Best Facial Sunscreen for Oily, Sensitive, Dry & Combination Skin (2025 Guide)

Finding the best facial sunscreen for your skin type is like searching for the perfect pair of jeans—one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Whether you have oily, sensitive, dry, or combination skin, the right sunscreen can make a world of difference in how your skin looks and feels throughout the day.

But let’s be real: sunscreen shopping can be overwhelming. Some feel too greasy, others leave a ghostly white cast, and some just don’t play nice under makeup. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best sunscreens for every skin type—from lightweight mattifying formulas for oily skin to ultra-hydrating options for dry skin.

Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s dive in!

Our Top Picks

• Best for Oily Skin: Paula’s Choice RESIST Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
• Best for Dry Skin: CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50
• Best for Combination Skin: Biore Aqua Rich UV

Best Facial Sunscreen for Oily Skin

If your skin turns into an oil slick by midday, you need a sunscreen that controls shine, absorbs excess oil, and leaves a lightweight, matte finish. Here are the top picks:

Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

This tinted, mineral-based sunscreen absorbs excess oil, controls shine, and provides a soft matte finish—no powder necessary. Formulated with zinc oxide for broad-spectrum sun protection and a potent blend of antioxidants, it helps fight premature aging while evening out your skin tone. The sheer tint prevents the dreaded white cast, making it an easy everyday choice for those with oily and combination skin.

Pros:

• Controls oil and shine for a matte finish
• Tinted formula evens out skin tone
• Works as a makeup primer

Cons:

• Tint may not suit deeper skin tones
• SPF 30 may not be enough for extended sun exposure

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Light

Infused with Centella Asiatica, this sunscreen calms irritation, reduces redness, and provides hydration without overwhelming oily skin. Plus, it offers high broad-spectrum protection to shield against harmful UV rays. Whether you’re battling acne or just want a breathable sunscreen, this formula is designed to feel like nothing on your skin—in the best way possible.

Pros:

• Lightweight and non-greasy
• Soothes and hydrates with Centella Asiatica
• Absorbs quickly, perfect for layering under makeup

Cons:

• May not be hydrating enough for dry skin
• Some may prefer a higher SPF rating

Biore UV Perfect Face Milk

Thanks to its sebum-absorbing powder, this ultra-lightweight sunscreen absorbs excess oil, controls shine, and leaves behind a soft, powdery finish that helps your makeup stay put all day. Despite its mattifying effect, it contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin to provide a touch of hydration, so your skin never feels dry or tight. Plus, with water resistance up to 80 minutes, it’s perfect for those who sweat or spend time outdoors.

Pros:

• Controls oil and shine for a matte finish
• Works as a primer under makeup
• Very water-resistant (up to 80 mins)

Cons:

• May feel too drying for some skin types

Best Facial Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

If your skin gets irritated easily, you need a sunscreen that’s gentle, fragrance-free, and non-irritating. These picks are dermatologist-approved for sensitive skin:

Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

This 100% mineral sunscreen forms a protective barrier that reflects UVA and UVB rays instead of absorbing them, making it less likely to cause irritation. It’s also formulated with vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps defend against free radicals while keeping the skin nourished and hydrated. Thanks to Micronized Technology, this sunscreen blends more smoothly compared to traditional mineral sunscreens, so you won’t have to worry about a heavy or chalky feel.

Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and approved by the National Eczema Association, making it perfect for even the most delicate skin.

Pros:

• 100% mineral formula, great for sensitive skin
• Hydrating and non-greasy texture
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes

Cons:

• May leave a slight white cast, especially on deeper skin tones
• Takes time to fully absorb into the skin

ANESSA Perfect UV Mild Milk SPF 50+ PA++++

This water-based sunscreen is ultra-gentle, free from alcohol, parabens, and fragrance—making it safe for babies and children (excluding newborns). It features Aqua Booster EX Technology, which strengthens the sunscreen’s protective barrier when it comes into contact with sweat or water, making it highly water-resistant even after a 40-minute pool session.

Aside from UV protection, this formula includes 50% skincare ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, to keep your skin hydrated, while licorice-derived glycyrrhizate acid helps soothe irritation. The lightweight milk texture absorbs effortlessly, leaving a natural, radiant finish that works well as a makeup primer. It’s also sand-resistant, so sand won’t stick to your skin when you’re at the beach!

Pros:

• Ultra-gentle, safe for sensitive skin and kids
• Water-resistant and sweatproof formula
• Hydrating with skincare ingredients

Cons:

• Can feel slightly oily on very oily skin types

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide SPF 50

Featuring zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection without chemical filters, making it gentle yet effective. The fast-absorbing, non-whitening formula blends easily into the skin, leaving a soft matte finish—ideal for oily or combination skin types.

It’s also infused with the brand’s Cell-Ox Shield® technology, a blend of antioxidants that defend against free radical damage. Additionally, it’s water-resistant for 40 minutes, making it a solid choice for daily wear and outdoor activities.

Pros:

• Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a matte finish
• 100% mineral sunscreen, safe for sensitive skin
• Packed with antioxidants for extra skin protection

Cons:

• Can leave a slight white cast on deeper skin tones

Best Facial Sunscreen for Dry Skin

If your skin feels tight or flaky, look for a hydrating sunscreen that nourishes while protecting.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50 is the perfect solution, combining broad-spectrum sun protection with hydrating and skin-repairing ingredients. Formulated with ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), it helps restore the skin barrier, while hyaluronic acid delivers long-lasting hydration to prevent dryness. Niacinamide soothes irritation and redness, making it great for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Despite its intensely nourishing formula, it’s lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic, making it a comfortable everyday option.

Pros:

• Deeply hydrating with ceramides and hyaluronic acid
• Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy
• Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)

Cons:

• Can take a few minutes to fully absorb

EltaMD UV Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 40

For those with dry or mature skin, EltaMD UV Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 40 offers a hydrating yet lightweight sunscreen option that doubles as skincare. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it helps retain moisture, reduce flakiness, and improve skin suppleness, making it an excellent choice for daily sun protection while also addressing fine lines and wrinkles.

Pros:

• Hydrates and plumps skin with hyaluronic acid
• Lightweight, sheer, and layers well under makeup
• Non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores

Cons:

• Requires reapplication for extended sun exposure

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Moisturizing Sun Cream

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Moisturizing Sun Cream is a deeply hydrating sunscreen that offers high UVA/UVB protection while keeping your skin comfortable. Infused with Mexoryl 400, this formula provides advanced protection against ultra-long UVA rays, which contribute to premature aging and sun damage.

Pros:

• Deeply hydrating and comfortable for dry skin
• Advanced Mexoryl 400 filter for ultra-long UVA protection
• Water, sweat, and sand-resistant

Cons:

• Slight white cast on deeper skin tones

Best Facial Sunscreen for Combination Skin

If your skin is oily in some areas and dry in others, you need a balanced sunscreen that hydrates without making you greasy.

Biore Aqua Rich UV

Biore Aqua Rich UV is a feather-light, water-based sunscreen that delivers SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection while instantly absorbing into the skin. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it hydrates without feeling greasy—perfect for combination skin that needs moisture without excess oil.

Pros:

• Hydrating yet lightweight
• No white cast & works well under makeup
• Non-greasy and absorbs instantly

Cons:

• SPF 30 may not be enough for prolonged sun exposure

Lancôme UV Expert Youth Shield Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++

Lancôme UV Expert Youth Shield Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++ is a multi-functional sunscreen that not only provides high UV protection but also defends against pollution and oxidative stress. Its Airy Defense™ Technology ensures a lightweight, breathable texture, making it a perfect everyday sunscreen.

Pros:

• High SPF protection against UVA & UVB rays
• Lightweight, breathable texture
• Pollution defense for urban environments

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to drugstore sunscreens

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF 50+ PA++++

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF 50+ PA++++ is a high-performance sunscreen that adapts to your environment, making it ideal for active lifestyles. Using SynchroShield™ technology, it strengthens its UV protection when exposed to water, sweat, or heat—perfect for outdoor activities.

Its NatureSurge Complex defends against pollutants, while hydrating ingredients keep skin moisturized and smooth. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula provides an invisible finish that works well under makeup. Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, ensuring long-lasting defense.

Pros:

• Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and invisible finish
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes

Cons:

• Premium price point

The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually enjoy using every day, so pick one that suits your skin type and lifestyle. Stay protected, stay glowing, and don’t forget to reapply!