It’s safe to say that warm weather and oily skin aren’t best friends. Paired with the lack of suitable oil-free SPFs out there, summer can be challenging when it comes to acne-safe skincare. Sun exposure is the number one cause of fine lines, pigmentation and premature ageing, so it's essential to continue looking for the right sun protection that you can wear consistently. Fortunately, we’ve found a number of mattifying, non-comedogenic and oil-free sunscreens for a range of skincare needs.
This article explores the most loved facial sunscreens that don’t contain any oil. There are options for everyone, including mattifying SPF mists, gels and mineral filters.
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- What does oil-free mean in skincare?
- The top three oil-free sunscreens to try for oily skin
- How to choose the right oil-free sunscreen
- Application tips and common mistakes with oil-free sunscreen
- Frequently Asked Questions
“Oil-free" typically excludes traditional oils but may still contain greasy, fat-soluble ingredients that can clog pores.
A curated selection of lightweight, acne-safe sunscreens that protect without leaving a greasy finish.
Learn how to pick sunscreens that suit oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.
We’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to – learn SPF tips from the experts.
Quick answers to common concerns about oil-free sunscreens, from shine control to application tips.
What Does Oil-Free Mean in Skincare?
Oil-free skincare typically means that the formula contains no oils or anhydrous (fat-soluble) ingredients; however, the definition can be open to interpretation. For example, you could get an ‘oil-free’ formula that technically contains no oils (e.g., coconut oil or mineral oil). However, it could contain ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, beeswax or paraffin, which are fat-based but technically not classified as oils. To make matters worse, these ‘undercover oils’ tend to be culprits for irritation, clogged pores and breakouts.
To ensure your skincare is compatible with oily, clog- or acne-prone skin, double-check your skincare label and look for butters, waxes, paraffin, and other occlusives or emollients.
Common cosmetics ingredients to look out for
- Direct oils: The obvious ingredients to look out for are those labelled as oils, such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, soybean oil, olive oil, or sunflower seed oil. However, these can sometimes be sneakily labelled as kernel extracts or seed extracts, so look out for those terms too.
- Butters and animal fats: These are heavier fats and oils that often come from plants but can sometimes be sourced from animals. Look out for cocoa butter, shea butter, tallow (animal fat) or lanolin (a potent oil extracted from sheep’s wool). Many of the ingredients listed above are known pore-cloggers.
- Waxes, mineral oils, and petrolatum: Ingredients such as beeswax, soy wax, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, and petrolatum (petroleum jelly) can feel quite heavy and sit on the surface of oily skin. Moreover, some can clog pores or contribute to breakouts.
- Sunscreens: Unfortunately, most sunscreens are oil-soluble, which is why the majority of SPF options feel greasy.
What to look for instead:
To avoid the downsides of oils, many cosmetics use esters, which are fat derivatives that don’t have the same oily texture. Some can dissolve fats without having a greasy texture. They often have a silky texture and have moisturising and emollient (moisture-retaining) properties like oils but don’t feel greasy. They also help dissolve anhydrous ingredients like SPF. Esters are your best friend when looking for lightweight, oil-free sunscreens. Skincare jargon ending in ‘yl’ usually indicates the presence of esters (e.g., Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate is an ester derived from olive oil). If you want to avoid oil-soluble SPF, there are a handful of options, listed below, to make your oil-free lifestyle a bit easier.
- Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (Ensulizole): Mostly protects against UVB rays and some UVA.
- Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid (Mexoryl SX): Broad-spectrum protection, patented by L’Oreal.
- Sulisobenzone (Benzophenone-4): Broad-spectrum, but could aggravate reactive skin
- Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide: these are actually insoluble, so they won’t dissolve in oil or water, but these mineral filters are suitable for oil-free formulas.
Why are oil-free sunscreens so hard to find?
The vast majority of sunscreens are anhydrous which means they need to dissolve in an oil. Many others can work in an emulsion or when paired with co-solvents (such as esters). However, very few options are completely water-soluble and these often offer limited UV protection. As a result, most moisturisers with SPF products are formulated with oils and other fats but this can leave clog and acne-prone individuals at a loss.
The vast majority of sunscreens are anhydrous which means they need to dissolve in an oil. Many others can work in an emulsion or when paired with co-solvents (such as esters). However, very few options are completely water-soluble and these often offer limited UV protection. As a result, most moisturisers with SPF products are formulated with oils and other fats but this can leave clog and acne-prone individuals at a loss.
The Top 3 Oil-Free Sunscreens to Try For Oily Skin
We’ve found the top three sunscreens to try if you have oily, clog-prone or acne-prone skin. These apply effortlessly, don’t pill or cake and don’t leave a greasy residue like so many other SPFs do.
1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Face Mist SPF50
You’ll know as someone with an oily complexion, that managing excess oil throughout the day is challenging, even without considering a daily SPF. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. This high-factor Anti-Shine Mist from La Roche Posay is a God-send for its mattifying and non-comedogenic properties. Easily apply it over your makeup throughout the day – it contains potent oil-absorbing molecules called airlicium, which dry down in a matter of seconds.
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Perfect For: Very oily complexions or convenient reapplication over makeup
2. Skingredients Skin Shield Moisturising and Priming SPF50
This product is a holy grail to have in your skincare collection for oily complexions. It not only provides a hydrated, dewy finish for those with combination or dry skin but also contains high-protection mineral shields that are micronised and blended with a subtle tint for a natural glow and no white cast. This glorious Priming Skin Shield uses niacinamide which helps to balance oil and provide a grippy, no-pill base for makeup. This sheer tint can be worn as a primer or on its own. The award-winning formula also contains skin-loving vitamin E to fight free radical damage.
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Perfect For: All skin types, particularly sensitive and acne-prone and oily complexions
3. Heliocare 360 Oil-Free Gel SPF50
Oil-free sunscreens are hard to come by, especially ones in a gel formula. Many chemical and mineral SPF options are oil-soluble. This innovative oil-free gel glides on effortlessly, offering maximum broad-spectrum protection without a greasy or sticky finish. Moreover, the Heliocare Oil-Free Gel SPF contains skin-loving glycerin and helps to mattify oily complexions.
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Perfect For: Oily skin and applying underneath a full face of makeup
How to Choose the Right Oil-Free Sunscreen
The best acne-safe, oil-free SPF
When choosing acne-safe sunscreen, non-comedogenic ingredients are non-negotiable. Oil-free formulas are a good start, but even some oil-free lotions can still contain pore-cloggers. Fat-free formulas are also essential for those struggling with fungal acne. The Skingredients Skin Shield is acne-safe and non-comedogenic.
The best non-greasy SPF for oily skin
If you have very oily skin, you may want to look for a mattifying option that tackles existing shine. The La Roche Posay Anti-Shine Face Mist contains oil-absorbing molecules to keep you grease-free all day long.
The best non-greasy SPF for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin should prioritise mineral sunscreen because they’re less likely to cause a reaction or redness. One of the best, oil-free mineral sunscreens is the Skingredients Skin Shield.
Are there any natural oil-free sunscreens?
It can be harder to find natural sunscreens that don’t contain any oils, but for starters, you’ll want to select a mineral filter. Your best bet for the most natural, non-greasy option would be the Skingredients Skin Shield.
Application Tips and Common Mistakes with Oil-Free Sunscreen
When applying your skincare, you’d usually layer from lightest to heaviest, with your hydration and serums first, then the emollients and occlusives. Finally, you’d follow up with your (usually) oil-based SPF. However, if you have a water-based sunscreen, you may want to reconsider your timings.
- Wait 10-15 minutes for the rest of your skincare to absorb before applying an oil-free SPF such as Heliocare’s 360 Oil-free Gel. Alternatively, you can reapply it to a clean, dry face throughout the day.
- Choose an SPF with priming properties, such as the Skingredients Skin Shield. This way, it helps you seamlessly transition into your makeup routine without product moving or pilling.
- Choose an oil-free SPF that can be applied over the top of your makeup, such as a setting powder with SPF or a sunscreen spray.
- Try applying your water-based skincare first (underneath your emollients and occlusives), including a gel SPF. Wait for it to absorb, and then moisturise as usual over the top.
Avoid these common mistakes when applying an oil-free SPF
- Not applying enough product: Make sure you apply 2 fingers’ length to your face and neck. Apply in layers to allow the product to absorb and dry down.
- Not reapplying throughout the day: Oil-free sunscreens may not be water-resistant, so it’s crucial to reapply, especially if you’re sweating, swimming or outside for extended periods.
- Not allowing the product to absorb properly: Applying too many occlusives underneath, applying thickly, or not allowing enough time for the product to absorb can lead to pilling or flaking. Instead, apply it in thin layers and wait for it to absorb before adding more product.
- Applying water over oil: While the typical approach is to apply SPF as the final step in a skincare routine, you should avoid doing this if you use an oil-based moisturiser. Oils will prevent the product from sinking into the skin, which will be a nightmare when it comes to applying makeup. Either switch to a lightweight oil-free moisturiser or apply your SPF first.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between oil-free and non-comedogenic sunscreens?
"Non-comedogenic" means that it contains no pore-clogging ingredients, and "oil-free" usually means that the formula is water-based, containing no fats or oils. Oils are some of the most common culprits of clogged pores, so it's understandable to equate the two categories. However, not all oil-free formulas are non-comedogenic and vice versa.
Can oil-free sunscreens help reduce shine?
Yes, if the formula contains ingredients to reduce shine, such as silicones, exfoliating acids, niacinamide, or starches. However, not all oil-free formulas are designed to mattify the skin.
Will oil-free sunscreens clog pores for those with acne-prone skin?
Many sunscreens are non-comedogenic. However, it's the rest of the formula you have to look out for. Oil-soluble SPFs often call for oily formulas, which can contain pore-cloggers and ingredients known to aggravate acne-prone skin. Always look for non-comedogenic, oil-free or acne-safe formulas.
How do I know if my sunscreen is oil-free?
Most should say on the packaging whether they’re oil-free. If not, check the ingredients for any oils, butters, paraffin, petrolatum, waxes or animal fats. If there are any of these, it's unlikely the formula is water-based.
Why does my sunscreen make my face so oily?
Sunscreens are mostly oil-soluble, which means they work best in oil-based skincare. Unfortunately, this causes problems for those with oily or blemish-prone skin that could do without the added grease. The best option would be to choose lightweight SPF or oil-free options.
