The 9 best sunscreens for oily skin that protect skin without heaviness
These hard-working SPFs are the best of the best for oilier skin types – trust us, we've tested them all
Sunscreen is one of the most essential steps in your daily skincare routine, protecting the skin from ageing, damaging UV rays year-round. But, like any skincare product, it should still compliment your skin's unique characteristics and type. Finding a formula that suits oily skin types, and won't clog your pores or exacerbate shine, for example, can be tricky – particularly given that this is a product you need to apply a lot of. (And for the record, though mature skin is often on the dry side, hormonal changes and individual differences mean you can have oily or combination skin at any age!)
While all of the best facial sunscreens will protect your skin, many formulas come with heavier textures that are more nourishing than these skin types need, leading to a shiny finish that becomes more so as the day goes on. The best sun creams for oily skin should therefore be non-greasy, absorb easily and have a lightweight feel on the skin. As Consultant Dermatologist Dr Cristina Psomadakis, ambassador for Eucerin, notes, "You want something that is a thin lotion or gel, rather than a rich cream and ideally something oil-free, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free."
Best sunscreen for oily skin deals
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The 12 best sunscreens for oily skin, tried and tested by our experts
From La Roche-Posay to SkinCeuticals, these are the best sunscreens for oilier skin, that won't cause breakouts, greasiness or your makeup to slip and slide.
RRP: £22 | Formula: Liquid | SPF: 50+ | Oil-free? Yes
Recommended to us by several dermatologists we consulted for this piece, this oil-free formula from skincare giants La Roche-Posay takes the top spot – especially for those with acne-prone skin. While testing, we found this weightless product sinks into the skin perfectly without leaving a white cast or oily residue. Anna says: "It glides on, absorbs easily and we applied our foundation as usual without it sliding off."
The original La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF UVMune 400 tops our list of the best La Roche-Posay products of all time, but if you have oily skin, this formula will likely play better with your complexion (it's oil free and ever so slightly more matte). Plus, unlike many sunscreens designed with oily skin in mind, this one doesn't have an overly mattifying, powdery finish.
Pros
- Lightweight fluid
- High protection
- Dermatologist recommended brand
Cons
- Very runny when applying
RRP: £34 | Formula: Gel | SPF: 50+ | Oil free? No
Simply gliding on before instantly drying, this water-light formula from Kiehl's offers SPF 50+ protection while boasting a mattifying and pore-blurring effect. Formulated specifically to cope with humid weather, we put it to the test and can confirm that the non-comedogenic gel formula worked its magic. It was sweat-proof, lightweight and was just the right level of matte without feeling like it was drying out the skin.
It's tough to fault this product, but if I was being really picky, my skin started to look and feel a little shiny after hours of wear. Sadly, even the pros at Kiehl's can't work miracles; I'm yet to find a formula that can provide an all-day mattifying effect.
Pros
- Gel texture is ideal for humid days
- Matte finish
- Nice under makeup
Cons
- Can become shiny with wear
RRP: £16 | Formula: Lotion | SPF: 50+ | Oil-free? Yes
Korean brand Beauty of Joeson specialises in beautifully light-textured products packed with skin-loving natural ingredients, making this a great choice of sunscreen for oily skin that also happens to be sensitive. Particularly so because it contains skin-soothing probiotics, including a bio ferment that's specifically formulated to prevent breakouts without drying out the skin or causing reactions.
The feel of this is very refined, which makes sense given it's a chemical rather than mineral-based SPF, and its texture sits somewhere between a creamy and light milky lotion. This means it hits the mark of feeling hydrating but not too rich on oily skin. The inclusion of SPF 50 UVB protection and UVA is robust – and what you should be looking for – and it sits nicely on the skin with a natural matte finish that's not too heavy or powdery.
Pros
- Lovely comfortable texture
- Rubs in well
- Soothing ingredients make it a good fit for sensitive skin
Cons
- Not the most matte finish (for those after something mattifying)
RRP: £14 | Formula: Fluid | SPF: 50+ | Oil-free? Yes
Garnier is a brilliant brand for effective, well-priced skincare solutions – and this is no exception. A light fluid with a matte feel, it includes broad spectrum UVA-UVB protection as well as beta-hydroxy acids, which dissolve oil, and niacinamide, a skin-balancing ingredient with antioxidant benefits.
All of this adds up to a blemish-busting formula that woman&home Beauty Channel Editor, Fiona Mckim is particularly taken with. "I regularly experience hormonal breakouts as well as congestion on my T-Zone, which can make applying SPF a bit of a hard sell; it often makes me break out, too. Knowing this fluid has oil-dissolving BHA as well as all-rounder niacinamide allays those fears and helps me stick with daily use, even in the winter. I love the watery texture and soft matte finish too."
Pros
- Targets congested or blemish-prone skin
- Fairly accessible price point
- Mattifying formula
Cons
- Not the prettiest packaging
RRP: £39 | Formula: Liquid | SPF: 50+ | Oil-free? Yes
"This is the sunscreen I use every day in the winter and the one I rely on while I'm on holiday," says Dionne. "Because I'm mostly worried about the ageing effects of the sun, this is the sunscreen I swear by to protect my skin from sun damage. It's the most lightweight formula I've tried and it melts into my skin instantly upon application so that it doesn't feel oily. Rather, my skin feels hydrated all day long."
This SPF 50 broad-spectrum formula protects the skin against both UVA and UVB, with added antioxidants that shield the skin from environmental stressors and minimise the signs of ageing. "I love the soft matte finish, alone or under make-up," Dionne noted after testing. If you're concerned about dark spots, breakouts or the visible signs of skin ageing, this is the one to try.
Pros
- Feels hydrating without heaviness
- Ideal for skin prone to dark spots or post-inflammatory pigmentation
Cons
- Expensive for the size
RRP: £8.99 | Formula: Cream lotion | SPF: 50+ | Oil-free? No
For under £10, we rated this as one of the best affordable sunscreens for oily skin because you get UVA and UVB protection, SPF 50 and a lotion so hydrating you could easily skip moisturiser. The Australian brand has formulated this product with ethically sourced algae to make for a super hydrating, comfortable sunscreen. It's also fragrance-free, paraben-free and reef-friendly, so you can jump in the sea without a worry.
This affordable option is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores, making it an ideal option for blemish-prone complexions. It's also an excellent sunscreen for oily skin as it dries down without a white cast and leaves a shine-free finish. At less than £10 it's well worth a go – though if for any reason it doesn't work as well for you as it did for us it could be used up on the neck and shoulders.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Very hydrating; doubles as moisturiser step
Cons
- Not the best choice for very sensitive skin
RRP: £49 | Formula: Lotion | SPF: 50+ | Oil-free? Yes
Yes, the sun can cause the skin to show signs of ageing, but it can also worsen existing skin damage, like pigmentation – which is where this powerful formula from SkinCeuticals comes in. Offering high UVA and UVB protection with advanced UV filters, these help to prevent any UV-induced hyperpigmentation, dark spots and collagen breakdown.
It's also super lightweight and fast absorbing, which is especially good for oily skin, plus has a natural matte finish that plays well with makeup. However, it isn't the most hydrating one we've tried, so you'll probably want to rely on a hydrating facial serum and one of the best face moisturisers underneath this particular sun protection formula.
Pros
- Natural matte finish
- Targets pigmentation
- Absorbs quickly and feels comfortable
Cons
- Very expensive for size
RRP: £36.50 | Formula: Cream | SPF: 30 | Oil-free? No
Another nifty multitasker, this mattifying and smoothing sunscreen from Supergoop! is seriously impressive. Not only does it work hard offering a velvety smooth finish and high levels of sun protection, but it also has a 100% mineral formula. We're talking hydrating meadowfoam seed extract, soothing frankincense, plus red algae extract for added light protection.
And just when you thought this cult sunscreen's credentials stopped there: it's also both sweat- and water-resistant as well as reef-safe. The only downside to note here is that it is only SPF 30, whereas SPF 50 is more ideal, particularly in the summer months when the weather is sunnier.
Pros
- 100% mineral
- Velvety finish
- Sits nicely under makeup
Cons
- Only SPF 30
RRP: £37 | Formula: Serum | SPF: 50+ | Oil-free? Yes
Alpha H flies slightly under the radar here, but this Aussie skincare brand is huge south of the equator – and no wonder. As well as creating one of our favourite skincare acid exfoliators (Liquid Gold, if you're asking) this SPF-serum hybrid is well worth a look too.
"Trust the Aussies to come up with sun protection that's genuinely a joy to wear all day, every day," Fiona says. "This has the slippery, silky texture of your best hyaluronic acid serum, but offers broad spectrum UVA/B protection and a boost of niacinamide, which is known to regulate oil production as well as refine skin texture. Due to its unique texture, this spreads on beautifully without dragging and dries down to a very lightly radiant – but not at all slick or shiny – finish. Most sunscreens for oily skin are very mattifying, so this is unique in its flattering juicy-looking effect. Love."
Pros
- Skincare-focused formula
- Radiant, not shiny, finish
Cons
- Not particularly mattifying, if that's what you're after
How we tested the best sunscreens for oily skin
A selection of some of the best sunscreens for oily skin that we tested for this guide
In order to cover only the very best sunscreens for oily skin, we tested an array of products – many didn’t make the cut – to whittle it down to our final selection of the top nine. As a team, we've tested dozens of different formulas on our oily and combination skin over the years.
Freelance Shopping Writer, Dionne Brighton's acne-prone skin meant that she was searching for those that didn’t make her break out, whereas Beauty Channel Editor, Fiona McKim wanted formulas with skincare benefits that also sat well underneath makeup. Additionally, Freelance Editor Anna Paul focused on hydration and keeping shine at bay. We also took all of the following factors into account while reviewing.
- How the product felt on skin: We assessed if each product made our skin look or feel oilier and shiny; whether we could apply foundation on top or if it pilled; and if it was visibly detectable on the skin.
- SPF level: Every product on this list has an SPF of 30 or above, but we also looked out for broad spectrum protection (from both UVA and UVB rays).
- Ingredients: Where possible, we opted for non-comedogenic, i.e. non pore-clogging, formulas, while noting the inclusion of other skin-benefitting ingredients.
- Consistency: Every product on this list has a lightweight consistency and didn't clog our pores.
- Price: Facial sunscreen is often expensive, especially when you need a fairly specialised formula, so we assessed whether or not these products offered genuine value for money, based on their performance.
How to choose the best sunscreen for oily skin
Firstly, opt for a sunscreen that boasts a non-comedogenic formula, this means that they won't block your pores - which is particularly important for those with oily skin. "If you have oily skin then you need to look for an SPF which doesn’t include certain oils such as coconut oil, cocoa butter, mineral oil, also ingredients such as petrolatum, silicones and glycerine as all of these work to moisturise the skin by creating a shine and greasy finish," advises medical Director of Cosmedics skin clinics, Dr Ross Perry.
"Try and aim for sunscreen which provides a matte finish and silica gel which absorbs oil. Opt for noncomedogenic which basically means the SPF product contains ingredients that won't clog the pores. It’s also worth purchasing SPF which comes in the form of a gel/lightweight rather than a thick cream."
Echoing this advice, Dr Zainab Laftah, consultant dermatologist at GetHarley advises, "If you have oily skin or a tendency to break out with sunscreens I would recommend opting for non-comedogenic sunscreens that have been formulated for acne-prone skin. Often these have lower oil content and are lighter in consistency."
Your sunscreen for oily skin FAQs, answered
For all your sunscreen for oily skin-related questions, we've enlisted the help of industry professionals to share their expertise on why these SPFs are so good for the skin and when to wear them...
What sunscreens are good for oily skin?
Usually containing key filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, mineral sunscreens are often dubbed as good options for oily skin. However, due to the specific makeup of these filters, these formulas leave behind a white cast that makes them unsuitable for all. Those with oilier skin often prefer the barely-there texture of some chemical sunscreens, too. As recommended by dermatologists, the bottom line is to ensure you opt for a formula that is designed specifically with oily skin in mind – and that you will actually apply every single day.
"Traditionally, it was thought that mineral sunscreen was better for oily skin however, these days there have been so many advancements in formulas and delivery systems that you can find excellent options in each category," says Dr Psomadakis. "So-called “chemical sunscreens” – a bit of a misnomer, since all elements are chemistry based – tend to be lighter and come in gel textures, which many people prefer."
When do I wear sunscreen?
Sunscreen is one of the most – if not the most – essential steps in anyone's skincare routine. Wearing broad-spectrum sun protection every day, protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, significantly reduces premature visible ageing of your complexion and the risk of developing skin cancer.
While some theorists, such as Liz Earle in how to age, say low-level morning UV exposure can have benefits, generally the expert advice is to wear facial sunscreen every day. While some people believe that wearing sunscreen blocks your body's ability to produce vitamin D, there is no evidence it leads to deficiency – particularly as we also get vitamin D through our diet, with UK government advice being that most of us should supplement in the winter.
In fact, the advice is for us to still wear sunscreen in winter, even in cloudy and dull weather, as UV rays still penetrate through clouds and glass year round. We hate to break it to you, but your moisturiser with SPF doesn't cut it – especially not in summer, when UV radiation is higher – so be sure to apply a sunscreen after your skincare routine.
Our expert panel
Anna is an editor and journalist with over a decade of experience in digital content production, ranging from busy newsrooms and advertising agencies to fashion houses. Now a freelance writer and editor, Anna covers everything lifestyle, including some beauty – and was the main reviewer for this guide to sunscreens for oily skin.
Dionne is a freelance fashion and beauty journalist and woman&home contributor who has also written for titles including Marie Claire and Glamour. As someone with oily skin, she knows what makes an ideal daily sunscreen formula, sharing her first person knowledge for this expert-led guide.
Fiona McKim has been part of the woman&home beauty team for more than a decade. During that time her work has included interviewing countless experts, reporting from backstage at Fashion Week and judging the woman&home Beauty Awards. With combination skin, hers is prone to oiliness, meaning she could share her testing and reviewing expertise for this guide.
Sennen is Digital Beauty Writer at woman&home, where she shares the latest beauty launches, trending buys and personal product recommendations, from makeup and hair to skincare and nails – lending her testing expertise to this sunscreen guide.