Dermatologists tell us time and time again that sunscreen is the most important part of a daily skin-care routine. But some sunscreens may leave an uncomfortable, greasy feeling on the skin, which can be a nightmare for those who are oily or acne-prone. Experts say sunscreens with heavier oils and occlusive ingredients like petrolatum and silicones, which create a physical barrier on top of the skin to hydrate it, can actually feel greasy and heavy on their own or underneath makeup.
We spoke to four dermatologists about how to find the best sunscreen that won’t feel greasy or heavy on your skin. To help you narrow your options, we also gathered their recommendations for the best sunscreens to shop, alongside NBC Select staff favorites.
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The best sunscreens for oily skin in 2026
Listed below are expert-recommended sunscreens for oily skin and NBC Select staff picks.
Best overall
Experts told me powder sunscreens are lightweight, provide a good amount of coverage and are great for reapplication and touch ups throughout the day, especially if you are wearing makeup. “It absorbs excess oil so it can serve a dual purpose as a finishing powder, actually extending the life of your makeup, and providing sun protection. It’s also portable and won’t leave a white residue on your clothes,” says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
This is a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as well as antioxidants to protect from the sun and free radicals, according to the brand. “It’s great for the body, too, and easy to apply to acne-prone areas like the shoulders and chest without having to worry about leaving white residue on your clothing,” says King.
Editor’s Pick
NBC Select associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris was pleasantly surprised to find that this sunscreen dries down clear, especially considering it has an initial off-white color. “At first I thought it would leave a white cast, but by the time I checked back in the mirror about a minute later, there was no trace of ashiness,” she says. Morris also likes that the sunscreen leaves her skin with a healthy glow as opposed to a tight, dry finish. It has a lightweight texture that doesn’t pill with other products, and includes niacinamide to help control oil production and reduce the look of blemishes, according to the brand.
Best mineral
Former NBC Select manager of editorial operations Shari Uyehara uses this oil-free, mineral sunscreen from Alastin on her combination skin. “I like using this product under makeup or for a day in the sun,” she says. Though it’s a bit thicker and creamier than other sunscreens she’s tried, Uyehara says it rubs in nicely and leaves a soft finish on the skin. It’s fragrance-free, noncomedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) and absorbs quickly into your skin while protecting against UVA/UVB rays, pollution and blue light, according to the brand.
Best chemical
This oil-free formula has broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, as well as a proprietary antioxidant blend of vitamin E and vitamin C to brighten the skin, according to the brand. The lotion absorbs oils and leaves a matte finish on the skin, according to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital. Keep in mind, however, that this is a chemical sunscreen containing avobenzone and homosalate, which might irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin, experts told us.
Best for acne
This Neutrogena sunscreen is one of our favorites for acne-prone skin and recommended by Zeichner for those who are prone to breakouts. The lotion is oil- and fragrance-free, plus it’s noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog pores and worsen your acne, says Zeichner. Keep in mind this is a chemical formula, so you’ll want to proceed with caution if you have very sensitive skin, according to our experts.
Best for sensitive skin
Great for sensitive, acne-prone skin types, this oil-free, tinted sunscreen has everything: SPF over 30, broad-spectrum protection and a tint. Plus, “it’s so lightweight that it immediately dries,” says Gmyrek. It has zinc oxide, a mineral compound, and a chemical UV filter called octinoxate — so, though it’s not an all-mineral sunscreen, the sunscreen is still suitable for sensitive skin, according to our experts. Its fragrance-free formula also includes niacinamide, which has natural anti-inflammatory effects, our experts say. If you’re looking for an untinted version, consider EltaMD’s original mineral sunscreen.
Best powder
This sunscreen from Colorescience, recommended by both King and Dr. Michele Farber, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia, is a powder option that you can wear on its own or underneath makeup. It is a mattifying, oil-absorbing and all-mineral formula that’s hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic. The brush’s bristles are also antimicrobial, meaning they can help prevent bacteria or mold from growing, according to the brand. It’s also fragrance-free, untinted and protects the skin against UVA, UVB, infrared, blue light and pollutants, according to Colorescience.
Best lightweight
Another chemical option recommended by Farber, Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is a lightweight, oil-free option that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB and infrared protection, and filters harmful blue light, according to the brand. The gel formula, which has a natural finish, also doubles as a face primer to use underneath makeup, according to the brand. Morris says she keeps this sunscreen in rotation because it’s neither too oily or too mattifying. If you have sensitive skin, consider the mineral version of this Supergoop sunscreen, which is a favorite among our editors thanks to its lightweight consistency and mousse-like texture.
Best tinted
This tinted mineral sunscreen comes recommended by Farber because it’s lightweight, doesn’t leave a white cast and rubs easily into the skin. It’s oil- and fragrance-free, noncomedogenic and leaves a matte finish. It’s also formulated with antioxidants to protect your skin from free radicals caused by UV rays, according to the brand.
Best makeup primer
This Charlotte Tilbury option combines the benefits of a makeup primer and sunscreen. It has hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, minimizes the appearance of pores and has a matte finish, says King. Its oil-free formula has SPF 50 protection and it’s infused with vitamins C and E to brighten your skin, according to the brand.
Best splurge
This Skinmedica sunscreen feels like a moisturizer without leaving a heavy, oily feeling. “I like that it’s thick enough to feel like I’m getting a good base and coverage if I wear it under makeup,” says Uyehara. The sunscreen has antioxidants to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, plus hydrating ingredients like squalane, glycerin and niacinamide, according to the brand.
Best sheer
This Beauty Pie mineral sunscreen has the benefits of a primer and sunscreen all-in-one. “It blurs the pores and reduces shine while providing all-mineral UV protection in a non-irritating formula,” says Zeichner. The oil-free sunscreen is completely sheer, so you can wear it underneath makeup or on its own without worrying about a white cast or shiny finish, according to the brand. It’s also infused with soothing vitamin E and niacinamide.
Best Korean sunscreen
Korean sunscreens are a favorite among our staff, and Morris especially loves this option from innisfree for her oily skin. “I’m far from a stranger to K-beauty, and this sunscreen is one of the best available, hands down,” she says. “Even when sweating, this sunscreen gives me a subtle, healthy glow that doesn’t devolve into full-on greasiness as the day goes on.” The sunscreen is made with green tea and sunflower seed oil to help hydrate and soothe skin, and has a lightweight formula suitable for all skin types, according to the brand. It’s also free of parabens and leaves no white cast, in Morris’ experience.
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How we chose the best sunscreen for oily skin
When shopping for an oily skin-friendly sunscreen, experts recommend keeping in mind the following:
- Ingredients: Avoid sunscreens that use oils, including coconut, jojoba and mineral oil, and occlusive ingredients like petrolatum, glycerin and silicones (the most common is dimethicone) because these will create that shine and greasiness on top of the skin. Opt for formulas that have silica gel, which absorbs oil and leaves a matte finish, says Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. Make sure your sunscreen is noncomedogenic, especially if you have oily, acne-prone skin.
- Formulation: Look for lightweight gel, lotion or powder formulas. Thicker creams will usually sit on top of the skin, which contributes to it looking oily on the skin, according to Dr. Michele Farber, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group.
- Chemical vs. mineral sunscreen: Whether you choose a mineral or chemical sunscreen depends on your personal preference. Mineral sunscreens contain active ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are more tolerable for sensitive skin and tend to be more drying (and good for oily skin). Chemical sunscreens, which contain ingredients like octisalate and avobenzone, can sometimes cause breakouts and irritation on sensitive, acne-prone skin. However, these sunscreens don’t feel as heavy or tacky on oily skin as mineral sunscreens do, are easier to rub in and aren’t as drying, which experts told me are a better choice for those using drying acne medications or retinoids.
- SPF rating: All of our dermatologists recommend a minimum of SPF 30 to provide the best protection against the sun’s harmful rays. It should be reapplied every two to four hours (and more often if you’re sweating or swimming).
How to shop for sunscreens if you have oily skin
The key to finding the best sunscreen for your oily skin is paying attention to the product’s ingredients and formulation, our experts say. Below, we list their recommendations for what to consider when shopping for the best oily skin-friendly sunscreen.
Which ingredients should you avoid?
Emollients, which are ingredients like squalane and shea butter that moisturize and lubricate the skin, are the biggest culprits when it comes to feeling greasy after applying sunscreen. Other ingredients to avoid include coconut, jojoba and mineral oils, occlusives like petrolatum, glycerin and silicones like dimethicone. “You should look at the ingredients list and consider sunscreens that have sport formulations, like gels and lotions, or have matte finishes, which contain silica [gel] and can absorb oil,” says Gmyrek.
Is mineral or chemical sunscreen best for oily skin?
Both mineral and chemical sunscreen work for oily skin, and which one you choose isbased on your personal preferences. Our experts recommend either type as long as it’s oil-free, lightweight and, ideally, noncomedogenic. If you have very oily skin, mineral sunscreens — also known as physical sunscreens or sunblocks — can reduce some of the shine because they tend to be more drying, says King. “Mineral sunscreens may naturally be easier to tolerate for someone with oily skin because they just sit on top of the skin, it’s not absorbed,” she says.
But mineral sunscreens do have their downsides: They’re likely to leave a white cast on the skin and they can sometimes be too drying, especially when combined with topical acne medications, according to King. “They may also feel chalky, heavy or tacky on the skin, especially at higher SPF levels with higher concentration of zinc oxide,” says Zeichner. However, the latest generation of mineral sunscreens use “micronized particles that don’t feel as thick on the skin,” he says.
Chemical sunscreens rely on active ingredients like avobenzone, benzophenone and methoxycinnamate to protect you from the sun, but they can cause breakouts and irritation, which can be a major negative if your skin is already oily, acne-prone and sensitive, says King. However, they’re less likely to leave a white cast because they absorb into the skin. “Some people with oily skin may prefer the lighter texture of some chemical sunscreens that offer an ultralight feel and a matte finish,” says King.
What is a noncomedogenic sunscreen?
Look for sunscreens labeled noncomedogenic, which indicates the formula is designed to not clog your pores. Many people with oily skin are also acne-prone, which makes it even more difficult to find the right formula that won’t cause breakouts. Noncomedogenic ingredients commonly found in sunscreen are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Which formula type is best?
Shop for a gel, lotion or powder sunscreen, which are lightweight and won’t feel heavy on top of your skin. “You might want to look for a lotion, gel or brush-on sunscreen as opposed to a cream [because] a thicker formulation might not be as tolerable on oily skin,” says Farber.
Frequently asked questions
You should apply a quarter-size amount of sunscreen on your face and a shot glass-size amount for your body. You should also apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, according to Gmyrek. “An easy rule to follow is to apply a line of sunscreen along the entire length of your middle and index fingers, and then apply that amount to the full face,” says Zeichner.
Reapply your sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating, experts say. You should also wear sun-protective clothing, UV-shielding sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for the best amount of protection against the sun’s rays, says King.
Meet our dermatologists
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Robyn Gmyrek is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
- Dr. Michele Farber is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia and specializes in skin cancer treatments, as well as general, cosmetic and procedural dermatology.
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner is an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital, where he specializes in cosmeceuticals, skin care and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
Why trust NBC Select?
Mili Godio is an editor at NBC Select who has covered a wide range of skin-care topics, including cystic acne treatments, sunscreens for kids and rosacea treatments. Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care, wellness, and more, including stories on the best Korean beauty ampoules and the best mineral sunscreens for dark skin. For this article, they spoke to four dermatologists to narrow down the best sunscreens for oily skin, and highlighted their recommendations for the best ingredients and products to consider.
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