Say goodbye to shine.
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Let’s cut to the chase: There is quite simply absolutely no valid excuse for not wearing sunscreen daily. Along with seeking shade, covering up, and avoiding peak sun hours, applying sunscreen is a crucial way to safeguard the health of your skin since unprotected UV exposure can cause sunburn, premature signs of aging, and even some cancers.1 However, if you have oily skin, the thought of slathering sunscreen on your face can sometimes be a little bit unappealing—especially since many formulas on the market tend to leave a greasy finish once they’re applied. The good news? There are plenty of matte sunscreens that offer a nice, non-shiny finish.
We conducted hours of research on the best sunscreens for oily skin, evaluating them on active ingredients, SPF, how they interact with water, and what ingredients they’re free of. After consulting with Dr. Elizabeth Houshmand, a double-board-certified dermatologist, and considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated choices.
Best Overall
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
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There’s lightweight sunscreen, and then there’s the undetectable sunscreen that you forget you’re wearing. This Supergoop formula most definitely falls into the latter camp—it’s not only oil-free but also weightless, scentless, and clear. Although it’s great for all skin types, we especially like it for oily skin types thanks to its completely invisible texture. Still, it packs a punch in terms of protection, guarding not only against UVA and UVB rays but also blue light, the type of light emitted from all of our electronic devices—which many of the latest studies show may be potentially damaging.2 As if all of that weren’t enough, it has a matte finish and layers beautifully under makeup. Devoted fans love both how it looks and feels on their skin.
Best Budget
Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen
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Pick up this top-notch option for just under $20—it has the same efficacy and feels as great as much pricier sunscreens we’ve tried. You’ll see that it does have a bit of color to it when you pump it out, but that’s more to combat any whiteness than to impart color onto your skin; it blends in completely sheer. It also has a silky feel and never leaves behind any greasy residue or excess sheen, which is always a plus. This sunscreen won’t clog your pores and is entirely mineral-based. It’s also a great pick for those whose skin is both oily and sensitive.
Best Mattifying
Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40
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We’re big fans of the Supergoop Mattescreen here at Byrdie. We especially love that the formula is completely mineral (yet white cast-free) and mattifies shine, blurs the look of pores, and creates a smooth, even finish on bare skin or under makeup. Commerce writer Caitlyn Martyn has personally gone through about seven bottles of this formula because of how well it protects and perfects the look of her skin. It comes in one universal peachy hue, which is designed to offset the white cast synonymous with mineral formulations; it is flexible and blendable across a wide range of skin tones, we just wish the brand had other color options to perfectly suit all skin tones better.
Best Drugstore
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
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Dermatologists love this brand, a drugstore staple, for its straightforward skincare offerings featuring ceramides, essential ingredients for helping to strengthen and maintain a healthy skin barrier. This formula has those but also delivers additional moisturizing benefits, too—thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid—plus SPF 30 protection and a matte finish.3
Best for Boosting Radiance
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
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Yes, this featherweight, transparent formula (a favorite among dermatologists) touts an effective combo of chemical and mineral sunscreen ingredients to help effectively shield your skin from the sun. But what we find even more noteworthy is the addition of two skincare ingredients: lactic acid, a gentle exfoliant, and niacinamide, an antioxidant that helps even tone and reduces redness.45 In tandem, they help to leave your complexion illuminated and more radiant. Best of all, it absorbs easily, is non-irritating, and is great for those who love a low-maintenance routine.
Best Moisturizer With SPF
Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30
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Yes, you can—and should!—still use a moisturizer even if you have oily or acne-prone skin. We love this one because it delivers light hydration and, thanks to an SPF of 30, a healthy dose of sun protection. But it doesn’t stop there: It also helps mattify skin and keeps excess oil at bay. Plus, because it’s a non-comedogenic product, there’s no need to worry about clogged pores or possible pimples.
Best Tinted
Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion
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This non-chemical tinted lotion is more than just powerful sun protection—it delivers ingredients that are good for your skin in the form of botanical and antioxidants that nourish and won’t clog pores (like Kakadu plum, eucalyptus, and red algae) as well as a powder finish to nix sweat and shine.678 It has an SPF of 50, it’s water-resistant, and you can buy it at the drugstore. Not to mention that it also comes in two tinted shades. Score.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
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When your skin is on the sensitive side, a mineral sunscreen like this one is always going to be your best bet. It relies on zinc oxide, a mineral that sits on top of your skin to block out the sun and is much less likely to cause any kind of potential irritation than chemical blockers.9 Oil-free (important for oily skin) and fragrance-free (key for sensitive skin), it also absorbs quickly and blends into any skin tone; reviewers with darker skin note that it’s one of the only non-tinted, mineral options that they can wear without any chalkiness. While initially, it looks a bit dewy, it dries down quickly to a velvety and matte finish. Oh, and it contains a hefty dose of protective antioxidants, too.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Sunscreen Lotion
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This oil-free, broad-spectrum sunscreen is made specifically for acne-prone skin—one of the sheerest, lightweight formulas we’ve ever tried. It’s non-comedogenic (as well as dermatologist-tested), so there’s no need to stress about clogged pores, ever. Plus, it’ll help you maintain a matte finish all day, all the while protecting your skin from UV light (it comes in 30, 50, and 55 SPF). It’s a miracle worker in a bottle for oily and acne-prone skin types—trust us.
Best for Dark Skin
Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
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Formulated by women of color for people of color, this SPF 30 is filled with natural ingredients that are good for your skin, like avocado, jojoba, cacao, and vitamin C-rich carrot juice, which soothes and evens out skin.101112There’s also sunflower oil that prevents irritation from sunburns.13 Free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, toxins commonly found in sunscreen, this pick is great for everyday protection. Bonus points for it drying clear and without a greasy residue (even though it does contain oil).
Best for Touch-Ups
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
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Breaking news: You shouldn’t only be applying sunscreen daily but also reapplying it regularly—ideally every two hours or at least any time before you go outside. This 100% mineral powder sunscreen (which also contains iron oxide to protect your skin from blue light) is great for touch-ups since it won’t mess up your makeup, and it delivers a little bit of coverage, too. Not to mention that powder, in general, is a good way to absorb excess oil throughout the day. Plus, it’s self-dispensing and portable, meaning you can easily keep one on hand anytime, anywhere.
Best Under Makeup
EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35
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Here’s one for all the sunscreen haters out there. True to the name, this feels more akin to a luxurious skincare serum than any traditional sunscreen you may have ever used. Although it’s entirely mineral-based, it blends in clear skin tones (founder Venus Williams made sure of that). Comfrey plant extract, which is called allantoin, treats dry skin, leaving your face feeling soft and hydrated.
Best Skin Tint With SPF
Tula Brightening Serum Skin Tint Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
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There’s nothing better than a product that tackles two jobs at once. That’s why Tula’s radiance-boosting sunscreen is a perfect option for those on the go. Its luxurious formula includes a rainbow seaweed and niacinamide combination, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, a mix of prebiotic and probiotic extracts, and collagen to give a highlighting effect that protects the skin. Those of us with oily skin will benefit, too, as the product is weightless and doesn’t clog pores.
Best to Even Out Skin Tone
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
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For those of us who struggle with face redness or tone unevenness, we’re in luck. Skinceuticals created a product that’ll solve those skin woes. The 100% mineral-based formula contains artemia salina, a plankton extract that protects skin from stress caused by UV rays and heat.14 Another bonus? The ingredients won’t clog your pores, either. The scent is rather strong (we can’t quite put our finger on what it is exactly), so those who are sensitive to fragrance might want to skip this one.
Best Foundation with SPF
Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25
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If you like to keep your makeup bag lightweight and want products that’ll accomplish multiple jobs, add this foundation with SPF 25 sunscreen to your cart. It comes in 36 shades to match most skin tones and is formulated with ingredients like niacinamide, caffeine, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and many more to help plump, protect, and promote beautiful skin. It’s important to note, though, that this product alone doesn’t count as SPF, but it’s a nice boost that’ll add extra protection throughout your day.
Best Oil-Free
Dermalogica Oil-Free Matte SPF 30
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Don’t let oily skin get in the way of your gorgeous glow with this sunscreen. Zinc gluconate, yeast extract, niacinamide, and biotin all protect and mattify skin.15 Simply apply the product 15 minutes before stepping into the sun and enjoy shine-free, beautiful skin. Although it doesn’t bother everyone, the stronger SPF scent can be off-putting for some.
What to Look for in a Sunscreen for Oily Skin
- Oil-Free: At the risk of pulling a Captain Obvious, this is the most important criterion since the last thing you want is to add more oil to your face. Houshmand recommends looking for formulas that don’t contain oil—even skin-loving kinds.
- Non-Comedogenic: Similarly, you want to make sure that the sunscreen you choose won’t clog pores, given that those with oily skin are already more prone to clogged pores, to begin with. There are also sunscreens for acne-prone skin if you’re worried about breakouts.
- Formula: Powders and gels are an especially great option, given that they’re innately lighter and more mattifying than creams or lotions.
FAQ
Is mineral or chemical sunscreen better for oily skin?
Whether you want to go with a mineral sunscreen, a chemical formula, or a hybrid is a matter of personal preference and is completely up to you. The key is to seek out oil-free options that won’t clog your pores.
How do you apply sunscreen for oily skin?
Whether you’re using a sunscreen stick or a cream, apply it in the same way as you would apply sunscreen to any other type of skin. You need at least a nickel-sized amount of cream for your face and neck, which is about two fingers’ worth (use your index and pointer finger). Ideally, you should also be reapplying every two hours after the fact, especially if you’re going to be spending time outdoors. That’s where powder formulas can be hugely helpful.
What type of sunscreen is best for oily skin?
Houshmand says that powder and gel sunscreens are your best bet if you have oily skin. Beyond that, she advises picking a broad-spectrum sunscreen—to shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays—and an SPF of 30 or more, which is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology (even though, she encourages an SPF 50 formula to make sure you cover your bases).