Prevent Breakouts With the 15 Best Non-Greasy Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin (2024)

We updated this article in May 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

Sunscreens have come a long way from the greasy, pore-clogging, strongly-scented formulas you may remember from your childhood days at the beach. Fortunately, there are various types of formulas to choose from today, making it easier to find the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin.

“Using acne medication like retinol can make the skin sensitive to the sun,” says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologic surgeon in New York City. “People with acne have the potential to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure can make this worse and increase the potential of having the pigment last much longer than it would otherwise,” she warns.

That’s why the fear of new pimples shouldn’t stop you from using sunscreen. Instead, opt for picks that are designed with acne skin-friendly ingredients.

”I encourage mineral-based sunscreens (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) because they are less irritating compared to chemical-based sunscreens,” says Chloe Goldman M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, Florida. “Tinted sunscreens are also a good option because the tint provides better protection against visible light, which can trigger hyperpigmentation (a.k.a dark spots) in areas of previously active acne lesions,” Dr. Goldman advises.

How we chose the best sunscreens for acne

We consulted Dr. Engelman, Dr. Goldman, Alexis Stephens M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Parkland Dermatology, and gathered top-rated picks from Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, Debra Jaliman, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the author of Skin Rules, Mona Gohara, M.D., dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, from previously reported Prevention stories and reviewers who have shared some of their own insights.

There’s a reason this sunscreen is constantly recommended by dermatologists, especially for those with acne-prone skin. The product is oil- and fragrance-free, so it won’t cause further irritation. Plus, it’s packed with niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3 that reduces redness) and lactic acid, which “gently exfoliates the skin and regulates sebum build-up,” says Dr. Engelman. On top of that, it also contains hyaluronic acid, a humectant that draws water to the skin, for a boost of moisture (which is often needed in conjunction with drying acne medications).

This sunscreen features a 4-in-1 formula for oily skin types, working to absorb oil, reduce shine, hydrate, and provide sun protection. “My dermatologist recommended this when I was a teenager with bad acne,” wrote one satisfied Amazon customer. “He gave me a sample and I bought some. It worked very well to moisturize, protect my skin from the sun, and didn’t trigger my acne.”

“This oil-free formulation is light, won’t weigh down the skin, and most importantly won’t cause acne breakouts,” said Dr. Zeichner. While it’s a chemical sunscreen, it’s also fragrance-free and noncomedogenic to reduce irritation and clogged pores. Better yet, the matte finish is a dream for oily skin.

If you can’t stand the feeling of thick creams, then this lightweight moisturizer with SPF will keep your oily skin both hydrated (yes, it still needs hydration!) and protected without that sticky, heavy feeling. While it does contain chemical filters over mineral ones, it’s packed with other ingredients that are great for sensitive skin, including ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which can help counteract irritation from acne medication products.

This top-selling sunscreen for acne-prone skin is raved about for its ultra-lightweight formula. “Fragrance- and chemical-free, noncomedogenic, and fast-absorbing, this liquid SPF is perfect for sensitive skin,” said Dr. Gohara. “It’s light, cosmetically elegant, and easy to layer.”

Dr. Engelman recommends this sunscreen for darker skin tones, since it doesn’t leave behind that white cast that SPF is notorious for. The fragrance-free, mineral formula is also a safe bet for acne-prone skin, thanks to its weightless feel and non-greasy finish. A slight peach tint works to color-correct the skin, while the addition of vitamin C boosts antioxidant protection and gives a healthy glow.

Also named one of our top sunscreens for your face, this powder sunscreen is popular for a reason. “Since it is powder, it doesn’t clog the pores and never breaks out the skin,” said Dr. Jaliman. “I recommend it to patients who have oily skin because it helps with the 4 o’clock shine that many of my patients complain about.” The long-wearing, chemical-free formula feels lightweight on the skin and comes in a range of fair to deep, so it’s a safe bet for a variety of skin tones.

This weightless sunscreen for acne-prone skin is one of Dr. Jaliman’s favorites. “It contains zinc oxide as well as titanium dioxide, and it’s tinted, so it’s not white in color. It also contains vitamins A, C, and E for additional antioxidant protection and a major radiance boost,” she added. Perfect for layering over your moisturizer or underneath your makeup, the mineral formula will never spur pesky breakouts.

This pick was a 2020 Healthy Beauty Award winner for a reason. “This sunscreen is beloved by both women and men, as it rubs in beautifully without leaving a white film,” said Dr. Marchbein. “And it’s a physical sunscreen, so it’s great for those with sensitive skin.”

Most sunscreens for your face leave your skin feeling greasy, but Neutrogena’s Sheer Zinc Face formula absorbs quickly. With SPF 50, it protects your delicate skin against UVA and UVB rays, and for people who don't want to smell like a spa, this one is fragrance-free and works great under makeup.

“This patient favorite has an ultra-lightweight formula that is clear and great for all skin tones,” says Dr. Stephens. Its formula is infused with shea butter and vitamin E. The unique oil-free sunscreen glides onto the skin, provides shine control, and leaves behind a velvety, makeup-grip finish.

“This pick is ideal for anyone with oily skin that prefers mineral sunscreen as it’s 100% mineral, oil-free, and noncomedogenic. I love this ultra-lightweight option for its amazing texture and buttery sheer finish,” says Dr. Stephens.

“This is a great option for all skin tones. It’s formulated for oil control and has mattifying ingredients that work great at reducing excess oil and shine throughout the day,” says Dr. Stephens. “Its ingredients also include good-for-you skin ingredients like aloe, shea butter, and squalane.”

“While this is a more pricey pick, it’s a completely mineral-based sunscreen with both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and it has an incredibly lightweight feel that blends perfectly into the skin,” says Dr. Goldman. “The tint provides coverage to even out blemishes, skin tone, and often doubles like makeup for some. It also boasts unique ingredients including thermus thermophillus ferment and asteriscus graveolens extract, which function to protect against free radicals from the sun and mitigate damage from environmental stress, respectively,” she adds.