Sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine, no matter how hot or cold the day is. Even if you think the sun won't shine on you, putting it on is a must. However, people with oily skin might think that sunscreen will feel like an extra weight that adds grease to the face. To add to this, it can even leave white casts on the skin. Don't worry, as not all sunscreens are created the same!
If you are currently using one you don't like, maybe you haven't found the right one for your skin. Your perfect sunscreen might just be waiting to be added to your cart, and we might have it on our top 10 list! In this article, we will also share a guide with comments from dermatologist, Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz to help you get the best sunscreen that is made for oily skin.
Quick List - Top Sunscreens for Oily Skin
Luxe
Luxe Organix Aqua – Your Daily Armor Against Sun, Pure & Powerful
Lana
Lana PH: Brighten, Protect, Glow – SPF 80 with No White Cast!
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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This is possible, but it doesn’t always have to be the case! There are different sunscreen formulations, so the key is finding the sunscreen that works for your skin type.
How one's skin reacts to sunscreen cannot be predicted, whether it gets oilier or just feels right. The key is really just trial and error; trying out different sunscreens and finding the one that fits your skin best.
It can be challenging to find sunscreens if you have oily skin. However, it is possible to find the right product for you. Below, we list the top things to remember when choosing sunscreen for oily skin.
Ingredients matter a lot when it comes to skincare, and the same goes for sunscreen. Paying attention to the ingredients can help you determine whether the sunscreen is oily-skin friendly or not.
If you have oily skin, it’s best to look for ingredients that can manage sebum to prevent looking greasy. Some ingredients that are worth looking for include niacinamide, salicylic acid avobenzone, and silica gel.
Niacinamide is an excellent ingredient for people with oily skin. It helps regulate your skin’s oil production while protecting your skin barrier. On the other hand, salicylic acid helps reduce excess oil, unclog pores, and prevent blackheads.
For oily skin, a lightweight texture is key! In terms of formulation, a gel type tends to work well because they’re lightweight and easy to apply. It even feels soft and has a matte finish. This is the best sunscreen for oily skin because it isn't thick and wouldn't clog your pores
Additionally, when looking for sunscreens, chemical formulations have a lighter and more sheer formula, which is ideal for everyday use. Mineral could have a thicker formulation, but could be a better choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin or even combination skin.
In general, gel-based sunscreens make a good option for people with oily skin because they're oil-free. Gel sunscreens are more lightweight and don't leave that sticky feeling.
I highly recommend getting a trial size to test it out for a couple of days as you go through your day-to-day activities. Only then will you be able to decide whether it works for your skin or not.
Is there a difference between sunscreen for the face vs. sunscreen for the body? Typically, the active ingredients in both sunscreens are the same. In general, sunscreens for the face are more lightweight and easier to rub into your skin. But if you only have one sunscreen on hand, then please don't hesitate to use that face sunscreen on your body or vice versa!
Most sunscreens in the market have a dewy finish, which can make you look greasier. However, there are new formulations now that come with a matte finish, which can cater to oily-skinned individuals. You can look for ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and dimethicone as these contribute to the mattifying effect of the sunscreen.
Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are ingredients that can be found on mineral sunscreens. These are generally less irritating, so they are good for those with sensitive skin too!
Sunscreens are made to block and shield our skin from UV rays. And a broad spectrum sunscreen means it can protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can cause sunburn while UVB can lead to skin aging and wrinkles.
As a general rule, it’s good to choose sunscreens with at least SPF30. It’s because SPF30 filters ~97% of UVB rays. Additionally, SPF or Sun Protection Factor tells you how long until the UV rays can affect your skin. But, this can give a false sense of security so make sure to always reapply your sunscreen.
When it comes to choosing the right sunscreen, aside from the formulation or texture, make sure that it gets a check in these non-negotiable areas:
Disclaimer: These products are recommendations made by our team at mybest Philippines. Our expert, Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz, is not affiliated with, nor is she endorsing any of the brands we mention below.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oil Control Ingredients | Type | Oil-free | Mattifying | SPF | PA Rating | Other Notable Features | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Luxe Organix Aqua Daily Sunscreen SPF 50+ | ![]() | Luxe Organix Aqua – Your Daily Armor Against Sun, Pure & Powerful | Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder, Centella Asiatica Extract | Gel | Yes | unknown | 50 | PA+++ | Does not leave a white cast. | 50 mL | |
2 | Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence | ![]() | Light as Water, Strong as Sun Protection | Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydroxyethylcellulose | Gel | unknown | unknown | 50+ | PA++++ | Water resistant, Sweat resistant, Can be used as a makeup base | 70 mL | |
3 | Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Light Gel | ![]() | Reliable, Gentle Sun Protection for Active Days | Aqua, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol | Gel | Yes | unknown | 50+ | unknown | Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Water-resistant, Ideal for daily use on face and body. | 50 mL | |
4 | Lana PH Skin Protect Brightening Sunblock | ![]() | Lana PH: Brighten, Protect, Glow – SPF 80 with No White Cast! | Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). | Gel | Yes | Yes | 80 | PA++++ | For daily use and travel, Dermatologist-Tested, Works on acne-prone, dry, oily, and combination skin. | 46 mL | |
5 | Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF50 | ![]() | Invisible Protection, Maximum Care | Water, Homosalate Benzophenone-3, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Silica. | Cream | Yes | unknown | 50 | PA+++ | Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin, PABA-free. | 88 mL | |
6 | SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ | ![]() | Lightweight Hydration Meets Powerful Sun Protection – Dewy Glow, Zero Stickiness | Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract ,Sodium Hyaluronate. | Chemical | Yes | No | 50+ | PA++++ | Reef safe, Cruelty-Free , Vegan. | 100 mL | |
7 | Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF 40 | ![]() | Shield Your Glow, All Day Long | Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol. | Lotion | Yes | Yes | 40 | PA+++ | Waterproof, Fragrance-free, paraben-free. | 40 mL | |
8 | Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics + B5 | ![]() | Nourish and Protect with the Power of Rice & B5 | Water (purified and deionized), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Seed Water (30%), Panthenol (Vitamin B5). | Lotion | Yes | No | 50 | PA++++ | Free from harmful chemicals, Perfect base under makeup. | 50 mL | |
9 | Ellana Clean Screen Tinted Mineral Sunscreen | ![]() | Pure Protection, Matte Perfection | Centella Asiatica, Green Tea Extracts, Chamomile, Rosemary. | Cream | Yes | Yes | 50+ | PA++++ | Hydrating & Soothing, Daily Use Friendly. | 30 mL | |
10 | Happy Skin Rescue Me Tinted Matte Sun Gel Primer | ![]() | Lightweight Tinted Gel Primer Sunscreen for Blurred, Matte Finish | Hyaluronic Acid, SPF 40 and Anti-Blue Light Technology, Photolyase, Ceramides. | Gel | unknown | Yes | 40 | unknown | Sweat- and water-resistant formula, Parabenfree, Dermatology tested. | 40 mL |
Features and benefits:
Oil Control Ingredients | Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder, Centella Asiatica Extract |
---|---|
Type | Gel |
Oil-free | Yes |
Mattifying | unknown |
SPF | 50 |
PA Rating | PA+++ |
Other Notable Features | Does not leave a white cast. |
Net Weight | 50 mL |
Features and benefits:
Oil Control Ingredients | Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydroxyethylcellulose |
---|---|
Type | Gel |
Oil-free | unknown |
Mattifying | unknown |
SPF | 50+ |
PA Rating | PA++++ |
Other Notable Features | Water resistant, Sweat resistant, Can be used as a makeup base |
Net Weight | 70 mL |
Oil Control Ingredients | Aqua, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol |
---|---|
Type | Gel |
Oil-free | Yes |
Mattifying | unknown |
SPF | 50+ |
PA Rating | unknown |
Other Notable Features | Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Water-resistant, Ideal for daily use on face and body. |
Net Weight | 50 mL |
Features and benefits:
Oil Control Ingredients | Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). |
---|---|
Type | Gel |
Oil-free | Yes |
Mattifying | Yes |
SPF | 80 |
PA Rating | PA++++ |
Other Notable Features | For daily use and travel, Dermatologist-Tested, Works on acne-prone, dry, oily, and combination skin. |
Net Weight | 46 mL |
Features and benefits:
Oil Control Ingredients | Water, Homosalate Benzophenone-3, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Silica. |
---|---|
Type | Cream |
Oil-free | Yes |
Mattifying | unknown |
SPF | 50 |
PA Rating | PA+++ |
Other Notable Features | Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin, PABA-free. |
Net Weight | 88 mL |
Features and benefits:
Oil Control Ingredients | Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract ,Sodium Hyaluronate. |
---|---|
Type | Chemical |
Oil-free | Yes |
Mattifying | No |
SPF | 50+ |
PA Rating | PA++++ |
Other Notable Features | Reef safe, Cruelty-Free , Vegan. |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
Features and benefits:
Oil Control Ingredients | Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol. |
---|---|
Type | Lotion |
Oil-free | Yes |
Mattifying | Yes |
SPF | 40 |
PA Rating | PA+++ |
Other Notable Features | Waterproof, Fragrance-free, paraben-free. |
Net Weight | 40 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
The sunscreen is highly regarded for its balance of hydration, protection, and lightweight feel, making it a favorite for those with oily or sensitive skin who want a comfortable daily sunscreen that doubles as a moisturizer. However, for intense sun exposure or water activities, additional or more water-resistant protection might be necessary.
Oil Control Ingredients | Water (purified and deionized), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Seed Water (30%), Panthenol (Vitamin B5). |
---|---|
Type | Lotion |
Oil-free | Yes |
Mattifying | No |
SPF | 50 |
PA Rating | PA++++ |
Other Notable Features | Free from harmful chemicals, Perfect base under makeup. |
Net Weight | 50 mL |
Features and benefits:
Oil Control Ingredients | Centella Asiatica, Green Tea Extracts, Chamomile, Rosemary. |
---|---|
Type | Cream |
Oil-free | Yes |
Mattifying | Yes |
SPF | 50+ |
PA Rating | PA++++ |
Other Notable Features | Hydrating & Soothing, Daily Use Friendly. |
Net Weight | 30 mL |
Features and benefits:
Users praise its soft-focus finish and protective benefits, saying it primes well for makeup and blends effortlessly without white cast. Many appreciate its non-sticky feel and blue-light protection. A few mention packaging isn’t very sturdy, but most agree it’s a great product for oily or screen-exposed skin.
Oil Control Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, SPF 40 and Anti-Blue Light Technology, Photolyase, Ceramides. |
---|---|
Type | Gel |
Oil-free | unknown |
Mattifying | Yes |
SPF | 40 |
PA Rating | unknown |
Other Notable Features | Sweat- and water-resistant formula, Parabenfree, Dermatology tested. |
Net Weight | 40 mL |
We know that having oily skin is already very dyahe. So to help you even further, Dr. Katrina answers some of the most asked questions of people with oily skin and their sunscreen woes.
You should apply and reapply sunscreen as per usual - which is every 2-3 hours, regardless of your skin type.
This makes up for the possible inadequate application of sunscreen the first time around and also provides coverage for sunscreen that may have been wiped off or removed by sweating.
Yes, this is acceptable. Most sunscreens, in fact, have hydrating and/or moisturizing ingredients that can be enough.
Ideally, for those with oily skin, washing your face before reapplication tends to be the most comfortable.
However, this may not always be the case, so you can adapt based on the circumstances - blot your skin with blotting paper or pat dry with tissue prior to application.
Having oily skin can be challenging in a humid climate like ours. But not to worry, these skincare items will help you manage your oily skin from the first step if your skincare to the last!
Re-editor: Valerie Lagura
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Luxe|Organix Aqua Daily Sunscreen SPF 50+
No. 2: Biore|UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
No. 3: Cetaphil|Sun SPF 50+ Light Gel
No. 4: Lana|PH Skin Protect Brightening Sunblock
No. 5: Neutrogena|Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF50
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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