makeup primer or mixed with a drop of liquid highlighter to give skin natural radiance.”
The non-greasy formula offers oil-controlling SPF and combats free radicals, signs of aging, and burning due to UVA and UVB rays. This dermatologically tested sunscreen contains lactic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid that promote healthy skin. It is ultra-light and smooth and can be worn alone or with make-up. It is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and does not contain parabens, oil, or fragrance. Take a look at this video to get more information on the product according to the reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-greasy
- No residue
- Dermatologically tested
- Suitable for daily use
Cons
- Thin consistency
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 12,002 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
3. Best Sheer Texture:IMAGE SKINCAREPREVENTION+ Daily Matte Moisturizer
Image: Image Skincare The IMAGE SKINCAREPREVENTION+ Daily Matte Moisturizer is oil-free and offers SPF 32+broad-spectrum protection. Its antioxidant-rich base, mineral and chemical UV filters, and marine extracts prevent sunburns. These antioxidants also act as a shield against environmental aggressors.
The micro-sponge effect technology absorbs excess oil to offer a shine-free matte finish. This mattifying sunscreen also contains apple stem cells that fight the signs of aging and improve the appearance of wrinkles. This sheer, lightweight sunscreen can also be used as a protective primer. It is not tested on animals.
Pros
- Sheer texture
- Lightweight
- Dermatologically tested
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Dye-free
- No artificial fragrance
Cons
- Looks cakey under makeup.
- Strong fragrance
LA ROCHE-POSAYAnthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen Best Matte Finish | elta MD SKINCARE UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Best Acne-Prone Skin | IMAGE SKINCAREPREVENTION+ Daily Matte Moisturizer Best Sheer Texture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 50 Milligrams | 1.58 Ounces | - |
| Dimensions | - | 1.63 x 1.63 x 7 inches | 1.9 x 1.85 x 6 inches |
| Weight | - | - | 3.2 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,137 | 12,002 | 2,039 |
| Price | $19.99 | $39 | $50.0 |
4. Best Fast Absorbing:LOTUS HERBALS Safe Sun UV Screen Matte Gel
The Safe Sun UV Screen Matte Gel from LOTUS HERBALS protects your skin from skin tan and sunburns caused by UV rays. The gentle formula contains natural nutrients that nourish and protect your skin. The antioxidant-rich chestnut extracts and essential vanilla protect your skin from sun damage and prevent premature aging, while lime, a natural skin lightening agent, kills bacteria and eliminates toxins. This SPF 50 UV sunscreen stays oil-free and offers a fresh and matte finish. The brand does not test on animals.
Pros
- Matte finish
- Doesn’t turn ashy
- Pleasant fragrance
- No white cast
- Fast absorbing
Cons
- Clumpy on the brows.
5. Best Lightweight:Blossom Kochhar aroma magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel
Image: Aroma Magic The Blossom Kochhar aroma magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel offers non-greasy sun protection to oily and acne-prone skin. The sunscreen for oily skin with acne has a skin-friendly formula infused with grape seed, wheat germ, and avocado oils to nourish the skin and provide natural safety from the sun.
The vitamins C, E, and B5 reduce aging, while the essential oils of peppermint, calendula, and Roman chamomile hydrate and soothe the skin and reduce acne. The mineral reflectors like non-nano zinc oxide scatter harsh sun rays, and aloe extracts purify and hydrate the skin. This oil control sunscreen does not contain harsh chemicals, parabens, artificial fragrances, alcohol, and oxybenzone. It is free of animal testing.
Pros
- Matte finish
- Works as a primer
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Absorbed quickly
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Oxybenzone-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
Cons
- Low SPF
- Not water-resistant
Pro Tip6. Best Anti-Aging:MARY KAY TIMEWISEAge Minimize3DDay Cream
Image: Mary Kay
The Age Minimize3DDay Cream from MARY KAY offers SPF 30 broad-spectrum protection and delays the visible signs of aging caused by the harsh UVA and UVB rays. The non-greasy and quick-absorbing formula improves the skin’s resilience and makes it soft and smooth.
This dermatologist-tested sunscreen contains appropriate SPF for oily skin and nopal cactus extract that helps support the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The patent-pending Age Minimize 3D Complex is a blend of encapsulated resveratrol, vitamin B3, and an age-defying peptide that protect and brighten the skin and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This product makes your skin feeling soft, smooth, and youthful. It has also been clinically-tested for irritancy. This video offers a more detailed explanation of the product through the tester’s experience.
Pros
- Anti-aging
- Works as a primer
- Lightweight
- Pleasant fragrance
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Strong fragrance
- May feel greasy
7. Best Dewy Finish:makeprem UV defense me. Blue Ray Sun Gel
The makep:rem UV defense me. Blue Ray Sun Gel comes with PA++++ protection from direct sunlight and UV rays. The vegan formula lowers your skin temperature by 4.7o and contains 68% moisture essence that protects your skin from UV rays and prevents premature aging. It also contains antioxidant-rich Rubus Arcticus stem cells that improve and heal the skin. The oily skin sun protection is irritation-free and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. It is quickly absorbed and does not feel greasy or sticky. It is dermatologist-tested and has not been tested on animals.
Pros
- Anti-aging
- No residue
- Works with makeup
- Reef-safe
- Suitable for all age groups
- Pleasant fragrance
- Dewy finish
Cons
- May irritate the skin.
8. Best Hydrating:plum Green Tea Day-Light Sunscreen
Image: Plam The plum Green Tea Day-Light Sunscreen offers SPF 35 PA+++ for optimum sun protection for oily skin. . The non-greasy, ultra-light, gel formula is non-comedogenic and does not leave a white cast on the skin. It contains plant betaine and argan that hydrate the skin. This sunscreen is enriched with green tea fights acne and licorice and goji berry extracts that help in lighten blemishes. It is free of animal testing.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Vegan
- No residue
- Smells good
Cons
- May turn the face ashy.
9. Best For Even Skin Tone:PAULA’S CHOICE HYDRALIGHT Shine-Free Daily Mineral Complex
The PAULA’S CHOICE HYDRALIGHT Shine-Free Daily Mineral Complex comes with SPF 30 to protect and nourish your skin. the smooth and lightweight formula promotes even skin tone while hydrating and softening the skin. This mineral formula contains zinc and titanium oxides to offer broad-spectrum protection. Licorice and chamomile calm sensitivity and prevent redness, making it a suitable sunscreen for oily sensitive skin. Aloe and algae restore the skin’s natural barrier while hydrating it from within. The brand does not test on animals.
Pros
- Works with makeup
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Leave a white cast.
Now that you know which sunscreens are the best for oily skin, it’s time to look at the factors to be considered while buying oily skin sun protection products.
Things To Consider Before Buying Sunscreen For Oily Skin
- SPF
The sun protection factor or SPF implies the level of protection a sunscreen can offer. Pick one with SPF 30 or above to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays.
- Non-comedogenic
Choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen as it does not clog skin pores and prevent breakouts and acne.
- Water Resistance
Invest in a sunscreen that offers sweat and water resistance if you stay in a humid climate or prefer water activities.
- Water Base
Water-based sunscreens are recommended for oily skin as they do not make it oilier and prevent breakouts or acne.
- Spray Or Gel
Avoid spray packaging as it leads to product wastage. In case, you opt for a spray, ensure to not accidentally inhale the mist after spraying.
The Bottom Line
Oily skin is different from other skin types. The skin tends to become oily after a few hours due to the excessive production of facial oils. Therefore, it would be best to have sunscreens specially formulated for oily skin. The LA ROCHE-POSAY Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen is non-comedogenic and helps in absorbing excess oil, while the Blossom Kochhar aroma magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel soothes the skin and reduces acne. These sunscreens protect your skin from harmful sun rays and act as anti-aging formulas that reduce fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, sunscreens for oily skin are paraben-free, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic. However, some products may leave a white residue. Consider SPF levels, water resistance, and ingredients before investing in one of these products.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. She conducted thorough research and selected the best sunscreens foroily skin. These sunscreens are water-based and non-comedogenic, making them perfect for oily skin. She checked user reviews and feedback before shortlisting the products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much SPF is good for oily skin?
A non-comedogenic sunscreen with SPF 30 or above would be the best oily skin sunscreen.
Is mineral sunscreen better for oily skin?
Yes, mineral-based sunscreens that won’t clog pores are better for oily skin.
Is SPF 50 good for oily skin?
Any sunscreen with SPF ranging from 30 to 50 offers optimum sun protection when applied correctly. SPF 30 offers 97% sun protection, while SPF 50 offers 98%, and SPF 100 provides 99% protection. No sunscreen can provide 100% sun protection.
Which type of sunscreen is best for oily skin?
For oily skin, gel-based sunscreens are the ideal choice because they are usually lightweight and oil-free.
Does sunscreen make skin oily?
No, an oil-free or oil-absorbing sunscreen is gel-based or powder-based and does not make your skin oily.
Can I skip moisturizer and use sunscreen?
Yes, if the sunscreen has moisturizing characteristics and keeps skin hydrated and nourished, you can skip the moisturizer. There are many such dual benefit products available nowadays.
