Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin (2024)

ProductsSunscreensBest Sunscreens for Oily Skin

Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin (3)

By Kyra Heenan

Nov. 29, 2021 / < 1 min read

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Are you looking for a great sunscreen that will protect your skin without making it look (or feel!) shiny? Here is our guide to the best sunscreens for oily skin.

Our Recommendations

1. Kids SPF 50

Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin (4)

Black Girl Sunscreen Sunscreen for Sun Protection

Black Girl Sunscreen Kids SPF 50

This affordable sunscreen (which is suitable for the face and body) moisturizes and nourishes the skin while protecting it from UVA and UVB rays. It is specifically made with darker skin tones in mind, and doesn’t leave a white cast.

Skin types: All Skin Types

Best for: Sun Protection

Tested on animals: No

How to use: At least 15 minutes before sun exposure, apply liberally over the entire body. Reapply every two hours, or after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.

See on WalmartSee on TargetSee on Black Girl Sunscreen

This fragrance-free sunscreen uses chemical filters to adequately protect from the sun’s harmful rays. It is also water resistant, and packed with ingredients that moisturize and soothe the skin.

Pros

  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Water resistant (up to 80 minutes)

Cons

  • Contains chemical sunscreen filters, which may irritate sensitive skin

Some of the moisturizing and nourishing ingredients in this vegan and cruelty-free sunscreen include avocado, carrot seed oil, sunflower seed oil, chamomile, jojoba, and shea butter.

Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Acrlates/C10-30 Alkyl Acryate Crosspolmer, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Carbomer, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Lecithin, Persea Gratissima(Avocado), Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Water

2. Glowscreen SPF 40

Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin (5)

Supergoop Sunscreen for Daily Sun Protection

Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40

This vegan and cruelty-free sunscreen protects and hydrates the skin, and has a pearlescent finish to help the skin glow. It also acts as a primer for makeup.

Skin types: Normal, Oily, Dry and Combination

Best for: Daily Sun Protection

Tested on animals: No

How to use: After cleansing and applying serums and a moisturizer, apply a generous amount all over the face and neck.

See on AmazonSee on WalmartSee on Sephora

This hydrating sunscreen from cult-favorite brand Supergoop uses chemical sunscreen filters to adequately protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. The formula also contains additional ingredients that moisturize and provide antioxidant protection for the skin, including hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, sea lavender, and cocoa peptides.

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Hydrating

Cons

  • Contains chemical sunscreen filters, which may irritate sensitive skin
  • Not water resistant (shouldn’t be worn while swimming or sweating)

This vegan sunscreen is formulated to work like makeup primer. It creates the perfect gripping base for makeup, allowing your look to last all day. The pearlescent finish also creates a nice glow for no-makeup days.

Avobenzone 3%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Water, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Bismuth Oxychloride, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Lauryl Lactate, Isododecane, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Cetyl Phosphate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Butylene Glycol, Arginine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Iron Oxides, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chlorphenesin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Phospholipids, Limonium Gerberi Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Pantothenic Acid, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ferulic Acid

  1. American Academy of Dermatology. "Is Sunscreen Safe?"

    Accessed Nov. 10, 2021.

  2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging"

    Accessed Nov. 10, 2021.

  3. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils"

    Accessed Nov. 10, 2021.

3. Super Moisture Milk SPF 50

Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin (6)

Skin Aqua Sunscreen for Daily Sun Protection

Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk SPF 50

This fragrance-free sunscreen has a non-greasy and satin finish, and protects from UVA and UVB rays while also lightly hydrating the skin.

Skin types: All Skin Types

Best for: Daily Sun Protection

Tested on animals: Yes

How to use: After cleansing and applying all skincare products, apply the sunscreen all over the face, neck, and chest. Reapply at least every 2 hours, or after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.

See on AmazonSee on Walmart

This oil-free sunscreen combines both mineral and chemical sun protection ingredients to effectively defend against the sun’s harmful rays. The light and milky texture helps it not feel heavy or overly greasy on the skin.

Pros

  • Lightweight, milky texture with a satin finish
  • Oil-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Water resistant (for up to 80 minutes)

Cons

  • Contains chemical sunscreen, which may not be suitable for sensitive skin

This affordable sunscreen contains hyaluronic acid, a skincare ingredient that helps pull moisture to the skin to keep it hydrated.

Water, cyclopentasiloxane, zinc oxide, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, BG, diethylhexyl succinate, polymethylsilsesquioxane, hydrous silica, glycerin, lauroyllysine, lauryl PEG-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl benzoate Hexyl acid, sodium hyaluronate, acrylates copolymer, hydrogen dimethicone, phenoxyethanol, triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethylhexyl dimethicone, methyl paraben, EDTA-2Na, sodium acetyl hyaluronate, hydrolyzed collagen, arginine, bisethylhexyl hydroxy malonate malonate

  1. American Academy of Dermatology. "Is Sunscreen Safe?"

    Accessed Nov. 9, 2021.

4. Clear Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+

Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin (7)

Paula's Choice Sunscreen for Daily Sun Protection and Moisturization

Paula’s Choice Clear Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+

This lightweight SPF 30 moisturizer leaves a matte finish and doesn’t clog pores, making it one of the best Paula’s Choice sunscreens for normal to oily and acne-prone skin.

Skin types: Normal, Oily and Combination

Best for: Daily Sun Protection and Moisturization

Tested on animals: No

How to use: In the morning, after cleansing and applying any treatments, apply the moisturizer all over the face, neck, and chest.

See on AmazonSee on SephoraSee on PaulasChoice.com

Many people with oily or acne-prone skin worry about using sunscreens, because they often feel thick and greasy. However, this SPF moisturizer is an excellent choice for these skin types, because it protects the skin but doesn’t feel greasy or clog pores. It also contains antioxidants and hydrators that calm the skin.

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Lightweight
  • Matte finish

Cons

  • Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate sensitive skin
  • Not water-resistant

This lightweight SPF moisturizer contains antioxidants and replenishing ingredients that calm and hydrate the skin without contributing to shine, including vitamin E, grape seed extract, green tea, and oat extract.

Avobenzone 2.0%, Octinoxate 7.50%, Octisalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 2.0% (sunscreen actives), Water (Aqua), Glycerin (hydration/skin-replenishing), Silica (absorbent), Dimethicone (hydration/texture enhancer), Benzyl Alcohol (preservative), Tocopherol (vitamin E/antioxidant), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (antioxidant), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract (antioxidant), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Peucedanum Graveolens (Dill) Extract (antioxidant), Sambucus Nigra (Black Elderberry) Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran Extract (skin-soothing), Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract (antioxidant), Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Hydrogenated Lecithin (skin-restoring), Titanium Dioxide (texture enhancer), Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer (hydration), Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate (hydration), Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (film-forming/suspending agent), Xanthan Gum (texture enhancer), Sodium Carbomer (texture enhancer), Benzyl Alcohol (preservative), Sodium Benzoate (stabilizer), Potassium Sorbate (preservative), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).

  1. American Academy of Dermatology. "Is Sunscreen Safe?"

    Accessed Aug. 2, 2021.

5. Anthelios Cooling Water Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin (8)

La Roche-Posay Sunscreen for Daily Sun Protection

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Cooling Water Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

This face and body chemical sunscreen has an immediate cooling effect, and absorbs into the skin quickly. It also contains antioxidants that further protects the skin.

Skin types: Normal, Oily, Dry and Combination

Best for: Daily Sun Protection

Tested on animals: Yes

How to use: During the day, after applying serums and a moisturizer, apply the sunscreen all over the face and body. Reapply at least every 2 hours, or after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.

See on AmazonSee on LaRoche-Posay.com

This is one of the best La Roche-Posay sunscreens if you want just one product for both your face and body. It has a water-like lotion texture that doesn’t feel too greasy, and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. This makes it a great option for when you’re swimming or doing more physically demanding activities.

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Oil-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Water resistant (up to 80 minutes)

Cons

  • Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate sensitive skin

This sunscreen contains senna alata, which provides antioxidant protection, defending against free radicals that can accelerate the development of signs of aging. If you need higher SPF, there is also an SPF 60 version available.

Avobenzone 2.24% (Sunscreen), Homosalate 8% (Sunscreen), Octisalate 2.4% (Sunscreen), Octocrylene 4.48% (Sunscreen), Oxybenzone 2.88% (Sunscreen), Water, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Proprylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Silica, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Menthyl Lactate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Maltodextrin.

  1. American Academy of Dermatology. "Is Sunscreen Safe?"

    Accessed Aug. 23, 2021.

6. Clear Skin Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 60

Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin (9)

La Roche-Posay Sunscreen for Daily Sun Protection

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 60

This oil-free sunscreen is perfect for acne-prone and oily skin, because it provides protection from UVA and UVB rays without clogging pores or contributing to shine.

Skin types: Normal, Oily and Combination

Best for: Daily Sun Protection

Tested on animals: Yes

How to use: In the morning, after applying your moisturizer, apply the sunscreen to your face, neck, and chest. Reapply at least every 2 hours, or after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.

See on AmazonSee on WalmartSee on Target

This SPF 60 sunscreen was made with acne-prone and oily skin in mind. It contains powerful UVA/UVB filters that effectively protect the skin, as well as a perlite and silica complex, which helps absorb excess oil to cut down on shine and prevent pores from clogging.

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Oil-free
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Water resistant (up to 80 minutes)

Cons

  • Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate sensitive skin

This sunscreen also contains senna alata, a tropical leaf extract that provides antioxidant protection, defending against free radicals that can accelerate the development of signs of aging.

Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7%, water, silica, dicaprylyl carbonate, styrene/acrylates copolymer, butyloctyl salicylate, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, nylon-12, PEG-100 stearate, glyceryl stearate, perlite, beeswax, ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, phenoxyethanol, PEG-8 laurate, behenyl alcohol, sodium stearoyl glutamate, chlorphenesin, p-anisic acid, xanthan gum, tocopherol, disodium EDTA, arachidyl alcohol, diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate, propylene glycol, cassia alata leaf extract, maltodextrin, stearyl alcohol, t-butyl alcohol, caprylic/capric triglyceride

  1. American Academy of Dermatology. "Is Sunscreen Safe?"

    Accessed Aug. 23, 2021.

7. Resist Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50

Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin (10)

Paula's Choice Sunscreen for Daily Sun Protection

Paula’s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50

If you need a higher SPF, this is a great daily sunscreen. This chemical sunscreen has a lightweight formula, and contains additional ingredients that soothe and protect the skin.

Skin types: All Skin Types

Best for: Daily Sun Protection

Tested on animals: No

How to use: After applying a moisturizer, apply the sunscreen all over the face, neck, and chest. Those with oilier skin may be able to skip the moisturizer and use this product as a combo SPF and moisturizer, as it contains hydrating ingredients.

See on AmazonSee on SephoraSee on PaulasChoice.com

This satin-matte finish sunscreen is excellent for daily use. The chemical sunscreen ingredients (avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and octocrylene) protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays, while the antioxidants further protect from environmental aggressors that can cause premature aging.

Pros

  • Satin-matte finish
  • Lightweight
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • Not water-resistant
  • Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate sensitive skin

In addition to the sunscreen ingredients and antioxidants, this product contains oat extract and green tea extract, which soothe the skin and calm redness. It’s important to note that this sunscreen is not water-resistant, which means it shouldn’t be used for swimming or sports.

Avobenzone 2.0%, Octinoxate 7.50%, Octisalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 2.0% (sunscreen actives), Water (Aqua), Glycerin (hydration/skin-replenishing), Silica (absorbent), Dimethicone (hydration/texture enhancer), Tocopherol (vitamin E/antioxidant), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (antioxidant), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract (antioxidant), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Peucedanum Graveolens (Dill) Extract (antioxidant), Sambucus Nigra (Black Elderberry) Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran Extract (skin-soothing), Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract (antioxidant), Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Hydrogenated Lecithin (skin-restoring), Titanium Dioxide (texture-enhancing), Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer (hydration), Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate (hydration/antioxidant), Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (film-forming/suspending agent), Xanthan Gum (texture enhancer), Sodium Carbomer (texture enhancer), Benzyl Alcohol (preservative), Sodium Benzoate (stabilizer), Potassium Sorbate (preservative), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).

  1. American Academy of Dermatology. "Is Sunscreen Safe?"

    Accessed Aug. 4, 2021.

8. Resist Super Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin (11)

Paula's Choice Sunscreen for Daily Sun Protection

Paula’s Choice Resist Super Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

This lightweight, lightly-tinted product is one of the overall best Paula’s Choice sunscreens. It contains mineral sunscreen filters that protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, as well as calming ingredients and protective antioxidants.

Skin types: All Skin Types

Best for: Daily Sun Protection

Tested on animals: No

How to use: After applying a moisturizer, apply the sunscreen all over the face, neck, and chest.

See on AmazonSee on SephoraSee on PaulasChoice.com

This lightweight SPF 30 sunscreen has a matte finish and is great for daily use. It contains mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide), which is particularly beneficial for sensitive skin, since mineral sunscreens are less likely to irritate the skin compared to chemical sunscreens.

Pros

  • Matte finish
  • Lightweight
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • May leave a white cast on darker skin tones
  • Not water-resistant

This sunscreen contains bisabolol and willow bark extract, which calm the skin and alleviate redness. It also contains a blend of antioxidants to further protect against environmental aggressors. It’s important to note that this sunscreen is not water-resistant, which means it shouldn’t be used for swimming or sports.

Zinc Oxide 13% (broad-spectrum sunscreen agent), Water (Aqua), Cyclopentasiloxane (hydration), PEG-12 Dimethicone (texture enhancer), PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone (texture enhancer), Lauroyl Lysine (skin-conditioning agent),Sodium Chloride (stabilizer), Trihydroxystearin (texture-enhancing), Dimethicone Crosspolymer ( suspending agent), Resveratrol (antioxidants), Quercetin (antioxidants), Epigallocatechin Gallate (antioxidants), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidant), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (vitamin C/antioxidant), Adenosine (skin-restoring), Bisabolol (skin-soothing), Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract (skin-soothing), Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract (antioxidant), Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract (astaxanthin/antioxidant), Hydrolyzed Corn Starch (texture-enhancing/mattifying agent), Polysorbate 80 (texture-enhancing), Hydrated Silica (texture-enhancing/mattifying agent), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (texture enhancer), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (emollient texture enhancer), Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate (texture enhancer), Caprylyl Glycol (preservatives), Hexylene Glycol (preservatives), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservatives), Iron Oxide (CI77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Phenoxyethanol (preservatives).

  1. American Academy of Dermatology. "Is Sunscreen Safe?"

    Accessed Aug. 2, 2021.

FAQs

What is the best sunscreen for oily acne-prone skin?

Two of the best sunscreens for oily acne-prone skin are the Paula’s Choice Clear Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ and the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 60. These products are specifically formulated with oily skin that is prone to breakouts in mind.

Is it safe to use SPF 50 everyday?

Yes, it is safe to use a product with SPF 50 (or higher) every single day. You should wear sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 every day, and doing so will give your skin the best protection possible.

Which sunscreen is best for daily use?

All of the sunscreens on this list are suitable for daily use – it ultimately depends on what formula you like best and works well for your skin. Some great daily use sunscreens include the Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40, the Paula’s Choice Clear Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+, and the Paula’s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50. It’s important to note that these sunscreens aren’t water-resistant, so you should find another option for when you’re swimming or sweating.

The Bottom Line

In order to best protect your skin, you need to find a sunscreen that you’re willing to wear on a daily basis. If you have oily skin, consider adding one of our recommended sunscreens to your daily skincare routine.

About the author

Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin (12)

Kyra Heenan

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Kyra is a content writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She works in the health and wellness sphere, and covers everything from beauty to skincare to fitness. She has been passionate about skincare since she was a teenager, and loves uncovering the absolute best routines and products available to help people reach their skin goals.

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