This is an objective, non-biased article. We base our product choices on various factors, such as product reviews, ratings, and overall reputation of brands. It does, however, contain affiliate links for featured products.
Sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine, regardless of skin type. However, individuals with oily skin often face unique challenges when it comes to finding the right sunscreen.
The last thing they want is a greasy, heavy product that exacerbates their skin’s oiliness. So to help avoid that, we’ve created a list of top 10 products with SPF for oily skin. Let’s begin!
What to Look for in an SPF for Oily Skin
Oily skin is characterized by excess sebum production that leads to a shiny complexion, enlarged pores, and a higher propensity for acne breakouts.
So when it comes to choosing sunscreen, it’s best to look for lightweight, non-greasy formulations that won’t clog your pores or make your skin feel even oilier.
You should look for sunscreens that have sport formulas, like gels and lotions, or have a matte finish.
As for the ingredients, look for things like niacinamide, green tea extract, or silica, which can help control oiliness and provide additional benefits.
Another thing to consider when choosing the best sunscreen for oily skin is to make sure the formula is noncomedogenic – designed to not clog pores, reducing the chance of breakouts or blackheads.
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Oily Skin: EltaMD Tinted UV Clear
Oily-skinned individuals need to be more strategic with their skincare during the summer.
One of the main things they should aim for is simplifying their morning routine because layers and layers of products aren’t a good combination with excess sweating.
This is why using a tinted sunscreen is a great solution, as it simplifies the routine by providing a two-in-one: protection and slight coverage.
The EltaMD Tinted UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a great choice since it’s oil-free and suitable even for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
- PROS
• Fragrance-free
• Non-comedogenic and non-occlusive
• No white cast
- CONS
• Tint doesn’t work on all skin tones
Best Gel Based Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
Gel formulations of SPF tend to work very well for oily skin types since they aren’t as heavy as regular sunscreen cream for oily skin.
The ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel helps balance water and oil. This product contains eight types of hyaluronic acid, as well as other hydrating ingredients like bamboo water, aloe vera, and kelp extracts.
By helping deliver that extra hydration to the skin, it helps minimize excess oil production in oily skin types.
- PROS
• Refreshing
• Doesn’t leave skin looking or feeling greasy
• Easy to reapply
- CONS
• Some think it’s too dewy
Best Korean Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick
Korean SPFs are considered to be one of the best on the market, so it’s really hard to pick just one. But Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick has so much praise, we have to agree it’s definitely top of the line.
This sunscreen is formulated with sebum-controlling silica powder, and specially designed for easy reapplication. It’s non-greasy and non-sticky, with a smooth, matte finish.
- PROS
• Sebum control
• Convinet reapplication
• Moisturizing but non-oily
- CONS
• Hard to come by
• Some say it can pick up residue from the skin
Best Moisturizer with SPF for Oily Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer with SPF 50 is a lightweight and hydrating product that layers with makeup and other skincare products perfectly. It’s non-greasy and won’t clog pores.
This product contains hyaluronic acid for an added boost of moisture, which helps plump up the skin and create a glowy finish on the skin.
And since it’s a moisturizer with SPF in it – it also contains a blend of chemical UV blockers that provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- PROS
• Layers well with makeup
• Lightweight and hydrating
- CONS
• Moisturizer with SPF isn’t as effective as sunscreen cream for oily skin
Best Sunscreen Stick for Oily Skin: Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick
Sunscreen sticks are usually favored when it comes to reapplication of SPF throughout the day. And it’s easy to see why – it’s mess-free and compact, making it easy to carry around without worrying about leakage.
One of the best sunscreen sticks for oily skin is the Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick. This product contains cotton extract and a four-herb complex for calming inflamed skin.
But what makes this product a true holy grail for oily skin is the product’s unique formula that utilizes micropowder that absorbs excess sebum and keeps the skin matte throughout the day.
- PROS
• Easy application
• Non-sticky
- CONS
• Strong fragrance
Best Mineral Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen
Mineral sunscreens tend to be the preferred choice for oily skin because they just sit on top of the skin – which is especially convenient if the product also contains oil-controlling ingredients.
Supergoop sunscreens are insanely popular so it’s no wonder that the Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40 is one of the most recommended sunscreens for oilier complexions.
It’s oil-free, lightweight, and 100% mineral-based.
Since it’s a 100% mineral formula, this product does contain slight neutral tint that helps mask the white cast. But it’s not tinted per se, so it blends in with almost all skin complexions.
This also helps neutralize redness and discoloration – perfect for those suffering from acne or acne scarring.
- PROS
• Lightweight
• Soothing
• Non-oily, satin-matte finish
- CONS
• Slightly tinted
Best Matte Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Eucerin Oil Control
There so many matte SPFs on the market, but we have to pick the Eucerin Oil Control Sunscreen SPF 50 as one of the best out there.
This product is a more gel-like consistency that absorbs in the skin immediately and leaves a smooth, matte finish.
It contains oil-absorbing minerals that help keep the skin matte throughout the day. And on top of that, this oil-free formula also contains an antioxidant blend of vitamin E and vitamin C which help fight free radicals.
- PROS
• Fragrance-free
• Light, non-greasy texture
• Matte, dry touch finish
- CONS
• Texture can be sticky upon application
• Might be irritating to very sensitive skin types
Best Affordable Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Etude Sunprise Sun Milk
Good sunscreen doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. K-beauty ETUDE HOUSE’s Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk is great affordable sunscreen that moisturizes and protects the skin – without clogging pores and leaving excess oiliness.
Since this is sun milk, not a cream, the formula is liquid and light. The layer remains thin and non-sticky. The product contains 100% mineral ingredients for gentle use even on sensitive skin.
The product is plant-based as it contains 20 plant ingredients that help strengthen skin vitality, boost hydration, and of course, protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays.
- PROS
• Non-sticky
• Doesn’t leave a white cast
• Has a matte finish
- CONS
• Has fragrance
• Contains essential oils
Best Sun Cream for Men’s Oily Skin: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield
When it comes to skincare for men, multitasking products are all the rage, which is why an SPF like Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen is a great choice.
This product contains an ingredient called ectoin which hydrates, soothes, and protects from environmental pollutants.
And thanks to its anti-inflammatory ingredients (green tea and turmeric extracts), this product is also great for acne-prone skin as it helps relieve redness associated with acne so the skin tone appears more even.
- PROS
• Acne-fighting properties
• Breathable finish
• Reduces redness
- CONS
• Less suitable for darker skin tones
Best Ocean-Friendly Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Blue Lizard Sport Spray
This list has been primarily focused on SPFs for your face, but if you’re going to the beach, you must protect your whole body and you should do that with a reef-safe SPF that won’t harm any sea life.
Luckily there are plenty of options nowadays, but it’s best to stick to mineral sunscreens that are sweat-resistant.
Usually, this is marked as sport SPFs, since sweating is already accounted for in the formulation of the product.
Our recommendation is the BLUE LIZARD Sport Spray Sunscreen – reef-friendly broad-spectrum SPF with a convenient spray application.
- PROS
• Convenient application
• Good even for sensitive skin
• Made with Earth-conscious propellant
- CONS
• Some people find it too oily
• Can leave a white cast
Final Thoughts on Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin
Finding the best sunscreen for oily skin doesn’t have to be such a daunting task.
By taking into account key features of SPF – such as oil control, lightweight texture, and broad-spectrum protection, you can easily pick the sunscreen that meets your specific needs.
