Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin – Lightweight Protection for Spring

Shine-free and SPF-protected — the spring edit your skin will thank you for.
So, were entering what is purportedly the hottest May on record. It only stand to reason that sunscreen, as it has been for every year prior, is a non-negotiable. But if you’ve got oily or acne-prone skin, you already know the struggle: thick textures, midday greasiness, clogged pores. Not the vibe.

Thankfully, 2025’s SPF scene has levelled up. We’re talking ultra-light textures, non-comedogenic formulas, and skin-loving actives — all designed with oily, combination and blemish-prone skin in mind. These are the best sunscreens for oily skin this spring, from invisible gels to mist-on mattifiers and mineral picks that feel like silk.

Best Chemical Sunscreen

Texture: Velvety, silicone-like finish
Finish: Matte but breathable
Bonus: Doesn’t pill, even under foundation
Ideal for: Oily, acne-prone and melanin-rich skin

Best Spray/Mist Sunscreen

Texture: Lightweight mist
Finish: Matte and cooling
Bonus: Perfect handbag companion
Ideal for: On-the-go reapplication + mid-day blotting effect

Best Sensitive Skin Formula

Texture: Fast-absorbing gel-cream
Finish: Soft matte, non-greasy
Bonus: Great for rosacea or barrier-impaired skin
Ideal for: Reactive/oily combo skin

Best Powder Sunscreen

Texture: Finely milled loose powder
Finish: Matte and blurred
Bonus: Can be reapplied over makeup, mid-day
Ideal for: Oily skin with full face of glam

Best Mineral Sunscreen

Texture: Serum-to-satin
Finish: Demi-matte
Bonus: Fragrance-free and reef-safe
Ideal for: Daily wear + sensitive oily skin

Best Stick Sunscreen

Texture: Balm stick
Finish: Truly matte
Bonus: Portable, hygienic, fuss-free
Ideal for: Touch-ups, no-mirror days, travel

Best Hybrid Sunscreen (Chemical + Physical)

Texture: Creamy lotion
Finish: Skin-like
Bonus: Aloe calms irritation + works as a moisturiser
Ideal for: Oil-prone skin needing calm + coverage

Best Luxury SPF

Texture: Cream-gel hybrid
Finish: Soft-focus and satin
Bonus: Urban antioxidant complex for city skin
Ideal for: Skincare junkies with oily T-zones

Best Tinted Sunscreen

Texture: Watery fluid
Finish: Skin-blurring tint
Bonus: Available in different tones
Ideal for: No-makeup-makeup days + oily skin tone balancing

FAQs: Oily Skin + Sunscreen 2025

What’s the best type of sunscreen for oily skin?
The best sunscreens for oily skin are oil-free, non-comedogenic and come in lightweight textures such as gels, fluids, or mists. Look for formulas labeled “matte,” “dry touch,” or “anti-shine.”

Can sunscreen make oily skin worse?
Only if it’s the wrong formula. Rich, occlusive SPF can cause congestion or greasiness. Choose lightweight or powder-based sunscreens designed for oil control and pore minimisation.

What sunscreen works well under makeup for oily skin?
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen and Eucerin Dry Touch SPF 50+ are both excellent primers under makeup, offering a smooth, matte finish that doesn’t cause slippage.

How can I reapply sunscreen during the day without ruining my makeup?
Use a mist (like La Roche-Posay's SPF 50+ Face Mist) or powder sunscreen (like Jane Iredale’s Powder Me SPF). These are perfect for topping up your protection without disrupting your look.

Is mineral or chemical sunscreen better for oily skin?
Both can work — mineral is often gentler and more matte, while chemical sunscreens tend to be more lightweight and transparent. Hybrid SPFs offer the best of both worlds.

With the right SPF, oily skin doesn’t have to compromise. These sunscreens are designed to protect and perfect — all while keeping oil at bay. Whether you prefer a serum, stick, mist or powder, these formulas offer real-world wear, shine-free comfort and no excuses not to SPF daily.