These Non-Greasy Sunscreens Are a Lifesaver for Oily Skin

Sure, you want a sunscreen that protects you against harmful rays. But what about one that offers protection and addresses those signs of aging that come with increased sun exposure? Packed in this gorgeous purple vial is a nourishing, lightweight wrinkle-fighting formula that blurs and mattifies as it shields.

Size: 1.76 oz.

Type: Broad spectrum, mineral, SPF 50

An ELLE editor says: “I’m not loyal to any one sunscreen, which translates to an expansive collection of all types of sunscreens. I stayed away from mineral formulas because they’re known to leave a white cast on deeper tones. However, Velvet Screen made me eat my words. The blurring effect is great for my already combination skin type and keeps me protected and semi-matte throughout the day.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor

This non-greasy sunscreen will never leave white-cast. It serves as an ultra-light moisturizer, made with ceramides and hyrualonic acid for oil control and protection. Reviewers rave about this product, especially because of the price point, lightweight formula, and matte finish.

Size: 1.7 oz.

Type: Broad spectrum, chemical SPF 30

An Amazon reviewer says: “This is a light moisturizer—it isn’t greasy, and it has SPF30 for sun protection. I love that it doesn’t have a strong sunscreen smell. It’s good for daily use because it does not irritate my sensitive skin.”

Vacation Inc. broke the internet for creating “the world’s best smelling sunscreen.” This product is a facial mist, ideal for reapplication throughout the day. It’s easy to throw in a bag, and even easier to apply without smudging your makeup. A few sprays will give you SPF50 protection and an energizing and hydrating mist to will help wake up tired skin and aid oil pockets. It also comes with a yummy smelling car air freshener as an added bonus.

Size: 2.2 oz.

Type: Broad spectrum, chemical, SPF50

An Amazon reviewer says: “Absolutely love this product! It’s lightweight and easy to apply. Smells amazing, instant mood lifter for sure. Re-application of sunscreen is important in prevention of cancer—this product makes it easy by being a spray. It’s easy to stash away in your purse, beach bag, or even your pocket.”

This tinted sunscreen is the perfect no makeup makeup look with sun protection that won’t weight your skin down. This AAPI brand provides 18 different shades to chose from so you can find the perfect match. It does not contain any pore clogging ingredients, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin.

Size: 1 oz.

Type: Broad spectrum, mineral SPF30

A Sephora reviewer says: “I absolutely love this product! I’ve seen such an improvement in my skin since I started using it. I struggle with oily skin and hormonal acne, and this is hands down the best foundation I’ve found. I love the finish. It’s dewy but not overly shiny. It’s also super buildable but has great coverage so I wear it for a night out as well as my day to day tinted sunscreen.”

EltaMD’s UV Clear sunscreen has over 40,000 five star reviews on Amazon. It’s formulated by a physician to mirror medical-grade SPF. It doesn’t have any fancy packaging, but you get a reliable product that won’t clog your pores or cause an oil build up. It’s a pretty epic mineral sunscreen that works well under your makeup and doesn't create a white film.

Size: 1.7 oz.

Type: Broad spectrum, mineral, SPF46

An ELLE editor says: “No matter how many different skin experts I see (hey, I like to shop around before committing), every single one of them recommends this SPF. With a formula tailored to acne-prone skin, this sunscreen does a great job of ensuring the dark marks I’m working to eliminate continue to fade. One dollop feels a little thick, but it blends out seamlessly and without a ghostly white case. 10/10 in my book!”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor

MaeLove's formula is the perfect mix of lightweight but luxurious. It doubles as a makeup primer to set yourself up for success. It's also infused with antioxidants and botanical extracts for skin nourishment and protection against free-radical damage.

Size: 2 oz.

Type: Broad spectrum, mineral, SPF30

A MaeLove reviewer says: “I only wear mineral sunscreens and have tried many! [I] like this one the best. Initially, there is a slight white cast, but it blends well and it makes my skin look even [so] that I don’t need BB cream after on the weekdays. It doesn’t feel like I’m wearing sunscreen, and it doesn’t have that sunscreen smell. Will be buying again!”

COOLA made this sunscreen specially for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It gives a subtle glow that hydrates, protects, and nourishes. It contains 2 percent niacinamide and Centella Asiatica that helps support a clear, balanced complexion.​

Size: 1.1 oz.

Type: Broad spectrum, mineral, SPF30

An Ultareviewer says: “I have naturally acne prone skin so COOLA’s Clear Skin Oil-Free Moisturizer was one of the first sunscreens I have tried that hasn’t caused any breakouts (besides hormonal). I have been using it for about 3 weeks now and enjoy the products smell and consistency. It does leave a very slight white cast behind but that doesn’t bother me as it blends in well. Overall, I love this sunscreen and will be repurchasing another bottle when I run out.I received this product complimentary to sample but my opinions are my own.”

This sunscreen was formulated with the skin’s microbiome in mind. It contains a powerful blend of microbiome-balancing, moisture-locking vegan shark lipid squalane, blue light, and pollution-repelling vegan spider silk protein and non-nano zinc. It’s super lightweight and fast-absorbing.

Size: 1.7 oz.

Type: Broad spectrum, mineral, SPF30

An Amazon reviewer says: “We spend a ton of time at the beach-surfing and playing beach volleyball. We have not burned with this sunscreen. It has the ever so faint white tint, but it’s very faint. It doesn’t feel thick on and is easy to carry with me and easy to find in my big beach bag because it’s orange. Also, no noticeable scent.
Thankful to have found this brand!”

Available in five shades, this tinted sunscreen is a great multitasker acting as your makeup (or primer), skincare, and SPF in one. It’s an oil-free formula made with extracts of green algae, passionflower, and purple tea for nourishment and environmental protection against UV rays, premature skin aging, and blue light.

Size: 1.69 oz.

Type: Broad spectrum, mineral, SPF30

A Nudestix reviewer says: “This is the perfect sunscreen-primer combo! Most mineral sunscreens have an unpleasant scent and are somewhat thick and sticky, but this one has no scent, glides on smoothly and wears well. It also acts as a smooth base for my foundation. Great stuff!”

This sunscreen is made free of oils and contains ingredients that help regulate shine and build up. It not only prevents this, but actively works to unclog pores in the process—a great option for those with sensitive skin that require an SPF above 50. Plus it’s water resistant and lasts 80 minutes.

Size: 1.7 oz.

Type: Broad spectrum, chemical, SPF60

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have the oiliest skin ever, but this sunscreen works like a charm for me. It helps my face stay almost completely matte throughout the day, which no other product has comparably done before (primers, lotions, sprays, etc). I am truly shocked since sunscreens typically break me out or leave me even greasier than before. This one is a holy grail for me.”

The best way to start your makeup routine in the summer is with a makeup primer doubles as SPF. This one from Naked Sundays is a mineral version that doesn’t leave a white cast. It feels thick at first but it blends and absorbs nicely with a matte finish. Once it’s set, you can continue to build your makeup routine. This will set your skin up for success, especially in the summer.

Size: 1.7 oz.

Type: Broad spectrum, mineral, SPF50+

A Revolve reviewer says: “I love this sunscreen! I’ve been wanting to incorporate a sunscreen into my daily routine to protect my skin, but wanted something that wouldn’t make my makeup cakey. This acts as a perfect primer.”

This oil-free, fragrance-free mineral sunscreen protects against UVA/UVB, photoaging, pollution, and blue light. It applies with a lightweight, non-greasy finish. It blends easily and layers well under makeup.

Size: 1.7 oz.

Type: Broad spectrum, mineral, SPF30

An ELLE editor says: “Years ago during the COVID pandemic, I went on a sunscreen testing binge. I was inside a bunch and didn’t care if a suncreen had a white cast—no one would see me. However, this one from Dr. Dennis Gross—the maker behind my favorite at-home peeling pads—became a staple. The sunscreen dries to an invisible finish and doesn’t make the skin feel cakey.”—Nerisha Penrose

Supergoop! is one of the most popular SPF brands right now. The branding helps, but the products also speak for themselves. It’s popular among makeup artists for a variety of uses. The Mineral Matte Screen is bet for oily skin because it mattifies any excess oil. It’s a smooth, lightweight formula, that'’s easy to apply and reapply without messing up makeup.

Size: 1.5 oz.

Type: Broad spectrum, mineral, SPF40

A Sephora reviewer says: “Oily skin girlies—this is the best primer you’ll ever find! Yes, I said primer. I’ve tried SO many primers and SPFs over the years and this is the only one that actually keeps my makeup from sliding off my face in the summer heat/humidity, keeps my oils at bay, and at the end of the day I could go from work to drinks if I wanted without blotting or touching up. The SPF is a bonus for me, I never do my makeup without this (and it looks great on its own too—very blurring/evening!).”

This Kiehl’s lightweight sunscreen comes in an easy-to-absorb serum formulated with collagen peptides. It protects against sun damage but also works to even out skin tone and texture, and boost radiance.

Size: 1.7 oz.

Type: Broad spectrum, chemical, SPF50+

An ELLE editor says: “This is the sunscreen I stock up on whether I see it on sale or not—it’s just that good. Not only does it impart a subtle sheen, but it also makes the skin appear more plump and hydrated with consistent use. Plus, it’s designed to correct skin tone, and I loved how much clearer my skin looked over time.”—Nerisha Penrose

Kosas packed this product with ceramides and peptides to moisturize, visibly smooth and brighten the complexion. Whether you’re looking to create a hydrating makeup base or applying it alone, your skin will be left with a vacation glow. Plus, it contains an SPF40 level of protection that won’t wash off in the water.

Size: 1.3 oz.

Type: Broad spectrum, mineral, SPF40

An Amazon reviewer says: “Absolutely love this product! I wear it every day under my makeup or alone. It has a nice tint and gives you a wonderful glow! I have this on auto shipping.”