I've had oily skin for as long as I can remember. Yep, I've always been that person who never leaves the house without her pressed powder, and most of my skincare products are designed to balance and mattify the complexion. Because of this, I've always had a difficult relationship with the best facial sunscreens. You see, as a beauty editor, I know just how important it is to wear SPF every single day (yes, even in winter). That being said, finding a formula that isn't greasy and won't exacerbate my already oily skin has been no mean feat.
However, suncream has come a long way in recent years, and you can now get everything from spf sprays, spf serums and even sunscreen sticks. The best bit? These days, you can also find impressive formulas that have been designed with oily skin types in mind. I've been busy putting these formulas to the test, and I've even been speaking to Dr Hiva Fassihi, consultant dermatologist at OneWelbeck Skin Health & Allergy, to find out lots of info on the best suncream for oily skin. Just keep on scrolling...
Is Suncream Suitable for Oily Skin Types?
As mentioned above, it's so important to wear SPF every single day, no matter what your skin type. "Sunscreen is essential for all skin types to prevent sunburn and to reduce the risk of skin cancers and photoaging in the long term," says Dr Fassihi. That being said, Dr Fassihi emphasises how important it is to choose a sunscreen that is suitable for your skin type. Those of you with oily skin will want to opt for a light, non-comedogenic formula. "A sunscreen that has been specifically formulated to be light, absorbable and non-greasy will not be detrimental for those with oily or blemish-prone skin," Dr Fassihi tells me.
I've had oily skin for years.
What to Look for in the Best Suncream for Oily Skin
With so many options on the market, choosing the right SPF can be confusing, but Dr Fassihi has some top tips when choosing one for oily skin. "Individuals with oily and blemish-prone skin should look for non-greasy, oil-free, non-comedogenic and mattifying formulations," she says. "Gel, water-based or fluid formulations are generally better than thick, rich creams."
I've been busy testing the best SPFs for oily skin.
The Best Suncreams for Oily Skin, Tried & Tested
- Best lightweight SPF: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir Daily Invisible Fluid SPF50+
- Best matte SPF: Supergoop! Mattescreen SPF30
- Best SPF for oil control: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control Fluid SPF50+
- Best gel SPF: Heliocare 360° Oil-Free Gel Sunscreen Protector Original SPF50
1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir Daily Invisible Fluid SPF50+
Best Lightweight Formula
Why it's the best: La Roche-Posay is one of my go-to SPF brands, and the newest launch is the perfect option for oily skin. It has an ultra-lightweight and non-greasy texture, and the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide-infused formula helps to control oiliness throughout the day while leaving your skin feeling hydrated and fresh.
Expert review: "For oily skin, Anthelios UVair SPF50+ offers a fast absorbing, non-greasy, and ultra-light texture, specifically designed to control oiliness throughout the day, whilst providing excellent broad-spectrum protection against UVB and UVA rays," says Dr Fassihi.
Pros
- Broad-spectrum protection
- Helps to control oiliness
Cons
- Doesn't have a super matte finish
2. Supergoop! Mattescreen SPF30
Best for a Matte Finish
Why it's the best: Another one of my favourite SPF brands has to be Supergoop!, and the brand's matte SPF formula is perfect for oily skin. This product is really clever as it doubles as both an SPF and a makeup primer, working to blur pores, smooth skin and minimise excess oil.
I won't lie, the first time I tried it, the consistency reminded me a little bit of Maybelline's Dream Matte Mousse (IYKYK), but it blends like a dream and feels practically untraceable on the skin. It comes with a neutral tint and a matte finish, so it's perfect for no-makeup days too. My only gripe? It only comes in an SPF30 formula.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Matte finish
- Doubles up as a makeup primer
Cons
- Only one shade available
- Only comes in SPF30
3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control Fluid SPF50+
Best for Oil Control
Why it's the best: I know, I know, I've already mentioned La Roche-Posay, but the brand really does have some of the best formulas for oily skin. I'm a big fan of the original Anthelios UVMune 400, but this particular iteration is great for oily skin as it works to absorb excess sebum and deliver a mattifying effect.
You might think, doesn't that sound a bit drying on the skin? Not to fear, as it also contains the brand's thermal spring water to deliver a hit of hydration without leaving a hint of greasiness.
Pros
- Delivers a mattifying effect
- Defends against UVA and UVB rays
Cons
- Can't think of any!
4. Heliocare 360° Oil-Free Gel Sunscreen Protector Original SPF50
Best Gel Formula
Why it's the best: If you're looking for a lightweight gel formula, then look no further. This SPF feels practically invisible and gives a totally matte finish, helping to minimise unwanted shine throughout the day. It works to protect against UV rays, visible light and infrared-A thanks to both chemical and mineral filters, and a formula infused with vitamins C, E and green tea extract also helps to defend against pollutants.
Who What Wear UK editor review: "Probably the most-loved facial SPF among beauty editors, this relatively unknown sun cream might be the best oil-free option out there," says beauty director, Shannon Lawlor.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Provides a mattifying effect
- Protects against UV rays, visible light and infrared-A
Cons
- Not everyone will love the gel formula
5. Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Fragrance Free Skinscreen SPF50+
Why it's the best: Yep, that's right, even Ultra Violette has an SPF designed with oily (and sensitive) skin in mind. This formula has been designed to soothe and hydrate the complexion, while also providing a smooth, matte finish.
It contains zinc oxide, which works to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays, alongside antioxidant-rich kakadu plum to protect against free radicals. The reason I love it is that it never makes my skin feel dry, but it also never feels greasy or sticky.
Pros
- Great for oily and sensitive skin
- Provides a mattifying effect
- Protects against UVA and UVB rays
Cons
- A little expensive
6. Murad Oil And Pore Control Mattifier SPF45 PA++++
Why it's the best: Okay, this SPF is seriously impressive. The oil-free, lightweight formula works to instantly minimise the appearance of pores and control both excess oil and shine. I don't know about you, but that's music to my ears. Oh, and it also provides broad-spectrum protection, too.
Who What Wear UK editor review: "This stuff is serious. When I'm feeling particularly oily and as though my pores need reining in, a layer of this totally blurs my complexion," says beauty director, Shannon Lawlor.
Pros
- Minimises the appearance of pores
- Controls shine
- Provides broad-spectrum protection
Cons
- Expensive
7. Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF50 PA++++
Best Lightweight SPF for Oily Skin
Why it's the best: Kiehl's products always deliver, and this SPF is no exception. Not only does it deliver high protection, but it comes in a lightweight, gel-like formula that feels hydrating but not greasy. A great option for oily skin, in my opinion.
Who What Wear UK editor review: "Kiehl's has so many great sun creams, but we oily-skinned sufferers felt a little left out. When it released this lightweight, non-pore-clogging gel, I couldn't believe my luck," says beauty director, Shannon Lawlor.
Pros
- Lightweight texture
- High protection
- Hydrating
Cons
- Might not be as mattifying as other options in this roundup
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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