Dermatologists, makeup artists, and estheticians alike all agree that sunscreen is the most important part of your skin-care routine—and it should be worn year-round (read: not just in the summer months). Tinted sunscreens have become increasingly popular in recent years since they can help slash your getting-ready routine in half (or more!). However, finding the best tinted sunscreen for oily skin requires a bit more research and expert insight on formulations, ingredients, and finishes. Fortunately, we’ve done the digging for you.
How do I choose sunscreen for oily skin?
According to New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD, “lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic sunscreens are best for oily skin.” She continues, telling Well + Good, “Non-comedogenic means it will not clog pores, preventing congestion and acne breakouts.”
Those with oily skin may also consider looking for non-greasy sunscreens formulated with oil-absorbing ingredients, like silica or mattifying powders. Similarly, Dr. Green says, “Many people with oily skin find water-based sunscreens to be super lightweight and not greasy.”
Can oily skin use tinted sunscreen?
Yes—but don’t forget to reapply consistently. “Sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours in the sun,” says Dr. Green. Oily-skinned folks who choose to use tinted sunscreen throughout the day should take extra effort to find lightweight and non-greasy ones; otherwise, they may consider finding alternatives for reapplication so that their skin doesn’t feel cakey from all the product.
Whether you have oily skin or not, dermatologists recommend sticking to a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. “Sunscreens should have a minimum SPF of 30 and be labeled “broad-spectrum” to protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays,” says Dr. Green.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Chemical vs. mineral
You’ll notice that most of the best sunscreens for oily skin are mineral sunscreens as opposed to chemical sunscreens; mineral sunscreens contain activity ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which, per the dermatologist, “physically obstruct UV rays from penetrating the skin.” On the other hand, says Dr. Green, chemical-based tinted sunscreens have ingredients like homosalate, octisalate, octinoxate, octocrylene, and avobenzone, which “protect the skin from UV rays via a chemical reaction in which UV radiation is converted into heat and released into the environment.”
While Dr. Green notes that both types are effective in sun protection, “mineral sunscreens are gentler and cause less irritation on the skin, making them preferable for those with sensitive skin.” Additionally, there are a handful of hybrid tinted sunscreen options that give wearers the best of both protective worlds.
Finish and formulations
Marisa Garshick, MD, another board-certified dermatologist based in NYC, tells explains that matte tinted sunscreens can help to prevent the skin from looking greasy or shiny after application. Dewy finishes can also work, as long as the tinted sunscreen is lightweight. That’s because “lightweight formulations that absorb easily tend to be best for those with oily skin as they may be less likely to leave behind a residue,” says Dr. Garshick.
As you shop for the best tinted sunscreens for oily skin, you’ll notice they come in an array of different formulations, such as liquids, creams, mists, sticks, and powders. The latter two are especially great since they can 1) help absorb excess oil, and 2) are incredibly easy to reapply throughout the day when you need a quick touch-up.
13 best tinted sunscreens for oily skin
Supergoop!, Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 — $44.00
SPF: 40
Type: Mineral
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
Dr. Green recommends the Supergoop! Mineral Matte Sunscreen for its “extremely sheer”, oil-free, non-greasy, and 100-percent mineral-based formula, which will leave you with a mattified and poreless finish. Not only does it protect against UV rays, it also protects skin from blue-light damage too, thanks to the burst of wild butterfly ginger. Those curious about wearing sunscreen under makeup will love how weightless this tinted SPF feels on the skin. Last but not least, it’s reef-safe, which, according to Dr. Green, means “its ingredients will not negatively impact the environment, particularly the coral reefs.”
- 100-percent mineral, matte formula
- Oil-free
- Weightless feel
- Formulated with reef-safe ingredients
- Those who prefer full-coverage foundations might not like how sheer it is
- Only one, subtle shade
Neutrogena, PureScreen Mineral UV Tint Liquid Sunscreen — $15.00
SPF: 30
Type: Mineral
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
Dr. Garshick has deemed the Neutrogena PureScreen Mineral UV Tint Liquid Sunscreen the best drugstore sunscreen for its lightweight texture, SPF 30 broad-spectrum coverage, and diverse shade range. Not only is this tinted mineral sunscreen fragrance-free and water-resistant, it also blends easily under makeup, according to Dr. Garshick. She’s also quick to call out its nourishing vitamin E-enriched formula. And, at under $15 per bottle, it’s practically a steal.
- Water-resistant
- Light coverage
- Protective formula enriched with vitamin E
- Some reviewers note that, due to poor packaging, the bottle gets messy around the lid
- Very thin formula (a pro for some, perhaps!)
bareMinerals, Complexion Rescue Natural Matte Tinted Moisturizer — $37.00
SPF: 30
Type: Mineral
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide
Searching for the perfect tinted sunscreen for acne prone skin? Look no further than the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue SPF 30. Available in a whopping 20 shades to suit every skin tone, this face sunscreen features a nourishing, non-comedogenic (aka, non-pore clogging) formula spiked with skin-care ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid, moisturizing squalane, and oil-absorbing kaolin clay. Oh, and did we mention it delivers up to 12 hours of oil control along with mineral-based SPF 30?
- Non-comedogenic, skin-care-infused formula
- Up to 12 hours of oil control
- Matte finish
- 20 shade options
- Only has SPF 30, while some tinted sunscreens reach SPF 50
EltaMD, UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 — $40.00
SPF: 44
Type: Mineral
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
“EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 is a lightweight, oil-free, and fragrance-free formula perfect for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin,” says Dr. Green. She continues, telling Well+Good, “Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are included to keep the skin looking and feeling healthy.” Lastly, this sensitive skin-approved tinted sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, making it a great option for the pool or beach.
- Oil- and fragrance-free formula suitable for sensitive skin types
- Infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
- Water-resistant
La Roche-Posay, Anthelios Tinted Ultra Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50 — $38.00
SPF: 50
Type: Mineral
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide
“La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Ultra Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50 is a titanium dioxide-based, non-comedogenic, lightweight, and oil-free sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection,” says Dr. Green.“It also contains strong antioxidants to protect the skin from free radical damage.” The fast-absorbing formula is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes and offers a matte finish to eliminate the appearance of shine.
- Water-resistant and fast-absorbing
- Matte finish
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- Only one shade; may not work for those with deeper skin tones
Best for body:
Tula, Brightening Serum Skin Tint Suncreen SPF 30 — $40.00
SPF: 30
Active Ingredients: avobenzone, octisalate 5%
Type: Chemical
While some serums and skin tints can be too dewy and greasy for oily skin, Tula’s nourishing formulation is weightless, breathable, and blends in for a healthy, glowy finish. Available in a whopping 30 shades, the serum is buildable and thick enough to cover lines and pimples, but still sheer enough to let your skin shine through. It is a chemical sunscreen, although it’s not formulated with any parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, fragrances, or any other not-so-great ingredients you wouldn’t want in your sunscreen. In fact, it’s infused with nourishing skin-care ingredients that take care of skin of while it’s on, a brightening niacinamide, collagen, and the brand’s S6Pro Complex of probiotics and prebiotics.
- Blendable, buildable texture and lightweight, non-greasy finish
- 30 shades
- Reef-safe
- Nourishing ingredients, including collagen, probiotics, and prebiotics
- Chemical sunscreen
- Pricey
Sun Bum, Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion — $16.00
SPF: 30
Type: Mineral
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
The Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion features a water-resistant, fragrance-free, and vegan formula, and, thanks to its silky-smooth texture, the tinted sunscreen glides onto skin with ease. It’s also spiked with skin-loving staples like anti-inflammatory rosemary leaf extract and fatty acid-loaded sunflower extract. Finally, thanks to its matte finish, this tinted sunscreen pulls double duty as a primer.
- Doubles as a mattifying primer
- Smooth-gliding, vegan, and hypoallergenic formula
- Infused with botanical extracts
- Only one shade; tint may be too light for deeper skin tones
Colorscience, Unforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50 — $69.00
SPF: 50
Type: Mineral
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
Powder sunscreens, including the Colorscience Unforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50, are great for easy, on-the-go use—and they won’t mess up your makeup, either. Despite how lightweight it is, this tinted sunscreen powder, which comes in four shades, boasts a pretty powerful formula that’s water-resistant, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. Ingredient highlights include nourishing glycerin along with antioxidant-packed sunflower, grape seed, and green tea extracts. The built-in, self-dispensing applicator brush is an added bonus.
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic formula
- Infused with antioxidants and humectants
- Water-resistant
- Available in four shades
- The self-dispensing brush can be tricky to learn how to use
- A bit pricy at almost $70
MDSolarSciences, Tinted Solar Stick SPF 40 — $22.00
SPF: 40
Type: Mineral
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Stick sunscreens are mess-free and easy to apply with just a single swipe, making them a year-round must-have. We especially love the MDSolarSciences Tinted Solar Stick SPF 40 for its reef-friendly, water-resistant formula and universally flattering shade. It’s also worth noting that this sunscreen stick can be used anywhere on the face, including the lips. It offers sheer coverage, a matte finish, and a protective formula laden with conditioning shea butter, brightening vitamin C, and free radical-fighting vitamin E.
- Mineral sunscreen
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Reef-safe
- Spiked with powerful skincare ingredients like vitamin C and vitamin E
- May feel a bit greasy before it dries down
- Not a lot of product for the price
Skinceuticals, Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 — $72.00
SPF: 50
Type: Mineral
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
“This splurge-worthy mineral sunscreen incorporates both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum SPF 50+ coverage while improving overall skin tone and radiance,” says Dr. Garshick of the Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. She is also a fan of the sunscreen for its lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-comedogenic formula, which offers a universal tint. Plus, says Dr. Garshick, there is no greasy or white residue, “making it a good option for those with oily skin.
- Water-resistant
- Barely-there tint
- Non-comedogenic
Tower 28, Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation — $32.00
SPF: 30
Type: Mineral
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide
As you can guess by the product name, the Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation is one-part makeup, one-part skin-care. It comes in 17 different shades to suit a wide variety of undertones; options range from Fairfax (fair with pink undertones) to Venice (rich with neutral undertones), which makes finding the perfect color match all the more seamless. It’s also worth noting that this tinted sunscreen-foundation hybrid offers buildable coverage—along with a non-comedogenic formula enriched with glycerin plus skin-soothing aloe.
- Wide array of shade options
- Reef-safe
- Won’t clog pores
- Buildable coverage
- Soothing burst of aloe
Beautycounter, Countersun Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF — $39.00
SPF: 30
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide
Type: Mineral
Beautycounter Countersun Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 is one of (very) few tinted spray sunscreens on the market. Not only does the mist allow for an even distribution of product, but it also helps even out skin tone in (almost) no time. The water-resistant, reef-friendly sunscreen comes in two shades, and each is formulated with noteworthy ingredients like aloe, glycerin, and sunflower seed oil.
- Easy to apply; sprays from every angle
- Shades suitable for a range of skin tones
- Water-resistant, reef-friendly formula
- Nourishing ingredients
- Given the fact that it’s a mist, you have to apply carefully in order to avoid damaging your clothes or harming your eyes
Milk Makeup, Sunshine Skin Tint Clean SPF 30 Foundation — $42.00
SPF: 30
Type: Hybrid (chemical & mineral)
Active Ingredients: Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
Available in 14 shades, the Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint Clean SPF 30 Foundation is unique because it offers chemical and mineral sunscreen. According to Dr. Green, hybrid sunscreens blend smoothly into the skin “without leaving an ashy or white cast” while “delivering the soothing benefits of the mineral ingredient.” Those who prefer a dewy finish over a matte one will especially love how glowy—not greasy—the Sunshine Skin Tint will leave their skin. It’s also chock-full of moisturizing staples like squalane, jojoba, glycerin, and grape seed oil.
- Contains both chemical and mineral SPF
- Moisturizing formula
- Beautiful dewy finish
- Doubles as a concealer
- Rollerball pen applicator may get clogged, plus you have to blend it out with your fingers or a sponge
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