I set out to find the best sunscreens for oily skin in the hope that these tailor-made products won’t make my skin greasier and sticker than it already is. After all, skipping sunscreen altogether meant that the scorching heat and harmful UV rays of the sun would take a toll on it, inviting more skin problems caused by photodamage. And, after doing extensive research, followed by trials, I wasn’t disappointed!

These gems not only protect my skin from the sun but also control excess sebum or prevent making my skin greasier. Many of these formulations are oil-free and non-comedogenic, so I can trust them to not trigger any skin problems in the process of keeping photodamage at bay. Further, some of these sunscreens minimize excessive shine, whereas others dedicatedly offer a matte finish, unlike the dulling sheen that my skin is used to having!

Speaking of the versatility of sunscreens, aesthetic educator Bianca Lorena says, “Benefits of applying sunscreen every day include great protection, hydration, and it can actually help improve any dark spots or pigmentation! That means, all in all, with a tailormade sunscreen, nothing can stop oily skin beauties from frolicking under the sun! 

I remember, there were times when sunshine looked pretty only in Instagram filters but I am glad that with the best sunscreen on my face, I can click endless pictures and flirt with the actual sun! According to a research paper published by the National Library of Medicine, sunburn is the most commonly encountered skin damage caused by natural light. Inadequate application of sunscreen and improper usage contribute to the increased prevalence of sun damage. 

Sunscreens infused with UV filters such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides, in addition to sebum controllers such as kaolin, calcium carbonate, and magnesium oxide are ideal choices for oily skin. Many of these products are not only formulated to protect skin from UV rays but also from harmful environmental aggregators and pollution. So without further ado, let’s jump into the following product recommendations.

• 1
  Best Oil-free Formula

  EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen

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I have been a loyal user of the EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it is loaded with broad-spectrum SPF 46 that calms and protects my acne and rosacea-prone skin magnificently. Additionally, with ingredients like niacinamide and zinc oxide, this is indeed a good sunscreen for oily skin to wear under makeup or even alone. By leveraging my experience with it, I can confidently say that this one is a sheer winner when it comes to offering maximum skin protection against UVA/UVB rays, pollution, and blue light. I used it once and trust me, my skin never felt so good even after spending hours under the sun.

2

Maximum Sun Protection Factor

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen

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The soothing relief that La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen offers my skin is no less than magic. It makes my oily skin feel so good that I don’t have to think twice before heading out in the sun. Honestly, this non-oily sunscreen does a pretty great job in taking care of my acne and breakout-prone skin. Plus, it reduces shine and absorbs excess oil remarkably. All credits go to its broad spectrum SPF 60 and cell-OX shield technology that plays the game silently. Not to forget, its non-greasy and dry touch texture makes the application process sound like a breeze!

3

Best for Everyday Use

Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30

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I love how Cetaphil’s DermaControl oil-absorbing moisturizer with a good amount of SPF 30 protects and hydrates my skin. It defends my skin against dryness, irritation, and roughness and leaves it completely mattified, just how I ever wanted! What came as a surprise to me was the moisturizer’s micro pearl technology that controls shine and greasiness without clogging the pores on my skin. Last but not least, its lotion-like texture has bowled me over. For anyone who is looking for the best moisturizer sunscreen for oily skin, this one has to be your ideal choice. 

4

Best Anti-aging Sunscreen

Paula's Choice RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense

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While signs of premature aging like fine lines, and uneven skin tone can make one’s heart ache, this age-preventative sunscreen formula can swoop in as a savior. The Paula's Choice RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense beside me is a top-notch anti-aging sunscreen that aims to protect the skin from environmental and sun damage. It is one of the best tinted sunscreens for oily skin enriched with nourishing antioxidants and formulated mindfully. A feature that got me sold — it repairs and also renews sun-damaged skin while preventing further damage.

5

Best Hypoallergenic

Eucerin Oil Control SPF 50 Face Sunscreen

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I have been using Eucerin’s Oil Control SPF 50 face sunscreen for weeks and its results have left me stoked. Enriched with 5 antioxidants namely glycyrrhetinic acid, licochalcone A, vitamins E and C, and oxynex ST, it flawlessly absorbs excessive sebum and reduces shine. What makes it stand out from the rest is that its formulation is rich in essential minerals and antioxidants to offer multi-dimensional protection. Besides, it is among the best sunscreens for acne-prone and oily skin that is mattifying, fragrance-free, and untinted, so it’s unlikely to disappoint you!

6

Best Water-resistant

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ligth Fluid Sunscreen

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Here comes yet another non-oily sunscreen for the face introduced by La Roche-Posay. With broad spectrum SPF 50, 100% mineral UV filters, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and cell OX-shield technology, this one prevents sunburn and protects my skin from free radicals. In addition, I highly appreciate its non-greasy texture and fast-absorbing formula. Let me also share that the sunscreen doesn’t leave a white cast behind! I remember one of the Amazon reviewers saying, “It lasts well even when you are sweating! I was out for 5 hours, walking, sweating, and wiping my face, but hey, didn’t get sunburned at all.”

7

Best for a Natural Glow

Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40

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You have to hear what Supergoop is! Glowscreen SPF 40 has to offer! Firstly, it is a mineral sunscreen that’s light in weight and doesn’t leave a white case. Talking about what it served my skin with? It added instant glow. Plus, it is a glowy primer and broad-spectrum sunscreen that not only shields my skin from harmful UV rays but also blue light. Addedly, with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide, it boosts the hydration levels of my skin! Topping it all off, the formula is weightless, tinted, and worth every penny.

8

Best Barrier-replenishing Formula

CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen

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The CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen is an elixir packed in a bottle. What I really love is the fact that it blends into my skin seamlessly. With ceramides and niacinamide, it safeguards my skin against harmful UV rays, replenishes its protective barrier, and delivers all-day hydration. In addition, it comes with a blend of zinc oxide and chemical sun filters to prevent sunburn and damage. Its texture is non-greasy, non-comedogenic, free of nasties such as parabens and silicones, and a fantastic choice for literally all skin types!

9

Best to Wear Under Makeup

TiZO2 Primer/Sunscreen

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The TiZO2 Primer/Sunscreen not only protects and prevents photodamage, but also makes my skin healthy and luminous. It is a non-tinted broad-spectrum SPF 40, rich in antioxidants that combat UV as well as free radicals. Plus, this is the finest matte sunscreen for oily skin that keeps a check on the sebum production of my skin. What I really appreciate is its smooth and silky texture that glides like butter. Additionally, it possesses a lightweight formula with a luxe blend of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for utmost sun protection — totally worth the splurge!

10

Best for a Matte Finish

Revision Skincare Intellishade Matte Anti-aging Tinted Moisturizer With Sunscreen

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I always prioritize hydrating skincare essentials when it comes to enhancing the overall quality of my skin. Thanks to Revision Skincare’s Intellishade anti-aging tinted moisturizer for being one of my most loyal companions in helping me achieve my dream skin. This sunscreen comes with peptides and SPF 45 to protect my skin from harmful UV rays and thus aids in reducing photoaging. After using this product for months, I noticed that it also restores the skin’s youthful appearance by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Drawing from my experience, it is one of the best matte sunscreens for oily skin that every skincare junkie should invest in.

11

Jaxon Lane RAIN OR SHINE Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen

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What makes Jaxon Lane’s Rain or Shine Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen great for oily skin is its anti-aging and sebum-absorbing formula. It is an astounding lotion powered with SPF 50 that effectively blocks 98% of UV rays. What bowled me over was its luxe blend of ingredients like green tea extract, powerful enough to soothe blemishes and unclog pores, and ginseng root, a strong antioxidant to reduce the signs of aging. What’s more? It features a non-greasy, lightweight, and fast-absorbing formula, making it a potent facial sunscreen for acne-prone skin. 

12

Proactiv Clear Skin Face Sunscreen

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After trying and testing a couple of medicated sunscreens for oily skin, my heart somehow gravitates to the Proactiv Clear Skin Face Sunscreen for a couple of reasons. To start off, it hydrates, protects, and controls excessive shine. In addition, I noticed that it gets absorbed quickly making my skin feel free even under the sun. Having said that, it is loaded with a broad spectrum of SPF 30 and thus offers my skin much-needed protection without making my pores feel breathless. Last but not least, its weightless formula makes it a reliable choice to use daily. 

13

SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 Sunscreen

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Lastly, I want to introduce my skin’s BFF — SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 Sunscreen! It's splendid skin protection and lightweight formula is something that exceeds my expectations almost every day. In tandem, it glides on my skin smoothly and feels like I haven’t applied anything to my skin. Yes, it is that good! With a powerful dose of SPF, it further prevents harmful infrared rays (IR-A rays) from hampering my skin quality. What left me impressed is the fact that it also reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles to make my skin look healthy and naturally glowy all day!

That was my comprehensive list of some good sunscreens for oily skin. Now, let me run you through a detailed buying guide.

Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best sunscreen for oily skin —

Ingredients: I always analyze the list of ingredients to determine the best face sunscreen for oily skin. I believe that hydrating and moisturizing sunscreens play the game to enhance the overall texture, quality, and elasticity of my skin. For instance, the EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen with the goodness of niacinamide and zinc oxide flawlessly protects my acne-prone and combination skin offering maximum skin protection leaving my skin matte. Addedly, sunscreens infused with active and occlusive ingredients like green tea, peptides, ceramides, vitamins E and C, and titanium dioxide have shown effective results on the skin of millions. 

Formula: What I check next is the formula of the best sunscreen for oily acne-prone skin that I plan to buy. I believe it plays a crucial role in predicting the efficacy of sunscreen. For me, a lightweight sunscreen like the CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen is non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, and hypoallergenic and has proven to be of great help in enhancing my skin’s health. You can also consider those that are oil-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, and harsh alcohol. 

Chemical Vs. Mineral Sunscreen: Next, while vouching for the best facial sunscreen for oily skin I analyze whether it is a mineral sunscreen like TiZO2 Primer/Sunscreen or a chemical sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens are those that are infused with zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Such a sunscreen is a better choice for oily skin because it tends to be slightly more drying than the chemical ones that contain silica. Hence, look for the ingredients, formula, and type before making a final decision.

SPF Rating: The most important aspect is to check the sun protection factor in the sunscreen. For maximum sun protection, I prefer using the best sunscreen for the face with SPF 50 just as Eucerin Oil Control SPF 50 Face Sunscreen. For home use, I have been using Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with a minimum SPF of say 30. 

Matte Finish: I have noticed that after applying a facial sunscreen for oily skin, everyone’s skin appears glossier. But some sunscreens like the TiZO2 Primer/Sunscreen can make your skin appear matte yet naturally beautiful. So, for minimum glossiness and more of a skin-blurring effect invest in a semi-matte or mattifying sunscreens.  

After taking note of the above-mentioned aspects, let me walk you through a few of the steps for applying it accurately.

Below are a few steps to follow to apply sunscreen to oily skin in the right manner —

Step 1: Cleanse your face thoroughly with a face wash.

Step 2: Apply your toner and serums.

Step 3: Moisturize your skin. 

Step 4: Seal it with a sunscreen. Fill up the surface of your two fingers (index and middle) with the product — enough to cover the face and decolletage — and dot it over your forehead, cheeks, chin, nose, and neck. Spread evenly with both hands in a circular, upward motion.

Step 5: Massage the sunscreen all over your face until fully absorbed.

Tada, you are done!