11 Game-Changing Sunscreens For Oily Skin

SPF protection is a non-negotiable step if you want your healthiest skin possible. Period. However, it’s often not as simple as just slapping on any old sunscreen, as like all skincare products, it’s best to find a formula that’s suitable for your lifestyle and skin type. If you tend to have oily skin, you’ve no doubt found that those traditional, thick sunscreens or poor formulas can send your oil glands into overdrive. But don’t worry, we’ve curated a list of 11 seriously bomb formulas that’ll keep your skin protected without throwing it out of balance.

1. For Everyone: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++, $34

Source: Supergoop

This lightweight formula not only offers SPF 40 and UVA protection but it’s also enriched with red algae to help protect your skin against blue light emitted by electronic devices. It features a complex of meadowfoam seed and frankincense to increase hydration levels and improve skin tone and texture. We love it as it feels almost weightless on the skin and wears well underneath makeup, which is a must for us!

2. For Rich Skin Tones: Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30, $19

Source: Black Girl Sunscreen

If you’re on the hunt for a sunscreen that leaves no white cast, this is it. Specifically formulated for melanated skin, the lightweight and hydrating formula dries down clear so you can use it on your face or body. Enriched with moisturizing avocado, soothing jojoba oil, and antioxidant-rich cacao, this sunscreen will work overtime to nourish and protect your skin.

3. For Super Oily Skin: Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50, $17

Source: Paula’s Choice

Looking for a do-it-all SPF formula? Well, this non-greasy SPF 50 will shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays while vitamin A, C, and E work to further enhance the protection against blue-light and provide environmental protection. That’s not all, it’s also infused with aloe to soothe and fight redness, as well as kaolin clay to absorb excess oil without drying out the skin. Finally, it’s water and sweat-resistant, making it a no-brainer for summer.

4. For SPF Touch-Ups: Supergoop (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35, $30

Source: Supergoop

The truth is you should re-apply sunscreen every two hours, and this powder allows you to do just that without messing up your glam… Can we get a hallelujah? In fact, this 100% mineral broad-spectrum UV SPF offers flawless protection with a satin finish. It can be used to set your makeup or for reapplying SPF. It also comes in four broad shades.

5. For Sensitive Skin: Ultra-Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+ Mattifying Zinc Skinscreen, $49

Ultra-Violette is the new up-and-coming SPF brand that we’re excited about. This best-selling sunscreen is a zinc-only sunscreen that offers  SPF 50 protection while also helping to keep oil production in check and soothe sensitive skin. Formulated with pentavitin and Kakadu Plum, it’ll work overtime to hydrate and plump your skin while providing a surge of brightening and protecting antioxidants.

6. The Budget-Friendly Buy: CeraVe Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50, $16

CeraVe is loved by derms thanks to the simple yet effective formulas, and this SPF lotion is no exception. The oil-free cream features a 100% mineral sunscreen filter that forms a protective barrier to reflect UVA and UVB rays. It’s also infused with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump, niacinamide to soothe the skin, and ceramides to maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t block your pores – it ticks every box.

7. For Acne-Prone Skin: Elta MD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $26

This gentle formula combines zinc to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, as well as vitamin E to reduce free radicals damage, thereby helping to diminish the visible signs of aging. We love it as it’s super lightweight and gentle on the skin.

8. For Mature Skin: Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Sunscreen SPF 30, $42

Source: Dr. Dennis Gross

Dr. Denis Gross is one of our go-to skincare brands and this sunscreen is another slam-dunk formula. The oil-free cream features zinc oxide and antioxidants to provide high-performance SPF protection. If you hate greasy sunscreens, you’ll love this formula as it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy, instead, it absorbs into the skin in seconds.

9. To Wear Underneath Makeup: Clinique City Block™ Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 25, $28

Source: Clinique

Combat oiliness while protecting your skin with this lightweight formula, not only does it help protect your skin from sun damage and environmental irritants, but it’ll also reduce oiliness. It also wears well underneath makeup, which is just one of the reasons we’re obsessed.

10. For Extra Coverage: UNSUN Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30, $29

Source: Unsun

Formulated with shea butter, vitamin, E, coconut oil, as well as zinc, and titanium dioxide, this broad-spectrum sunscreen will blend into the skin effortlessly while offering SPF 30 without potent chemicals. The lightweight cream also provides a sheer tint (in two stretchable shades) to even out skin tone and leave you with a dewy glow.

11. For Combination Skin: Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF30 Sunscreen, $54

Source: Dermalogica

We LOVE this oil-free SPF! The lightweight lotion absorbs instantly into the skin, offering SPF 30 to keep your skin protected from UVA and UVB rays. Plus, it doesn’t leave skin feeling heavy or congested – it’s a win-win!

For more suncare advice, check out these dangerous SPF myths.

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