The 15 Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin of 2025
When your skin is prone to excess grease and shine, the wrong sunscreen formula could be the bane of your existence. It can clog your pores, aggravate oil production, and overwhelm your complexion. However, we all know SPF is non-negotiable to maintain healthy and younger-looking skin. So if you’re on the hunt for sunscreen that not only protects against UV damage but also mattifies and keeps your oil glands in check, this expert-approved guide is for you. Below, we break down how to choose the best sunscreen for oily skin and what ingredients to look for so you can reap the much-needed benefits of daily sun protection without compromising your skin’s comfort.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Ashley Magovern – Board-certified dermatologist and member of Dermstore’s Medical Advisory board
Key Ingredients in Sunscreen for Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, the last thing you want is a heavy SPF that will only add fuel to the fire. The best sunscreen for oily skin is one that strikes the perfect balance between protection and a weightless feel, featuring a formula that is non-comedogenic, lightweight, and leaves a matte finish.
Opt for physical sunscreens with mineral filters like zinc oxide as these offer broad-spectrum protection without triggering breakouts, especially when you have oily skin. “Zinc oxide is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and non-pore-clogging,” says Dr. Ashley Magovern, board-certified dermatologist and member of Dermstore’s Medical Advisory Board.
To help your skin maintain balance, look for hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated without tipping over into greasy territory, niacinamide to reinforce your skin barrier while calming inflammation and helping regulate oil production, and silica or perlite to help absorb excess grease and reduce shine, says Dr. Magovern.
If you’re dealing with uneven tone or post-blemish redness, tinted formulas with mineral pigments can help neutralize discoloration while acting as a built-in primer. In short: skip the heavy oils, and look for ingredients that multitask—balancing, mattifying, and protecting without suffocating your skin.
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Oily Skin
While most of us often assume that the best sunscreen is the one with the highest SPF number on the shelf, finding your skin’s perfect match is about understanding its specific needs and picking out a formula that fits your preferences and lifestyle. And if you have oily skin, texture and finish are just as important as UV protection.
Fortunately, we’re no longer limited to the heavy, greasy, and white cast-prone SPFs of decades past. If you’re curious about the best sunscreen for oily skin, Dr. Magovern says gel or fluid formulas are your best bet. These tend to be more lightweight, fast-absorbing, and leave a natural or matte finish after drying down.
On the other hand, steer clear of rich or creamy formulas that often contain thick emollients that can clog pores and trigger congestion. Instead, Dr. Magovern says, “Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreens labeled as ‘oil-free,’ ‘gel-based,’ or ‘matte finish.’ Mineral or physical sunscreens are also often better tolerated by most skin types, including oily skin.
Tinted mineral sunscreens can also be a great option, especially if you want to save time in the morning. Look for a matte formula that can also act as a primer and provide sheer coverage.
Shop the Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin
1. Glo Skin Beauty Oil Free SPF 40+
$50.00
This oil-free, reef-safe sunscreen delivers all-mineral protection against UVA/UVB rays, blue light, and pollution—all without clogging pores or causing breakouts. Its lightweight formula calms, hydrates, and defends, making it perfect for daily use.
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Antioxidants
Type: Mineral
SPF: 40
Beauty Insider Tip: Its invisible finish makes it ideal under makeup, especially if you need shine control all day.
2. Supergoop! Resetting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35
$35.00
More than a setting powder, this mattifying mineral SPF keeps oily skin fresh while refreshing sun protection throughout the day. Infused with ceramides and olive glycerides to maintain hydration and coated silica spheres to blur pores, it’s your touch-up essential for both makeup and SPF.
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Ceramides, Olive Glycerides, Coated Silica Spheres
Type: Mineral
SPF: 35
Beauty Insider Tip: Keep it in your bag for shine-free touch-ups and hassle-free reapplication whenever you need to.
3. Paula’s Choice RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
$39.00
Active Ingredients: Broad-spectrum SPF filters, oat extract, green tea, black elderberry, goji, pomegranate
Type: Chemical
SPF: 50
Beauty Insider Tip: Use it as your daily moisturizer + sunscreen in one. Plus, it also doubles as a primer for long-lasting makeup.
4. Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40
$40.00
A mattifying primer and mineral sunscreen in one, this formula blurs pores, smooths uneven texture, and grips makeup while protecting against sun damage. It features the brand’s own Mineral Blend Technology that reduces white cast and leaves a soft-focus finish that flatters oily skin.
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Mineral Blend Technology
Type: Mineral
SPF: 40
Beauty Insider Tip: Swap your primer for this SPF to keep makeup locked in while controlling midday shine.
5. MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30
$35.00
This silky, lightweight tinted sunscreen blends into all skin tones for a matte, filter-like finish. Zinc oxide and the brand’s ProVention-R® technology deliver broad-spectrum protection plus antioxidant benefits from vitamin C, green tea, cranberry, and pomegranate extracts. The best part? It’s not only great for oily skin but also safe for even sensitive, acne-prone, or rosacea-prone skin.
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Vitamin C, Green Tea, Cranberry Fruit, Pomegranate Extract
Type: Mineral Tinted
SPF: 30
Beauty Insider Tip: Wear it alone for a natural, pore-blurring tint or as a primer under makeup for extra staying power.
6. Eminence Organic Skin Care Sun Defense Minerals SPF 30 (Various Shades)
$58.00
This feather-light, mattifying mineral powder provides buildable coverage and SPF 30 sun defense in one formula. Enriched with antioxidants from green tea and buriti oil, it nourishes skin while protecting against UVA, UVB, and blue light.
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Green Tea Extract, Buriti Oil
Type: Mineral powder (tinted)
SPF: 30
Beauty Insider Tip: Perfect for oily skin, dust it over your face to set makeup, cut shine, and refresh SPF anywhere. We also love its convenient flow-through brush for on-the-go reapplication.
7. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
$44.00
Personally recommended by Dr. Magovern herself, this cult favorite for oily and acne-prone skin combines broad-spectrum protection with soothing ingredients. Sodium hyaluronate hydrates without heaviness, while lactic acid refines pores and niacinamide helps calm redness and regulate oil. Lightweight, sheer, and fragrance-free, it’s everything oily skin needs in daily sun protection.
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Lactic Acid
Type: Hybrid (Mineral + Chemical)
SPF: 46
Beauty Insider Tip: Its skin-clearing, calming formula makes it ideal for acne-prone or redness-prone oily skin types.
8. jane iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation Refill SPF 20/15 (Various Shades)
$46.00
A bestselling triple-duty formula, this pressed mineral foundation works as a foundation, concealer, and sunscreen in one. With sea mineral extracts, antioxidants, and pure pigments, it delivers breathable, buildable coverage that feels weightless and looks semi-matte without caking. Available in 26 shades and free from talc or fillers, it’s dermatologist-tested and reef-safe.
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Sea Mineral Extracts, Antioxidants
Type: Mineral Powder Foundation
SPF: 20 or 15
Beauty Insider Tip: Pair with the sleek Refillable Compact for easy touch-ups on the go and less waste.
9. bareMinerals COMPLEXION RESCUE® Tinted Moisturizer Mineral SPF 30 (Various Shades)
$39.00
America’s #1 tinted moisturizer, this multitasking cream hydrates, tints, and protects with SPF 30. Hyaluronic acid boosts moisture for a dewy glow without the congestion, while mineral-based sun filters and antioxidants even tone and shield against UV damage.
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Antioxidants
Type: Mineral Tinted Moisturizer
SPF: 30
Beauty Insider Tip: Ideal for no-makeup makeup days, this mineral tinted moisturizer provides sheer-to-light coverage that makes it perfect for everyday wear. Just smooth on for all-day hydration and a natural glow.
10. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30
Developed with dermatologists, this tinted mineral sunscreen instantly delivers a healthy glow while protecting against UVA/UVB rays with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Ceramides restore the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid locks in hydration, and iron oxides help offset white cast. Oil-free and fragrance-free, it’s gentle enough for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Iron Oxides
Type: Mineral Tinted Lotion
SPF: 30
Beauty Insider Tip: Wear it alone for a natural glow or layer it under makeup as a tinted primer with built-in SPF.
11. Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+
$59.00
A daily moisturizer and sunscreen in one, this formula delivers high-level SPF defense while hydrating with multi-weight hyaluronic acid and squalane. Infused with ectoin, encapsulated photolyase, and antioxidants, it shields from environmental stressors, supports post-sun repair, keeps skin resilient. Lightweight and breathable, it improves texture, firmness, and fine lines in as little as a week.
Active Ingredients: Organic Uv Filters, Ectoin, Photolyase, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid
Type: Chemical
SPF: 50+ PA++++
Beauty Insider Tip: Perfect for city living, its antioxidant complex helps defend against pollution, IR, and blue light damage.
12. Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection Sheer Matte Sunscreen Brush SPF 30
$59.00
This weightless, sheer mineral powder delivers sun defense and oil control in one portable brush. Zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection, while Vitachelox®, Infraguard, and Physavie® fight pollution, blue light, and infrared damage. The mattifying finish blurs pores and reduces shine, making it ideal for oily or blemish-prone skin.
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Iron Oxides, Vitachelox®, Infraguard, Physavie®
Type: Mineral powder
SPF: 30 / PA+++
Beauty Insider Tip:
13. SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30
$65.00
This multitasking sunscreen does more than protect—it brightens and hydrates too. A blend of tranexamic acid, niacinamide, phenylethyl resorcinol, and mica minimizes discoloration, boosts radiance, and instantly brightens while broad-spectrum UV filters shield against damage.
Active Ingredients: 1% Tranexamic Acid, 2% Niacinamide, 0.3% Phenylethyl Resorcinol, 7% Glycerin, Mica
Type: Chemical
SPF: 30
Beauty Insider Tip: Great for those battling dark spots or uneven tone, this SPF doubles as a brightening treatment.
14. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Clear Skin Dry Touch SPF 60
$27.99
Oil-free, matte, and with a high-factor SPF for both daily use and extra active days, this sunscreen features a unique blend of UV filters and antioxidants to shield skin from the sun and other environmental stressors. Plus, Dr. Magovern loves its non-comedogenic formula nd how effective it is in absorbing excess oil.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7% Perlite, Silica
Type: Chemical
SPF: 60
Beauty Insider Tip: Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure, focusing on the T-zone. Doubles as a mattifying base under makeup and helps control shine all day.
15. ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+
$73.00
Your skin takes a beating when exposed to the sun’s harmful rays and harsh environments, causing damage over time. This mineral sunscreen, says Dr. Magovern, is perfect for supporting skin repair—thanks to the brand’s own DNA Repairsomes®, which are naturally occurring enzymes clinically proven to repair sun damage. Plus, its ultra-light formula makes all-day use effortless even for grease-prone skin.
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 11%, DNA Repairsomes®
Type: Mineral
SPF: 50+
Beauty Insider Tip: Use daily on face, neck, and chest to repair past sun damage and prevent new signs.
FAQs
Does zinc oxide in sunscreen help oily skin?
Yes. Zinc oxide is one of the best sunscreen ingredients for oily skin because aside from effectively filtering UV rays, it’s also naturally mattifying and non-comedogenic. It also has calming properties that help with wound-healing and irritation.
How often should you apply sunscreen for oily skin?
Every two hours is the gold standard, regardless of your skin type. For oily skin, reapplying a matte SPF can also help prevent midday shine and keep protection consistent. If your skin is easily overwhelmed by creamy textures, look for powder or mist formulas designed for oily skin to make touch-ups easier without disrupting makeup or leaving a greasy finish.
What do dermatologists recommend for sunscreen for oily skin?
Dermatologists typically point to oil-free, lightweight, and non-comedogenic sunscreens in gel or watery textures. For ingredients, Dr. Magovern recommends zinc oxide, niacinamide, and silica or perlite to control shine, soothe skin, and protect from UV rays without aggravating oily skin. When it comes to SPF, choose one with at least SPF 30 for daily use. “From a dermatologist’s standpoint, I think SPF 30 is totally fine, especially if you’re applying enough and reapplying when needed. In fact, many SPF 30 formulas are more elegant and cosmetically appealing, which means you're more likely to wear them daily—and that’s what really matters,” explains Dr. Magovern.
What should you avoid in sunscreen for oily skin?
When you have oily skin, it’s best to avoid SPFs with thick formulas and heavy emollients as these can easily cause congestion, feel greasy, and suffocate your skin, says Dr. Magovern. These include ingredients like coconut oil, lanolin, and petrolatum. Your skin is also way better off without fragrances and alcohol-heavy formulas that can trigger irritation or rebound oiliness, cause overdrying, or disrupt the skin barrier.
The Bottom Line
If your skin flirts with the slick side, the best sunscreen for oily skin is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and designed to control shine while guarding against UV damage. Mineral or hybrid formulas with zinc oxide, niacinamide, or silica not only protect but also balance oil throughout the day. With the right SPF, you’ll stop battling grease and start embracing clear, protected, and confident skin without the unwanted shine.
Janeca Racho is a Journalism graduate with over 15 years of writing experience. After getting her start in public relations and advertising, she made the switch to freelance writing and began working for various lifestyle, fashion, and travel brands. Her love for all things skincare has led her to beauty reporting and research for the last ten years. Writing for several hair and beauty blogs, she reports on anti-aging staples, trending brands and products, must-have ingredients, and health and wellness.
