If your skin has a shiny appearance and feels greasy a couple of hours after you’ve washed your face, then you have an oily skin type. When you have oily skin the sebaceous glands below your hair follicles are overactive and create more sebum than normal.
If your skin is naturally oily, then the last thing you need is skin care products that just make your skin more oily!
A common myth is that people with oily skin should avoid wearing sunscreen, but this is absolutely not true.
No matter what your skin type you need to wear sunscreen, but how do you find a sunscreen that suits your oily skin and prevents breakouts?
That’s where my round-up of the 13 best sunscreens for oily skin comes in! You’ll also find a buyer’s guide to buying the right sunscreen for you, and how to manage oily skin.
Product Reviews
Without further ado, here are the best sunscreens for oily skin, from matte sunscreen to budget sunscreen.
EDITORS CHOICE
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OUR TOP PICK
Supergoop! Is definitely my favorite sunscreen for oily skin on this list.
It has a completely mineral formula making it white cast-free, mattifies shine, conceals pores, and generally creates an even, smooth finish whether you’re wearing make-up or rocking a natural look.
It is available in a universal peachy hue that is designed to minimize the white cast associated with mineral formulations.
It is dynamic and flexible across a large range of skin tones, but I do wish that there were more shade options available to better suit every skin tone.
Pros
- Is white cast-free.
- Has a blurring and smoothing effect.
- Mattifies shine.
Cons
- Features silicons.
- Only comes in one universal hue.
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EDITORS CHOICE
Even if you have oily skin or skin that is prone to break-outs you should still use a moisturizer.
I’m a fan of Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer because of its light hydrating properties. Plus, since it has an SPF of 30 it’s great at protecting your skin from sun damage.
But that’s not all. It also mattifies skin and prevents excess oil from building. Since it’s also non-comedogenic you don’t need to worry about breakouts or blocked pores.
Pros
- It’s a multitasking product, being both a moisturizer and sunscreen.
- It has a matte finish.
- Budget-friendly option.
Cons
- Some customers found it rather irritating to their skin.
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Not only should you wear sunscreen every day but you should also regularly reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or at least every time you go outside.
Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder is a 100% mineral powder sunscreen that also contains iron oxide to protect your skin from blue light damage, so it’s great to wear if you spend a lot of time in front of screens too!
It’s also amazing for touch-ups as it won’t disturb your make-up - it even provides some coverage too!
Plus, powder is generally considered a great way to absorb excess oil during the day. It’s also easy to carry around and self-dispensing, meaning you can take it wherever you go.
Pros
- Protects against blue light and UV rays.
- Available in four shades.
- It’s simple to use.
- It is free of fragrance, oils, parabens, and sulfate.
Cons
- One of the more expensive items on this list.
- Better suited for touch-ups.
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Unseen Sunscreen from Supergoop! Takes undetectable sunscreen to a whole new level. Seriously, you’ll forget you’re wearing it!
Not only is this sunscreen oil-free but also clear, scentless and weightless.
While it’s fabulous for all-skin types, I particularly love it for oily skin due to its totally invisible texture.
While this is weightless sunscreen, it still has a lot to offer when it comes to protection, protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays but also blue light.
Plus, it has a matte finish and layers seamlessly under make-up. You’re going to love how it feels on your skin!
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Protects your skin against blue light.
- Extremely light.
- Works as a primer as well as sunscreen.
Cons
- It may take some time to get used to the texture.
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Bliss Block Star Tinted Face Sunscreen sits wonderfully on top of moisturizer and can be worn under make-up.
It’s a mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 30, and a non-comedogenic broad spectrum formula.
It’s also cruelty-free and contains both zinc oxide and titanium oxide to bounce UV rays off your face.
Plus, it’s tinted, meaning it doesn’t have that unappealing white-cast common with other sunscreens. Still, only one color is available so it’s not going to be suitable for every skin tone.
Pros
- It has an SPF of 30.
- Is a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- It has a non-comedogenic formula.
- It is cruelty-free.
Cons
- Only comes in one shade.
- The sheer finish is divisive among some customers.
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One way you can get your daily dose of sun protection without adding another product to your skincare routine is by using a dual sunscreen and moisturizer.
I love this elegant aging support sunscreen because it provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays while remaining lightweight.
The main active ingredients are chemical sunscreen that helps absorb UV rays such as avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, oxybenzone, and octocrylene.
Pros
- It doesn’t have a greasy feel.
- Has a non-comedogenic and oil-free formula.
- It acts as a dual moisturizer and sunscreen.
- Creates an even skin tone.
Cons
- Since the formula contains soy this may irritate some skin types.
- It may stain clothing and other fabrics.
- It’s not water-resistant.
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The EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen has an SPF of 46 and contains zinc oxide and high purity niacinamide that helps to protect your skin from dark spots and acne as well as soothes your skin.
Plus, it’s also made with hyaluronic acid to decrease the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
It’s paraben, oil, and fragrance-free, and claims to not clog pores. It is also available in tinted and untinted versions.
Pros
- Lightweight and oil-free.
- Mineral-based with zinc oxide, providing sun protection without leaving your skin greasy.
- Has a tinted version to even out your skin tone.
- If you have rosacea, this sunscreen is safe to use.
Cons
- One of the pricier sunscreens on our list.
- It is not water-resistant.
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This non-comedogenic sunscreen has an SPF of 60 and isn’t greasy.
The super lightweight formula contains broad spectrum protection and La Roche-Posay’s Cell-Ox Shield technology that uses powerful antioxidants to fight against dangerous free radicals.
Plus, it absorbs quickly into your skin and gives it a matte finish, making it ideal for oily skin.
Pros
- It has an SPF of 60.
- Protects against free radicals and UV rays.
- It has a lightweight feel.
Cons
- Some customers found the claim that the sunscreen has an SPF of 60 to be misleading.
- Some customers found their skin rather greasy after using it.
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CeraVe is famous for their sensitive skin products, particularly products that combat skin inflammation, and their Renewing Day Cream is no exception.
Not only is it a day cream, but a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30.
As well as active ingredients such as zinc oxide and octinoxate, Renewing Day Cream also contains retinoids to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Pros
- Great for those with sensitive skin.
- Contains anti-aging ingredients.
- It also contains ceramides that are believed to plump up your skin.
Cons
- Some customers found the texture heavy.
- It’s not water-resistant.
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Another famous brand for oily skin, Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer is a moisturizer-sunscreen combo with an SPF of 15.
While it’s not mineral based, it still provides broad spectrum coverage and is free of alcohol, fragrance, and oil. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic!
If you like to keep your skincare routine easy and short, this sunscreen is a great addition to your routine.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic and oil-free formula.
- Lasts for up to 12 hours.
- Free of alcohol, fragrance and oil.
Cons
- Some customers found it felt heavy on your face, so I wouldn’t recommend wearing it under make-up.
- It is not water-resistant.
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This is a non-chemical tinted sunscreen that has a lot more than powerful sun protection.
It's also full of feel-good ingredients such as antioxidants and botanicals like eucalyptus, Kakadu palm and red algae that nourish your skin and won’t block your pores. Its powder finish also vanquishes any hint of sweat!
It also has an SPF of 50 and is water-resistant. Plus, it’s available in two tinted shades!
Pros
- It’s available in two shades.
- Budget-friendly.
- Made with a non-irritating formula.
Cons
- Some customers found the shades have poor undertones.
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If you have sensitive skin, then a mineral sunscreen is always a good idea.
The main ingredient is zinc oxide, which is a mineral that rests on your skin to protect it against the sun, and is a lot less likely to cause irritation than chemical ingredients.
This sunscreen is fragrance-free and oil-free making it great for oily skin (see also "Best Face Wash For Oily Skin") as well as sensitive skin.
It’s quick absorbing and blends into your skin tone, and is a great mineral, non-tinted option for those with darker skin tones.
Although it may look rather dewy at first, it quickly dries to have a matte and velvety finish.
Pros
- Dries well and doesn’t leave behind chalky residue.
- Good choice for sensitive skin.
- Fragrant-free.
- Great option for those with darker skin tones.
Cons
- The bottle is on the smaller side.
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Another offering from Neutrogena, this is a broad-spectrum, oil-free sunscreen that is tailored to those with acne-prone skin. It also has some of the clearest, lightweight formulas of the lot!
It’s oil-free as well as non-comedogenic, so no need to worry about blocked pores! It will also stay nice and matte all day while protecting your skin from UV light.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight and sheer.
- Has a non-comedogenic formula.
- Excellent for those with acne-prone and oily skin.
Cons
- It may take a while to get used to the texture.
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Best Sunscreen For Oily Skin Buying Guide
It’s important to think about your skin type when buying sunscreen, as there are sunscreen formulas that have been created for certain skin types such as acne-prone skin, oily skin, or sensitive skin.
You also need to consider if you need a mineral or chemical sunscreen, and I would recommend always going for a broad-spectrum option that has a minimal SPF of 30.
Doing a patch test before you apply sunscreen over your whole face is also a good idea as it will help you avoid any negative reactions.
Let’s take a look at other factors to keep in mind, and why sunscreen is so important.
How Does Sunscreen Protect your face?
A good sunscreen will have a minimum SPF of 30, be broad-spectrum (i.e. protect you from UVA and UVB rays), and contain active ingredients that deflect UV rays such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
All sunscreens have chemical absorbers or physical blockers to prevent your skin from absorbing UV rays.
It’s important to wear sunscreen to prevent skin damage that can lead to skin cancer. It is recommended you reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially if you’ve been sweating or you’ve been swimming. It’s also important to go for a water-resistant sunscreen.
Oil-Free
When we’re talking about oily skin, this is of course the most important criteria, as you don’t want to make your skin even oilier with an oily sunscreen!
Therefore, it’s best to go for formulas with no oil, even if it’s kind-to-skin. This is why I love Supergoop!
Mattescreen SPF 40 as it has no oils and even mattifies your skin to create a smooth base both with or without make-up.
Non-Comedogenic
Since people with oily skin are more likely to experience clogged pores, you should also opt for sunscreen that won’t block your pores.
This is why I recommend Cetaphil’s DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30, because of its basic formula that doesn’t clog pores, and the fact that it also acts as a moisturizer that is kind to sensitive skin.
The Formula
Gels and powders are a great sun protection option for those with oily skin, as they are naturally lighter and have more mattifying properties than lotions or creams.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 is a great powder option for those with oily-skin, being easily portable and great for touch-ups.
Meanwhile, Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is a great gel option because of its clear finish and smooth consistency.
How To Treat Oily Skin
Wearing sunscreen daily can help to protect your skin from sun damage, and some sunscreens can even reduce the signs of pre-existing damage.
But when you have oily skin though there are other steps you can take so your skin is always looking its best without adding extra shine or grease.
- Wash your face twice a day with gel, especially following exercise (see also "Best Face Wash For Men").
- Use a toner to absorb any excess sebum and to remove dead skin cells.
- Apply a benzoyl peroxide or retinoid-based serum treatment to your skin, especially if acne breakouts are common for you.
- Then, apply a moisturizer, or one of the dual moisturizers I’ve mentioned.
- Gently blot your skin throughout the day to absorb excess oil.
- Make sure any cosmetics you have are non-comedogenic and oil-free.
- Ask a doctor about any medications like oral contraceptives or isotretinoin if your acne is severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Cause Of Oily Skin?
A couple of things can be responsible for oily skin like your age, enlarged pores, your genetics, using too many products in your skincare routine, where you live, and even the time of year.
Should You Use Mineral Sunscreens Or Chemical Sunscreens?
Dermatologists often recommend that those with oily skin use a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Mineral sunscreens tend to rest better on your skin and reflect sunlight.
Meanwhile, chemical sunscreens contain synthetic ingredients that absorb sunlight only once they’ve penetrated your skin.
Does Sunscreen Have Negative Effects On Oily Skin?
Generally, there are very little side effects to applying sunscreen. However, if you have oily skin and your sunscreen also contains oils then it can exacerbate the issue.
Plus, some sunscreens can also stain clothes.
If you apply a sunscreen that isn’t suitable for sensitive skin, and you suffer with psoriasis or rosacea, then you may experience irritation.
If this is the case, go for kind-to-skin mineral sunscreen with minimal ingredients that don’t contain alcohol or fragrance.
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