Top 5 Face Sunscreens For Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Summer is easily one of the most loved seasons. Think beach days, holidays, warm evenings, and long hours in the sun. But along with all the fun comes strong UVA and UVB exposure, which makes daily sun protection a must. If you have acne-prone skin, though, finding a sunscreen that offers real protection without clogging your pores or triggering breakouts can feel nearly impossible. I’ve been there myself, constantly torn between risking a breakout or skipping sunscreen altogether. For a long time, I thought I had to choose one or the other. But the truth is, I just didn’t know the right products existed. Now that I do, I want to share them with you. So let’s take a look at the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin—formulas that protect, feel comfortable on the skin, and won’t sabotage your skincare routine.

The Key Criteria for Acne-Safe Sunscreens

Before jumping into the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin, it’s important to know what actually makes a sunscreen suitable for breakout-prone, sensitive complexions. Not all sunscreens are created equal—and choosing the wrong one can lead to clogged pores, greasy skin, or even environmental harm. Here are the key criteria your SPF should meet:

1. Reef-Safe Formulas Only
Let’s start with the planet. A truly great sunscreen should be coral reef-safe. Certain chemical sunscreen ingredients—like oxybenzone and octinoxate—have been shown to harm fragile marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs. With so many reef-safe options now on the market, there’s really no reason to use anything else. Look for mineral sunscreens made with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and check for a clear “reef-safe” label or certification.

2. Non-Comedogenic Ingredients

This one is essential for acne-prone skin. Comedogenic ingredients are known to clog pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts. Always check the INCI list (the ingredient list) to ensure your sunscreen is free from known pore-clogging culprits. If you’re not sure, a quick search of the ingredients can go a long way.

3. Lightweight, Non-Greasy Texture

We all remember those heavy, greasy sunscreens from childhood—the ones that left our faces shiny and made every speck of sand stick to our skin. That’s exactly what we want to avoid. A good face sunscreen for acne-prone skin should be lightweight, fast-absorbing, and leave a clean, non-sticky finish. No oil slicks, no suffocating layers—just breathable protection.

4. Broad-Spectrum Protection (SPF 30 or Higher)

Finally, make sure your sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it guards against both UVB rays (which cause sunburn) and UVA rays (which contribute to premature aging and deeper skin damage). It should be SPF 30 or higher and tested to ensure reliable sun protection. Anything less just doesn’t cut it when it comes to protecting your skin.

My Top 5 Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin

Based on the criteria we covered earlier, these are my favorite sunscreens that deliver effective protection without compromising oily or acne-prone skin.

Sol Lab Natural Mineral SPF 30 Daily Sunscreen Lotion ($38.00/€35.00)

This mineral-based sunscreen is a dream for acne-prone skin—using gentle zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum protection without clogging pores. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and leaves a natural, non-greasy finish. Plus, it’s reef-safe, so you can protect your skin and the planet at the same time.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Oil Control Fluid SPF 50+ (European version, $25.00/€23.00)

A favorite in Europe for oily and acne-prone skin, this sunscreen offers advanced UVA and UVB protection with a lightweight, matte finish. It’s specially formulated to control oil and minimize shine, making it perfect for daily wear. While it uses chemical filters, it meets reef-safe standards in Europe.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($39.00/€37.00)

Highly recommended by dermatologists, this mineral sunscreen combines zinc oxide with niacinamide to calm and protect sensitive, acne-prone skin. It’s oil-free, lightweight, and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it perfect for everyday use.

Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($18.00/€16.00)

This sunscreen provides powerful broad-spectrum protection with mineral zinc oxide, all while being free from harsh chemicals. It’s gentle, non-comedogenic, and reef-safe, plus it has a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that works well under makeup or alone.

Badger Clear Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 30 ($15.00/€14.00)

Ideal for sensitive and oily skin types, this fragrance-free, mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide to shield your skin from the sun without irritation or breakouts. It’s reef-safe, biodegradable, and offers a matte finish that won’t leave you feeling greasy or sticky.

If you’d like to try it, feel free to use my affiliate links at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission. I only endorse products I genuinely stand behind—either because I fully support their ingredients or have tested them myself.

Bottom Line

Finding a sunscreen that truly works for oily, acne-prone skin felt like a challenge for me too, but it doesn’t have to be that way. These carefully chosen options offer effective sun protection without clogging pores or leaving a greasy finish—and they’re reef-safe, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your skin and the planet. Protecting your skin shouldn’t mean sacrificing comfort or care.