The Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin at Every Price Point
When you’re dealing with oily skin, finding a good sunscreen is tough. It’s not that you don’t want sun protection, it’s that you don’t want to pile on yet another product that leaves your skin greased-up and your pores extra clogged. But there is hope and you can enjoy the sun without worry again. Enter: The best sunscreen for oily skin at every price point—ordered from low to high—below.
1. Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50
Known for its acne-defying benefits across the board, Paula’s Choice non-greasy sunscreen is yet another power player from the brand. A mix of vitamin C, Aloe vera, vitamin E, antioxidants and SPF 50 will shield your complexion from UV and free radical aggressors with a light matte finish. Wear it under your makeup or sweat and swim in it—it’s ideal for athletes and outdoor exercise. Case in point: “No scent, no breakouts, no makeup sliding off, no white-cast, oh and no sunburn. The light texture and matte finish—you’d never know you’re wearing SPF,” raves one reviewer.
2. Olay Regenerist Whip Moisturizer SPF 25
The beauty of this formula is that it’s a moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen in one, so you won’t experience that heavy feeling you often get from layering too many products. One rave reviewer said it best: “It has a honey-like texture and melts into your skin right after you apply [it]. The skin has a dewy and velvet like feeling.” The formula contains Vitamin B3 (aka Niacinamide), hyaluronic acid and amino peptides, and works to keep your skin hydrated and helps reduce that shiny sebum your oily skin is inclined to produce. It’s an oily gal’s matte-faced, skin-protecting dream.
3. EleVen by Venus Williams On-the-Defense SPF 30
This sheer mineral sunscreen was created by Venus Williams to solve a problem for people with dark skin: Finding daily UV protection that doesn’t leave a chalky white cast. In fact, this product does the opposite, melting into skin for a semi-matte finish that won’t leave you looking ashen. While it’s technically good for all skin types, the fast-absorbing formula won’t leave behind any sort of sheen. It’s reef-safe and fragrance free, and “It works…What more could you want?” as told by one happy customer.
4. Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30
Shiny, breakout-prone skin has met its match with this ultra-sheer formula. The blend of zinc gluconate, caffeine, niacinamide, biotin and yeast extract soak up excess oil for an all-day matte finish without looking too powdery. You won’t find any artificial fragrance or colors here, but you will find a gluten-free, vegan, paraben-free, cruelty-free and anti-aging SPF 30. “I am currently trying to manage hormonal acne and this provides the sun protection I need without feeling heavy or oily,” says one reviewer.
5. Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Brush
While this sunscreen is tinted, the powder formula is an excellent choice for those with oily skin. It adds sheer protection from UVA/UVB, pollution, blue light and infrared radiation and can be used on a bare face or over makeup. “I love this powder, it’s super lightweight, protects my skin and still allows me to have a natural look while giving me some coverage,” one reviewer touts. And no wonder: The mineral powder is oil free, water and sweat resistant and the antimicrobial bristles make sure the brush (and your skin!) says clean.
