Wearing SPF is a non-negotiable, but finding the best sunscreen that effectively safeguards skin from harmful UV rays — without making the skin feel greasy — can be a tall order. It’s even more of a feat for those of us with oily skin. Despite the myriad suncare products available to us right now, plenty are formulated with notoriously unctuous ingredients like shea butter or plant-based oils. While these are great at moisturizing dry skin, they could exacerbate oiliness and may even result in clogged pores and breakouts.
The good news is that we are living in the golden age of sunscreen innovation. There is no shortage of SPF options with oil-free formulas and mineral filters intended to mattify skin and target shine, all while offering protection against UVA rays (associated with premature ageing and skin cancers), UVB rays (responsible for sunburn), and other environmental aggressors, such as infrared light and pollution. Even better, these cosmetically elegant formulas are featherlight in comparison to many of their predecessors.
Sunscreen is important all year round, but ahead of the sunnier days, we asked a trusted panel of dermatologists, facialists, and beauty experts to share the sunscreens they would recommend for oily skin, starting from $10.
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This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30 PA+++
For consultant dermatologist Dr. Alia Ahmed, the popular Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is a multitasker that hits all the right notes. “This sunscreen has a lightweight texture that suits oily skin, although it is also suitable for all skin types. It is oil-free, colorless and scentless, and takes to your skin in a totally invisible way, without leaving any white cast. There are additional skincare benefits to Supergoop! sunscreens, like an antioxidant-rich formula that protects skin against environmental stressors [such as pollution] and reduces oil production. The product also acts as a primer before makeup.”
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Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA ++, $, available at Sephora
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control Fluid SPF 50+
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call this sunscreen a critical darling. Out of all the experts we spoke to for this story, half of them recommended this product. “Not only does it have high UVB broad spectrum protection of SPF 50+, there is also extra-potent filtering against long UVA waves [generally associated with skin ageing],” says Dr. Shaaira Nasir, a consultant dermatologist. “The formula is great for oily and combination skin; it’s a lightweight and mattifying fluid that absorbs easily.”
For Justine Masters, also known as The Alternative Facialist, one star ingredient makes this sunscreen a must-have. “It contains airlicium [aerated silica], which absorbs excess sebum, minimizes the risk of pore clogging and is anti-shine,” she says.
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CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Refinery29’s beauty director Jacqueline Kilikita swears by this drugstore sunscreen for her oily skin. “This is so lightweight, it doesn’t feel like sunscreen at all, but you can rest assured it’s protecting your skin, thanks to the broad spectrum SPF 30. It defends against both UVA rays (responsible for premature ageing and skin cancers) and UVB, which causes sunburn. Though I have oily skin, it can be prone to dry patches, so I love that this also boasts ceramides — essentially the glue that holds our skin cells together to keep the skin barrier happy, healthy, and moisturized. It sits nicely under makeup, too.”
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CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30, $, available at Ulta
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46
Dermatologist Dr. Hadley King MD rates EltaMD’s UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 for its high protection, as well as an abundance of skincare ingredients. “This sunscreen contains lactic acid to hydrate and gently exfoliate, helping to keep pores clear. It also contains niacinamide, which helps improve skin tone and texture. It’s oil-free and non-comedogenic [unlikely to block your pores], and rich in antioxidants.”
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EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $, available at DermStore
e.l.f. Suntouchable Invisi-Stick SPF 50
“This clever little stick has quickly earned a spot in my summer essentials; it’s the ultimate SPF top-up,” says Kilikita. “It glides smoothly over makeup without smudging or shifting anything underneath. While it leaves my dry patches feeling nicely hydrated thanks to the sunflower seed oil inside, it still manages to look matte on the skin, not shiny or sticky. I’ve been using it since day one, and it hasn’t caused a single breakout.”
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e.l.f. Suntouchable Invisi-Stick SPF 50, $, available at Ulta
Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Skinscreen SPF 50+
Justine Masters, The Alternative Facialist, recommends this bestseller from Ultra Violette, a cult-favorite Aussie suncare brand. “This is a mattifying SPF, which is perfect for anyone with oily or reactive skin, since it’s mineral-based and free of fragrance. It also contains plant-derived ingredients such as Kakadu plum, an antioxidant, and the super-hydrating pentavitin [a plant extract found in lots of moisturizers] to help hydrate the skin, leaving it plumped and juicy with no trace of stickiness or heaviness.”
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Ultra Violette Velvet Screen SPF 50 Mattifying Mineral Sunscreen, $, available at Sephora
Murad Acne Control Oil and Pore Control Mattifier SPF 45
Dr. Justine Hextall, consultant dermatologist and medical director of Tarrant Street Clinic, says this is the perfect SPF, not just for people with oily skin, but for all skin types. “This sunscreen is very light and has the appearance of a primer when applied to skin, making it perfect for wearing under makeup. Ingredients include zinc gluconate, which helps to mattify the skin and reduce oiliness. It also has a wonderful humectant combination that helps to draw moisture to the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated. The broad spectrum SPF contains additional antioxidants to protect against free radical damage of UV and pollution exposure.”
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Murad Acne Control Oil and Pore Control Mattifier SPF 45, $, available at Nordstrom
Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF50+
If you are prone to acne, Dr. Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London, recommends checking out Eucerin’s Oil Control sunscreen. “I find this to be a fantastically formulated product. It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t block pores, and has been developed with ‘anti-shine technology’, so you won’t get the noticeable shine you often get with sunscreens, especially if you’re an oily skin type. Thanks to the gel-cream formula, it sinks into the skin quickly and easily, and most importantly, it provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.”
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Eucerin Sun Oil Control SPF 50 Face Sunscreen Lotion, $, available at Walmart
SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF 50
Dr. Justine Hextall, consultant dermatologist and medical director of Tarrant Street Clinic, says one of her favorite tinted sunscreens for oily skin is from SkinCeuticals. “The formula is so light and non-comedogenic with a universal tint that is suitable for all skin tones. Many clients with oily skin can also be blemish-prone; this SPF not only has broad spectrum [SPF] to cover against UVA and UVB rays, but it also has wonderful light reflection, and such helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes and post-acne marks.”
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SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF 50, $, available at SkinCeuticals
Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Skin Care Body Milk SPF 50+ PA ++++
I’ve been relying on this little gold bottle ever since deciding to take suncare seriously a decade ago. It’s quite a lot to spend on sunscreen, but so worth it. I grew up in a subtropical climate, so summers here are scorching hot with near-100% humidity. Most sunblock products leave my face super greasy and screaming for help within seconds of walking out the door. Not this elite Japanese SPF, though: this lightweight fluid coats my skin evenly while taking away the shine, and keeps my skin matte even with layer upon layer of makeup over it. In fact, it does such a good job at protecting me from sun damage that other parts of my body (where I typically apply a cheaper sunscreen) often feel drier and more burnt compared to my face at the end of the day. After wearing this on many trips, I can vouch for its waterproof and sweatproof powers, too.
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Shiseido Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+ PA++++, $, available at Yes Style
SkinCeuticals Oil Shield UV Defence SPF 50
Consultant dermatologist Dr. Derrick Phillips often recommends this sunscreen to patients with oily skin. “In addition to providing broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV rays, this product contains silica silicate, which absorbs sebum and mattifies the skin, preventing an oily finish.”
Shop Dermstore
SkinCeuticals Oil Shield UV Defence SPF 50, $, available at DermStore
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