It’s a must to use SPF, but it might be difficult to choose the finest sunscreen that protects skin from damaging UV rays without leaving the skin feeling greasy. For those of us with oily skin, it’s even more of an accomplishment. Even while we currently have an abundance of suncare products at our disposal, many of them are made with substances that are known to be unappealing, such as shea butter or plant-based oils. Although they work wonders for hydrating dry skin, they may make oily skin worse, clog pores, and cause breakouts.
The good news is that sunscreen innovation is flourishing at this time. Numerous SPF options are available that feature oil-free formulas and mineral filters to target shine and mattify skin while providing protection against UVA rays, which are linked to premature ageing and skin cancer, UVB rays, which cause sunburn, and other environmental aggressors like pollution and infrared light. Better still, compared to many of their predecessors, these exquisite formulae are incredibly light.
Although sunscreen is essential throughout the year, we asked a panel of doctors, facialists, and beauty experts to provide their recommendations for the best sunscreens for oily skin, with prices starting at $10, in advance of the warmer months.
Here at Refinery29, our goal is to assist you in navigating this deluge of information. The editorial team chooses and curates each of our market picks on its own. Refinery29 may receive a commission if you purchase something after clicking one of our links.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30 PA+++
The well-liked Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is a multitasker that hits all the right notes for dermatology consultant Dr. Alia Ahmed. All skin types can use this sunscreen, however its lightweight texture is best suited for oily skin. It absorbs completely into your skin without leaving a white cast, is colorless, scentless, and oil free. Supergoop! sunscreens offer extra benefits for skincare, such as a formula rich in antioxidants that shields skin from environmental stressors like pollution and minimizes oil production. Additionally, the lotion serves as a primer for cosmetics.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control Fluid SPF 50+
Anybody who calls this sunscreen a critical favorite wouldn’t be exaggerating. Fifty percent of the experts we consulted for this story suggested this product. Dermatologist Dr. Shaaira Nasir adds, “Not only does it have high UVB broad spectrum protection of SPF 50+, but there is also extra-potent filtering against long UVA waves [generally associated with skin ageing].” “The formula is a lightweight, mattifying fluid that absorbs easily; it’s great for oily and combination skin.”
According to Justine Masters, aka The Alternative Facialist, this sunscreen is a need because of one key ingredient. “It has airlicium [aerated silica] in it, which is anti-shine, reduces the chance of pore clogging, and absorbs excess sebum,” the spokesperson claims.
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
For her oily skin, Refinery29’s deputy beauty director Jacqueline Kilikita uses only this cheap sunscreen. “Despite not feeling like sunscreen at all, this is incredibly lightweight, and its broad spectrum SPF 30 ensures that your skin is protected.” It protects against UVB rays, which cause sunburn, as well as UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin cancer. I love that this also contains ceramides, which are essentially the glue that ties our skin cells together to maintain the skin barrier happy, healthy, and moisturized, even if my oily skin can be prone to dry patches. It also looks good under makeup.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46
EltaMD’s UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 is highly recommended by dermatologist Dr. Hadley King MD due to its high level of protection and availability of skincare ingredients. Lactic acid, which is included in this sunscreen, hydrates and gently exfoliates the skin to help maintain clear pores. Niacinamide, which helps to improve skin tone and texture, is another ingredient in it. It is high in antioxidants, oil-free, and non-comedogenic—that is, unlikely to clog your pores.
Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Skinscreen SPF 50+
This best-seller from Ultra Violette, an Australian suncare brand that has gained cult following, is recommended by Justine Masters, The Alternative Facialist. This mattifying SPF is fragrance-free and mineral-based, making it ideal for those with oily or reactive skin. Additionally, it contains plant-derived components to help hydrate the skin, leaving it plump and juicy with no hint of stickiness or heaviness. These include the antioxidant Kakadu plum and the incredibly moisturizing pentavitin, a plant extract found in many moisturizers.
Murad Acne Control Oil and Pore Control Mattifier SPF 45
According to Dr. Justine Hextall, medical director of Tarrant Street Clinic and consultant dermatologist, this is the ideal SPF for all skin types, not just oily skin types. “This sunscreen is ideal for wearing under makeup because it is really light and seems like a primer when applied to skin. Zinc gluconate is one of the ingredients; it helps mattify and minimize oiliness on the skin. It also has a fantastic blend of humectants that assist the skin become moisturized and smooth by attracting moisture. Added antioxidants in the broad spectrum SPF guard against UV and pollution-related free radical damage.
Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF50+
Dr. Anjali Mahto, founder of Self London and consultant dermatologist, suggests looking into Eucerin’s Oil Control sunscreen if you have a history of acne. This product has an excellent formulation, in my opinion. It has been developed with “anti-shine technology” to ensure that you won’t get the obvious shine that sunscreens typically cause, especially if you have oily skin. It is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t plug pores. It absorbs into the skin easily and rapidly because of the gel-cream structure, but most importantly, it offers broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation.
SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF 50
SkinCeuticals makes a tinted sunscreen that Dr. Hextall loves using on oily skin. “The universally suitable tint of the formula is so light and non-comedogenic that it works for all skin tones.” In addition to having a broad spectrum SPF to protect against UVA and UVB rays, this product also has excellent light reflection, which helps to lessen the appearance of blemishes and post-acne marks in many of its oily-skinned clients.
Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Skin Care Body Milk SPF 50+ PA ++++
Since I made the decision ten years ago to start taking suncare properly, I have been depending on this little gold bottle. Spending a significant amount of money on sunscreen is well worth it. Since I was raised in a subtropical region, the summers here are extremely hot and humid, with nearly 100% humidity. Within seconds of leaving the house, most sunscreen solutions leave my skin feeling extremely oily and in need of assistance. However, this lightweight fluid removes shine from my complexion and coats it evenly, leaving my skin matte even after applying multiple layers of makeup. It’s not the superior Japanese SPF. In fact, it shields me from sun damage so effectively that I use it frequently on other portions of my body (where I usually use a less expensive sunscreen)
felt, at the end of the day, more burned and drier than my face. I can attest to this product’s waterproof and sweatproof qualities after wearing it on numerous excursions.
SkinCeuticals Oil Shield UV Defence SPF 50
Patients with oily skin are frequently recommended this sunscreen by consultant dermatologist Dr. Derrick Phillips. “This product contains silica silicate, which absorbs sebum and mattifies the face, preventing an oily finish, in addition to offering broad-spectrum protection against dangerous UV rays.”
