The 10 Best Sunscreens for Oily and Acne Prone Skin
It can be hard to find the right sunscreen for your skin as you figure out your summer vacation plans. The countless varieties of products on the market can make it challenging which sunscreens are best for your skin. If you have oily, acne prone skin, some sunscreens can result in acne breakouts, which can be a disaster for your beach photos in Ibiza. Some people don’t use sunscreens to avoid acne even though they are essential for keeping the skin safe from UV damage and skin cancers.
If you have acne prone skin, it is important not to simply ignore sunscreen in your regimen, even if you have had some bad luck with sunscreens in the past. Instead, consider this list of the 10 best sunscreens for oily skin!
1. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen
EltaMD’s UV clear broad spectrum SPF 46 sunscreen is a standout in the category of broad spectrum sunscreens safe for oily skin.
It was named one of InStyle’s Best Beauty Buys from 2019-2021.
It has a 9% concentration of zinc oxide, which protects the skin from UVB radiation and resulting free radicals on the skin. It also contains great hydrating and skin lightening compounds like hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, and vitamin E.
This sunscreen is great for treating dry skin, redness, and wrinkles as well as sun protection.Any skin type can use this product, as it is formulated without any oils, fragrances, or parabens. This means EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 will not clog your pores, leave a funny smell, or irritate your skin. This clear, silky product easily soaks into the skin without leaving streaks, marks, or flakes. If you have sensitive, oily, or acne prone skin, this might be the perfect sunscreen for you!
2. EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 Tinted
Another EltaMD product, EltaMD UV Elements Broad Spectrum SPF 44 Tinted, is another great choice for oily or sensitive skin types. Unlike their clear sunscreen, this product contains titanium dioxide instead of zinc oxide, which gives it a fuller color and also protects from UVB radiation. This product is also rich in antioxidants that are associated with UV and Infrared radiation.
The UV filtering compounds in this product are considered chemical free.
A lot of hyaluronic acid, a potent moisturizing humectant, is present in this product as well.
This sunscreen is a great choice for beach or pool days, as it is water resistant for up to 40 minutes before needing to be reapplied. Just like EltaMD UV Clear, this tinted sunscreen is non-comedogenic; it does not clog pores.
3. Revision Skincare Intellishade Matte SPF 45
Revision Intellishade matte SPF 45 is ideal for any skin type, particularly oily skin types.
This product is also great for a bust schedule, as this 5-in-1 daily anti-aging tinted moisturizer is designed for single applications each day instead of frequent applications.
Like many of the best sunscreens on the market, this product doubles as an effective anti-aging, redness, and barrier treatment without posing a risk of acne.
Revision Intellishade Matte SPF 45 is rich in minerals which give it a tint and help the skin carry a youthful glow. This product contains a blend of potent anti-aging ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, and botanical extracts that all contribute to its status as one of the best sunscreens for sensitive skins. If you have oily skin and are looking for a sunscreen for your anti-aging skin care regimen, Revision Intellishade Matte SPF 45 is a great option.
4. MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50
MD Solar Sciences Mineral Creme SPF 50 is a lightweight, natural, moisturizing sunscreen that’s a great choice if you are looking to avoid complicated formulations with dozens of ingredients. The simple, clean formulation of this product makes it a great choice for conscientious shoppers who prefer ingredients they can trace back to plants.
The matte finish of this product makes it great for use under makeup, as it is easy to blend color onto! Oil free and non-irritating, this product seems to do it all! If you are concerned with clogged pores and are looking for a simple, clean sunscreen, MF Solar Sciences Mineral Creme SPF 50 is a great choice for you!
5. PCA Skin Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45
The full line of PCA sunscreens provide beneficial antioxidant boosts in addition to protecting the skin from UV radiation. Tinted sunscreens like this one are great for use under makeup, as it won’t clog the pores of oily or sensitive skin.
It contains the minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, both of which are great at blocking UVB radiation. There are many ingredients in this product that protect from other kinds of radiation, meaning this is a broad spectrum sunscreen. This sunscreen is designed for all day protection, meaning it doesn’t need to be reapplied multiple times throughout the day. If you are looking for a sunscreen you can simply “set and forget” each day this summer, PCA Skin Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45 might be the right choice for you!
This specific sunscreen comes in multiple SPF grades, meaning you can choose the version that best suits your needs this summer! If you plan on staying outside all day, a higher SPF would be best.
6. SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 32 Sunscreen Tinted
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 32 Tinted sunscreen is another great choice for acne prone skin types. In particular, this product is meant to be good for use on scars or stitches from surgery. It contains potent hydrating compounds which are great at moisturizing skin.
This sunscreen is considered hypoallergenic, which means it could be the right choice for you if allergic reactions are a concern of yours. Some products contain allergenic compounds like lavender or chamomile, which are not right for all people. If you are looking for a tinted, fragrance free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic sunscreen, SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 32 Tinted might be a great choice!
7. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen Brush
If you’ve tried all of the liquid sunscreens you can stand and have not found the right one for you, perhaps a dry application sunscreen like ColoreScience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen Brush is your solution. This product is in powdered form which gives it a few special properties.
As a dry powder, this product helps absorb excess oil directly in addition to not containing any oils on its own. This sunscreen was designed to obscure the pores and reduce shine on the skin while also providing antimicrobial, sweat-resistant, and chemical free protection to the skin. There are no oils, allergens, dyes, fragrances, parabens, or sulfates in this sunscreen. This product protects against a very broad spectrum of light including UVA, UVB, Blue light, and Infrared radiation. This dermatologist recommended sunscreen is also matte tinted, meaning it works well under makeup foundations. The ColoreScience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sheer Matte SPF-30 sunscreen Brush is a unique sun protection product designed for people with oily and sensitive skin.
8. SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30
SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 is not as mineral based as many of the other sunscreens on this list. It does not contain Zinc oxide, but does contain Titanium dioxide.
Since it is primarily composed of “chemical sunscreen” ingredients, this product oxidizes after prolonged sunlight exposure, meaning it should be reapplied roughly after 40 minutes of outdoor exercise, and then every two hours. This is a great choice if you plan on taking a hike, going to the beach, or spending the day at the park in direct sunlight. Most chemical sunscreens oxidize just like this one does, but when reapplied consistently it is one of the most effective protective sunscreens from intense sunlight. It is recommended to shake this product well before applying to the face, neck, or body.
9. Blue Lizard Australian Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Blue Lizard is a favorite brand among dermatologists because of its gentle, natural, and effective formulations good for all skin types.
Blue Lizard Australian Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 50 is designed to make your skin protection easier, with a portable, easy access design and a UV detecting color changing lid which lets you know when your skin is at risk. Blue lizard products are a great choice for acne prone skin because they contain no comedogenic ingredients. For conscientious environmental skin care fanatics, look no further than this product for a reef safe, natural, delicate, broad spectrum sunscreen appropriate for any skin type.
Like many other clean sunscreens, Blue Lizard Australian Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 50 is free of fragrances, parabens, and synthetic oils. In addition to all that, it is also water resistant for up to 40 minutes in the ocean or chlorinated swimming pools. Give Blue Lizard a try to see for yourself why it is one of the most recommended brands of sunscreen by dermatologists.
10. Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33
Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33 is highly regarded for its moisturizing properties through its active ingredient, hyaluronic acid.
This sunscreen is a great choice for all skin types as it is hydrating but non-comedogenic, and protects against a broad spectrum of radiation.
This product contains a solid concentration of mineral ingredients, Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide. It is great at protecting from UVB radiation which causes redness. Compared to the competition, this product is extremely water resistant - offering up to 80 minutes of protection while you’re in the water.
If you are looking for an oil free, paraben free, hypoallergenic sunscreen with great water resistant properties, look no further than Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33.
As you can see, there is no shortage of options for sunscreens designed for oily, sensitive, or acne prone skin. At the end of the day, the best sunscreen for you will suit your specific lifestyle needs, ingredient preferences, and personal skin sensitivities. These are just some of the very best sunscreens for oily skin, but you can find dozens more on our website!