Wearing sunscreen daily is essential, but it can be hard to find a sunscreen that you love. If you’re looking to add an SPF product that is completely free of oils to your routine, here are the best oil-free sunscreens.
Our Recommendations
1. Super Moisture Milk SPF 50
Skin Aqua Sunscreen for Daily Sun Protection
Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk SPF 50
This fragrance-free sunscreen has a non-greasy and satin finish, and protects from UVA and UVB rays while also lightly hydrating the skin.
This oil-free sunscreen combines both mineral and chemical sun protection ingredients to effectively defend against the sun’s harmful rays. The light and milky texture helps it not feel heavy or overly greasy on the skin.
Pros
- Lightweight, milky texture with a satin finish
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Water resistant (for up to 80 minutes)
Cons
- Contains chemical sunscreen, which may not be suitable for sensitive skin
This affordable sunscreen contains hyaluronic acid, a skincare ingredient that helps pull moisture to the skin to keep it hydrated.
Water, cyclopentasiloxane, zinc oxide, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, BG, diethylhexyl succinate, polymethylsilsesquioxane, hydrous silica, glycerin, lauroyllysine, lauryl PEG-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl benzoate Hexyl acid, sodium hyaluronate, acrylates copolymer, hydrogen dimethicone, phenoxyethanol, triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethylhexyl dimethicone, methyl paraben, EDTA-2Na, sodium acetyl hyaluronate, hydrolyzed collagen, arginine, bisethylhexyl hydroxy malonate malonate
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American Academy of Dermatology. "Is Sunscreen Safe?"
Accessed Nov. 9, 2021.
2. Total Protection Face Shield Classic SPF 50
Colorescience Sunscreen for Daily Sun Protection
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Classic SPF 50
This oil-free sunscreen contains 100% mineral filters that protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays. It has a slight tint that helps counteract the white cast that mineral sunscreens often have.
This fragrance-free sunscreen has a lightweight and silky finish, and is suitable for a wider range of skin tones, thanks to its slight tint. Since it contains no chemical sunscreen filters, it’s great for those with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Water resistant (40 minutes)
Cons
- Some reviewers felt it left a slightly shiny finish
Colorescience’s non-comedogenic sunscreen contains additional antioxidants and hydrating and soothing ingredients to protect and support the skin, including bisabolol, niacinamide, sunflower sprout extract, allantoin, and tara fruit pod extract.
Zinc Oxide 12%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Isododecane, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Niacinamide, Tridecyl Salicylate, Trilaureth-4 Phosphate, Dimethiconol/Propylsilsesquioxane/Silicate Crosspolymer, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylethyl Dimethicone, Maltodextrin, Sodium Chloride, Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphate, Bisabolol (Levomenol), Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Caesalpinia Spinosa (Tara) Fruit Pod Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp (Silver Ear Mushroom) Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Isoceteth-10, Silica, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).
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American Academy of Dermatology. "Is sunscreen safe?"
Accessed Nov. 8, 2021.
3. Anthelios SPF 50 Gentle Lotion Mineral Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Sunscreen for Daily Sun Protection
La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Gentle Lotion Mineral Sunscreen
This is one of the best La Roche-Posay mineral sunscreens for the face and body, particularly if you have sensitive skin. 100% mineral UV filters protect the skin while minimizing the risk of irritation.
This water-resistant sunscreen uses the power of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (mineral UV filters) to protect the skin from the sun. It blends easily into the skin, and leaves a non-greasy, soft finish.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist tested
- Water resistant (up to 80 minutes)
Cons
- May leave a white cast on some skin tones
This sunscreen contains senna alata, which provides antioxidant protection. It defends against free radicals that can accelerate the development of signs of aging.
Titanium Dioxide 5%, Zinc Oxide 15%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isohexadecane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dicaprylyl Ether, PEG-30, Dipolyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid, Copolymer, Triethylhexanoin, Silica, Poly C10-30, Alkyl Acrylate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Diethylhexyl, Syringylidenemalonate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Stearate, Chlorphenesin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Alumina, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Tocopherol, P-Anisic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Carbonate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Maltodextrin.
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American Academy of Dermatology. "https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/is-sunscreen-safe"
Accessed Aug. 23, 2021.
4. Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50
La Roche-Posay Sunscreen for Daily Sun Protection
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50
If you have more sensitive skin, this mineral face sunscreen may be the best option for you. Mineral UV filters block the sun’s rays, and antioxidants further help protect the skin.
This sunscreen contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – two mineral UV filters – that help protect the skin from the sun. It is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving a matte finish.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist tested
- Water resistant (up to 40 minutes)
Cons
- May leave a white cast on some skin tones
This sunscreen contains senna alata, which provides antioxidant protection. It defends against free radicals that can accelerate the development of signs of aging.
Titanium Dioxide 6% (sunscreen), Zinc Oxide 5% (sunscreen), Undecane, Triethylhexanoin, Isohexadecane, Nylon-12, Caprylyl Methicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Phenethyl Benzoate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Tridecane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Talc, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Aluminum Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-9 Olydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Alumina,Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG-8 Laurate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Tocopherol, Propylene Carbonate, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Maltodextrin, Benzoic Acid, PEG-9.
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American Academy of Dermatology. "Is Sunscreen Safe?"
Accessed Aug. 23, 2021.
5. Anthelios Cooling Water Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
La Roche-Posay Sunscreen for Daily Sun Protection
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Cooling Water Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
This face and body chemical sunscreen has an immediate cooling effect, and absorbs into the skin quickly. It also contains antioxidants that further protects the skin.
This is one of the best La Roche-Posay sunscreens if you want just one product for both your face and body. It has a water-like lotion texture that doesn’t feel too greasy, and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. This makes it a great option for when you’re swimming or doing more physically demanding activities.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist tested
- Water resistant (up to 80 minutes)
Cons
- Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate sensitive skin
This sunscreen contains senna alata, which provides antioxidant protection, defending against free radicals that can accelerate the development of signs of aging. If you need higher SPF, there is also an SPF 60 version available.
Avobenzone 2.24% (Sunscreen), Homosalate 8% (Sunscreen), Octisalate 2.4% (Sunscreen), Octocrylene 4.48% (Sunscreen), Oxybenzone 2.88% (Sunscreen), Water, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Proprylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Silica, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Menthyl Lactate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Maltodextrin.
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American Academy of Dermatology. "Is Sunscreen Safe?"
Accessed Aug. 23, 2021.
6. Mineral SPF Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
La Roche-Posay Sunscreen for Daily Sun Protection and Moisturization
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
This product is a moisturizer and mineral sunscreen in one, and is great for daily use. SPF 30 protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, and hyaluronic acid works to hydrate.
This sunscreen is formulated with hyaluronic acid, which helps maintain moisture levels in the skin. It also contains glycerin and vitamin B5 (panthenol), which further moisturize and soothe the skin. This sunscreen uses 100% mineral filters (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide), which are generally better tolerated by sensitive skin.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- Not water resistant (use a water resistant sunscreen when swimming or sweating)
- May leave a white cast on some skin tones
In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, this sunscreen contains senna alata, a tropical leaf extract. This ingredient provides antioxidant protection, defending against free radicals that can accelerate the development of signs of aging.
Titanium Dioxide (5.5%), Zinc Oxide (10%), Water, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triethylhexanoin, Silica, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Panthenol, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Stearate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Chlorphenesin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Alumina, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, P-Anisic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Propylene Carbonate, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Maltodextrin.
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American Academy of Dermatology. "Is Sunscreen Safe?"
Accessed Aug. 23, 2021. -
Accessed Aug. 23, 2021.
7. Clear Skin Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 60
La Roche-Posay Sunscreen for Daily Sun Protection
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 60
This oil-free sunscreen is perfect for acne-prone and oily skin, because it provides protection from UVA and UVB rays without clogging pores or contributing to shine.
This SPF 60 sunscreen was made with acne-prone and oily skin in mind. It contains powerful UVA/UVB filters that effectively protect the skin, as well as a perlite and silica complex, which helps absorb excess oil to cut down on shine and prevent pores from clogging.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Dermatologist tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Water resistant (up to 80 minutes)
Cons
- Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate sensitive skin
This sunscreen also contains senna alata, a tropical leaf extract that provides antioxidant protection, defending against free radicals that can accelerate the development of signs of aging.
Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7%, water, silica, dicaprylyl carbonate, styrene/acrylates copolymer, butyloctyl salicylate, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, nylon-12, PEG-100 stearate, glyceryl stearate, perlite, beeswax, ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, phenoxyethanol, PEG-8 laurate, behenyl alcohol, sodium stearoyl glutamate, chlorphenesin, p-anisic acid, xanthan gum, tocopherol, disodium EDTA, arachidyl alcohol, diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate, propylene glycol, cassia alata leaf extract, maltodextrin, stearyl alcohol, t-butyl alcohol, caprylic/capric triglyceride
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American Academy of Dermatology. "Is Sunscreen Safe?"
Accessed Aug. 23, 2021.
8. Antioxidant Serum with SPF 50 Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Sunscreen for Daily Sun Protection
La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Antioxidant Serum with SPF 50 Sunscreen
This product not only provides SPF protection to defend against UVA and UVB rays, but it also contains antioxidants to defend against free radicals that accelerate aging.
Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining youthful skin, and this water-based serum sunscreen is an excellent choice. The SPF 50 protects the skin from the sun’s rays, which can contribute to premature aging. Additionally, the antioxidant blend protects against damaging free radicals that these UV rays cause.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- Not water resistant (use a water resistant sunscreen when swimming or sweating)
- Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate sensitive skin
The antioxidant blend in this sunscreen includes vitamin E, vitamin C, baicalin, and senna alata.
Active: Avobenzone 2.68% (sunscreen), Homosalate 9.60% (sunscreen), Octisalate 2.88% (sunscreen), Octocrylene 5.38% (sunscreen), Oxybenzone 3.46% (sunscreen). Inactive: Water, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Tocopherol, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica, Sodium Polyacrylate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Maltodextrin, Triethanolamine.
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American Academy of Dermatology. "Is Sunscreen Safe?"
Accessed Aug. 20, 2021.
FAQs
Is oil-free sunscreen better?
Oil-free sunscreen isn’t necessarily better than sunscreens that contain oils. Rather, some people may prefer oil-free sunscreens over products that do contain oil. Typically, people who have oily or combination skin may prefer using an oil-free sunscreen, as it is less likely to make the skin feel tacky and contribute to shine. However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what works best for your skin.
Are mineral sunscreens oil-free?
Many mineral sunscreens are oil-free, like the mineral options on this list. However, a mineral SPF product may contain oils. If you’re interested in an oil-free mineral sunscreen, be sure to refer to the ingredient label to determine whether the product contains any oil. For reference, chemical sunscreen products may also contain oil – it just depends on the additional ingredients that are added to the formula.
What is a good sunscreen for acne-prone skin?
Of the oil-free options on this list, the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 60 is an excellent choice for those who are prone to acne, particularly those who have oilier skin. This water-resistant chemical sunscreen is formulated for acne-prone skin and is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t contain ingredients known to clog pores.
The Bottom Line
There are plenty of impressive oil-free sunscreens available, so there’s no reason not to include a sunscreen in your daily skincare routine. Incorporate one of the oil-free sunscreens mentioned above into your routine to keep your skin safe and protected every single day.