The 12 Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin to Provide Grease-Free Sun Protection
For those prone to shine, sunscreen can be a hard sell — but the best sunscreen for oily skin makes daily habit easy. That's incredibly important, since applying SPF is the best possible way to shield skin from a host of skin-care concerns, like fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation at best — and skin cancer at worst. The problem? Many people with oilier complexions have long encountered drawbacks, like a greasy sheen and heavy feel.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $41
- Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, $12
- Best Mineral: Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36, $64
- Best Chemical: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 60, $33
- Best Tinted: MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30, $33
- Best for Touch-Ups: Brush on Block Translucent Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 30, $34
- Best Spray: Alba Botanica Sensitive Fragrance Free Sunscreen Spray SPF 50, $10
But if your skin skews oily, it's entirely possible to avoid lasting sun damage and not have to settle for greasy skin in the process. The thick, goopy SPF your mother slathered on you as a kid isn't the case for the feather-light SPFs of today, many of which are oily skin-friendly. You just have to know what to look for. And, in some cases, you can combine your moisturizer and sunscreen steps into one non-greasy, lightweight formula, so you never forget.
So, how can those who are Team Oily Skin finally uncover a holy grail SPF? According to Corona Del Mar-based board-certified dermatologist Stefani Kappel, MD, start with oil-free, mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. "These not only offer better protection against UVA and UVB rays, but they're naturally less comedogenic, or acne-causing, than chemical sunscreens," she says. (That said, chemical sunscreens do offer big advantages; they're usually easier to blend into deeper skin tones, and feel lightweight on skin — which is why we've included some good options for oily types in the below list.)
In addition to the type of sunscreen filter, steer clear of formulas that contain pore-clogging oils, like coconut, soybean, and wheat germ oils. While they're ideal for dry skin (and worth considering if you have combination skin), they may inadvertently activate sebum production, which can be a problem for a skin type that already has larger oil-producing sebaceous glands.
With that in mind, we've narrowed down the options to make it easy for you to find the best sunscreen for oily skin. Not only will daily SPF be a given in your skin-care routine, but it'll feel like a luxury, too.
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
1/12EltaMD
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Why It's Worth It: Board-certified dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD, a professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, suggests EltaMD's barely-there UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 — touting its ability to reduce shine and clear pores by way of lactic acid. Think of this as more of a mattifying moisturizer than a sunscreen. Even though it's boosted with sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) to moisturize the skin, it'll never feel oily or sticky.
Editor Tip: Give the formulation a few minutes to set before applying makeup to avoid pilling.
Type: Chemical and mineral | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
2/12Cetaphil
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Why It's Worth It: Fun fact: You don't have to pay over $20 for an effective, shine-free face sunscreen. Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says the Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 gets her seal of approval for oily skin types for its lightweight feel and impressive oil control. "This mineral sunscreen dries won't leave the skin feeling greasy, making it a great option for those with oily skin," she says. "It also contains vitamin E to protect against free radical damage."
Editor Tip: This face sunscreen is hypoallergenic, fragrance- and paraben-free, and packed with soothing ingredients, making it a winner for those prone to redness.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Allantoin, bisabolol, niacinamide
Best Mineral: Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36
3/12Alastin Skincare
Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36
Why It's Worth It: There's a fine line between looking glowy and looking greasy, but Alastin's HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 knows which side of the yard to play on, delivering a healthy sheen even the oiliest of skin types will look forward to. 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 ectoin, which helps defend skin against blue light and pollution.
Editor Tip: Yes, the formula is tinted — but it may leave behind a white cast if your skin is melanated.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Ectoin, phytofluene, phytoene
Best Chemical: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 60
4/12La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 60
Why It's Worth It: The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 60 provides all of the lightweight, oil-free sun protection you could ever ask for. This broad-spectrum SPF 60 formula creates a mattified finish and is spiked with senna alata, a tropical leaf extract that's rich in free radical damage-reducing antioxidants.
Editor Tip: It's a chemical SPF, so it's powered by filters like avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate in here.
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Senna alata, thermal spring water, vitamin E
Best Tinted: MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30
5/12MDSolarSciences
MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30
Why It's Worth It: When Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein needs complexion coverage while she's basking in the sun, she swaps out her usual matte-finish foundation for the MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30. "I love the light, sheer-to-medium coverage of this tinted sunscreen," she says. "Believe it or not, but I actually prefer this sunscreen over most foundations for its breathability and skin-enhancing ingredients." Complexion-boosting additives you can spot in this formula include antioxidant-rich green tea extract and brightening vitamin C.
Editor Tip: The formula contains dimethicone, which gives it a slip that makes it especially easy to blend in.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, vitamin C, pomegranate extract
Best for Touch-Ups: Brush on Block Translucent Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 30
6/12Brush On Block
Brush on Block Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 30
Why It's Worth It: What's better than a skin-protecting SPF? One that also sucks up the shine sitting on your forehead and nose, of course. That's exactly what Brush on Block's Translucent Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 30 does, relying on its compact, self-dispensing brush applicator to get the job done. Because it's a powder formula, you won't have to deal with the usual hardships of traditional sunscreens (like greasy textures and white, chalky residue). P.S. If you're swimming or working out, you're good to go for up to 80 minutes, thanks to this sweat- and water-resistant formula.
Editor Tip: The packaging is refillable, which also saves on the cost.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, jojoba seed oil, chamomile
Best Spray: Alba Botanica Sensitive Fragrance Free Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
7/12Alba Botanica
Alba Botanica Sensitive Fragrance Free Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Why It's Worth It: If we could sum up the application experience of this drugstore-favorite, sensitive-skin-friendly formula in one word, "enjoyable" would take the cake — especially if you're guilty of spending a little too much time in the sun. Alba Botanica's Sensitive Fragrance Free Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 is powered by aloe vera and chamomile (ingredients that soothe even the gnarliest of sunburns).
Editor Tip: It's housed in a super convenient, travel-friendly air-powered mist, making it ideal for vacation.
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, avocado oil
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50
8/12Colorescience
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield
Why It's Worth It: Some people actually enjoy applying SPF. Never thought your acne-prone skin could get there? This pick may just change your mind, especially if you're constantly having to ensure that your SPF doesn't interfere with the active ingredients you're using to treat breakouts (like finicky retinol). Dr. Kappel says that's a non-issue with the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield, and you won't have to worry about any ingredient in this SPF intercepting your acne-busting regimen. To sell this universal sunscreen even further, it has an airy texture and sheer finish that makes it a staple if you're wearing underneath makeup or just the SPF alone.
Editor Tip: It's sweat- and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, so it works well for beach days and long runs, too.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, allantoin, sunflower extract
Best for Sensitive Skin: Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40
9/12Supergoop
Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40
Why It's Worth It: New York City-based dermatology nurse-practitioner Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, says the Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40 is one of her top recommendations for those with excess oil. "I like this oil-free sunscreen because it is lightweight, 100% mineral-based, and soothing and calming to the skin," she says. This featherweight formula guards against damaging sun rays while antioxidant-rich bamboo extract protects against free radical damage and lightly conditions skin.
Editor Tip: Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, a Best of Beauty and three-time Readers' Choice Award winner, is another oil-free fan favorite that’s become famous for its totally invisible finish.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, radish root ferment, gigantea leaf ferment
Best for Mature Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
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Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Why It's Worth It: According to Brooklyn-based board-certified dermatologist Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, the Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is an ideal pick for the oiliest of complexions, due to its grease-free finish and universal tint that blends into your skin tone. Along with oxidative stress-reducing antioxidants, this formula also contains skin-firming peptides to reduce the look of early-stage sagging and fine lines.
Editor Tip: It has a light fragrance that might be polarizing.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, peptides, vitamin E
Best for Brightening: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sunscreen SPF 50
11/12Glow Recipe
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sunscreen SPF 50
Why It's Worth It: Dewy skin that doesn't feel greasy sounds nearly impossible for oily skin types, but it's totally achievable with Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Sunscreen SPF 50. This weightless sunscreen lotion is formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing aloe vera, and brightening niacinamide for a reflective complexion without greasy buildup.
Editor Tip: It blends best if you pat it in instead of rubbing.
Type: Chemical and mineral | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, niacinamide
Best Tinted Moisturizer: Ilia C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40
12/12Ilia
Ilia C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40
Why It's Worth It: The beauty of Ilia's C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40 is that it's both a tinted sunscreen and a complexion-evening serum. While the pigments provide sheer coverage and broad-spectrum protection against UV rays, this facial sunscreen also treats skin with radiance-boosting vitamin C and niacinamide, an antioxidant known for its oil-balancing properties.
Editor Tip: It comes in three tones, making it easy to get the right match for your skin tone.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, jojoba seed oil, niacinamide
