The good news is that we are living in the golden age of sunscreen innovation. There is no shortage of SPF options with oil-free formulas and mineral filters intended to mattify skin and target shine, all while offering protection against UVA rays (associated with premature ageing and skin cancers), UVB rays (responsible for sunburn) and other environmental aggressors, such as infrared light and pollution. Even better, these cosmetically elegant formulas are featherlight in comparison to many of their predecessors.
Sunscreen is important all year round, but ahead of the sunnier days, we asked a trusted panel of dermatologists, facialists and beauty experts to share the sunscreens they would recommend for oily skin, starting from £8.99.
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La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control Fluid SPF 50+
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call this sunscreen a critical darling. Out of all the experts we spoke to for this story, half of them recommended this product. “Not only does it have high UVB broad spectrum protection of SPF 50+, there is also extra-potent filtering against long UVA waves [generally associated with skin ageing],” says Dr Shaaira Nasir, a consultant dermatologist. “The formula is great for oily and combination skin; it’s a lightweight and mattifying fluid that absorbs easily.”
For Justine Masters, also known as The Alternative Facialist, one star ingredient makes this sunscreen a must-have. “It contains airlicium [aerated silica], which absorbs excess sebum, minimises the risk of pore clogging and is anti-shine,” she says.
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La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control Fluid SPF50+ for Oily Skin, $, available at Cult Beauty
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Refinery29’s deputy beauty director Jacqueline Kilikita swears by this high street sunscreen for her oily skin. “This is so lightweight, it doesn’t feel like sunscreen at all, but you can rest assured it’s protecting your skin, thanks to the broad spectrum SPF 30. It defends against both UVA rays (responsible for premature ageing and skin cancers) and UVB, which causes sunburn. Though I have oily skin, it can be prone to dry patches, so I love that this also boasts ceramides — essentially the glue that holds our skin cells together to keep the skin barrier happy, healthy and moisturised. It sits nicely under makeup, too.”
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CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, $, available at LookFantastic
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30 PA+++
For consultant dermatologist Dr Alia Ahmed, the popular Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is a multitasker that hits all the right notes. “This sunscreen has a lightweight texture that suits oily skin, although it is also suitable for all skin types. It is oil-free, colourless and scentless, and takes to your skin in a totally invisible way, without leaving any white cast. There are additional skincare benefits to Supergoop! sunscreens, like an antioxidant-rich formula that protects skin against environmental stressors [such as pollution] and reduces oil production. The product also acts as a primer before makeup.”
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Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30 PA+++, $, available at Sephora UK
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46
Dermatologist Dr Hadley King MD rates EltaMD’s UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 for its high protection, as well as an abundance of skincare ingredients. “This sunscreen contains lactic acid to hydrate and gently exfoliate, helping to keep pores clear. It also contains niacinamide, which helps improve skin tone and texture. It’s oil free and non-comedogenic [unlikely to block your pores], and rich in antioxidants.”
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EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46, $, available at Amazon
Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Super UV Face Protection Fluid
“This is one of the few sunscreens that doesn’t trigger my acne, thanks to its lightweight fluid formula,” says Kilikita. “It sinks in quickly without leaving a greasy film, yet still feels hydrating thanks to hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Despite how light it feels, don’t underestimate the protection — it’s a broad-spectrum SPF 50 that shields against both UVA and UVB. Even better, it’s non-comedogenic, so it’s far less likely to clog pores. I use the two-finger method: applying a line of sunscreen down my index and middle fingers to make sure I’m getting the right amount for full protection.”
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Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Super UV Face Protection Fluid, $, available at Boots
Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Skinscreen SPF 50+
Justine Masters, The Alternative Facialist, recommends this bestseller from Ultra Violette, a cult-favourite Aussie suncare brand. “This is a mattifying SPF, which is perfect for anyone with oily or reactive skin, since it’s mineral-based and free of fragrance. It also contains plant-derived ingredients such as Kakadu plum, an antioxidant, and the super-hydrating pentavitin [a plant extract found in lots of moisturisers] to help hydrate the skin, leaving it plumped and juicy with no trace of stickiness or heaviness.”
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Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Skinscreen SPF 50+, $, available at Space NK
Murad Acne Control Oil and Pore Control Mattifier SPF 45
Dr Justine Hextall, consultant dermatologist and medical director of Tarrant Street Clinic, says this is the perfect SPF, not just for people with oily skin, but for all skin types. “This sunscreen is very light and has the appearance of a primer when applied to skin, making it perfect for wearing under makeup. Ingredients include zinc gluconate, which helps to mattify the skin and reduce oiliness. It also has a wonderful humectant combination that helps to draw moisture to the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated. The broad spectrum SPF contains additional antioxidants to protect against free radical damage of UV and pollution exposure.”
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Murad Acne Control Oil and Pore Control Mattifier SPF 45, $, available at Cult Beauty
SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF 50
One of Dr Hextall’s favourite tinted sunscreens for oily skin is from SkinCeuticals. “The formula is so light and non-comedogenic with a universal tint that is suitable for all skin tones. Many clients with oily skin can also be blemish-prone; this SPF not only has broad spectrum [SPF] to cover against UVA and UVB rays, but it also has wonderful light reflection, and such helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes and post-acne marks.”
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SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen Protection, $, available at LookFantastic
Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF50+
If you are prone to acne, Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London, recommends checking out Eucerin’s Oil Control sunscreen. “I find this to be a fantastically formulated product. It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t block pores, and has been developed with ‘anti-shine technology’, so you won’t get the noticeable shine you often get with sunscreens, especially if you’re an oily skin type. Thanks to the gel-cream formula, it sinks into the skin quickly and easily, and most importantly, it provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.”
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Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF50+, $, available at Look Fantastic
Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Skin Care Body Milk SPF 50+ PA ++++
I’ve been relying on this little gold bottle ever since deciding to take suncare seriously a decade ago. It’s quite a lot to spend on sunscreen, but so worth it. I grew up in a subtropical climate, so summers here are scorching hot with near-100% humidity. Most sunblock products leave my face super greasy and screaming for help within seconds of walking out the door. Not this elite Japanese SPF, though: this lightweight fluid coats my skin evenly while taking away the shine, and keeps my skin matte even with layer upon layer of makeup over it. In fact, it does such a good job at protecting me from sun damage that other parts of my body (where I typically apply a cheaper sunscreen) often feel drier and more burnt compared to my face at the end of the day. After wearing this on many trips, I can vouch for its waterproof and sweatproof powers, too.
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Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF50+ PA++++, $, available at Amazon
SkinCeuticals Oil Shield UV Defence SPF 50
Consultant dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips often recommends this sunscreen to patients with oily skin. “In addition to providing broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV rays, this product contains silica silicate, which absorbs sebum and mattifies the skin, preventing an oily finish.”
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SkinCeuticals Oil Shield UV Defense Sun Cream SPF 50, $, available at LookFantastic
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