The best sunscreens for oily skin won't clog your pores or turn your face into a disco ball
We tested dozens of sunscreens for oily skin. The Outset's 100% Mineral Sunscreen is unmatched.
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I'll admit, there was a time (to be clear, decades ago) when I hated the thought of putting on sunscreen. The chance of it clogging my pores, making my oily-combination, acne-prone skin look even more like Greaseball City and sliding off my face was enough to make me want to skip it altogether. It was definitely not my proudest skin care era, but, hey, this was also during my twenties, when nobody was as knowledgeable or even talking about SPF the way they do today!
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Thankfully, the best sunscreens for oily skin have come a very long way since then. Not only are they better formulated and more elegant in texture, but many of them are even skin-flattering, making them much easier to want to put on every day. These modern formulas also help dispel any fear you might have about them causing breakouts. "I hear this concern frequently in my practice, but I always emphasize that sunscreen is one of the most important steps in any skin care routine, regardless of skin type," says Dr. Jenna Queller, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks . "For patients with oily or acne-prone skin, the issue is usually not sunscreen itself, but the formulation they're using. Many newer sunscreens are specifically designed to be lightweight, non-comedogenic, and suitable for acne-prone skin." She notes that once patients switch to the right formula, they're often surprised that their skin actually tolerates it very well.
Through my decade-plus as a beauty editor, I've tested more sunscreens than that past, panic-stricken, oily-and-acne-prone version of me could have ever imagined. I'm actually quite proud of myself for seeing the light and becoming a devoted daily SPF-wearer. It's a mission I take seriously. Keep reading for the best options for anyone with oily or combination skin.
The best sunscreen for oily skin in 2026
Type:Mineral | Finish:Soft matte/natural | Key ingredients:Zinc oxide, snow mushroom, niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid complex | SPF level:30
We all have our preferences when it comes to the type of sunscreen we use, and I usually will seek mineral sunblock over chemical sunscreens. However, I don't think one is necessarily better (I use plenty of chemical sunscreens), but I find that my skin tends to work better with mineral.
The thing is, finding a mineral sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast or a powdery, mask-like finish can be tricky, and that's precisely why Hydrasheer is such a standout. It applies like a lightweight lotion, blends seamlessly into skin and leaves behind a natural, barely-there finish. For skin that leans oilier, like mine, the fact that it's 100% mineral is a big bonus. Because zinc oxide sits on the skin's surface and helps absorb excess oil throughout the day, you're getting UV protection and built-in shine control at the same time.
I have been a devoted Hydrasheer user since it launched in 2024, and even after testing nearly 100 sunscreens since, I haven't found anything that comes close. It layers beautifully with my other products and under my foundation without ever pilling or balling up, which is no small miracle when you have oily skin.
- 100% mineral formula with no white cast
- Layers cleanly under makeup
- Great for all skin types aside from oily, including sensitive
- Contains snow mushroom, a known "super hydrator"
- Price point is higher than drugstore options
- No tinted options
More sunscreens for oily skin we recommend
Type:Hybrid | Finish:Natural | Key ingredients:Zinc oxide, octinoxate, niacinamide, Zinc-AOX Pro Technology: | SPF level:50
Whenever I've had breakouts, a mineral sunscreen has always helped get things under control. This is most likely due to mineral sunscreens, which typically contain zinc oxide, which research has shown to be a promising acne treatment thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, low cost and minimal side effects. EltaMD's original UV Clear has long been a go-to SPF option, especially among dermatologists, and is considered a solid choice for the acne-prone. However, this new formula takes everything that made it great and turns the dial up specifically for blemish-prone skin. It's clinically proven to reduce visible blemishes, excess oil and pore size, promoting a visibly clearer complexion over time.
The formula is built around 5% niacinamide and a blend of four antioxidants with zinc oxide to boost photostability and protect against environmental stressors. Just like the original UV Clear, I found the texture so light that it almost feels like a serum upon application, but not as runny as actual sunscreen serums. Instead, it quickly dries down to a smooth, natural-looking finish that looks good on its own and under makeup. My testing aligned perfectly with some new hormonal breakouts (thanks to my HRT increase) and found that it helped get rid of a zit I had fairly quickly. Bottom line, this targeted formula is worth the upgrade.
- Clinically tested and proven specifically on acne-prone skin
- Higher SPF 50
- Zinc-AOX Pro Technology protects against blue light and environmental pollutants
- Non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, fragrance-free
- Lightweight hybrid formula that wears well under makeup
- Not 100% mineral; contains octinoxate, which some prefer to avoid
- On the pricier side
Type:Mineral | Finish:Natural | Key ingredients:Zinc oxide, snow mushroom, centella asiatica, niacinamide, aloe vera, panthenol | SPF level:50
Mineral sunscreen can be a double-edged sword for oily skin. While they typically contain zinc oxide — a prime choice for oily and acne-prone skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory and naturally mattifying properties — the formulas themselves are often thick, white and sit heavily on the skin. Knours Koolsol is the exception. The 10% zinc oxide formula is built on a water-based system that significantly reduces the visibility of zinc on the skin, and by skipping titanium dioxide entirely, it avoids that heavy, chalky finish. The texture is where it's really at. It's remarkably fluid for a mineral formula, but it isn't messy. Just clean, fast absorption and a natural finish that doesn't add a single degree of shine. (It also happened to land on our best Korean beauty sunsc reens list.)
- 100% zinc oxide with mp white cast
- Snow mushroom for exceptional hydration
- Vegan, fragrance-free
- Also good for sensitive skin
- Some users complain about the initial (natural) scent, but it quickly dissipates
- Zinc oxide only means no UVB-boosting titanium dioxide
Type:Chemical | Finish:Radiant | Key ingredients:Hyaluronic acid | SPF level:50
Like K-beauty, Japanese drugstore sunscreens open up a surprisingly vast rabbit hole, one that's as easy as it is fun to fall into — for better or worse. One example is the Bioré UV Aqua Rich, which has a devoted following due to its almost cooling water-gel texture and ability to absorb in seconds. It's a chemical formula, so it goes on more seamlessly than some mineral options and layers pretty flawlessly under makeup. This version is inspired by its popular Japanese counterpart but formulated to US standards. I have both, and honestly love both! Plus, at its price point, it's hard to beat, especially since it performs better than other sunscreens I tested that cost three times as much.
- Great price for a high-performing SPF 50
- Water-gel texture absorbs nicely
- Layers seamlessly under makeup
- Has a (natural, non-added) citrus scent, which some people might not like
- Chemical-only formula; not suitable for those who prefer mineral SPF
- Not as many skin care ingredients as other options
Type:Mineral | Finish:Matte/blurring | Key ingredients:Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, bamboo extract, skin-conditioning polymers | SPF level:40
Supergoop's Mineral Mattescreen is designed to mattify and smooth skin while visibly blurring pores, and I was instantly impressed the first time I applied it. It nearly disappeared my pores without leaving a white cast. This is one of the few tinted SPFs I tested that had a legit matte finish and it makes your skin look like it's been filtered. The formula is powered by zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, with bamboo extract providing antioxidant protection against free radicals. With four shade options (including an untinted) it also doubles as a makeup primer and creates a smooth canvas, which makes it an easy two-in-one for anyone who wants to cut down on extra steps.
- Truly mattifying and doubles as a makeup primer
- Visibly blurs pores on application
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic
- 100% mineral, oxybenzone- and octinoxate-free
- Fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty-free
- Price point is on the higher end
- Contains dimethicone, which some people prefer to avoid
How we tested sunscreens for oily skin
As a beauty editor with combination skin and an oily T-zone, I'm particularly picky with my sunscreen, constantly looking for products that do the job without making my skin look or feel greasy. Throughout the past year, I wore and re-wore dozens of SPF formulas, from chemical to physical, in lotions and serums, including best sellers and cult favorites (along with a few new launches). I wore them during typical everyday activities, whether it was walking my dog, running errands during a heat wave or doing chores in a hot apartment. I graded each one on the following:
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Finish: Did it leave a matte, natural or dewy finish? Was that finish consistent throughout the day, or did oil break through?
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Texture:Was the formula lightweight and easy to apply, or did it feel thick, tacky or greasy going on?
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Wear:How did it hold up over several hours? Did it pill, separate or slide off?
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Compatibility:Did it work as a solid base for my makeup? Did it pill with other skin care?
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Pore and breakout behavior:Did it visibly clog pores or contribute to new breakouts?
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Ingredients:Were the actives and supporting ingredients appropriate for oily and acne-prone skin? Is the formula non-comedogenic, oil-free and free from heavy occlusives?
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Value:Did the formula and performance justify its price point?
Other sunscreens for oily skin we tested
Ultra Violette Future Screen SPF 50 Modern Mineral Fluid: Compared to other runny, hard-to-control fluid sunscreens, I found this formula not messy at all. It was lightweight, felt nice, non-greasy and absorbed quickly, but, and this is my personal preference, just wasn't as matte as I was looking for.
CeraVe Mineral Tinted SPF 30: This was hydrating, but it was too dewy for what I was looking for.
Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer : The shade range is solid and the texture is nice, but I was looking for a straightforward tinted sunscreen rather than a hybrid foundation. I recommend it if you're looking for something with more coverage.
Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50: Overall, I really loved the texture and feel of this chemical sunscreen; the skin care benefits are more geared towards mature skin-friendly (redness, dark spot reduction) rather than specifically for oily skin types. I'd absolutely recommend it, especially if you're a fan of Tatcha's formulas. Plus, you can test the mini before committing to a full size.
What to look for in a sunscreen for oily skin
Finish: Go matte or go home
For oily skin, finish is everything. A sunscreen that starts out matte but oxidizes into a grease slick by noon isn't gonna cut it. Look for formulas that specifically tout a matte or "blurring" finish, like our EltaMD pick. Many of the best ones are silica-based and work like a primer or built-in blotting powder to absorb excess oil throughout the day. Lightweight, water-gel or fluid textures are generally your best friends here. Avoid thick, creamy formulas that tend to sit heavily on oily skin and increase shine.
Mineral vs. chemical: Know the difference
Both can work for oily skin, but they actually behave differently once they're on your face. "Mineral sunscreens, which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, sit on the surface of the skin and physically reflect UV rays," says Queller. "Because of this, they often have a slightly more matte or powdery finish. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV radiation and tend to feel more fluid or serum-like." If shine control is your top priority, mineral may have the edge, so The Outset and Supergoop might be the ones for you.
Ingredients: What to look for
Queller advises patients with oily or acne-prone skin to seek out formulas marked non-comedogenic, oil-free or specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, and to prioritize broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. On the flip side, she recommends steering clear of "heavy occlusive ingredients that can feel greasy or clog pores, such as certain thick oils or wax-heavy formulations."
SPF level: 30 is where you should start
SPF 30 is the baseline recommended by dermatologists and the American Academy of Dermatology for daily use, but if you spend significant time outdoors, SPF 50 provides a stronger buffer. You're good with any of the winners on our list, but if you want that extra protection, try our 50+ picks.
Sunscreen for oily skin FAQ
Which ingredients should I avoid in a sunscreen if I have oily skin?
The ones to watch for are heavy occlusives, such as thick oils, coconut oil, shea butter and wax-heavy ingredients that sit on the surface of the skin and can clog pores. If you're sensitive to fragrance, you might want to avoid that as well. Overall, anything with a rich, emollient texture that's designed to deeply nourish dry skin is likely to feel suffocating on oily skin and may contribute to congestion over time. When in doubt, just stick to formulas explicitly labeled oil-free, non-comedogenic or designed for acne-prone skin.
Is mineral or chemical sunscreen better for oily skin?
It comes down to what your skin responds to. As we mentioned, mineral sunscreens tend to offer a more matte finish because they sit on the skin's surface. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and tend to feel more liquidy. The key is finding a formula with a texture and finish that works for you.
What order should sunscreen go in my skin care routine?
Sunscreen is always the last step in your morning skin care routine. Apply it after cleanser, toner, serums and moisturizer and before any makeup. The reasoning is that sunscreen needs to sit on top of your skin (or be fully absorbed, in the case of chemical filters) to do its job. Layering anything on top of it (other than makeup) can interfere with its efficacy. If you're using a moisturizer with SPF, you're likely not applying enough to reach the labeled protection level, so a dedicated sunscreen is always the better call.
Is sunscreen for oily skin also good for hyperpigmentation?
It can be! Wearing SPF consistently is one of the most effective things you can do for hyperpigmentation. UV exposure is one of the primary causes of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the dark spots that stick around after breakouts), so protecting your skin daily helps prevent new discoloration from forming and keeps existing spots from darkening further. If fading hyperpigmentation is a specific goal, look for sunscreens that also contain brightening ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C (there are several on our list that contain niacinamide).
Meet our expert
Dr. Jenna Queller, board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks
