Best Sunscreens For Oily Or Acne-prone Skin

What to Look for in Sunscreens for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Choosing the right sunscreen can help protect your skin without causing excess shine or breakouts. Here are key factors to consider when shopping for sunscreens suited to oily or acne-prone skin.

1. Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic Formulas

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Look for sunscreens labeled as oil-free and non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog pores or contribute to breakouts. These formulas are designed specifically for those prone to excess oil and blemishes.

2. Lightweight Textures

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Gel-based, water-based, or fluid sunscreens tend to feel lighter and absorb quickly, leaving a matte finish that helps control shine throughout the day.

3. Broad-Spectrum Protection

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Ensure your sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays with at least SPF30. Broad-spectrum coverage is essential for preventing sun damage and hyperpigmentation, which can worsen acne scars.

4. Added Skin-Soothing Ingredients

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Ingredients like niacinamide, green tea extract, or zinc oxide can help calm inflammation and reduce redness, making them great additions for sensitive or breakout-prone skin types.

  1. 1
    UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 46

    EltaMD

    UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 46

    $46
    2,916 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Protect and calm your sensitive skin with this tinted sunscreen designed to improve discoloration and breakouts due to acne and rosacea.
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  2. 2
    Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+

    Kiehl's Since 1851

    Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+

    $45
    2,593 REVIEWS
    A lightweight sunscreen serum with Collagen Peptide that helps protect against sun damage and helps visibly correct early signs of aging.
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  3. 3
    EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

    EltaMD

    EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

    $44
    1,348 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Formulated with 5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and discoloration on your skin.
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  4. 4
    Mineral Matte Screen SPF 40

    Supergoop!

    Mineral Matte Screen SPF 40

    $40
    1,198 REVIEWS
    An ultra-light, translucent, weightless, non-whitening SPF that soothes the skin while it primes and creates a blurring matte finish.
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  5. 5
    Super Fluid Daily UV Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

    Kiehl's Since 1851

    Super Fluid Daily UV Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

    $79
    737 REVIEWS
    A lightweight facial sunscreen with SPF 50+ and pollution protection.
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  6. 6
    Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50

    Supergoop!

    Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50

    $48
    585 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    The iconic 100% invisible, weightless, scentless sunscreen that's non-irritating and doubles as a primer.
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  7. 7
    Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense

    SkinCeuticals

    Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense

    $54
    473 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A daily SPF 50 sunscreen ideal for sensitive skin, redness or acne-prone skin, and darker shades of skin.
    View full details
  8. 8
    UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+

    EltaMD

    UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+

    $44
    338 REVIEWS
    Sheer and lightweight sunscreen that feels silky and airy on skin. 
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  9. 9
    Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50

    SkinCeuticals

    Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50

    $40
    216 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Mattifying sunscreen formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (Z-Cote*) to provide 100% physical SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection.
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  10. 10
    Hydraboost Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 40

    M-61

    Hydraboost Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 40

    $44
    183 REVIEWS
    BestSeller Exclusive
    Lightweight SPF 40 with a power-packed peptide, vitamin B5 and tamarind.
    View full details

What to Look for in Sunscreens for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Choosing the right sunscreen can help protect your skin without causing excess shine or breakouts. Here are key factors to consider when shopping for sunscreens suited to oily or acne-prone skin.

1. Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic Formulas

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for sunscreens labeled as oil-free and non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog pores or contribute to breakouts. These formulas are designed specifically for those prone to excess oil and blemishes.

2. Lightweight Textures

Citrus catapult arrow

Gel-based, water-based, or fluid sunscreens tend to feel lighter and absorb quickly, leaving a matte finish that helps control shine throughout the day.

3. Broad-Spectrum Protection

Citrus catapult arrow

Ensure your sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays with at least SPF30. Broad-spectrum coverage is essential for preventing sun damage and hyperpigmentation, which can worsen acne scars.

4. Added Skin-Soothing Ingredients

Citrus catapult arrow

Ingredients like niacinamide, green tea extract, or zinc oxide can help calm inflammation and reduce redness, making them great additions for sensitive or breakout-prone skin types.

Finding the perfect sunscreen for oily or acne-prone skin can be a challenge, but fear not - we've got you covered! Our curated selection of top-rated sunscreens is designed to keep your skin protected without clogging pores or causing excess shine. With a focus on user reviews and ratings, we've handpicked the best options that not only provide broad-spectrum protection but also cater to the specific needs of oily and acne-prone skin. Say goodbye to greasy, heavy sunscreens and hello to lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that will keep your skin looking and feeling its best all year round.

FAQ

What ingredients should I look for in sunscreens suitable for oily or acne-prone skin? + -

For oily or acne-prone skin, look for sunscreens labeled as 'oil-free,' 'non-comedogenic,' or 'matte finish.' Ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and silica can help absorb excess oil and prevent clogged pores.

Are gel-based or cream-based sunscreens better for oily skin? + -

Gel-based sunscreens are often preferred for oily or acne-prone skin because they feel lighter, absorb quickly, and are less likely to leave a greasy residue compared to cream-based formulas.

Can I use sunscreen as a moisturizer if I have oily skin? + -

Some sunscreens are formulated with hydrating ingredients and can double as lightweight moisturizers, which is ideal for those with oily skin who want to simplify their skincare routine.

Will sunscreen clog my pores if I have acne-prone skin? + -

Choosing a non-comedogenic sunscreen specifically designed for acne-prone skin can help prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Always check the label for this designation.

How often should I reapply sunscreen if I have oily or acne-prone skin? + -

It's recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours when exposed to the sun, regardless of your skin type. For oily or acne-prone skin, consider using mattifying powders or sprays with SPF for convenient touch-ups throughout the day.