The Sunscreen Mistake Causing Your Breakouts: 12 SPF Formulas That Actually Stop Greasy Skin

For those with glow-prone skin, sunscreen can be a hard sell. But the best sunscreens for oily skin can make daily habits easier.

This is important because using SPF is the best way to protect your skin from a variety of skin care issues. These range from fine lines and hyperpigmentation to skin cancer.

Many people with oily skin tones have long struggled with drawbacks like shine and heaviness. However, if you have fairly oily skin, you can definitely avoid permanent sun damage without settling for a greasy face.

The thick, sticky SPF your mom put on you as a kid doesn’t cut it. Today’s lightweight SPFs are totally different, and many are perfectly suitable for oily skin.

You just have to know what to look for. In some cases, you can combine the moisturizer and sunscreen steps into a non-greasy, lightweight formula you’ll never forget.

How can you finally find the Holy Grail SPF? Start by applying an oil-free mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, according to board-certified dermatologist Stefani Kappel, MD.

Not only do these products better protect against UVA and UVB rays, but they are naturally less likely to cause breakouts. They are much safer for acne-prone skin than traditional chemical sunscreens, she says.

Chemical sunscreens have a big benefit, though. They blend more easily into darker skin tones and feel lightweight on the skin.

This is why we’ve included some great chemical options for oily skin types in our list below as well.

In addition to sun filter types, avoid formulas that contain pore-clogging oils like coconut oil, soybean oil, and wheatgerm oil. While they’re great for dry skin, they can inadvertently activate sebum production.

This becomes a massive problem for skin types that already have larger oil-producing sebaceous glands. So, we’ve narrowed down the choices so you can easily find the best sunscreen for oily skin.

Daily SPF will not only become a must-have in your skincare routine, but it will also feel like a luxury.

Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. Board-certified dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD, highly recommends this formula.

She touts its ability to reduce shine and cleanse pores through lactic acid. Think of it as an oil-control moisturizer rather than a sunscreen.

While it’s enriched with sodium hyaluronate to keep skin hydrated, it never feels greasy or sticky.

Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. You don’t have to spend more than $20 for an effective, non-greasy facial sunscreen.

New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, gives this her seal of approval for oily skin types. It has a lightweight feel and impressive oil-control capabilities.

This mineral sunscreen doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy, making it a great option for people with oily skin, she says. It also contains vitamin E, which protects against free radical damage.

Best Mineral: Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36. There’s a fine line between looking radiant and looking greasy.

Alastin’s HydraTint knows exactly how to deliver a healthy-looking glow that even the oiliest skin types will love. Dr. Kappel is a fan of the formula, explaining that it’s lightweight and won’t clog pores thanks to its non-comedogenic properties.

It also contains ectoine, which helps protect skin from blue light and pollution.

Best Chemical: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 60. This provides the exact lightweight, oil-free sun protection you want.

This SPF 60 broad-spectrum formula provides a matte finish. It is enriched with senna, an antioxidant-rich tropical leaf extract that reduces free radical damage.

Best Tinted: MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30. This tinted formula is perfect for those who want coverage without the heavy feel of foundation.

It controls shine and blurs imperfections while delivering powerful mineral sun protection. The matte finish ensures your oily skin stays perfectly balanced all day.

Best for Touch-Ups: Brush on Block Translucent Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 30. What’s better than a sunscreen that protects your skin?

One that also absorbs shine from your forehead and nose. That’s exactly what this translucent powder does, relying on its compact, self-dispensing brush applicator.

Because it’s a powder formula, you don’t have to deal with greasy textures or white, chalky residue. Plus, you can swim or workout for up to 80 minutes thanks to this sweat-resistant formula.

Best Spray: Alba Botanica Sensitive Fragrance Free Sunscreen Spray SPF 50. If we could sum up the experience of using this drugstore-favorite formula, it would be “pleasant.”

It is perfect for sensitive skin, especially if you spend a little too much time in the sun. It is based on aloe vera and chamomile, which are ingredients that soothe the worst sunburns.