2023's Best Face Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Reviews & Top Picks

2023's Best Face Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Reviews & Top Picks

Say goodbye to breakouts and clogged pores while protecting your complexion with the best sunscreen for oily skin! We have researched, reviewed, and compiled a list of top-rated sunscreens designed for oily skin. Get started on finding the perfect sunscreen now!

Jessica Sullivan

Sun protection is essential for everyone, but finding the perfect sunscreen for oily skin can be daunting. With so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one that won't leave your skin feeling greasy or exacerbate existing issues? Fear not; we have researched for you! This blog post will guide you in choosing the best face sunscreen for oily skin based on factors like SPF levels, ingredients, and texture. Get ready to say goodbye to breakouts, excess shine, and clogged pores and hello to a flawless, protected complexion!

Short Summary

  • Choose the right sunscreen for oily skin with an SPF of at least 30, oil-free and non-comedogenic ingredients, matte finish, and titanium dioxide & zinc oxide.
  • Find top-rated sunscreens designed for oily skin to suit your budget or preference.
  • Follow application tips, additional skincare steps (cleansing routine/moisturizing/exfoliation), and reef-safe & sustainable packaging options to protect your complexion while preserving our environment!

Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Oily Skin

Protecting your skin from the sun's rays is crucial to prevent premature aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer. Selecting a sunscreen that won't worsen your skin's condition is important for those with oily skin. Choosing the right sunscreen involves considering SPF levels, ingredients, and texture.

Sunscreen should prevent breakouts, control excess shine, and avoid clogging pores. So let's dive into these criteria to help you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect sunscreen for your oily skin.

SPF Levels

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures how well a sunscreen will shield your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. For oily skin, choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is crucial to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, which can lead to sunburn, skin damage, and premature aging.

Higher SPF levels, like SPF 50, are also suitable for oily skin. Opt for oil-free and noncomedogenic sunscreens that can easily absorb into the skin. As do ultra-light products, water-based, powder, or lotions with a matte finish make excellent options for oily skin.

Ingredients

When choosing a sunscreen for oily skin, it's essential to look for oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas not to clog your pores. Ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, clay, and retinol are lightweight and help control oil production, making them ideal for oily skin.

Avoid sunscreens that contain mineral oils, as these can make your skin even more oily. Instead, best mineral sunscreen, choose sunscreens with ingredients that won't irritate your skin or exacerbate existing issues.

Texture

The texture of your sunscreen plays a significant role in how it feels on your skin and how it appears after application. Choosing a lightweight formula that won't leave a greasy sheen or cause a white cast is crucial for oily skin. Powder and gel sunscreens are excellent options, as they provide a matte finish and are less likely to clog pores or leave a greasy residue.

Dermatologists often recommend mineral sunscreens made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for oily skin, as these ingredients are soothing and calming. Selecting a sunscreen with the right texture ensures your skin is protected without feeling greasy or heavy.

Top-Rated Sunscreens for Oily Skin

Now that we've covered the essential factors to consider when selecting the perfect sunscreen for oily skin let's explore some top-rated options on the chemical sunscreens market. We have consulted with experts and reviewed customer feedback to present you with the best sunscreens for oily skin, including the best overall, budget, luxury, matte, all-day wear, stick, and tinted options.

No matter your preference or budget, sunscreen caters to your oily skin needs.

Eleven by Venus Williams

Best Overall

EleVen by Venus Williams

Best Overall 

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For the best sunscreen for oily skin, consider EleVen by Venus Williams SPF 50 body lotion. This 100% mineral-based lotion is super lightweight and provides soothing and calming effects on the skin. It also offers broad-spectrum protection against sun damage and contains antioxidant-rich bamboo extract to protect against free radical damage.

The velvety, smooth finish helps keep your skin matte, even while sweating.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion

Best Budget Option

CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizing Lotion

Best Budget Option

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CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is an excellent budget option for those seeking sun protection for oily skin without breaking the bank. Its formula is great for absorbing excess oil while keeping your shine in check.

The thin, liquid consistency sinks into your skin easily, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers.

Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen

Best Luxury Option

Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen 

Best Luxury Option

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Look no further than Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40 for a luxury option. This oil-free, lightweight sunscreen is perfect for those with oily and acne-prone skin, providing broad-spectrum protection and a matte finish. Its non-comedogenic formula ensures that your pores won't get clogged, making it a top pick for those who want to splurge on their sun protection.

This sunscreen is also enriched with antioxidants, such as green tea and red algae, to help protect your skin from environmental damage. It's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

La Roche-Posay's SPF 60

Best Matte Formula Option

Best Matte Formula Option

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For those skincare you seeking a sunscreen with a matte finish, consider La Roche-Posay's SPF 60 sunscreen. This lightweight, oil-free formula offers broad-spectrum protection and a matte finish while containing antioxidants to protect your skin from environmental damage.

With its non-greasy texture and matte appearance, your skin will look and feel great all day.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Daily Long-Lasting Facial and Neck Moisturizer

Best For All Day Wear Option

Neutrogena Oil-Free Daily Long-Lasting Facial and Neck Moisturzer

Best For All Day Wear Option

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Neutrogena SPF 15 moisturizer-sunscreen combination is an ideal choice for all-day wear. This two-in-one product simplifies your morning skincare routine by providing hydration and sun protection in a single step.

While it may not last as long as some pricier options, it's worth considering if you're looking for a sunscreen that's easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

Shiseido Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

Best Stick Option

Shiseido Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

Best Stick Option

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The Shiseido sunscreen stick with SPF 50 is an excellent option for those who prefer stick sunscreens. It features WetForce and HotForce technology and SynchroShield, ensuring that your skin stays protected even when exposed to water or sweat.

The stick format also makes it easy to apply and reapply throughout the day, making it a convenient choice for on-the-go sun protection.

Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Best Tinted Option

Best Tinted Option

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If you're searching for a tinted sunscreen, Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is a fantastic option. This lightweight, non-greasy powder sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection and a universal tint that blends seamlessly with your skin tone.

It's perfect for those looking for a sunscreen that also evens out their complexion and minimizes the appearance of blemishes.

Sunscreen Application Tips for Oily Skin

Proper sunscreen application is as important during sun exposure as selecting the right product. In this section, we'll provide tips for applying and reapplying sunscreen for oily skin, ensuring that you maintain adequate sun protection throughout the day.

We'll also discuss combining sunscreen with makeup for a flawless and protected complexion.

Proper Application

Applying sunscreen correctly is vital for ensuring adequate sun protection. For oily skin, use a nickel-sized amount for your face and neck, applying it evenly across the surface. Choose an oil-free and non-comedogenic sunscreen to prevent clogged pores and irritation.

Physical sunscreens with zinc oxide are ideal for calming the skin and minimizing breakouts.

Reapplication

Reapplying sunscreen is essential for maintaining sun protection throughout the day. Relying on sunscreen every two hours is recommended, especially after swimming or sweating.

Don't forget to reapply too often overlooked areas like your ears, the back of your neck, and the tops of your feet. Remember, consistent reapplication is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.

Combining Sunscreen with Makeup

Combining sunscreen with your makeup routine can be challenging for those who wear makeup. Use lightweight, oil-free sunscreen for oily skin that won't clog pores or leave a greasy residue. Apply sunscreen and wait for it to absorb fully before applying makeup.

Some options for reapplying sunscreen with makeup include using SPF powder, spray sunscreens, or blotting regular sunscreen on top of your makeup with a sponge.

Additional Skincare Considerations for Oily Skin

In addition to selecting the right sunscreen, other skincare considerations such as cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliating can help improve your oily skin's overall health and appearance.

This section discusses these additional skincare steps and how they can benefit your oily skin, ensuring you maintain a healthy and radiant complexion.

Cleansing Routine

A proper cleansing routine is essential for maintaining healthy, clear skin. For oily skin, use a mild soap to wash your face daily, ensuring that you remove any excess oil, dirt, and other impurities that may clog your pores.

After washing your face, pat it dry and apply a suitable moisturizer. A consistent cleansing routine can help keep your skin fresh and clean, preventing breakouts and excess shine.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing is crucial for oily skin, as it helps to keep the skin hydrated and plump while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For oily skin, choose a moisturizer that is oil-free and lightweight, ensuring that it won't clog your pores or leave your skin greasy.

Some top picks for moisturizers for oily skin include Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer, CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, and Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Balancing Gel Moisturizer.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is an essential skincare step for oily skin, helping to remove dead skin cells, unblock pores, and reduce acne breakouts. For oily skin, it's recommended to exfoliate twice a week at night, using a gentle exfoliator containing salicylic acid, a popular ingredient for oily skin due to its ability to clear out pores and reduce swelling.

Always apply SPF daily, as exfoliation can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Sensitive and Acne-Prone Oily Skin

Finding the right sunscreen can be even more challenging for those with very sensitive skin and acne-prone oily skin. This section will discuss hypoallergenic sunscreens and acne-fighting ingredients to help you find the perfect sunscreen that caters to your unique skin needs.

Say goodbye to irritation and breakouts and hello to a healthy, protected complexion!

Hypoallergenic Sunscreens

Hypoallergenic sunscreens are formulated to be less likely to cause an allergic reaction, making them an ideal choice for those with sensitive and acne-prone oily skin. They usually contain fewer ingredients and are free from common irritants like fragrances, dyes, and preservatives.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a fantastic hypoallergenic sunscreen option for sensitive and acne-prone oily skin, as it is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and contains niacinamide to help soothe and calm the skin.

Acne-Fighting Ingredients

If you're prone to acne breakouts, look for sunscreens that contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, sulfur, and tea tree oil. These ingredients can help to clear out pores, reduce swelling, and kill bacteria, all while providing sun protection.

By choosing a sunscreen with acne-fighting active ingredients, you can protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays while keeping breakouts at bay.

Sunscreen Options for Darker Skin Tones

People with darker skin tones have unique sunscreen needs, as some sunscreens can leave a white cast or residue. In this section, we'll discuss tinted sunscreens and invisible formulas that cater specifically to darker skin tones, ensuring you can enjoy sun protection without compromising your skin's appearance.

Tinted sunscreens are designed to blend in with darker skin tones, providing a natural-looking finish. They are usually formulated with pigments that match the skin's natural tone, so they don't leave behind the skin's natural tone.

Tinted Sunscreens

Tinted sunscreens are an excellent option for people with darker skin tones, as they are designed to blend in with the skin's natural tone and provide better coverage. Some top picks for tinted sunscreens for more oily skin types include Neutrogena SPF 20 in Medium to Deep, CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Sheer Tint, and LANCME Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation SPF 23.

Tinted sunscreens can help you achieve a more natural-looking finish while protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

Invisible Formulas

Invisible formula sunscreens blend seamlessly on the skin, making them ideal for people with darker skin tones. These sunscreens are typically made with lightweight, non-greasy ingredients that won't leave a white cast or residue.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. Broad Spectrum sunscreen SPF 40 is a popular choice for an invisible formula sunscreen, containing avobenzone and Mexoryl SX for broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. With an invisible formula sunscreen, you can enjoy sun protection without compromising the appearance of your skin.

Environmental Impact of Sunscreens

The environmental impact of sunscreens is an often overlooked aspect of sun protection. Some sunscreens contain harmful chemicals that can damage marine life and coral reefs.

In this section, we'll discuss reef-safe sunscreens and sustainable packaging options, so you can protect your skin while minimizing your environmental footprint.

Reef-Safe Sunscreens

Reef-safe sunscreens are formulated without harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can damage coral reefs and marine life. These sunscreens typically contain natural ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are safe for the environment.

Top reef-safe sunscreen options include Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50, Thinksport, Badger Sport Natural Mineral Sunscreen, and Stream2Sea Sport Sunscreen. By choosing a reef-safe sunscreen, you can protect your skin while preserving our oceans and marine life.

Sustainable Packaging

Sustainable packaging for sunscreens is another crucial aspect of minimizing the environmental impact of sun protection. Look for packaging made from endlessly recyclable materials like biodegradable cardboard, aluminum, glass, and paper.

By choosing sunscreens with sustainable packaging, you're protecting your skin and contributing to a more environmentally friendly skincare routine.

Summary

In conclusion, finding the perfect sunscreen for oily skin is essential for protecting your sensitive skin from the sun's harmful rays while keeping your skin looking and feeling its best. By considering factors like SPF levels, ingredients, and texture, you can choose the ideal sunscreen for your unique skin needs. With options like the best overall, budget, luxury, matte, all-day wear, stick, and tinted sunscreens, there's a sunscreen out there for everyone with oily skin. Protect your skin with confidence and enjoy the sunshine while knowing you're taking care of your skin and the environment!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sunscreen good for oily skin or not?

For oily skin types, mineral sunscreens that use physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the best option. These provide broad-spectrum protection with less risk of causing irritation or breakouts - a major benefit for those with naturally oily skin.

All in all, it's best to opt for a mineral sunscreen when caring for oily skin.

Is Zinc Oxide sunscreen good for OILY skin?

Zinc. Oxide sunscreen can be great for oily skin! It helps absorb oil from the skin, which gives you a mattified look and feel, while still providing much-needed sun protection. It also contains natural antibacterial properties that help protect against acne and other skin irritations.

So yes, zinc oxide sunscreen is definitely worth a try if you have oily skin.