Favourite Sunscreens for Oily Skin & Face
Without question, daily and consistent use of a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher — 365 days a year, rain or shine — is the best way to preserve the health of your skin. Especially under the hot and humid weather conditions of Southeast Asia and Singapore, wearing sunscreen everyday can reduce early signs of skin aging like fine lines, uneven skin tone, and loss of radiance, while also helping to prevent skin cancer.
The tricky part for those of us with oily skin is finding a sunscreen that doesn’t leave your skin looking and feeling like a greasy, pore-congested mess.
We’re calling a truce in the struggle between oily skin and sunscreen,because at Paula’s Choice Skincare , we’ve formulated some of the most lightweight, fluid sunscreen textures imaginable.
Guidelines For the Right Sunscreen for Oily Skin
Consider lightweight sunscreens such as sheer or fluid lotions, that dry down to a matte finish. Well-formulated water-based sunscreens with absorbent ingredients are excellent options to add to your skincare routine.
Avoid formulas loaded with emollients like plant oils and fatty acids, as these often leave a shiny finish and can cause makeup to slide off your face by midday.
Stick to broad-spectrum formulas rated SPF 30 or higher, and look for sunscreens that include antioxidants and soothing agents for added skin benefits.
Paula’s Choice Sunscreen Picks for Oily Skin
Each of the sunscreens we’ve selected fits the criteria we mentioned above, and works beautifully for those with oily to combination skin types.
RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50. Want to stack the deck against aging? This water-like formula feels like nothing on your face, yet it’s loaded with soothing ingredients and antioxidants for additional anti-aging benefits.
RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30. This mineral-based sunscreen is one of our bestsellers. It imparts a sheer, skin-enhancing tint that sets to a super-matte finish and wears beautifully under makeup or on its own. Bonus: You may find you no longer need an oil-absorbing primer, as this can do double duty.
SKIN BALANCING Ultra Sheer Daily Defense SPF 30. True to its name, this "ultra-sheer" formula helps balance combination to oily skin and dries to a soft-matte feel. Your skin will appreciate the light hydration without any greasy finish.
DEFENSE Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30. This lightweight, all-mineral sunscreen delivers comfortable daily hydration while creating a soft, natural-looking glow. The illuminating finish enhances makeup-optional skin, and the formula’s 12 antioxidants help visibly defend against the effects of pollution and environmental stress.
Is Foundation With SPF OK?
While we don’t generally recommend relying on a foundation as your only source of sun protection (unless you’re willing to apply it very liberally, which is essential for any sunscreen), layering a foundation or tinted moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher over another SPF product is a great approach. Just remember to touch up your sunscreen throughout the day — whether you’re wearing makeup or not — to ensure you stay adequately protected against sun damage.
For more personalised recommendations and advice on oily skin or other concerns, explore our Skincare Advice page for research-backed tips and expert guidance.
Shop our extensive selection of sunscreen products for effective sun protection with skincare benefits you’ll love.
