I Have Oily, Acne-Prone Skin, and I Swear By These Sunscreens for Hot Weather (2024)

We’ve talked about EltaMD’s UV Clear Face Sunscreen several times on Prevention. Not only is it one of our top recommended face sunscreens, but it’s also loved by celebrities likes Drew Barrymore, Julianne Hough, and Brooke Shields. It’s also a constant bestseller on Amazon.

First of all, it’s oil-free and lightweight, making it a great option for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The sunscreen also contains zinc oxide to help protect your skin from the sun, along with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help moisturize and smooth.

This pick comes dermatologist recommended. Mary Lupo, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in Louisiana, told me it’s one of her go-to recommendations for oily and acne-prone patients.

What a reviewer says: “It’s not greasy, seems to disappear right into my skin, and my makeup goes on smoothly over it. But best of all, one application in the morning seems to give me coverage for all day.”

SPF level: 46 | Type: Mineral and chemical | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants

Costing just under $15 on Amazon, the Sun Clear Skin sunscreen from Eucerin is a solid drugstore option. It provides SPF 50, contains oil-absorbing minerals, and is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin. The formula is also fragrance-free, antioxidant-rich, and non-comedogenic.

SPF level: 50 | Type: Chemical, with oil-absorbing minerals | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, vitamin E, dimethicone

Dr. Song told me that she likes recommending this mineral sunscreen for clients with oily skin. It’s chemical free, feels lightweight, and gives you a matte finish.

Reviewers like that the formula absorbs quickly and works well under sweat. Note that the brand says the sunscreen is gentle enough to use on all skin types, even sensitive skin.

This sunscreen can double as a makeup primer or even a skin tint. The tint only comes in one universal shade, but it blends into your skin with the slightest coverage.

What Dr. Song says: “This is a 100% mineral sunscreen, with a sheer matte finish that’s great for oily skin.”

SPF level: 40 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide 3.8%

One of Dr. Mraz’s favorite recommendations for her clients is the Invisible Mineral sunscreen from Seaweed Bath Co. She explains that the formula is non-occlusive, meaning it’s light breathable.

She also likes that the sunscreen is packed with anti-inflammatory vitamins and seaweed complex, along with anti-microbial ingredients like bisabolol, which helps reduce redness and irritation.

What Dr. Mraz says: “This sunscreen helps to combat the inflammation that drives acne while simultaneously protecting the skin from free radicals and damage from the sun.”

SPF level: 50 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, squalene, seaweed extracts

I myself have combination/oily and acne-prone skin, and this Mineral Ultra-Light from La Roche-Posay is easily one of my go-tos.

It’s a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium oxide, both broad spectrum filters that protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. The formula is a thinner, wetter consistency that easily blends and absorbs into the skin. I love that it’s lightweight and non-greasy and wears well under makeup.

Take note that this sunscreen does leave a slight white cast at first, but I find that it goes away after a few minutes. It also has a slightest scent of that traditional SPF smell, which also goes away with time.

What a reviewer says: “I love this SPF. It’s a more watery consistency, but it spreads and blends super easy. It does have a teeny bit of a white cast, but I like to mix with a tinted moisturizer. Love to use it everyday because it doesn’t make you feel oily or sticky.”

SPF level: 50 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium oxide, antioxidants, vitamin E

When I asked Dr. Lupo for her top sunscreen for those with oily and acne-prone skin, she said that the Silc Sheer sunscreen from Neova was her absolute favorite recommendation.

Dr. Lupo likes that the sunscreen has DNA Repair technology in its formula, so while it protects the skin with SPF 40, it also repairs photo-damaged skin.

It’s a mineral-based sunscreen formulated for all skin types, and it has a slight universal tint that helps provide light coverage. You can wear it alone or as a makeup primer.

What Dr. Lupo says: “It’s oil-free and has a slight tint, so it helps to even out the skin tone and will help you to stay matte throughout the day.”

SPF level: 40 | Type: Mineral and chemical | Active ingredients: Octinoxate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide

I noticed a lot of interest in Asian sunscreens while doing research, and this pick from Korean brand, MISSHA, came up repeatedly.

This sunscreen is formulated for normal, combination, and oily skin types. It feels ultra lightweight, absorbs quickly, and provides a soft, matte finish. The formula also brightens the skin ever so slightly.

You can find a rich blend of antioxidants and botanical extracts in the ingredients, all of which are moisturizing and help to protect and build the skin’s barrier. It’s also water and sweat resistant and can be used all over the body.

What a reviewer says: “I have extremely oily skin, to the point where I have to blot every hour because you can see visible droplets of oil on my face, it’s so annoying. This sunscreen is a miracle. It prevents my face from getting oily for the majority of the day, and I only have to blot once halfway through. It’s amazing, and works well under makeup too. I will only be buying this for my face from now on.”

SPF level: 50 | Type: Mineral and chemical| Active ingredients: Titanium oxide, silica, glycerin, antioxidants, botanical extracts

I’ve been a fan of Korean beauty brand, ETUDE House, for years. They’re known for delivering quality at affordable prices.

The Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk is another Korean sunscreen favorite. It’s sebum-free, non-sticky, and features a soft and airy finish.

Reviewers with sensitive skin say the formula doesn’t break them out, and other shoppers like that it sinks in quickly and feels light on the skin.

There is a subtle artificial scent, which most reviewers seem to enjoy. But, keep in mind that I noticed mixed reviews on whether or not it wears well under makeup. Some users found the formula to be too drying.

What a reviewer says: “This is the only sunscreen that I can put on my face and not feel gross after an hour. It leaves this beautiful silky finish with no shine. I put it under my make up and it doesn’t pill or cling to any weird patches. I will never go back to a different sunscreen for my face.”

SPF level: 50 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, aloe vera leaf extract, cherry extract, acai palm extract, kakadu plum extract

Thanks to its soft and soothing formula, this pick from MMSkincare can be used on most skin types. It’s a lightweight and calming sunscreen that’s gentle enough for everyday use.

Dr. Song personally recommends this sunscreen for anyone with oily skin looking to brighten their complexion. It contains caffeine and niacinamide, ingredients known to brighten darker areas.

The sunscreen is slightly tinted in a universal shade, and it can be worn with or without makeup.

What Dr. Song says: “I like that this sunscreen contains niacinamide, lactic acid, and caffeine—ingredients that brighten and even complexion.”

SPF level: 50 | Type: Mineral and chemical | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, niacinamide, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, caffeine

If fine lines and wrinkles are your concern, this multi-purpose sunscreen nourishes, firms, and protects the skin. It’s formulated with antioxidants that shield the skin from the sun and help prevent aging. The sunscreen also contains extracts that help soothe irritation and redness.

Reviewers say that since this formula dries matte, you definitely need to wear a moisturizer underneath it.

What a reviewer says: “No chalky-ness or white steaks. No weird clumping after either. I also don’t like to cover my freckles, so I like the minimum coverage. Makes my skin look more even without taking away or covering my natural features.”

SPF level: 30 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, bisabolol and willow bark extract, antioxidants

Supergoop! has a cult following online for a reason. I’ve tried a few of their sunscreens over the years, and I enjoy each one for different purposes.

Their Mineral Mattescreen in particular is formulated for oily skin. While it’s still moisturizing, it’s one of their few formulas that actually leaves more of a matte finish without any sheen.

I find that this sunscreen also serves as a great primer for makeup and provides light coverage with its slight tint. It contains wild butterfly ginger to help prevent skin damage, plus bamboo extract to further protect your skin from free radical damage.

What a reviewer says: “Not only does it not make me oily, but I feel it keeps me matte longer when I apply, as opposed to not applying it. I typically don’t enjoy sunscreens because they’re already slick, oily, add more oils to my skin, and this is very spreadable but leaves a true matte finish.”

SPF level: 40 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, wild butterfly ginger, bamboo extract

Another recommendation by Dr. Lupo, this pick is actually a triple threat. It’s a moisturizer, sunscreen, and face tint in one. Dr. Lupo has recommended this sunscreen to oily and acne-prone patients for years because it’s lightweight and non-greasy.

The matte finish is perfect for those with oily skin, and you get an SPF of 45 for sun protection. Active ingredients like octinoxate also protect the skin from UVA and UVB protection.

What’s more, the mineral sunscreen is anti-aging. Reviewers just wish that it came in more shades, especially for darker skin tones.

What a reviewer says: “It works as light coverage and it seems to mix well with moisturizer. Works great when applying with hands. The universal shade isn’t very universal though. But overall, really great.”

SPF level: 45 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Octinoxate, octisalate, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, peptides, vitamin C, extracts

If you have really oily skin, reviewers say that this sunscreen from La Roche-Posay really keeps oil in check, even in warmer weather. It has something what the brand calls Cell-Ox Shield technology, which is a blend of antioxidants that help protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays.

The oil-free sunscreen also contains leaf extracts known to help defend skin cells in the outer layer of your skin, plus vitamin E to help neutralize any damaging radicals.

Just note that this sunscreen is really geared for those with truly oily skin, as it’s fast-absorbing and leaves a matte finish.

What a reviewer says: “It dries pretty matte, and I have very oily skin. It does not have that tacky sunscreen feel or grip to the skin which is great. Make sure to blend out the edges or it can leave a slight white look, like unblended lotion.”

SPF level: 60 | Type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Antioxidants, vitamin E, perlite, silica, leaf extracts, thermal spring water

Anessa is actually a brand under Japanese beauty brand, Shiseido. It’s another option that provides a more milky, silky feel while still being lightweight.

Reviewers like that the formula dries quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue. They do note, however, that you should use a separate moisturizer underneath the sunscreen.

It’s also a great option if you’re looking for something to use all over the body for wet or high-activity situations.

What a reviewer says: “I love this sunscreen! It spreads on the face very easily and dries down quickly to a semi-matte finish. I have very sensitive skin, and this sunscreen does not break me out and is not overly drying. I love the various UV filters in it that are not available in typical USA sunscreens.”

SPF level: 50 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, raspberry seed oil, vitamin E, rice bran extract

This Japanese sunscreen is highly praised for its silky, milky feel that reviewers describe as lightweight and non-sticky. The formula was formulated to withstand sweat and water, along with long hours in the sun.

The sunscreen also doubles as a moisturizer and works well under makeup. Just note that it will leave a slight white cast. Also keep in mind that it does include a small dosage of alcohol ingredients, which can dry out normal to dry skin types.

What a reviewer says: “This is my first time trying this product, upon recommendation from Reddit. It absorbs quickly, does not cause oiliness or ruin makeup. The texture is very watery and absorbs well. Slight white cast.”

SPF level: 50 | Type: Mineral and chemical | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium oxide,

I’ve tried this sunscreen from Kopari for about a month so far, and I’m really loving its lightweight feel and subtle sheen.

It’s a mineral sunscreen that’s loaded with ultra-hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and botanical extracts to keep your skin moisturized throughout the day.

While the sunscreen has no white cast, it does leave the tiniest hint of sheen, which might not be ideal for acne-prone users. I personally like this effect because it makes my skin look fresh and glowy. I’ve also found that it wears well under makeup.

It does have a slight SPF scent.

What a reviewer says: “This is an excellent daily sunscreen that goes on more like a lotion than a sunscreen. It does not leave my face with a white cast like some sunscreens do. It does not irritate my skin, or—and this is a biggie for me—my eyes.”

SPF level: 30 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, raspberry seed oil, vitamin E, rice bran extract

A face serum and sunscreen in one, this pick from Seaweed Bath Co. contains an SPF 50 and is another favorite of Dr. Mraz for oily skin.

The serum is mineral-based and contains ingredients like seaweed extracts and ceramides to nourish and lock moisture in the skin.

Dr. Mraz appreciates its lightweight, non-greasy feel, plus the fact that you don’t necessarily need to wear a moisturizer underneath it.

What Dr. Mraz says: “This pick from Seaweed Bath Co. is also ultra-lightweight and packed with ceramides to replace the skin’s natural and necessary lipids.”

SPF level: 50 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, squalene, seaweed extracts

This Korean sunscreen went viral on TikTok for a few reasons. It leaves a dewy and glowy semi-matte finish. Plus, it’s ultra hydrating yet feels light on the skin.

The sunscreen even has rice and grain fermented extracts, which are rich in vitamins and minerals that help nourish and calm irritated skin.

This might not for sensitive skin, however, as some users complain of a stinging sensation.

What a reviewer says: “This hits your skin and simply melts and absorbs. Not greasy AT ALL. Every single sunscreen I’ve tried has made my eyes sensitive but not this one.”

SPF level: 50 | Type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Rice extract, dibutyl adipate, propanediol, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, niacinamide

✔️ Choose mineral over chemical sunscreens when possible: According to Dr. Song, mineral-based sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium oxide that sits on skin’s surfaces and are great for sensitive skin without exacerbating skin oil production. You can tell whether a sunscreen is chemical or mineral-based by looking at the active ingredients. Sunscreens with zinc or titanium oxide most often mean that the sunscreen is mineral-based.

✔️ Stick with sunscreens that provide a matte finish: Matte-finished sunscreens can also contain oil-absorbing ingredients like dimethicone and non-nano zinc oxide that will be beneficial for oily skin, Dr. Song says.

Yes—but that doesn’t mean you should skip using it. “Sunscreen can cause acne breakouts if the formulation is heavy and greasy,” says Dr. Song, “and that’s because some sunscreens may contain mineral oils and petrolatum that occludes the pores of the skin, leading to breakouts.”