The Best Sunscreens for Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Originally uploaded by Mark Interrante (aka pinhole) (flickr)
With that said, I’ve found a few products that have very promising ingredients for that very skin type. As always, however, check with your dermatologist before trying any new products. 
Best Overall: LaRoche Posay SPF 60 Fluide Extreme ($44.00, Amazon.com). The first high-SPF product I ever used, this double-formulated (Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL) milky product provides superior UVA and UVB protection without a greasy feel or telltale white streaks.
Mexoryl (ecamsule) is an ingredient in chemical sunscreens that has been available in Europe for many years, and which came to the U.S. only this year. Mexoryl, available as SX (water soluble) and XL (lipid soluble), is very effective for two reasons: one, because it is very stable [as a benzylidene camphor derivative], and two, because it absorbs light at a broader range of UVA wavelengths than many other sunscreens. After absorbing light from this broad spectrum, ecamsule undergoes photoisomerization, followed by photoexcitation, which means that it causes for UV light to be released as thermal energy rather than allowing for UV light to be absorbed into the skin and cause damage, as most chemical sunscreens do. Additionally, the combination of Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL are even more stable than each alone; however, Mexoryl XL is often not tolerated in patients with sensitive skin, and so only Mexoryl SX is featured in L’Oréal products sold in the U.S.
If your skin is not sensitive, but is oily/acne-prone, I believe this is the best product on the market. Best of all, beauty bloggers and forum contributors with oily/acne prone skin attest to its ability to protect without causing breakouts. Of course, always check with your dermatologist!
Best Drugstore Product: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 85 ($21.98 for two, Amazon.com). Let’s start off this review with a bit of disappointment: this product does not absorb nearly as sheer or dry as the LaRoche Posay SPF 60 Fluide Extreme for Face does. However, for the cost ($21.98 for 6 of the Neutrogena product versus $44.00 for 6.1 ounces of the LaRoche Posay product), Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 85 still absorbs dry and sheer enough to make it the best in the drugstore class.
The main ingredient in Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 85 is Helioplex. According to Johnson & Johnson, the parent company of Neutrogena, Helioplex is a stabilized, patented combination of oxybenzone and avobenzone that has been demonstrated in clinical tests to provide longer-lasting UVA protection than most other sunscreens. In fact, it has been documented (and cited here) that Helioplex is more photostable than even the Mexoryl SX found in the LaRoche Posay product – another reason to consider it!
Despite the superior protection, again, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 85 tends to leave telltale white streaks on the face. I personally use it everyday, but if I have an important event to attend, I automatically reach for my LaRoche Posay SPF 60 Fluide Extreme for Face .
Best Physical Protection: Physical sunscreens prevent UV light from penetrating the skin, while chemical sunscreens prevent subsequent damage after UV rays are absorbed by the skin. While some dermatologists (and research from the University of Arizona) swear by layering a chemical sunscreen under a physical sunscreen, knowing patients often prefer physical sunscreens alone because they often do not interact as much with their cosmetics (particularly when their sunscreens contain micronized zinc or titanium dioxide), and for an overall movement towards less chemicals in skin care.
With that said, the best physical sunscreen for oily/acne-prone skin that I am aware of is Mychelle Sun Shield SPF 28 ($30.67 for two 2.3 ounce tubes, Amazon.com). This sunscreen contains over 11% zinc oxide and under 1% titanium dioxide – the ideal formulation for UVA protection! According to a 1999 study by Mitchnik et al., microfine zinc oxide absorbs more UV light than titanium dioxide in the long-wave UVA spectrum, from 340 to 380 nm, and hence provides more effective UVA protection.
I personally have used the Mychelle Sun Shield SPF 28, and while I do not have oily/acne-prone skin (rather normal/sensitive), I thought that it dried well on the skin, with a minimum of white streaks. With all due honesty, I did not like it as much as the LaRoche Posay, but if you want a physical sunscreen, Mychelle Sun Shield SPF 28 may be the best out there.
*******
With that said, let me know you have any sunscreens that you swear by in Comments below! Please be sure to include your skin type.
About Author
Founder and CEO Nicki Zevola started FutureDerm as a medical (M.D.) student studying to be a dermatologist. She is an award-winning scientific researcher and writer. She currently is concentrating on FutureDerm and developing FutureDerm's one-of-a-kind products. She can be found on Google+ and Twitter.
View all Nicki Zevola posts.(37) Readers Comments
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Ann
Hope you have a great vacation! I’ve never been to Hawaii, but I’m sure it’s beautiful.
Fyori
I’ve been using the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 55 with Helioplex, but I’m planning on switching to a lower SPF of the same product to decreased white streaks. I realize it’ll be less effective in protection, but only by a small percentage.
Fyori
I forgot! I have oily/acne prone skin. The sunscreen mentioned above works very well for me.
Teresa
Another sunscreen to consider (google for more info) is Green Screen. It’s an organic sunscreen with a physical block and ingredients you can actually pronounce. I’ve been using it for about 3 months now and I love it. I use the tinted for my face and the untinted for my body. The only bummer is I have only found it online in. Hopefully as more people start using it and liking it, it will be more readily available locally.
BTW – My skin is normal, not oily.
I’m totally jealous your in Hawaii – I LOVE Hawaii!!!
Rima
I’ve tried a variety of sunscreens and so far, every single one of them has made my skin peel. I use Retin-a micro at night, and if i don’t use sunscreen during the day, my skin doesn’t peel. But if i put on a sunscreen, i peel. Do you know why that might happen? I use Blue Lizard Sensitive Skin SPF 30 or Marie Veronique Organics Creme de Jour. I think my skin fluctuates between normal and oily. Do you have any recommendations for a sunscreen that doesn’t leave white streaks? I’m brown, so any sunscreen i use really shows. Oh, and ur very lucky to be in Hawaii, i heard it’s gorgeous.
futurederm
Hey Rima,
I honestly don’t know why you are experiencing peeling when you use sunscreen with the Retin-A Micro. The only explanation I can think of is that you are applying the sunscreen on days that you are getting more sun exposure, and it has been documented that greater amounts of UV exposure does in fact make retinoid-treated skin peel more. Could that be the issue?
If not, please check with your dermatologist…No one should ever be without their daily sunscreen, most especially in these summer months!
As far as a sunscreen that doesn’t leave white streaks, the best one that I know of is the LaRoche Posay SPF 60 Fluide Extreme (see above for link).
I hope that this helps you, Rima!
Sincerely,
Nicki
futurederm
P.S. – Hawaii is lovely, and I will post pics soon
Holly
Hi Nicki!
I love your blog! I have lived in Hawai’i my whole life. I am glad to hear that you are enjoying your time here! I use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer religiously because it is so cheap.
The La Roche-Posay line is very confusing to me because there are so many different products, including Lait Milk and Fluide Extreme for body, which apparently have a higher PPD than Fluide Extreme for face. I was wondering if you knew how they compared in other respects and whether it is okay to use the “for body” product on your face.
Also, do you know of any good sun protection for lips? Currently, I just use the yellow Chapstick with SPF.
Thanks so much. Enjoy your stay!
Ruben
The LRP Anthelios XL is really good in my opinion! Dries fast and feels light! I use it above my AOX serum!
Oh and the Anthelios XL is just 20 dollars in Belgium 8)
Another great Physical sunscreen is Tri-Silc SPF 60 with TiO2! although markted as sunscreen for dry skin it dries up really really nice for oily skin! (check out skinstore!)
Rima
Hey,
Thanks for replying. I’ll ask my dermatologist about the peeling. I only use sunscreen when i’m going outside, even for a minute. So some days i don’t use it because i’m inside my house with the curtains closed. I don’t think i need sunscreen if i dont leave my house, right? Anyways, i also have another random sunscreen question that you might be able to answer. I’ve noticed that i get tanner when i use a sunscreen (as opposed to not using a sunscreen and also not going outside at all), and i know that when you use a sunscreen it helps protect from burning and tanning. And tanning occurs from UVA radiation, so could it be that i’m getting tanner because my sunscreen isn’t protecting me enough? Well, i hope you have a great time in Hawaii and i can’t wait to see the pics!
Pam
I use NIA 24 sunscreen in the winter and Vanicream in the summer. I love the NIA 24, but it itches my face when it is hot outside. I have sensitive dry skin.
futurederm
Hi Holly,
Please ask your dermatologist about using a specific body product on the face.
In general, with a side-by-side ingredient comparison, there are many products that are extremely similar for body and face, and just marketed differently. With that said, however, sometimes body products are not designated non-comedogenic or hypoallergenic, particularly with cheaper brands. I would definitely ask your dermatologist about particular brands/products.
As far as SPF for lips, I love Neutrogena Cooling Lip Gel SPF 20 and the new Lancome Juicy Tubes SPF 15.
I hope that this helps!
Take care,
Nicki
jessie
the new Clean Start products from Dermalogica are starting to catch my eye. They seem like they’re slightly less expensive then the other Dermalogica products, but more geared towards a younger, more “summery” person… if that makes any sense.
Fanny
Hi Nicki. I love your blog This will be my first comment to your writing
I love Shiseido sunscreen; I am using SPF38/PPA +++. It absorb nicely to my skin and leave a matte effect. Not oily like most sunscreen are. However as this sunscreen is very water resistant it has to be romoved with a cleansing oil. My skin is combo (normal and oily in T zone) and acne prone.
Annemarie de Koning
What about those other ingredients in that Anthelios sunscreen, like Tinosorb S and Uvinul T 150? Are you blind or do you lack the skills to read the ingredient list?
Anyway, modern sunscreens are nowhere with help from BASF.
The chemical company.
futurederm
In the U.S., the ingredients are:
Active Ingredients: Mexoryl SX, Mexoryl XL, Titanium Dioxide and Octocrylene. Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isononyl Isononanidate, Octocrylene, Alcohol Denat, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, PEG 30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Nylon 12, Silica, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol, Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Disteardimoniumhectorite, Dodecne, Glycine Stearate, Sojo/Soybean Oil, Lauryl PEG/PPG 18/18 Methicone, Penasodium Ethylenediamine Tetramethylene Phoshonate, Phenoxyethanol, Poloxamer 407, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine.
No Tinosorb or Uvinol T.
Annemarie de Koning
I guess you need to study those INCI designations some more.
BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE = Tinosorb S
ETHYLHEXYL TRIAZONE = Uvinul T 150
And FYI it lists 7 actives: Mexoryl® XL, Mexoryl® SX, Parsol® 1789, Uvinul® N 539, Uvinul® T 150, Tinosorb® S and Titanium dioxide.
jaxs
What about Nia 24 Physical Sunscreen? It may be the best physical sunscreen out there.
jaxs
Nicki – Do you mean La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Face Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, or La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Fluide Extreme for face ??????????
futurederm
Hi Jaxs -
Yes, I do love the NIA24 Physical Sunscreen, I should’ve added it to the list!
I was referring to the 50+ Fluide Extreme for Face in this entry, but I have used the Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluide in the past as well, and found it to be delightful as well. I featured the 50+ in this post as I have heard that La-Roche Posay has remarketed to say “50+” instead of “60″ on most of its sunscreens, and also because this formulation is the one I most recently used.
Take care!
-Nicki
shelby
This post is such an important one! I have always struggled with finding a good sunblock for my face. Based on your recommendation I just purchased the La Roche-Posy 50+ fluid extreme. I do not want to use it until I know the best way to remove it. Is it so water resistant that you need to use an oil based cleanser? Or will a regular cleanser get it all off? I’ve never used a really resistant sunscreen so I’m concerned about clogged pores. Thanks and keep up the good work!
KG
I have oily skin and find that when i use vitamin C serum (Skinceuticals serum 20) it really cuts down the oil. I use MF Forte suncream and it skinks in without any oily feel.
J.
Hi Nicki,
I’ve been experimenting with sunscreens to find a daily one for my face, with no luck so far. I’m of indian origin, as in India, with dark brown skin, about cinnamon dark, and an oily/combination skin type. I’ve found most sunscreens leave a sheen on me which isn’t appealing. So I’m wondering if any of the above might resolve that, or if anyone else has another recommendation.
Thanks
anne
thought u might be interested in this…just found it and think i will try it…i have sensitive/acne prone skin…
Cosmedicine Speedy Recovery Acne Treatment Daytime Blemish Lotion SPF 15 ($40 for 2 ounces)
Joanna
Hello,
First, I’d like to thank you for this wonderful site! It is very informative and I’ve found some interesting reviews of some products that I wanted to purchase but wanted to know more about what is exactly in them. Again, thank you!
Second, as far as SPF for oily skin, it has been my journey to find one that suitable for my skin type – OILY. And I found one that works beautifully (Nucelle SunSense Spf 30). I love this product so much that I use it with my foundation. I just use two pumps of SPF and half a pump of my favorite foundation and mix it in the palm of my hand and then apply to my face. I use this product during day and when I go out at night. Hahahah I know I don’t need to use SPF at night but this SPF moisturizer seems to block the production of oily after I apply it and that is why I use it.
Nucelle Sunsense is not cheap and I am on another quest to find similar product with a lower price tag. I use this so much that it gets too expensive for me. I will try the product you recommended by Neutrogena and hopefully I’ll like it.
Thanks for the reviews.
Julie
I have acne and rosacea (luck me
, and I really like
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, SPF 30+ for the Face. I also like the LaRoche Posay Fluide Extreme, but it can ocassionally cause flushing (maybe due to the alcohol?)
fiyatlar
I foun this topic in google, I was looking this product. thank yo very very much for informing..
nedenleri
I have oily skin and find that when i use vitamin C serum (Skinceuticals serum 20) it really cuts down the oil. I use MF Forte suncream and it skinks in without any oily feel.
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lisa smith
I checked into this site to see if I could find a sunscreen that would work on my acne prone chest and back. I am able to keep my skin clear with some nuetrogena products. I am heading to the beach and will be completely broken out by day two if I don’t find a sunscreen that will work for acne prone skin. I hope to find one that is water resistant. Someone mentioned something about removing these sunscreens–they may take more than cleanser?
I am so confused. . .
Can anyone recommend something?
Thanks so much.
lisa
Erin
I haven’t tried the sunscreens listed above but I have very fair skin that is also extremely acne prone so sunscreen that doesn’t make me breakout is essential. These 5 are the best I’ve found and I use the one by Elta MD on a daily basis: http://www.acne-skin-solutions.com/sunscreen-for-oily-skin.html
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Laura D.
I personally adore philosophy hope in a jar oil free spf 30 (normal to oily skin formula). Absorbs quickly with a matte finish, offers broad spectrum protection with antioxidant protection, AND without unnecessary animal testing.