The best tinted sunscreen for oily skin should tick all the right boxes, making the quest to find the ideal one a struggle. With a constant tendency to break out, a slick look, and a constant need for retouches, oily skin is tricky to manage. That’s why you should be paying a great deal of attention to what you’re smearing on. And since sunscreen is that product you use every day (I hope you do!), why not give your skin a little tint to even out your tone while protecting it from sun damage? Finding such a multitasker that suits oily skin without adding to the shine and greasiness, though, is not as straightforward as it sounds.
What to look for
If your skin is oily, you should look out for lightweight, non-greasy, and oil-free sunscreens. These sunscreens won’t clog pores or leave shiny, sticky, or greasy residues. Matte or natural finish is your choice, but pick a sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher to provide adequate protection against both UVA and UVB. Water-resistant sunscreens are also ideal for those with oily skin, as they tend to be more resistant to sweat and oil.
The best tinted sunscreens for oily skin
Finding a product that ticks all the right boxes is easier said than done. That’s why my team and I have made a list of the best tinted sunscreens for oily skin. These products offer just the right touch of color and a non-greasy glow, while ensuring no sticky residue or white casts are left behind.
Avène Mineral Tinted Compact SPF 50
This tinted sunscreen is the reason I no longer feel the need for foundation. As someone with oily and breakout-prone skin, I like everything about it: no oils, fragrances, or alcohol, and it’s non-comedogenic too, so goodbye to clogged pores and greasiness. The creamy texture that settles into a matte finish is another bonus, along with the pocket mirror for effortless retouches during the day. The standout feature of the Avène Mineral Tinted Compact, however, is its SPF 50 protection, derived from Earth’s minerals. The formula is also made with squalane to regulate oil and antioxidants to counteract free radicals. Indeed, it’s an over-achiever.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral is a cult favorite (not only in French pharmacies), having a formula boosted with vitamin E to neutralize free radicals, and silica, a mineral that absorbs excess sebum. It’s suitable for reaction-prone skin and gives a non-slick matte finish, making it one of the very best tinted sunscreens for those with oily, sensitive skin. Lightly tinted, it is perfect for protecting your skin against sunbeams (with SPF 50) while achieving a natural glow.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 30
This tinted sunscreen gives a sheer matte finish while absorbing excess oil, controlling shine, and protecting against UV damage. Along with the broad-spectrum SPF 50 that offsets early wrinkles and sunspots, it contains humectants to hydrate the skin and control oil, grape seed extract to counteract free radicals, and green tea extract to soothe redness. It’s also hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic and comes in 4 shades. Toss it in your bag for effortless reapplication throughout the day.
Cotz Face Prime & Protect Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
This lightweight, mineral-based sunscreen is PA+++ rated and offers 80 minutes of water resistance, making it perfect for all outdoor activities. It’s also free of chemicals, fragrances, and oils, so you can feel good about what you’re using on your face. Its sheer, matte finish is ideal for layering under foundation and blends seamlessly into all skin tones for a natural look. Just make sure to use a moisturizer underneath, as this sunscreen is not hydrating on its own.
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint
Are you searching for a tinted sunscreen with a clean formula that feels as lightweight as a serum? Look no further, as Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint is the perfect choice for you. This product is infused with natural minerals, offering SPF 40 protection, and includes squalane, niacinamide, and sodium hyaluronate to enhance hydration. It also contains aloe juice and bisabolol to soothe your skin. Offering light coverage and a dewy finish, this tinted sunscreen is available in 30 true-to-skin shades, making it easy to find the perfect match for your skin tone.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense
I love SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense for its broad-spectrum protection, lightweight texture, sheer finish, and ability to match most skin tones without leaving a white cast behind. It provides SPF 50 from natural minerals and contains plankton extract that boosts the skin’s natural shield against UV damage.
EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
This tinted sunscreen is made on a water base, meaning it’s super lightweight, doesn’t contain oils, and never clogs pores—a dream come true for us oily-skinned folks. The formula contains vitamin C to neutralize free radicals and sodium hyaluronate to hydrate and balance sebum, along with a combo of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that give broad-spectrum protection. Bonus: it’s fragrance-free, non-greasy, and doesn’t leave a white cast but assures a natural tint and a satin finish.
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Cream
In order to balance sebum, oily skin needs hydration. And bareMinerals Complexion Rescue gives you just that and some. Boasted with minerals, this tinted gel cream protects against sunbeams with SPF 50 while it leaves a flawless natural finish and infuses skin with squalane, trehalose, and sodium hyaluronate. The 20 shades are a huge boon, making finding your perfect match an effortless task.
Bliss Block Star Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Let me tell you, this one will make you excited to put on sunscreen every day. It’s like a cross between a sheer foundation and sunscreen, which is awesome because it hides redness and blemishes while protecting your skin from the sun. You no longer need to bother with a heavy foundation for a light-coverage look—this sunscreen does the trick! Plus, it’s lightweight and doesn’t leave chalky or sticky residues behind. In fact, it leaves the skin matte and dry, which is ideal for oily complexions.
Paula’s Choice Daily Wrinkle Defense Tinted Moisturizer
Paula’s Choice Daily Wrinkle Defense Tinted Moisturizer has a feather-light formula that offers a smooth matte finish and combats premature aging with SPF 30 derived from minerals, boosted by a rich array of antioxidants like resveratrol and EGCG. Currently available in one versatile shade, it seamlessly blends with light and medium skin tones. We’re waiting for darker shades too!
Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense Sunscreen SPF 30
This tinted sunscreen offers a sheer hue, ideal for light coverage while delivering skincare and sun protection. It’s packed with a blend of antioxidants to combat environmental free radicals. The standout ingredient, however, is the 20% zinc oxide, which offers SPF 30 protection against the sun’s damaging effects. It’s perfect for those who prefer a subtle coverage boost without the heavy feel of traditional foundation.
