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 Top 9 Expert-Recommended Sunscreens for Oily Skin in [2023]

Looking to avoid that unwanted greasy aftermath on your skin? Explore these top-notch, expert-endorsed sunscreen alternatives for a flawless look and feel.

jun 20.2023

By Precious

Experts suggest opting for oil-free sunscreens containing mattifying elements such as silica to diminish any oily sensation on the skin caused by the inclusion of dense emollient or occlusive components, ensuring a shine-free and comfortable experience.

Searching for effective ways to steer clear of that undesirable greasy residue on your complexion? Discover these exceptional, highly regarded substitutes for sunscreen, recommended by professionals, that guarantee a flawless appearance and sensation.

In order to combat any oily feel triggered by the presence of heavy moisturizing or barrier-forming ingredients, experts advise choosing oil-free sunscreens infused with mattifying agents like silica. This ensures a comfortable, shine-free encounter, allowing you to relish in a truly flawless and satisfying experience. 

Our Top Picks

1. Our ultimate choices

Editor’s top selection: 

EltaMD Tinted UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Finest mineral sunscreen: 

Alastin SilkShield All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Superior powder sunscreen: 

ColoreScience Total Protection Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen

Outstanding chemical sunscreen: 

Eucerin Oil Control Sunscreen SPF 50

2. Our top-rated picks

Editor’s ultimate pick: 

EltaMD Tinted UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Premier mineral sunscreen: 

Alastin SilkShield All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Leading powder sunscreen: 

ColoreScience Total Protection Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen

Exemplary chemical sunscreen: 

Eucerin Oil Control Sunscreen SPF 50

3. Our recommended choices

Editor’s favored pick: 

EltaMD Tinted UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Premium mineral sunscreen: 

Alastin SilkShield All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Top-notch powder sunscreen:

 ColoreScience Total Protection Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen

Superb chemical sunscreen: 

Eucerin Oil Control Sunscreen SPF 50

4. Our top picks for sun protection

Editor’s top choice:

 EltaMD Tinted UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Excellent mineral sunscreen: 

Alastin SilkShield All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Exceptional powder sunscreen:

 ColoreScience Total Protection Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen

High-quality chemical sunscreen: 

Eucerin Oil Control Sunscreen SPF 50

Deciding on the ideal sunscreen for oily skin: Expert recommendations

When it comes to selecting a sunscreen for oily skin, it's crucial to consider the following factors, as advised by experts:

Ingredients: 

Steer clear of sunscreens that incorporate oils, such as coconut, jojoba, and mineral oil, along with occlusive components like petrolatum, glycerin, and silicones (particularly dimethicone), as these can contribute to a shiny and greasy appearance on the skin's surface. Instead, opt for formulations that include silica gel, known for its oil-absorbing properties and ability to provide a matte finish. Additionally, ensure that your chosen sunscreen or sunblock is noncomedogenic, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. 

Modification: 

To ensure your skin stays non-greasy, Dr. Michele Farber, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, advises opting for lightweight gel, lotion, or powder formulas instead of thicker creams. These creams tend to sit on the skin's surface, contributing to an oily appearance.

Chemical vs. mineral sunscreen:

When it comes to choosing between chemical and mineral sunscreens, the decision boils down to personal preference. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally better for sensitive skin but can be more drying (beneficial for oily skin). On the other hand, chemical sunscreens with ingredients like octisalate and avobenzone may occasionally trigger breakouts and irritations in sensitive, acne-prone skin. However, they feel lighter and less sticky on oily skin compared to mineral sunscreens, making them a preferred option. Moreover, experts suggest that those using drying acne medications or retinoids should opt for chemical sunscreens as they are easier to rub in and less drying.

SPF rating

To effectively shield your skin from the sun's harmful rays, all dermatologists recommend a minimum SPF 30 rating. It is crucial to reapply sunscreen every 2-4 hours, especially if you are sweating or swimming.

Best sunscreens for oily skin

Below, we highlight expert-recommended sunscreens for oily skin, as well as Select staff picks.

Brush on Block Mineral Powder Sunscreen

Experts have praised powder sunscreens for their remarkable lightweight formula, remarkable coverage capabilities, and unrivaled convenience for reapplication and touch-ups throughout the day. This is especially beneficial for individuals who prefer to wear makeup, as it effortlessly absorbs excess oil, serving as both a finishing powder to prolong the longevity of your makeup and a reliable shield against harmful sun rays. Moreover, its portability ensures that it won't leave any undesirable white residue on your garments, as confirmed by King. Remarkably, this particular mineral sunscreen not only consists of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for sun protection but also incorporates antioxidants that effectively guard against both sun damage and menacing free radicals, as per the brand's claims. King further emphasizes its versatility, assuring that it can be easily applied to acne-prone areas like the shoulders and chest without the concern of leaving any unwanted white marks on your clothing.

Category: Mineral-based Sunscreen | SPF Level: 30 | Key Components: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide | Resists Water: Absolutely! (Effectiveness lasts for up to 80 minutes)

Brush on Block Mineral Powder Sunscreen

EltaMD Tinted UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46  

Ideal for individuals with sensitive, acne-prone skin, EltaMD's oil-free, tinted sunscreen with SPF 46 offers an exceptional solution. "This remarkable product boasts an array of benefits, including SPF protection surpassing 30, broad-spectrum coverage, and a subtle tint. Its remarkably lightweight formula dries instantly, making it both noncomedogenic and non-occlusive," emphasizes Gmyrek. Infused with zinc oxide, a mineral compound, and the chemical UV filter known as octinoxate, this sunscreen, while not exclusively mineral-based, remains suitable for sensitive skin, as recommended by our esteemed experts. Moreover, its fragrance-free composition contains niacinamide, a naturally anti-inflammatory agent, as confirmed by the dermatologists we consulted.

Classification: Mineral and chemical sunscreen | SPF Level: 46 | Key components: Zinc oxide and octinoxate | Water resistance: Not applicable.

EltaMD Tinted UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Alastin SilkShield All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Shari Uyehara, the manager of editorial operations at Select, has discovered her go-to sunscreen for her combination skin—Alastin's oil-free, mineral sunscreen. Uyehara raves about this remarkable product, noting its versatility as a base for makeup or for days spent under the sun. While slightly thicker and creamier compared to other sunscreens she has experimented with, Uyehara emphasizes its seamless absorption and the gentle, velvety finish it imparts on the skin. Alastin's fragrance-free and noncomedogenic formulation offers a swift shield against UVA/UVB rays, pollution, and even blue light—an all-in-one protection that sets it apart in the market, as attested by the brand.
Category: Mineral | Sun Protection Factor: 30 | Active Component: Zinc Oxide | Not Water-resistant

Alastin SilkShield All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Eucerin Oil Colntrol Sunscreen SPF 50

According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital, this unique, oil-free formulation not only offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection but also incorporates a specialized blend of vitamin E and vitamin C, acting as potent antioxidants. Additionally, the lotion features oil-absorbing minerals that effortlessly lend a matte finish to the skin. However, it's important to note that experts caution individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin about the chemical sunscreen ingredients—avobenzone and homosalate—which have the potential to cause irritation.

Type: Chemical | Sun Protection Factor (SPF): 50 | Active constituents: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Enhanced water resistance: Confirmed (effective for up to 80 minutes)

Eucerin Oil Control Sunscreen SPF 30

Colorescience Total Protection Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen

Colorescience's highly endorsed sunscreen, favored by both King and Farber, presents a unique powder alternative that effortlessly complements your makeup or stands alone. This all-mineral formula boasts mattifying and oil-absorbing properties, catering to hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic needs. Notably, the brush's bristles exhibit antimicrobial qualities, ensuring bacteria or mold growth prevention, as affirmed by the brand. Moreover, the fragrance-free and untinted sunscreen shields your skin against UVA, UVB, infrared, blue light, and pollutants, providing comprehensive protection, as claimed by Colorescience.

Classification: Mineral-Based | SPF Level: 30 | Active Components: Zinc Oxide | Water Resistance Duration: Yes (Effective for up to 40 minutes).

ColoreScience Total Protection Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

According to Farber's recommendation, Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen is an exceptional chemical choice. This lightweight and oil-free option not only offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB and infrared protection but also effectively filters out harmful blue light, as confirmed by the brand. Furthermore, this gel-based formula provides a seamless, natural finish and conveniently serves as a face primer for applying makeup.

Classification: Chemical Composition | Sun Protection Factor (SPF): 40 | Key components: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Enhanced water resistance: Confirmed for up to 40 minutes.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50

Farber suggests La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen as an exceptional choice due to its featherlight texture, absence of any white residue, and seamless absorption into the skin. With its oil-free, fragrance-free, and noncomedogenic formula, it ensures a non-greasy, matte appearance. Moreover, this remarkable sunscreen is fortified with powerful antioxidants that shield your skin against harmful free radicals induced by UV rays, as confirmed by the brand.

Composition: With a mineral-based formulation boasting a sun protection factor of 50, this innovative product harnesses the power of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as its active ingredients. Moreover, its water-resistant nature ensures a lasting defense against the sun for up to 80 minutes.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50

Beauty Pie Ultralight Daily SPF

This all-inclusive offering from Beauty Pie combines the perks of a primer and sunscreen in a single package. "Not only does it effortlessly conceal pores and control oiliness, but it also shields your skin from harmful UV rays using an all-mineral formula that won't cause irritation," remarks Zeichner. The noncomedogenic and oil-free composition boasts SPF 30 protection and is enriched with calming vitamin E, invigorating green tea, soothing aloe vera, and even peptides to combat the signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, as attested by the brand.

Type: Mineral and chemical | SPF: 30 | Active ingredients: ‎Octinoxate and titanium dioxide | Not water-resistant.

Beauty Pie Ultralight Daily SPF 

Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50

Gmyrek states that Paula's Choice presents a sunscreen featuring a velvety consistency and broad-spectrum SPF 50, offering a sensation of weightlessness. Additionally, the formulation incorporates silica, aiding in the absorption of excess oil. However, it's worth noting that this product includes chemical UV filters, such as oxybenzone, octisalate, and avobenzone, making it less suitable for individuals with highly sensitive or breakout-prone skin. The sunscreen delivers a gentle, matte appearance upon application and is intended for application on both the facial and bodily regions.

Category: Chemistry | Sun Protection Factor (SPF): 50 | Active Components: homosalate, oxybenzone, octisalate, avobenzone, octocrylene | Effective in Water: Absolutely (for up to 80 minutes).

Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50

How to shop for sunscreens if you have oily skin

Unveiling the secret to discovering the ultimate sunscreen for your oily skin lies in meticulously scrutinizing the ingredients and formulation of the product, as revealed by the dermatologists we consulted. Consequently, we present a comprehensive compendium of our esteemed experts' suggestions, highlighting the essential factors to consider while embarking on your quest for the ideal sunscreen for oily skin.

Take note of the ingredient roster.

 Emollient elements that nourish or quench the skin stand out as the prime offenders in generating a greasy sensation subsequent to the application of sunscreen. This encompasses oils such as coconut, jojoba, and mineral oil, along with occlusives like petrolatum, glycerin, and silicones such as dimethicone. "It is advisable to scrutinize the ingredients list and contemplate sunscreens formulated for sports, like gels and lotions, or those exhibiting a matte texture, featuring silica [gel] that adeptly absorbs oil," advises Gmyrek.

Seek out sunscreens that bear the noncomedogenic label, 

indicating that the formula is specifically crafted to avoid clogging your pores. The quest for an appropriate formula that won't trigger breakouts becomes even more challenging for individuals with oily skin, who are prone to acne. Sunscreens incorporating noncomedogenic ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are frequently employed. 

Opt for gel, lotion, or powder sunscreens,

 as they possess a lighter texture that won't weigh heavily on your skin. "Consider exploring lotions, gels, or brush-on sunscreens instead of creams since thicker formulations might not be as well-suited for oily skin," advises Farber.

Is mineral or chemical sunscreen best for oily skin?

When it comes to choosing between mineral and chemical sunscreens, your personal preferences play a key role, as advised by the experts we consulted. They recommend opting for an oil-free, lightweight, and ideally noncomedogenic option, regardless of the type you choose.

For individuals with excessively oily skin, mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens or sunblocks, can help reduce shine due to their drying properties, as explained by King. The advantage of mineral sunscreens for oily skin lies in their ability to sit on the skin's surface without being absorbed, making them more tolerable. 

Nonetheless, mineral sunscreens do come with drawbacks. They tend to leave a white residue on the skin and may sometimes be excessively drying, particularly when used alongside topical acne medications, as pointed out by King. Zeichner adds that they can also feel chalky, heavy, or tacky, especially when using higher SPF levels with a higher concentration of zinc oxide. Nevertheless, he notes that the latest generation of mineral sunscreens employs micronized particles, which result in a less thick sensation on the skin.

On the other hand, chemical sunscreens rely on active ingredients like avobenzone, benzophenone, and methoxycinnamate to shield you from the sun. However, they can trigger breakouts and irritation, which can be especially problematic for those with oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin, as noted by King. Nevertheless, chemical sunscreens are less likely to leave a white residue since they are absorbed into the skin. King also mentions that individuals with oily skin may prefer the lighter texture of certain chemical sunscreens, which provide an ultralight feel and a matte finish.

How to apply sunscreen to oily skin

To maximize sun protection, it is essential to generously apply sunscreen: use an amount equivalent to a quarter's size for your face and a shot glass-sized portion for your body, at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure, as advised by Gmyrek. To simplify the process, Zeichner suggests applying a line of sunscreen along the entire length of your middle and index fingers and then spreading that quantity across your entire face.

Consistency is key to maintain the promised SPF protection mentioned on the sunscreen bottle, as agreed upon by all our experts. Reapplication should occur every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Additionally, King recommends complementing sunscreen usage with sun-protective clothing, UV-shielding sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to ensure optimal defense against the sun's harmful rays.

Meet our experts

At Select, our collaboration revolves around exceptional minds endowed with distinctive expertise and commanding proficiency, nurtured through targeted education and extensive real-world involvement. Furthermore, we diligently safeguard the integrity of our expert opinions, assuring that they remain untarnished by concealed financial entanglements, thereby upholding their independent and unbiased nature.

• Dr. Robyn Gmyrek a renowned dermatologist with board certification, brings her expertise to UnionDerm in bustling New York City.
• Dr. Michele Farber, an accomplished dermatologist certified by the board, provides exceptional skin cancer treatments, alongside comprehensive care in general, cosmetic, and procedural dermatology at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia.
• Dr. Joshua Zeichner, an esteemed associate professor of dermatology and the esteemed director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital, has carved a niche in cosmeceuticals, skin care, and the captivating field of cosmetic dermatology.
• Dr. Hadley King ,a highly regarded board-certified dermatologist based in the vibrant city of New York, offers a unique blend of medical expertise and artistic skill in the realm of both medical and cosmetic dermatology.

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