Which Natural Sunscreens Are Best For Oily Skin?

Natural sunscreens are the ultimate skincare product that everyone should have in their daily use. That goes for even cloudy days, as the UV rays manage to come through. Research suggests that sunscreens may be anti-aging and prevent cancer; but, not all sunscreens are perfect for all skin types. 

We understand it can be hard to find the best oil-free sunscreens that are suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. Most sunscreen formulas are thick and leave a white, strong residue. These qualities are not appealing to add on a skin that might already battle with excess oil and impurities. Read through our list of the best oil-free sunscreens that won’t clog your pores!

Important Sunscreen Factors For Protecting Your Skin

While making this list, we’ve taken these important factors into account. That way, we’re able to call these sunscreens the best oil-free sunscreens for your sensitive skin and face. These factors include:

SPF

SPF stands for “sun protection factor”. The number next to the SPF refers to the amount of protection the sunscreen offers compared to skin that has no sunscreen. For example, SPF 30 offers 30 times more protection from the sun than having no SPF at all. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends an SPF of at least 30 or higher for any extended time in the sun. 

Broad Spectrum

This term means that the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This is super important. Just look for products that say “broad spectrum” if you want your UVA protection to be proportional to the harmful UVB rays, as well.

Active Ingredients

There are lots of different “active ingredients” that work in sunscreens to protect your skin from the sun. Some of these chemicals can be harmful to both the skin and nature. That’s why it is important to look for natural, mineral-active ingredients, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Both of these ingredients are effective for blocking the UVA and UVB rays to protect your skin. 

On top of these three important factors, we’d like to remind you that all our plant-based sunscreens are also reef-friendly. While they protect the skin, you can swim without harming the sea life’s natural ecosystem. Take a read and find your favorite plant-based sunscreen for your next summer holiday!

5 Best Oil-Free Sunscreens

1. Alba Botanica - Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Let Alba Botanica protect your skin while you relax in the sun. The first of our best oil-free sunscreens has a broad spectrum SPF 30. This mineral sunscreen is perfect for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. This Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is designed to also protect your skin from premature aging. It’s fragrance-free, light, and contains zinc oxide to protect you from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. 

This natural sunscreen is formulated with aloe vera and chamomile extracts that make it an ideal gel sunscreen for oily and sensitive skin. This plant-based sunscreen is also non-greasy and fast-absorbing. On top of that, it’s water-resistant for 80 minutes. 

2. Alba Botanica - Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45

This one is the best oil-free sunscreen for the sporty ones! Just like the previous plant-based sunscreen from Alba Botanica, this Sport Mineral Sunscreen is an upgraded version for those who like to do sports and get sweaty in the sun.

Offering efficient water and sweat resistance (even for swimming), this sunscreen is higher in SPF, with a level of 45. It lets you focus on your sports and games for 80 minutes until you’ll need a quick reapplication. 

Made with zinc oxide, shea butter, and organic leaf extracts, this plant-based sunscreen will offer broad-spectrum protection for your skin and moisturize it deeply. It’s fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin with a high SPF 40 level. It might just be the best gel sunscreen for oily skin!

3. Babo Botanicals - Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30

When looking for the best oil-free sunscreens, there has to be a hypoallergenic option as well. This Clear Zinc Sunscreen from Babo Botanicals is a hypoallergenic and lightweight sunscreen that has a broad-spectrum SPF 30. 

Specially formulated for sensitive skin, this fragrance-free sunscreen applies clearly and leaves the skin feeling soft and non-greasy. This sunscreen contains zinc oxide, which provides high UVA and UVB protection. 

This plant-based sunscreen does not only fit well for people with oily skin, but it’s also great for kids and babies: it won’t sweat off and run down into the eyes. It’s also perfect for everyday use. 

Babo Botanicals knows how to make the best oil-free sunscreen for extra sensitive skin that has a broad spectrum for ultimate protection and moisturization. 

4. Babo Botanicals - Clear Zinc Sport Sunscreen Stick SPF 30

Babo Botanicals delivers another one of the best oil-free sunscreens. This hypoallergenic sunscreen stick is meant specifically for the face, lips, and ears.

This Clear Zinc Sport Sunscreen Stick has a broad-spectrum SPF 30. It’s designed to protect and heal your skin at the same time. Made with an innovative formula that includes zinc oxide, this sunscreen stick will protect you from harsh UVA and UVB rays. 

The stick is easy to use without getting your hands all creamy from the sunscreen. With its smaller size, it is easy to apply to smaller areas, such as lips, nose, and ears. It is water and sweat resistant for 80 minutes and will stay on your skin without greasiness or clogging your pores. 

This plant-based sunscreen has a sensitive formula that is perfect for your little ones, too!

5. Mineral Fusion - Mineral SPF 30 Brush-On Sun Defense

For the last one, we have selected something very special. This Mineral SPF 30 Brush-On Sun Defense from Mineral Fusion combines make-up and sunscreen. Although different from the others, it deserves its place on this list of best oil-free sunscreens. 

If you’re looking to add a little bit of coverage and glow to your sunscreen, this sunscreen from Mineral Fusion is for you. The powder formula also helps make your skin more matte, perfect for oily skin.

This brush-on powder sunscreen offers 2-in-1 action. Containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, this plant-based sunscreen has a broad spectrum SPF 30 that will protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. On top of that, it gives you a beautiful glow with its light-reflecting minerals. 

This sunscreen powder is completely transparent, meaning it matches all skin tones and types perfectly. This powder comes with an easy built-in brush that can be applied at home or even on the go. It leaves your skin soft and glowy without any chalky residue.

One Last Tip For Protecting Your Skin…

Now you know which sunscreens are the best oil-free sunscreens and which ones are the most ideal for your skin’s needs, hoorah! However, we’d like to remind you of something simple. Most people forget this when using sunscreen: when to apply it. Most people will go outside, find a spot in the sun, and then take their time to apply sunscreen - this leaves you at risk. 

It is very important to remember to add sunscreen before going into the sun. We recommend doing it at least 15 minutes before to make sure the sunscreen gets absorbed into your skin. This way the sunscreen is already working and protecting your skin from the second you step outside to the sun!