We Chose the Best Non-Greasy Sunscreens for Any Skin Type and Budget

year ago

Summer is just around the corner, and we all know the importance of sunscreen since we hear it basically everywhere. But walking around with a pizza-greasy face is far from ideal. That’s why we’ve taken the time to carefully select the best non-greasy sunscreens for every skin type and budget.

Our recommendations will keep you protected from harmful UV rays without leaving you feeling oily or weighed down. So, whether you’re hitting the beach or just spending time outdoors, you can enjoy the sun without sacrificing your skin’s health or appearance.

1. This Neutrogena sunscreen with SPF 70 blends easily and is not pasty. And the higher the SPF, the better. However, it’s important to remember to reapply it every 80 minutes to ensure continued protection.

4.5 ⭐ out of 5

This Neutrogena sunscreen has a very faint, clean scent that won’t bother you, and unlike other sunscreens, it won’t irritate your eyes.

✔️ Pros:

The sunscreen lotion formula uses avobenzone for optimal broad-spectrum protection from skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays.
It glides on easily, so you don’t have to spend forever rubbing it in.
It doesn’t feel like it’s caked on or greasy.
It’s also PABA-free and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types.

❌ Cons:

If your skin is darker, it could leave a white cast.

What customers wrote about it:

This sunscreen is great for wearing alone or under make-up. It is ultra sheer, like it says, so layering is easy. If you are going bare-faced, it wears well because it is lightweight, absorbs well, and is non-greasy. It spreads easily too. The scent is pleasant and not overwhelming at all.
From what I can tell, it seems to be protecting me from the sun, especially if I apply it 15 minutes before outside exposure and if I remember to re-apply. What I like best is that it really is sheer, and it delivers a fresh, clean, non-greasy feel, like I’m not wearing sunscreen on my face. @Amazonlady

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2. This K-beauty sunscreen stick with SPF 50 is formulated with cotton extract, providing a soft and non-sticky finish that will leave your skin feeling silky smooth. The micro-sized porous powder in the formula absorbs sebum and oil, creating a thin and transparent layer that acts like a primer. Unlike traditional sunscreens, it is not a liquid and comes in a compact case that is perfect for traveling.

4.6 ⭐ out of 5

This sunscreen stick has a strong clean/floral smell that eventually goes away. The evening primrose in the formula moisturizes your skin, while the AC herb complex calms and controls excess sebum.

✔️ Pros:

It leaves your skin with a satin matte finish that feels powder soft to the touch.
The stick application makes it easy to apply and spread evenly on your skin.
It’s cruelty-free and vegan.

❌ Cons:

It may not be suitable for those who are sensitive to powder textures on their skin.

What customers wrote about it:
I purchased it for Coachella, and it did a great job! I must preface that I do not wear face makeup. I purchased this in order to have a way to easily reapply sunscreen throughout the day without my face feeling super sticky from the heat.
This product did an amazing job — it was very lightweight, easy to apply, and despite the heat, it kept its shape and the integrity of the product wasn’t distorted. I could quite literally barely feel this on my skin, and I would rub it in just to make sure I got it everywhere. It didn’t react weirdly to sweat either, which was a great plus. 10/10, purchase this if you’re interested! @Amazon Customer

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3. This Heliocare 360 oil-free gel sunscreen is best for problematic skin. And it makes a fantastic primer for under makeup, ensuring your skin stays protected all day long. The lightweight formula is not greasy and soaks into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and dry to the touch.

This sunscreen not only protects the skin from harmful UVA, UVB, visible light, and infrared-A rays, but it also defends against free radicals and DNA damage. It’s perfect for all skin types, especially those with combination, oily, or spot-prone skin. And it has an apricot scent.

4.5 ⭐ out of 5

✔️ Pros:

It’s non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic, meaning it won’t block pores or produce spots.
It’s also paraben-free, alcohol-free, and vegan, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

❌ Cons:

It is a bit pricey for a 1.69-oz (50 ml) tube.
It doesn’t provide much moisture for the skin.

What customers wrote about it:
Why didn’t I know about this sooner? An absolutely incredible oil-free SPF that doesn’t emit any form of grease or shine, unlike several others I’ve trialed recently. It’s wonderful for wearing under foundation and acts as a decent primer, although be careful not to apply foundation too quickly.
I was in a rush today and ended up with some pilling on my upper lip. I’d recommend giving it a good 5 minutes before layering. Also, due to this being a gel, it dries on the skin very quickly and becomes tacky and quite un-spreadable, so I’d advise applying it via one of 2 methods. Squeeze one large amount and apply it super quickly in one big sweep across the face. Alternatively, squeeze a small amount out several times and apply it in sections on the face. @HeavyRotation

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4. This Garnier sunscreen spray is great for those who prefer the convenience of a spray-on sunscreen. Say goodbye to the hassle of applying sunscreen and then having to wash your hands. This ultra-light protection mist is quickly absorbed by the skin, leaving no white marks and providing a non-greasy, bare-skin feeling.

4.6 ⭐ out of 5

The spray format makes it easy to apply to all parts of the body, and its water-resistant formula makes it ideal for trips to the beach or pool.

✔️ Pros:

It contains no ethyl alcohol, making it gentle on the skin.
It can also be used on the face.
Its lightweight formula is perfect for applying to kids’ skin.
It’s great for reapplying throughout the day over makeup.

❌ Cons:

This sunscreen spray has a strong floral fragrance.
It is quite liquidy, so be sure to apply it carefully to avoid any mess.

What customers wrote about it:
I’m quite fussy with sunscreen, as I don’t like the feel of it on my skin. This one rubs in really well, and I can tell it’s on, but it feels way less greasy than most other sunscreens I’ve tried.
I’m very pale and have never been burned while using it. I used it in Australia in the summer, and it was great. The only downside is that I find it seems to run out quicker than standard creams, but that’s probably because I overapply. @helena

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5. La Roche-Posay clear skin sunscreen is the perfect solution for those with oily and acne-prone skin. This oil-free sunscreen with SPF 60 is designed to absorb excess oil, reduce shine, and prevent breakouts. It gives your face a velvety look and controls oil production for hours on end.

4.5 ⭐ out of 5

This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum chemical protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is 100% oil-free, and its dry-to-the-touch texture ensures that you never feel greasy. And it remains water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

✔️ Pros:

It does an excellent job of keeping your skin dry but soft, especially if you have oily skin.
It is definitely water-resistant, so it will make sweat glide down your face.
It doesn’t smell like the average sunscreen, as it is mostly scent-free.
It leaves your face feeling dry and not like you have a weird oily film.

❌ Cons:

It may leave a white film on darker skin.
The products won’t mix well with moisturizer and may leave a weird pilling feeling on your skin.
It also requires a good portion of time spent massaging it into your face and wiping out the solids to avoid a white cast.

What customers wrote about it:
This has been great for my skin type so far. I have oily, acne-prone skin. This goes on feeling pretty thick in the sense that a little goes a long way. It doesn’t feel heavy on my skin, however. When it dries, which is pretty quick, it has a soft, matte, almost powdery finish, which for me with my oily skin is heaven!
I don’t use this daily because I have an office job, and I try to only use it when there is a possibility of me spending some time outside. The only con for me is the price, but I understand that this means quality went into developing this great product. I will probably continue to buy it because it works! @Sarah Chavez

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6. This tinted sunscreen with SPF 20 is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a natural, lightweight sunscreen that also provides a bit of coverage. It is not just any ordinary sunscreen; it’s a moisturizer with SPF and is just the right color, so it won’t leave your face looking chalky white.

4.2 ⭐ out of 5

This tinted sunscreen has a natural, lightweight formula, and it goes on greaseless with a tint that won’t leave your face white and chalky. It’s also mineral oil, paraben, and fragrance-free, making it the #1 choice for those with dry skin, acne, or extremely sensitive skin.

✔️ Pros:

It is safe for the environment and oceans because it doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals that harm the earth.
It provides light coverage and evens skin for a your-skin-but-better look, and applies smoothly and easily with no need for brushes, blenders, or other tools.
It’s half the price of the high-end versions.

❌ Cons:

There are currently only 4 shades available.
It doesn’t cover scars, acne, or deeper pigmentation issues.
It can also sink into large pores and doesn’t fully mattify.

What customers wrote about it:
I don’t like to wear a lot of make-up, and I wanted a way to be able to apply SPF while also providing my face with some coverage. I purchased the medium and found it too dark. I thought it looked nice, but it might be better in the summer months.
I emailed customer support about possibly getting a lighter color, and they sent me a lighter shade and advised me to mix the colors. The lady I worked with was so understanding and helpful, and the lighter shade was sent to me super quick! I’ve been using the product for a week now, and I am obsessed with how it makes my skin feel and look while also providing protection from the sun. The best face product I own! And 10/10 on customer service! @Secret Santa

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7. This Babo Botanicals sunscreen with SPF 30 is the ultimate sunblock for those with very sensitive skin. This fast-absorbing and lightweight sunscreen is perfect for babies and adults alike. With 100% non-nano zinc, it provides 80 minutes of water and sweat-resistant coverage, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

4.5 ⭐ out of 5

This sunscreen’s short and simple ingredients make it a safe and effective choice for those with sensitive skin. Plus, it has a good EWG rating, giving you peace of mind when it comes to sun protection.

✔️ Pros:

It’s oxybenzone and octinoxate-free, making it safe for pregnant women and those concerned with additives.
It is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
It is also reef-friendly and biodegradable, making it an eco-conscious choice.

❌ Cons:

It is quite thick and can leave a white cast, so diligent blending is unavoidable.

What customers wrote about it:
It is water-resistant but not thick and sticky. I will keep ordering this one. I really love this one. I’ve done a ton of homework on mineral sunblocks and have also tried a bunch while searching for my unicorn of a product: non-nano zinc, a high enough percentage of zinc, non-comedogenic, water-resistant, and not leaving a white cast as much as possible.
This product ticks all of those boxes, plus it is very lightweight and easy to spread, cruelty-free, made in the USA, and the company is a certified B Corporation. I wish there were more in the tube, but it’s not even close to being as bad as the more expensive products I’ve come across. And for all of the pluses concerning this product, I won’t hesitate to put my money toward buying it again. @Amazon Customer

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Preview photo credit Nelly Fajardo / Amazon, Amazon