It goes without saying that if a skin care product is triggering breakouts, we immediately forgo it from our routine. No questions asked. And for oily skin types, this is all too real when it comes to wearing SPF.
Lucky for us, we no longer have to sacrifice sun damage for unclogged pores and oily skin can co-exist in perfect harmony with a daily application of sunscreen – you just need to pick the right one.
So to discover which SPFs have been specifically formulated to control excess sebum and leave you with a non-greasy, matte-finish, we’ve created a roundup of the best sunscreens for oily skin…
2024’s TOP Sunscreen For Oily Skin
- Cetaphil Sun Ultra-light Lotion SPF50+, $21.99, Chemist Warehouse
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch SPF 50+, $37.95, Adore Beauty
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50, $11.69, Chemist Warehouse
The best sunscreens for oily skin 2024
Cetaphil Sun Ultra-light Lotion SPF50+
$21.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Cetaphil’s Sun Ultra-light Lotion SPF50+ offers an ultra-lightweight, oil-free and non-greasy formula that is water-resistant for up to four hours. Plus, the inclusion of vitamin E helps to hydrate and nourish problematic skin.
Key features:
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Non-greasy
- Enriched with hydrating vitamin E
Available at:
- $21.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $25.99 from Priceline
- $25.99 from Adore Beauty
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch SPF 50+
$32.99 at Chemist Warehouse
This pick is ideal for those with acne-prone, sensitive or sun-intolerant skin. La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch SPF 50+ has been formulated with an anti-sweat molecule to absorb up to 150x its volume in sebum and leave a matte, non-sticky finish.
Key features:
- Formulated for acne-prone, sensitive and sun-intolerant skin
- Utilises anti-sweat molecules that absorb up to 150x its size in sebum
- Matte finish
- Non-sticky
Available at:
- $32.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $35.99 from Priceline
- $37.95 from Adore Beauty
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50
$11.69 at Chemist Warehouse
Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF50+ offers a unique dry-to-the-touch consistency that guarantees protection from potential breakouts.
Key features:
- Dry to touch consistency
- Protects against potential breakouts
Available at:
- $11.69 from Chemist Warehouse
- $19.99 from Priceline
- $20 from Woolworths
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50+
$68 at Adore Beauty
The SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50+ contains an oil-absorbing base that soaks up excess pore-clogging sebum. It’s an ideal match for acne-sufferers looking for a daily SPF that won’t trigger a reaction.
Key features:
- Oil-absorbing
- Formulated for acne-prone skin
Available at:
- $68 from Adore Beauty
- $68 from SkinCeuticals
- $68 from MYER
Superdefense City Block SPF 30 Daily Energy + Face Protector
$48 at Clinique
To be worn alone or as a primer under makeup, Clinique’s Super City Block balances out uneven skin tones and offers a weightless finish.
Key features:
- Doubles as a primer
- Unifies uneven skin tone
- Weightless finish
Available at:
- $48 from Clinique
- $48 from Sephora
- $48 from David Jones
Invisible Zinc Face + Body Sunscreen SPF50 UVA-UVB
From $19.99 at Healthy Life
For oily skin, opting for a mineral-based (zinc oxide) formula means that not only are you getting much needed sun protection but you’ll also be helping keep oily skin at bay. The low-irritant formula of Invisible Zinc Face + Body Sunscreen SPF50 UVA-UVB means that you’ll be able to use the formula across your face and body (isn’t a multi-functional product great?). But fear not if you’ve read zinc and pictured brightly coloured nose stripes; this white cast-free sunscreen ensures protection (along with seeking shade and wearing protective clothing) without seeming like you’ve just smeared zinc all over your face.
Key features:
- Natural zinc oxide formula
- No chemical UV filters
- Australian made
Available at:
- $16.95 (usually $19.99) from Healthy Life
- $14.99 (usually $19.99) from Priceline
- $17.99 (usually $19.99) from Chemist Warehouse
Banana Boat Dry Balance Sunscreen SPF50+
From $19 at Woolworths
If oily skin is your main concern, adding on a (much needed) sunscreen can take your oily skin over the top. But you’ve still got to apply the protection daily, so opting for a skin-protecting pick like Banana Boat Dry Balance Sunscreen SPF50+ will give your skin a more mattified finish. And because it’s been dermatologically tested, it means that you’re less likely to suffer from irritated skin due to it, plus a non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula is something you’d never say no to.
Key features:
- Non-greasy formula
- Soft matte finish
- Dermatologically tested
Available at:
- $19 from Woolworths
- $16.99 (usually $19.49) from Chemist Warehouse
Related article:
- The Best Makeup For Oily Skin, According To A Makeup Artist
- The mattifying primers perfect for prepping oily skin
- 13 shine-reducing face masks that are perfect for oily skin
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreens are only one component of sun protection. Avoid high risk sun exposure. Re-apply as per directions.
Main image credit: @mirandakerr
Have you tried any of these sunscreens? What are your favourite sunscreens for oily skin?
I've used Cetaphil before.
are these all chemical?
I don't have oily skin but I love and use the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer every day.
I used Neutrogena and Skinceuticals, the version for normal skin. Quite good , enjoyed using them.
I love Invisible Zinc in the light tint.
I've reported wongda8, three posts down as spam.
What a pity we have to have spam.
Summer is not in sight…
And I lack vitamin D.
My skin isn't oily, but I use the Clinique City Block every day and love it.
I was pleased to see that I don't use any of these since my skin is not oily
wongda8 reported as spam here
Thanks for sharing!!!
The clinique has been around for ages
Thanks for the info
I don't have oily skin. I have not tried any of them.
I don't have oily skin notr do I use sunscreen as I stay right away from the sun. I am very wary of the chemicals in sunscreen.
I remember reading that if you have oily skin do not try to eliminate the oil as it will just get worse. Use whatever feels best for your skin and works well.
I use the Neutrogena and the La Roche Posay sunscreens cos I can look like an oil slick by midday some days.
So hard when its hot too
Yes having oily skin on top of heat must be so difficult!
I’m always looking for a good non-oily sunscreen
Yes an oily sunscreen is not nice I dont think.
I use sunscreen every day, it’s a great makeup base.
I love Ultra Violette, about the only facial sunscreen that doesn’t turn my face into an oil slick. Or Beachfox, which is my fave overall sunscreen.
Sunscreen is a must all year and good to have so many choices.
Ooh never seen the Clinique one before.
Is this a new
The beach looks so lovely
Great pricepoint for the Neutrogena
Fave by Ultra Violette is so light too
This would have been really useful when I was younger – my skin is much less oily now.
I’ve used cetaphil and Neutrogna before – they are the more affordable.
Hamilton everyday face SPF50+ is one of the lightest sunscreens on the Australian market – those with normal to oily skin on reddit seem to love it.
I love the La Roche-Posay and the Neutrogena options for my skin
I love Airy day, naked sundays and ultra violette, I want to try beauty filter too
I have tried the Neutrogena one and can confirm it absorbs beautifully, with no oily feeling or sitting on the skin. personally, I noticed a little white cast but wasn’t awful.
I would definitely use all the options suggested
I prefer mineral sunscreen as it is much less irritating.