Top 5 Sunscreens for Oily Skin This Memorial Weekend: Say Goodbye to Grease and Enjoy Sun Protection

For those prone to shine, sunscreen can be a hard sell — but the best sunscreen for oily skin makes it an easy daily habit. This is incredibly important because applying SPF is the best way to protect your skin from a range of concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. The problem? Many people with oilier complexions often face drawbacks, such as a greasy sheen and heavy feel.

If your skin tends to be oily, it's entirely possible to avoid lasting sun damage without settling for greasy skin. The thick, goopy SPF your mother used on you as a kid is a thing of the past. Today's feather-light SPFs are designed with oily skin in mind. You just need to know what to look for. In some cases, you can even combine your moisturizer and sunscreen steps into one non-greasy, lightweight formula, ensuring you never forget.

So, how can those with oily skin find their holy grail SPF? Start with oil-free, mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These not only offer better protection against UVA and UVB rays, but they're also naturally less comedogenic, or acne-causing, than chemical sunscreens. However, chemical sunscreens also have advantages; they're typically easier to blend into deeper skin tones and feel lightweight, which is why we've included some good options for oily skin types in the list below.

In addition to the type of sunscreen filter, avoid formulas that contain pore-clogging oils, like coconut, soybean, and wheat germ oils. While these are ideal for dry skin (and worth considering if you have combination skin), they may inadvertently increase sebum production, which can be a problem for oily skin that already has larger oil-producing sebaceous glands.

With that in mind, we've narrowed down the options to make it easy for you to find the best sunscreen for oily skin. Not only will daily SPF become a staple in your skincare routine, but it will also feel like a luxury.

1 — ELTAMD

Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Why It's Worth It: EltaMD's barely-there UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is highly recommended for its ability to reduce shine and clear pores using lactic acid. Think of this as more of a mattifying moisturizer than a sunscreen. Despite being enhanced with sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) to hydrate the skin, it will never feel oily or sticky.

Editor Tip: Allow the formulation a few minutes to set before applying makeup to avoid pilling.

Type: Chemical and mineral | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E

2 —LA ROCHE-POSAY

Best Chemical: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 60

Why It's Worth It: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 60 offers lightweight, oil-free sun protection, creating a mattified finish. This broad-spectrum SPF 60 formula is enriched with senna alata, a tropical leaf extract that’s rich in antioxidants to reduce free radical damage.

Editor Tip: As a chemical SPF, it's powered by filters like avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Senna alata, thermal spring water, vitamin E

3 — SUPERGOOP

Best for Sensitive Skin: Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40

Why It's Worth It: The Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40 is highly recommended for those with excess oil. This oil-free, lightweight, 100% mineral-based sunscreen is soothing and calming to the skin. Its featherweight formula protects against damaging sun rays, while antioxidant-rich bamboo extract defends against free radical damage and lightly conditions the skin.

Editor Tip: Another fan favorite is the Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, a Best of Beauty and three-time Readers' Choice Award winner, known for its totally invisible finish.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, radish root ferment, gigantea leaf ferment

4 — ILIA

Best Tinted Moisturizer: Ilia C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40

Why It's Worth It: Ilia's C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40 is both a tinted sunscreen and a complexion-evening serum. The pigments provide sheer coverage and broad-spectrum UV protection, while the formula treats skin with radiance-boosting vitamin C and niacinamide, an antioxidant known for its oil-balancing properties.

Editor Tip: It comes in three tones, making it easy to find the right match for your skin tone.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, jojoba seed oil, niacinamide

5 — CETAPHIL

Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Why It's Worth It: You don't have to spend over $20 for an effective, shine-free face sunscreen. The Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is highly recommended for oily skin types due to its lightweight feel and impressive oil control. This mineral sunscreen dries quickly and won't leave the skin feeling greasy, making it an excellent option for those with oily skin. It also contains vitamin E to protect against free radical damage.

Editor Tip: This face sunscreen is hypoallergenic, fragrance- and paraben-free, and packed with soothing ingredients, making it ideal for those prone to redness.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Allantoin, bisabolol, niacinamide