Top 10 Best Sunscreens for Oily Faces in 2025
Summer is all about SUN, tanning, and having a good time. It all sounds great but there are a few facts that can ruin this summer parade. The rate of occurrence of melanoma or skin cancer has nothing to do with our skin. Sun radiations increased due to several factors and extended exposure can lead to various skin affections. One way to keep the skin healthy while still getting a tan is to use high-quality sunscreen.
Most sunscreens tend to contain oil. The oil itself acts as a good protective layer but some people already have oily skin. It will turn into a problem. Adding oil to an already oily skin will simply make things even more uncomfortable. The solution is to find some sunscreens that do not contain any oil. Some of them are even advertised as being recommended for oily skin.
Best Sunscreens For Oily Faces in 2025
With all these things in mind let’s have a quick look at the top 10 best sunscreens for oily faces in 2025.
Table of Contents
10. Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen with Cellular Response Technology SPF 50
Over the past few years, consumers’ interest in the ingredients used in cosmetics increased. This is one of the reasons why Supergoop! developed a sunscreen that contains no safe ingredients that are not carcinogenic, do not cause allergies and it is completely oil-free.
- Completely oil-free for oily faces
- Cellular Response Technology with SPF 50 protection against super broad spectrum
- Fast absorbing
- Despite being oil-free it is a bit greasy but not significantly
- Can make the skin a bit sticky if too much is applied and not absorbed properly
Looking at the ingredients the sunscreen contains a mix of fragrances that might seem unappealing for some. It does not lead to allergic reactions and it is completely non-toxic which goes as a major plus in our books.
9. Zealios Sun Barrier SPF 45 Sunscreen
Zealios Sun Barrier is a great sunscreen with SPF 45 which will work with oily skin. Its water-resistant formula and the lack of any kind of oil makes it quite pleasant to use. It works at the beach, when running, walking around the city and pretty much any other circumstance in which the skin is exposed to the bright summer Sun.
- Water resistant. It works well especially when going for a tan at the beach or at the pool
- PBA, paraben and oil-free. It contains only safe ingredients
- Developed and tested with athletes which means it was designed to withstand all types of activities in the sun
- A bit expensive. While the price tag might not be all that scary it does come in a small tube
In terms of ingredients the sunscreen uses 8% zinc oxide which should provide decent protection. It is non-comedogenic and protects against a broad spectrum. The sunscreen is absorbed quickly by the screen and it comes with a pleasant fragrance.
8. Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-free UV Protector SPF 42 Broad Spectrum
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Shiseido Urban Environment sunscreen is one of the few products in our list that was designed to be used on a daily basis. As the name states it is made of urban environment and has SPF 42 protection. It was made mostly for the face and it is oil free for a normal matte appearance.
- Matte appearance which makes it usable even in an office environment
- Offers protection against bust, micro particles and other environmental aggressors
- Oil-free with SPF 42 protection
- The scent is a bit too strong. In an enclosed environment it can even be very disrupting
Looking at the negative stuff, the fragrance of the sunscreen come to mind. It is not bad but it is just too intense. Outdoors it might fly-by without being annoying to the ones around but in an office environment it can be quite distruptive.
7. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Face Sunscreen for Oily Skin with SPF 60
Oily skin is a problem for many especially during the warm season. For this reason, it is nearly impossible to regular sunscreen. For this reason La Roche-Posay made a great sunscreen that is oil-free and was specifically developed for oily-skin. The SPF 60 protection is a bit on the extreme side but for what it was made it works quite well.
- It is absorbed very fast and protects against a broad spectrum
- The high SPF makes it a good sunscreen for use on a daily basis
- Pleasant fragrance, PBA free
- Needs to be reapplied every two hours or so
Despite being made for oily face and having an oil-free formula the sunscreen leaves a sticky feeling if too much is applied. It is better to experiment and use just a little in the beginning then add more if it is absorbed too fast.
6. Coppertone Oil Free Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
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Coppertone oil free sunscreen lotion is one of the better options for a day at the beach. It is a full-body lotion but it can be used on the face as well. The absence of oil in the formula makes it fast absorbing and it does not leave that typical shine on the skin.
- Broad spectrum SPF 30 protection. It is possible to get a good tan while using the sunscreen
- Special formula that does not clog pores
- Fragrance-free and completely oil-free
- Can be converted into a stain
5. EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 Oil Free
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EltaMD is one of the bigger brands in our list and their products surely stand out in terms of quality. The UV Pure broad-spectrum sunscreen was made to be used in almost any circumstance. It is water-resistant and works quite well on oily skin.
- Only natural ingredients are used for this sunscreen
- Rich in zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are well known to offer excellent protection when the skin is exposed to the sun
- Water-resistant without the use of any type of oil
- It is water resistant only for the first 80 minutes. That is usually the time it takes for the sunscreen to be absorbed completely
What might seem like a turnoff for some is the fact that it does not last all that long when it comes to exposing it to water. The sunscreen is water-resistant only for the first 80 minutes. After that, it might need to be reapplied on the skin.
4. Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
Sun Bum offers a great sunscreen lotion for a decent price tag. It is a great product that also acts as a moisturizer which protects the skin even better. The product is paraben-free, PBA-free and oil-free. According to the manufacturers the lotion has been tested and approved by The Skin Cancer Foundation.
- Oil-free, paraben-free, PBA-free, and oil-free, and it is made only out of plant extracts
- Does not cause any allergic reactions
- Water-resistant formula
- The fragrance is a bit unappealing
One of the more interesting pros of sunscreen is the fact that it does not contain any kind of toxic or non-natural ingredients. It is made mostly out of plant extracts and it is enriched with vitamin E which will help keep the skin moisturized properly. It does not leave a greasy sensation and it is water resistant.
3. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture With Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen
Neutrogena oil-free broad-spectrum sunscreen is one of the most popular products in our list. It is reasonably priced and works very well on oily skin. The formula used is not water resistant but it leaves a matte aspect and it is absorbed quite fast as long as not too much is used at once.
- Ideal for oily skin. Can be used on the face and body
- Broad spectrum SPF 35 protection which is good enough to get a good tan
- Has a matte aspect
- It has a strong chemical smell
What seems to work particularly well with this sunscreen is the fact that it is also a moisturizer. To get the best results it is important to have the skin properly cleaned and maybe remove the natural skin oil. Due to its concentrated formula, only a tiny amount of sunscreen needs to be used at once.
2. Neutrogena Age Shield Face Oil-Free Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 110
Neutrogena Age Shield oil-free sunscreen lotion is probably the most powerful product in our list. It has an SPF of 110 which recommends it even to the most sensitive skin. It protects against the sun and the signs of aging. According to the manufacturers the sunscreen needs to be used only on the face.
- High SPF, makes it great for daily usage while running, going to the pool or even travelling through the city
- Has a moisturizing and anti-aging effect
- Oil-free, specifically made for oily faces
- Even if it is oily-free it does have a somewhat oily sensation due to the use of vegetable glycerin in its composition
The formula used works very well for regular activities. It will not be a great option for use at the beach for example but for any other activity in which there is exposure to the sun, it should work decently.
1. Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15
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Olay Complete sunscreen is probably the most versatile product on our list. The SPF 15 protection is quite low and might not work for example at the beach. However, it works decently for all casual activities, even at the office since it does not have a strong fragrance.
- Fragrance-free, oil-free and PABA-free
- Contains vitamin E and aloe that helps keep the skin properly moisturized
- Leaves a matte aspect and it does not feel oily in any way
- Nothing worth mentioning
For the sunscreen, Olay used a special formula that keeps the skin moisturized while still being absorbed quickly. It is oil-free and PABA-free which recommends it even to the ones with sensitive skin. Last but not least the sunscreen provides protection for 8 hours which is quite respectable.
Things to Keep in Mind When Looking for a Sunscreen
A good sunscreen needs to have good ingredients that work. On this topic, there can be a big debate but what everyone knows is that ingredients should not be used in sunscreen. All the sunscreens in our list have safe ingredients and work quite well for oily skin but there are a few other things to be taken into account.
- For how long does the sunscreen offer protection? Some sunscreens work for just a couple of hours while others for almost an entire day. This can be important since not everyone is willing to carry a tube of sunscreen in their bag.
- Higher or lower SPF? The SPF rating indicates how well the sunscreen will block the Sun. Higher SPF will mean that it is harder to get a tan and should work better for anything else other than a day at the beach.
- With or without fragrance? For some reason, the fragrance-free sunscreens are a bit more expensive. In certain cases, it is better to go for a fragrance-free sunscreen but this is a matter of personal preference.
10. Olay Complete Daily Defense All Day Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF30 Sensitive Skin
With all day long defense, SPF 30 protection, and a product which can be used on gentle skin, it is ideal for those with different conditions, such as oily skin. With vitamins E, B3, and aloe, you receive soothing moisture, along with protection for the entire day from the sun.
9. Original Sprout Face and Body Sunscreen (3 oz) – Award-Winning Sunscreen for Babies, Children and Adults with Delicate Skin
Face and body sunscreen for kids and adults. It is 100% vegan so can be used on any type of skin, soft and soothing, it is a mineral based lotion, so it will not slide off in hot conditions. With SPF 35 protection, it is ideal for all skin types, regardless of how light you might be.
8. Elta MD UV shield SPF 45, 3 Ounce
With SPF 45 protection, even fair skinned individuals will receive full protection from the sun and rays. A z-cote ensures a longer lasting finish, vitamin A and B offer more protection from the harmful rays, and a broad spectrum formula ensures all day stay, even with oily skin.
7. Obagi Medical Sun Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Matte Sunscreen Lotion, 3 Ounce
This medical based sunscreen has SPF 50 protection, high UVA and UVB protection, and a sheer matte finish, ensures it will stay on the skin all day long. Paba and fragrance free, it is a lotion based sunscreen which is designed for all users, and all skin types as well.
6. Cetaphil Dermacontrol Moisturizer SPF 30, 4 Fluid Ounce
SPF 30 protection, this three in one formula will hydrate, protect, and shield your skin from the harmful rays when you are outdoors for extended periods of time. It is shown to reduce redness, won’t clog pores when used, and it is developed for all skin types as well.
5. Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion, Broad Spectrum SPF 30, 4 Ounce
This daily defense, sunscreen protection lotion is SPF 30 rated, and features both UVA and UVB protection from the harmful sun rays. It is fast absorbing, it is clinically proven to work on oily skin and all skin types, and it is going to offer up to 24 hour protection, meaning one coat will last all day.
4. Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46, 48-Gram 1.7 oz.
SPF 46 rated, this lotion is oil free, which makes it the ideal choice for individuals who have oily skin conditions when using it. It provides broad spectrum protection, it can be applied over skin when wearing makeup, it is also fragrance free, for individuals with sensitive skin conditions.
3. Gardner’s Armour -Travel Insect Repellent Sunscreen & Barrier Cream – Gardener’s Armor Best & ONLY All Natural 3 in 1 Skin
This three in one formula is not only a lotion for sun protection, but also helps protect from bugs and serves as a repellent. It has SPF 20 broad spectrum protection, for UVA and UVB damage, it is oil free, and it is an all day application, and will last for up to 24 hours with one application.
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid for Face
With SPF 60, it is one of the most powerful lotions in terms of sun protection. It is oil free, which makes it ideal for those who have oily skin, it is long lasting, it is phosphate free, has a matte finish, and it is tested on sensitive skin, so anyone can use this when going out in to the sun.
1. COUI Moisturizing SPF 30 Facial Sunscreen – Broad Spectrum UVA & UVB Sunblock for Face and Body
All day moisturizing and sun protection, via UVA and UVB protection from the harmful sun rays. It is formulated in the US, and the company adheres to the strictest FDA requirements, ensuring you are getting ultimate protection when you step out in to the sun. With advanced SPF 30 protection, and all day long protection, one application is sufficient for hours in the sun with this lotion sunscreen.