The Best Face SPFs For Oily And Acne-Prone Skin That You Can Wear Every Day

There's zero greasy residue with these top SPF buys.

SPF For Oily And Acne-Prone Skin

by Georgia Scott |
Updated on

As we approach the summer months, there's no better time than now to stock up on the SPF. Ask any dermatologist and they will confirm that SPF is the single most important step in any skincare routine. Why? Because the sun is the main cause of skin ageing and according to Paula’s Choice Skincare – ‘UV rays have a harmful effect on your skin 365 days a year including on dark and cloudy days. It is important, then, to protect your skin all year round against damaging UV radiation from the sun.’

And if you have oily or acne-prone skin and you're not sure where to start, we've collated a list of the best SPFs that are worth the purchase.

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Grazia's Shortlist Of The Top Three SPFs For Oily Skin

Editor's Choice for best SPF for oily skin: Dermalogica Oil Free SPF30 Matte Sunscreen, £55

Best sheer SPF for oily skin: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30, from £17.50

Best spray mist SPF for oily skin: Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Hydrating Hypoallergenic Face Sun Cream Mist SPF 50, £13

best-spf-oily-acne-prone-skin-grazia-where-to-shop-recommended
©unsplash: becky fantham

No matter what your skin type, skin tone, or how extensive your morning routine is, always make sure you apply a facial SPF as the final step. In the past, sunscreens have received a bad rap for being too thick or feeling greasy – leaving a film of residue sitting on the skin. This is especially disconcerting for oily skin types as adding sunscreen onto an already-oily face won’t help with any attempts to prevent our skin from turning into a shiny mess.

Thankfully, times have changed and expertly crafted formulas are here to save our skin, paving the way for sheer, antioxidant-enhanced SPF. So, if you’ve got oily skin and are in pursuit of a new favourite sunscreen that will keep your skin protected all day while looking clean and polished, look no further than to these SPF heroes. From lightweight face mists to travel-friendly mattifying sticks, we've got you covered with our curated edit of the best SPFs for oily skin below.

SHOP: The Best SPFs/Suncreams For Oily Skin 2024

Editor's Choice

Dermalogica Oil Free SPF30 Matte SunscreenDermalogica

Description

Dermalogica's Oil-Free Matte sunscreen helps to prevent shine, soothe inflamed skin and slough off excess oil production with zinc gluconate, caffeine, niacinamide, biotin and yeast extract. Unlike others, this formula is lightweight and ultra-sheer so will not leave that unwanted residue.

Customer review: "Absolutely love this sun cream not oily at all and does not make me have a break out unlike some other creams it has a very slight scent which I also love."

Best sheer SPF for oily skin

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30Supergoop!

Description

A cult US classic that finally made its way over to the UK Supergoop! Sunscreen is loved for its sheer formula that's perfect for every complexion. It also sits well under makeup and minimises shine – a must for oily skin types.

Customer review: "It’s like a clear silicone primer, except it’s sunblock. It just disappears into the skin, leaving it feeling silky soft, with no awful smell or white cast. Roll on summer!"

Best spray mist SPF for oily skin

Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Hydrating Face Sun Cream Mist SPF50Garnier

Description

Sensitive, oily skin? This dermatologically tested concoction is for you. With a non-greasy formula, it can be applied underneath or on top of makeup to protect skin and is completely transparent upon application.

Customer review: "I bought this spray alongside the La Roche Posey SPF 50 spray and this product is better by miles. It comes out as a fine mist which is easily patted into the skin with your finger or a beauty sponge. It gives a lovely glow once applied and left my skin feeling hydrated but not greasy. I’m quite acne prone as well so the fact that this didn't cause any breakouts is a huge deal. It doesn’t smell like chemicals and had a nice refreshing holiday smell to it. I’ll not only be repurchasing this product but buying the liquid version and adding it to my skincare routine."

Best sensitive SPF for oily skin

Pai Skincare British Summer Time Sensitive SunscreenPai Skincare

Description

This do-it-all wonder cream protects skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays, blue light and infrared. Super silky and lightweight, the formula is 99% natural, suitable for sensitive skin and sits so well under makeup.

Customer review: "This is one of the best sunscreens. It's natural, it does not leave the face white and it smells good. I used it on the beach and in the city, for both locations it was perfect."

Best lightweight SPF for oily skin

Saltee Daily Protection Formula SPF50Saltee

Description

The new brand on the block Saltee not only looks chic but feels incredible, too. Light not heavy and super sheer - apply as a make-up primer or wear alone for healthier-looking, protected skin.

Customer review: "Love Saltee products. Ordered the range for a trip to Australia and did not burn. Also, the feel and smell of it on my skin is divine and sinks in without the usual stickiness. I am also a highly sensitive and allergic person and there was no reaction at all. Will always use these products from now on."

Best mattifying SPF for oily skin

Description

As well as being fast-absorbing and silicone-free, REN's Clean Sunscreen is enriched with rice starch, a naturally derived ingredient which absorbs oil and combats that unwelcome sun-induced shine. This sunscreen can be used daily and is all-vegan and cruelty-free.

Customer review: "I think this is an amazing sunblock. It works super well and does not make skin shiny or produce extra spots for me which most brands do... I love the scent and the feel of it on my skin. I just apply it before my make-up and it helps makeup stay for longer too. It's just great. Would recommend this any time!"

Best antioxidant SPF for oily skin

Paula's Choice Clear Ultra-light SPF 30Paula's Choice

Description

Blended with powerful antioxidants and vitamins for optimum defence, this silky textured lotion can be used on the body and face.

Customer review: "The best day cream with SPF out there... it's lightweight, sits well under makeup, isn't sticky, quickly sinks into the skin, and doesn't smell of anything. It has also kept my skin calm and moisturized without breaking it out in the slightest. Highly recommend this product!"

Best non-clogging SPF for oily skin

Description

When looking for sunscreens for oily skin, it's best to go for those which are oil-free. One of our favourites which steers clear from all oils is the Clinique Super City Block. The broad-spectrum sun protector-come-moisturiser can also be used as a makeup primer to achieve an even complexion. A three-in-one wonder.

Customer review: "I love this. A high SPF 50 which won’t clog my pores. I love the texture and the glow it leaves on my skin, I feel confident wearing this make-up free, however, It also feels fine to wear make-up over the top."

Best gel SPF for oily skin

Description

Sunscreen can easily be forgotten when applying makeup. However, it is integral to integrate it into your routine to protect your skin. There is no compromise with this oil-free gel-cream primer as it sits perfectly under makeup and is anything but thick, greasy or pore-clogging.

Customer review: "Broad spectrum screen; weightlessly light; skin-enhancing; non-irritating; sits well under makeup - what's not to like?! Okay, maybe the price. But I'd look to save elsewhere, as this is now an essential to me. (I have sensitive, dry, unevenly pigmented, medium-fair, rosacea- and congestion-prone skin. I wear a light moisturiser underneath the primer in the English summer, but I'm sure it would also work over the richer creams I use in drier climates.)"

Best anti-pollution SPF for oily skin

Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50Kiehl's

Description

This aptly named lightweight facial sunscreen helps to defend the skin against UV rays and pollution with its advanced UVA/UVB technology. As well as being highly protective, the formula is non-comedogenic, meaning the product has been made specifically to avoid causing clogged pores.

Customer review: "This is a really nice sunscreen, it feels light on the skin & absorbs well. Looks matter and doesn't emphasise either dry patches or make you super oily. However, I found it didn't sit great under makeup though, if you were looking for that aspect."

Best water-resistant SPF for oily skin

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control SPF 50+ Gel-CreamLa Roche-Posay

Description

When thinking of the best brands in skincare, one that automatically jumps out is La Roche-Posay. Providing a solution for those with oil-prone skin is the Anti-Shine SPF; a dry-touch, water-resistant gel cream that offers optimal sun protection and a matte finish.

Customer review: "I’ve been using this daily for a few years now and I just love it. It really avoids that horrible shiny face look that can come with sun protection and my skin isn’t left feeling tacky at all once it’s dried in (which is pretty quickly). I press powder foundation on top of this and it doesn’t cake or flake either."

Best mineral filtered SPF for oily skin

SkinCeuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense SPF 50SkinCeuticals

Description

Suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive of skin, this silky sheer fluid spreads evenly and dries quickly. Formulated with 100% mineral filters (which contain titanium dioxide and work to form a physical barrier that deflects or bounces harmful UV rays away), this mattifying fluid is a comfortable wear for anyone, especially those with oily skin. Be wary, it does come with a white cast that takes a while to fade.

Customer review: "Love this product. A little amount goes a long way. The bottle appears small but you only need a really small amount so lasts a long time! The cream blends easily and leaves a nice matt finish to the skin."

Best stick SPF for oily skin

Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector WetForce Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50+Shiseido

Description

With Wetforce Technology, this sunscreen acts as a protective veil for 80 minutes and actually becomes stronger when it comes into contact with water or perspiration. Being a clear stick formula means a non-sticky, smooth texture with no residue left on the skin. No mess, no fuss.

Customer review: "This is my new favourite sunscreen, it's so easy to apply - and it smells fantastic. It goes well over makeup when you have to reapply."

How to stay safe in the sun

With the arrival of summer also comes a change in routine - whether that’s a result of changing weather or being on holiday mode. From skin and eyes to our hair, temperature extremes, excessive dryness and sun exposure can cause long-term damage that lasts well beyond rosé season. We interviewed experts across the hair and beauty sector to find out how to stay efficiently safe in the sun.

Can SPF congest the skin?

The leading facialist who is anti-applying oils to the face, Kate Kerr advises that constant application of sunscreen in tandem with an excess of sunshine can stimulate the skin’s oil production and lead to congestion.

“SPF is really important,’ says Kate, “but after a day relaxing in the sun with even the best SPF for oily skin, it’s beneficial to use a deep cleansing clay mask to ensure that your complexion stays clear and uncompromised. Look for masks that contain sulphur which not only deep cleans but also provides antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.”

How to look after your skin barrier in the sun

You’ve heard of the all-important microbiome, the essential layer of goodness that when balanced, keeps skin in tip-top health. Unfortunately, Dr Miriam from wellness clinic Victor and Garth confirms that excess exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can upset this function, resulting in the appearance of transient microbiomes which exacerbate inflammatory disorders such as acne, rosacea, and eczema. Not only this, but a disrupted microbiome can also result in a loss of hydration, so protecting the skin to keep it supple through the summer is key.

To fix a compromised skin barrier or one that’s becoming vulnerable, anti-inflammatory products are your best friend. Aloe vera contains several chemicals that are antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral, so it’s a multi-tasker for dermatological conditions where inflammation is a key component, such as acne, eczema, and dermatitis while products that contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid and B5 are also key for balancing summer skin.

Georgia Scott is a Beauty & Fashion Product Writer for Bauer Media, writing for Grazia, Closer and heat. Georgia specialises in beauty writing and spends her days hunting for the latest trending beauty products to get her hands on and review.

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