The 7 best sunscreens for oily and acne-prone skin

Key takeaways

• Oily and acne-prone skin still needs daily sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that says “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.”

• Our top pick is EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46, a fragrance-free, oil-free hybrid sunscreen with zinc oxide and 5% niacinamide, made for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

• For a matte finish, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60 uses perlite and silica to absorb oil and is water resistant for 80 minutes.

• On a budget, Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 50 is oil-free, fragrance-free and water resistant for 80 minutes.

• Use at least a teaspoon for your face, and reapply every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating.

What to look for in a sunscreen for oily skin

The AAD’s acne tips recommend “a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher” and say to look for one labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.” It adds that some acne medicines can make skin very sensitive to UV rays, and that tanning can make acne worse.

Beyond that, a few label details are worth checking:

• Broad spectrum. It means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The FDA notes that not all sunscreens are broad spectrum, so look for it on the label.

• Water resistance. According to the AAD, it lasts either 40 or 80 minutes, and not every sunscreen has it. The FDA adds that no sunscreen is waterproof.

• Texture. Oil-free fluids, gels and lightweight lotions tend to feel less greasy than rich creams. Many brands also add oil-absorbing powders like silica for a matte finish.

• Filter type. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and chemical sunscreens use filters like avobenzone. Our guide to mineral vs chemical sunscreen explains how they differ.

We compared each product on its Drug Facts label and published ingredient list, not on hands-on testing. We looked at its active ingredients and SPF, water resistance, whether it’s labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic, whether fragrance is listed, its finish and the price.

1. EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46: best overall

EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 is a lightweight hybrid sunscreen with 9% zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate, plus 5% niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid. EltaMD labels it fragrance-free, oil-free and non-comedogenic, and says it’s designed for sensitive, rosacea-prone and acne-prone skin.

Key features:

• Hybrid filters. It pairs a mineral filter, zinc oxide, with a chemical one, octinoxate.

• 5% niacinamide. Our guide to what niacinamide does covers the research on it.

• Tinted version available. EltaMD sells a tinted UV Clear separately.

Tradeoff: it isn’t water resistant, and EltaMD says the untinted version works best on fair to medium skin tones.

Best for: oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin that wants a daily, everyday sunscreen.

Price: $45 for 1.7 oz.

2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 60: best matte finish

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 60 is a chemical sunscreen with avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene, plus silica and perlite. La Roche-Posay labels it fragrance-free, oil-free and non-comedogenic, and says perlite is known to provide a matte finish.

Key features:

• SPF 60, broad spectrum. It’s the highest SPF on this list.

• Water resistant for 80 minutes. It’s one of three picks here with the longer rating.

• Oil-absorbing powders. Silica and perlite help absorb shine.

Tradeoff: it uses only chemical filters, and the AAD says dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreens for people with sensitive skin.

Best for: very oily skin that gets shiny by midday.

Price: $20.99 for 50 ml.

3. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50: best under makeup

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 is a clear, weightless gel with avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene. Supergoop! describes it as scentless and non-greasy, and says it’s now non-acnegenic for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Key features:

• Invisible finish. Supergoop! says it leaves no white cast on all skin tones.

• Primer-like texture. Supergoop! says it doubles as a primer for makeup.

• Three sizes. It comes in 0.68, 1.7 and 2.5 fl oz.

Tradeoff: the label directs you to reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, half the time of the 80-minute picks here.

Best for: oily skin that wears makeup.

Price: $38 for 1.7 fl oz.

4. Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50: best budget pick

Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a chemical sunscreen with avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene. Neutrogena says the formula is oil-free, fragrance-free and oxybenzone-free, made for oily and acne-prone skin, with a weightless, matte finish.

Key features:

• Water resistant for 80 minutes. It’s rated for swimming or sweating.

• Made for breakout-prone skin. Neutrogena says it’s designed specifically for oily and acne-prone skin.

• Low price per ounce. It’s the least expensive pick here.

Tradeoff: it uses only chemical filters, and its ingredient list includes cedarwood bark and cinnamon bark extracts.

Best for: oily or acne-prone skin on a budget.

Price: $12.48 for 3 fl oz at Walmart.

5. CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30: best moisturizer with SPF

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is a daily moisturizer with sunscreen, using avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene, plus three ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid. CeraVe says it’s lightweight, oil-free and non-comedogenic, with a matte finish, and made for normal to oily skin.

Key features:

• Moisturizer and sunscreen in one. It suits a short morning routine.

• Three ceramides. CeraVe says they help restore the skin’s natural barrier.

• Matte finish. CeraVe says it leaves one.

Tradeoff: at SPF 30 it meets the AAD’s minimum, but it isn’t water resistant, so it’s better for everyday wear than for sweaty days outdoors.

Best for: oily skin that wants one step in the morning.

Price: $19.99 for 1.7 fl oz.

6. Hero Cosmetics Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30: best mineral pick

Hero Cosmetics Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 is a mineral sunscreen with 17.53% non-nano zinc oxide. Hero labels it fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and silicone-free, and calls it “the SPF for acne-prone skin.” It has a sheer green tint that Hero says helps counter the look of redness.

Key features:

• Zinc oxide only. It’s the only active ingredient.

• Silicone-free. It’s an option if you prefer to avoid silicones.

• Green tint. Hero says it’s super sheer.

Tradeoff: it isn’t water resistant, and its finish is described as skin-like rather than matte.

Best for: acne-prone or red-looking skin that prefers mineral filters.

Price: $19.99 for 1.7 fl oz.

7. Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte SPF 45: best for no white cast

Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte SPF 45 is a chemical sunscreen gel with avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene, plus silica and aloe. Black Girl Sunscreen says it’s free of white cast and fragrance, and describes a matte finish with no white residue.

Key features:

• Water resistant for 80 minutes. It’s rated for swimming or sweating.

• Made for women of color. Black Girl Sunscreen says it’s specifically crafted for women of color and leaves no white residue.

• Matte finish. Silica helps absorb shine.

Tradeoff: its inactive ingredients include coconut oil and shea butter, and it isn’t labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic.

Best for: oily skin with medium to deep skin tones that wants a matte, invisible finish.

Price: $21.99 for 1.7 fl oz.

How to apply sunscreen on oily skin

• Use enough. The AAD says to use at least a teaspoon for your face and about 1 ounce for your body.

• Put it on 15 minutes before going out. The AAD says that’s about how long it takes to absorb.

• Reapply every two hours outdoors, and right after swimming or sweating.

• Keep the layers light. If you use a moisturizer, pick an oil-free one. Our list of moisturizers for oily skin has options, and our guide to skincare routine order shows where sunscreen goes.

• Try a tinted formula for dark spots. The AAD says tinted sunscreens with iron oxide help protect against visible light. Our guide to fading dark spots explains why.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of sunscreen is best for oily skin?

A lightweight, oil-free fluid, gel or lotion that’s broad spectrum, SPF 30 or higher and labeled non-comedogenic. EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 and La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60 are both good options.

Can sunscreen cause breakouts?

It can, if the formula clogs your pores. The AAD recommends looking for sunscreens labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.” If a sunscreen breaks you out, try a different formula or a mineral one.

Is mineral or chemical sunscreen better for acne-prone skin?

Either can work. The AAD says dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreens for people with sensitive skin, and many chemical sunscreens come in light gels and fluids. What matters most is that it’s broad spectrum, SPF 30 or higher and non-comedogenic.

Do I need sunscreen if I’m using acne treatments?

Yes. The AAD says some acne medications can make your skin very sensitive to ultraviolet rays, so daily sunscreen matters even more.

How do I keep my face from getting shiny with sunscreen?

Choose an oil-free, matte formula, like La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin or Neutrogena Clear Face, use a light moisturizer or none underneath, and blot shine during the day while still reapplying every two hours outdoors.