While we cannot stop emphasizing the importance of sunscreen, the greasy residue that most formulations leave makes many people refrain from using them. But with the best matte sunscreen for oily skin, one can avoid this skincare faux pas, while also preventing that undesirable oily sheen on the face, which tampers with your makeup and spoils your facial aesthetic. Such sunscreen formulations also prevent triggering certain skin problems while protecting it from harsh UV rays. 

Matte sunscreens are the best option for individuals with acne-prone, sensitive, and oily skin types. To achieve the desired effect, apply your matte sunscreen before applying your makeup. With these sunscreens, you can achieve flawless sun protection without any worries of oily skin. The formula seamlessly merges with your complexion, leaving no trace of oil residue that could potentially ruin your look.

What you put on your skin does not make your skin oily however, most common sunscreen formulas may have the unfortunate tendency to clog your pores. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Andrea Suarez says, “I have to tell you a little nitpicky detail, oil production has nothing to do with the stuff that you put on your skin, it is largely governed by a combination of genetics and hormones. If you are using something that is super irritating and your skin is inflamed, it can make your skin a little oily.”

Don't worry, just keep scrolling and you’ll find the best mattifying sunscreens for oily skin that you can buy and try (we are certain that you will never ditch the sun shield ever after that)!

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  Best High SPF Sunscreen

  Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Face Sunscreen SPF 60

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Shine bright like a diamond in the sky while keeping the unwelcome oils at bay by using Aveeno Protect+Hydrate Moisturising Face Sunscreen. This sunscreen has the goodness of prebiotic oats and is suitable for daily wear. It is a non-greasy face sunscreen that is incredibly lightweight. The best part is it does not make your face develop a white cast and make you look like a ghost (yikes). It is a transparent sunscreen that provides protection from UVA and UVB rays. It is great to use when outdoors as well as  it is water-resistant and sweat-proof. So whether you’re feeling a bit adventurous or lazy, make sure you don't miss out on this sunscreen as it is highly moisturizing too.

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Best Non-greasy Sunscreen

ISDIN PHOTO Eryfotona Actinica

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ISDIN PHOTO Eryfotona Actinica is a quick-absorbing and lightweight travel-friendly sunscreen that is highly potent. It is the perfect formula for sun protection that can be used in all seasons. The sunscreen is made with effective ingredients. DNA repairsomes are derived from plankton which helps in reversing damage caused to the skin by the sun’s harsh rays. It also contains antioxidant-rich vitamin E which ups the skin's natural defense barrier to help keep pollution and environmental damage away.

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Best Mineral Sunscreen for Oily Skin

Paula's Choice RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

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Offering broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, this mineral-based sunscreen not only safeguards your delicate skin from harmful environmental aggressors but also acts as the perfect wrinkle-defense skin moisturizer. It's packed with powerful antioxidants and pure mineral zinc oxide that offer superior sun protection. But that's not all, it even helps combat signs of aging while giving your skin a silky smooth feel and soft matte finish. No white casts here, folks! Its formula blends effortlessly into your skin and evens out skin tone flawlessly. Plus, it's super easy to use! Just apply 15 minutes before sun exposure for maximum benefits.

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Derma E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30

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Derma E Sun Protection Mineral Powder is a perfect sunscreen if you are out and about but don't want to miss out on re-application on the go. We would be lying to ourselves if we had not hoped for the sunscreen makers to offer a powder version to make our lives easy. Having the best mineral sunscreen for oily skin in the form of mineral powder is a blessing and this sunscreen eliminates unwanted oils, leaving skin with a refreshed appearance. It protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays that can cause harmful effects, skin damage, and premature aging. The face powder has clear non-nano zinc oxide that acts as the guardian of the skin barrier. Additionally, green tea extracts in it protects the skin from environmental stressors whereas camomile flower extract soothes the skin and nourishes it. The mineral powder face sunscreen can be applied over or under makeup for daily skin care

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DEWYTREE Urban Shade Anti-Pollution Sun Screen SPF 50+

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Dewytree Urban Shade Anti-pollution sunscreen has a dewy formula that is designed to protect the skin from common environmental stressors like blue light, car exhaust, smog, etc. It has a high SPF 50+ PA++++ that restores the skin to give it a healthy and nourishing glow. Exoctic and beneficial ingredients like calamine, safflower seed oil, flora bloom lutein (5%), citystem, pollustop, bitter mint extract, and marigold flower extract are used in the formulation to repair and revitalize your skin. The best daily defense for younger-looking skin is a sunscreen that absorbs rapidly, dries to a non-sticky finish, and feels weightless. This icing on the cake is the pink calamine which enables a vivid pink effect that eases minor skin irritations and itching.

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Best Non-greasy Sunscreen

Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturising Sunscreen SPF 30

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It’s never easy to indulge in a stepwise skincare routine on a busy day. Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturising Sunscreen makes it easier by combining moisturizer and sunscreen in one bottle. It has micropearl technology that absorbs excess surface oil, keeping your skin non-greasy but well-shielded. This spf moisturizer for oily skin uses Oleosome technology that uses a low concentration of sunscreen filters for adequate hydration with minimal irritation. All you have to do is apply this 15 minutes before you step out in the sun and you’re ready to face the sun. The moisturising sunscreen has benzoyl peroxide, a great anti-acne ingredient that may help you fight off hormonal and cystic acne (4).

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Best Sunscreen For Acne

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46

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EltaMD UV Clear is formulated with hyaluronic acid that maintains skin’s suppleness and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The sunscreen provides UVA/UVB protection and is super lightweight to wear even under makeup. It leaves no residue or white cast making you look like a walking horror movie. This sunscreen is a gift for those with sensitive skin because it calms and protects skin that is prone to acne, rosacea, and dark spots. If you’re looking for a good sunscreen that is enriched with skin-loving ingredients, this is the one because, in addition to hyaluronic acid, it also has zinc oxide and niacinamide.

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Best Non-greasy formula

La Roche-Posay SPF 60

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La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen is an oil-free sunscreen that is a great choice for those with oily and acne-prone skin. This nongreasy susncreen is clinically shown to beat the shiny and oily appearance even if you’re soaking in the sun in tropical areas. It is formulated with an exclusive Cell-ox technology that shields the skin from UVA rays that cause aging, UVB rays that are infamous for sunburns, and free radicals that are notorious in accelerating the aging process. The high SPF in the sunscreen lotion makes it a must-buy for anyone who spends too much time outdoors and wants to defeat premature-aging of the skin.

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Best Long-lasting

Eucerin Sun Oil Control SPF 50

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Eucerin Oil Control Facial sunscreen is made with five antioxidants that help in restoring the skin’s elasticity while also protecting it from any further damage from everything that the skin endures all day long. It is an easily spreadable lotion that gets absorbed into the skin quickly. You can also wear it under your makeup and be unfettered of it melting away on your face. It is safe to use all over the face, including the sensitive under-eye areas (these need the most amount of TLC). The sunscreen comes in convenient packaging with a pump dispenser that can be carried around effortlessly. It is free of parabens, sulphates, phthalates, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.

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Best for Sensitive Skin

Hawaiian Tropic Matte Effect SPF 50

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If you’re hooked onto the regular application of sunscreen, like you should be, finding the best matte sunscreen that is affordable and effective is quite tricky, It’s time we introduce you to Hawaiian Tropic Matte Effect sunscreen which is a lightweight mineral-enriched sunscreen that has active natural and chemical ingredients to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. While it acts as a barrier between the sun and your skin, it also blots out any excess oil from your skin to enable a luxurious matte finish. If you’re wondering why it’s monikered tropic, the answer lies in the presence of sea minerals in the formulation of the sunscreen. That’s enough for you to get your hands on the non-greasy sunscreen, and if it’s not, maybe you’ll be sold on the tropical scent that will certainly indulge your senses.

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Best Water-resistant

MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield Liquid SPF 30

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The oil-free Mychelle sunscreen formula is the best mineral sunscreen that attunes to your skin, making it look and feel like a second skin. It can also be used as a primer underneath your usual foundation. The mineral sunscreen contains a faint tint that might enhance your skin's radiance. You will only need to slap some cheek tint and sunscreen and voila you will be prepared to shine! Its oil-free sunscreen recipe is perfect for all skin types because the bentonite clay helps to absorb extra oil and smooth the skin. The good news is that it's created with only natural components and doesn't include retinyl palmitate or chemical UV absorbers like octinoxate, octisalate, or oxybenzone. It is a creamy sunscreen that you can use for exercise or when swimming!

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Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion SPF 55

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Without aggravating or producing outbreaks, Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen with wide spectrum SPF 55 is designed to prevent sunburns. This face and body sunscreen lotion comes in a 3-fluid-ounce bottle that may look petite but is incredibly potent. It offers exceptional UVA/UVB protection because it is stabilized using Helioplex technology and contains the active ingredient avobenzone. The fragrance-free, water-resistant formula of this liquid sunscreen lotion slows down skin aging. The texture of the sunscree leaves a weightless, matte finish. It allows the skin to breathe and repels skin issues. It can also be paired with Neutrogena cleanser to achieve the best results.

No matter how many pages of beauty blogs you’ve scrolled or Instagram reels you’ve watched about the perfect sunscreen when you enter the store, you’re bound to be overwhelmed by a plethora of colorful, luxurious, and promising brands. “A lot of sunscreens form a film around the skin that slows down sweating and when sweat mixes with natural oils, it can really make your skin feel heavy and greasy and ultimately makes your skin look super shiny,” says Dr. Suarez. To prevent impulsive purchases that you might regret later, here’s what you need to look for while buying a sunscreen that is perfect for your oily skin.

1. Always check SPF:

First things first, a sunscreen's sun protection factor (SPF) indicates how much solar energy (UV radiation) would burn skin that is protected from the sun (5). The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises wearing sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, which blocks up to 97% of UVB rays from the sun. Although those with fair skin or those who burn easily benefit from higher SPFs (6). For those with fair skin or those who burn easily, the AAD advises SPF 50, although you shouldn't insist on using the maximum amount because no sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun's rays.

Tip: It is advised to refrain from layering a sunscreen of lower spf (like 15) with a sunscreen of higher spf (like 50) because it will only clog your pores.

2. Check the key ingredients:

The quality and coverage you require can be ensured with a simple glance at the ingredients list. Look for the term "broad-spectrum sunscreen" on the label to be sure you have UVA and UVB protection. Some sunscreens use natural minerals like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide and chemical sunscreens make use of chemicals like bemotrizinol, avobenzone, and biscotizole, all of which offer broad-spectrum protection. A few chemicals, such as oxybenzone, may also be best avoided.

3. Know your skin type:

What may work for dry skin will certainly not work for oily skin. So if you have dry skin, you should hunt for elements like glycerin, lanolin, oils, silicones and aloe, and stay away from sunscreen sprays and gels containing alcohol. The best sunscreen lotions for oily skin are those that are lightweight or gel-like and contain substances like silica or isododecane. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products, as well as mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are suitable choices for people with sensitive skin. Also, you should stay away from alcohol and preservatives.

4. Know how to include sunscreen in your makeup routine:

Although there are many foundations with SPF, it's not wise to just resort to using foundation as your everyday SPF. Use sunscreen as a base under your makeup, either before or after a protective moisturizer. You can apply a thin coat of sunscreen, about the size of a dime, and let it absorb into the skin before wiping off any excess with a tissue. Make sure to wash the sunscreen off your hands before putting on any makeup.

5. Look for a lightweight formula:

The last thing anyone desires is a sunscreen that feels heavy and oily on the skin, especially during those hot summer months. Look for a product that is formulated with a lightweight consistency, as this will ensure a comfortable wear throughout the day. A lightweight matte sunscreen will provide a refreshing and non-greasy feeling, allowing your skin to breathe while still receiving optimal protection.

6. Consider the water-resistant property of the sunscreen:

Whether you're heading to the beach, participating in water sports, or simply sweating under the sun, it's vital to ensure that your sunscreen stays put. Water-resistant sunscreens are designed to provide long-lasting protection, even in humid or aquatic environments. By investing in a water-resistant matte sunscreen, you can have peace of mind knowing that it will stay intact despite water exposure, ensuring continuous defense against harmful UV rays.

7. Fast-absorbing sunscreen is a game-changer:

Gone are the days of waiting around for your sunscreen to dry before applying makeup or going about your daily activities. By selecting a fast-absorbing matte sunscreen, you can easily and quickly apply it onto your skin without any noticeable residue. This will save you time and frustration while achieving a smooth and natural finish. Furthermore, a fast-absorbing sunscreen prevents any potential transfer onto clothes or other surfaces, keeping your skin protected while avoiding any mess or inconvenience.

Matte sunscreens have taken the skincare industry by storm, and for a good reason. There are numerous benefits to using a matte sunscreen that makes it an indispensable part of your daily routine. Some of them are:

1. Shine-Free Protection:

One of the standout benefits of using a matte sunscreen is that it provides a shine-free protection to your skin. Traditional sunscreens often leave a greasy or shiny residue on the skin, which can make you feel uncomfortable throughout the day. Matte sunscreens, on the other hand, have a unique formula that absorbs excess oil and gives your skin a velvety matte finish. This not only prevents unwanted shine but also helps to minimize the appearance of pores, giving your skin a smooth and flawless look.

2. Perfect for Oily and Combination Skin:

If you have oily or combination skin, finding the right sunscreen can be a challenge. Often, regular sunscreens can exacerbate the oiliness, leading to breakouts and an uncomfortable greasy feeling. Matte sunscreens are specifically designed for individuals with oily or combination skin types. The lightweight formula of matte sunscreens not only helps control oil production but also prevents clogged pores, reducing the chances of acne breakouts. By choosing a matte sunscreen, you can enjoy the benefits of sun protection without worrying about any unwanted side effects on your skin.

3. A Great Makeup Base:

Applying makeup over sunscreen can be a real struggle, as the slippery texture of traditional sunscreens makes it difficult for the makeup to adhere properly. This is where the matte sunscreen comes to the rescue! Due to its non-greasy texture and velvety finish, a matte sunscreen acts as an excellent makeup base. It creates a smooth canvas for your foundation, ensuring a flawless and long-lasting makeup application. Additionally, they also help in controlling the shine caused by oil-based makeup, making it perfect for those who want their makeup to stay put throughout the day.

4. Added Antioxidant Benefits:

While all sunscreens provide protection against harmful UV rays, matte sunscreens often come packed with additional antioxidant benefits. These sunscreens are enriched with antioxidants like vitamin E, niacinamide, or green tea extracts, which provide extra protection against free radicals that can damage the skin cells. By using a matte sunscreen with antioxidant properties, you not only shield your skin from the sun's harmful rays but also combat environmental aggressors, keeping your skin youthful and radiant.