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If you’re looking for the best sunscreens for combination skin, you know it can be a mix of appeasing dry patches and areas that skew oily. As someone with that type of complexion, I find that some products prove to be too greasy, others tend to irritate my already flaky patches, and others don’t play well with my makeup, causing pilling and fading throughout the day. As a beauty writer, I’ve been Goldilocks-ing my way through various types of sunscreens, and after chatting with dermatologists, I’ve narrowed it down to the very best, combo-friendly sunscreens that keep my skin balanced and protected.
My top pick is the Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen, because it’s super lightweight and noncomedogenic (meaning it doesn’t break me out), and it has a green tint for color-correcting redness around my nose and chin. I also polled Glamour editors with combination skin for their favorite picks, including affordable choices you can find at the drugstore, and tinted options that can double as foundation.
The best sunscreens for combination skin, at a glance
Your sunscreens for combination skin questions, answered
What should you look for when shopping for a sunscreen for combination skin?
“People with oily and acne-prone skin, including those with combination skin, should look for products that are labeled ‘noncomedogenic,’” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in NYC. This means that these formulas contain ingredients that won’t clog your pores. They should also have mattifying properties that can help soak up excess oil. “I usually recommend gel or water-based sunscreens for those with oily complexions so that they don’t leave a greasy finish behind. If there are specific areas where the skin needs hydration, look for sunscreens with hyaluronic acid that will help those areas maintain moisture,” says Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates.
Is physical or chemical sunscreen better for combination skin?
According to the dermatologists we spoke with, both physical and chemical sunscreens are suitable for combination skin, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Chemical sunscreens protect our skin by absorbing UV rays, changing them to heat, then releasing them from our skin; they might not be suitable for those with relatively sensitive or combination skin. “Physical sunscreens will remain active even after significant exposure, and they’re not absorbed into the skin, so they’re less likely to cause irritation,” says Dr. Spearman.
How we tested sunscreens for combination skin
We tested sunscreens for combination skin by looking at their ingredients, their longevity, and whether they were able to balance out our sometimes oily, sometimes dry skin types. We looked for mineral sunscreens for the most part (due to Dr. Spearman’s recommendation) and those that didn’t feel greasy or heavy after application. We also evaluated whether they kept our skin matte and shine-free throughout the day but didn’t dry out any areas thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Best Overall: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen (SPF 30)
Original video by Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30
This ultralightweight formula helps physically block UVA and UVB rays with SPF 30, is water-based (so water is the main ingredient), and contains green tea extracts to protect from free radicals. The green tinge helps cancel out redness from acne, blemishes, or inflammation to provide a more even-toned appearance.
“I’m kind of obsessed with this sunscreen because it acts as a color corrector and helps balance out my skin,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy or oily residue behind. Since it sinks right in, I like to use it as the first step (before primer) in my makeup routine. It doesn’t pill, and it keeps my skin looking soft and hydrated, even in areas (like my eyebrows and sometimes on my nose) where I tend to flake. It also keeps my oily areas (like my T-zone and chin) extremely matte. It has everything a combo-skin girlie needs, and for that, I can’t see myself switching to a different everyday sunscreen anytime soon.”
- What we love: Green tint to cancel out redness; absorbs easily
- What could improve: Could use a higher SPF
Best K-Beauty Sunscreen: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen (SPF 36)
Tested and reviewed by Glamour commerce editor Jenifer Calle
This Korean sunscreen is a total treat and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles. It has a blend of green tea, sunflower seed oil, and cica to hydrate, soothe, and soften the skin. And it provides lightweight moisture throughout the day.
“I always recommend this K-beauty sunscreen to my friends because it is so lightweight, doesn’t leave behind any white cast, and doesn’t pill under my makeup. A makeup artist even asked me what kind of sunscreen I was using because it gave me such a nice glow. I’ve squeezed out every bit of product out before switching to a new sunscreen because I love it so much,” says Glamour’s senior commerce editor, Jenifer Calle..
- What we love: Radiant but nonshiny finish; no white cast
- What could improve: SPF could be higher
Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen (SPF 60)
Original image of Loneeja Talukdar testing the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen Dry Touch SPF 60
“Lightweight, fast-absorbing sunscreens like gels, fluids, and sheer creams work best. They create a smooth base without leaving a greasy or sticky residue,” says Dr. Garshick. That’s part of the reason this fast-absorbing sunscreen is a favorite of dermatologists and editors alike. It dries instantly, is nongreasy and noncomedogenic, and doesn’t feel sticky or heavy after application. It pairs well with makeup and other products, including tinted moisturizers or concealers.
“I really love this sunscreen,” says Glamour senior analyst Loneeja Talukdar. “It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and provides great sun protection without leaving any white cast, which is something I really appreciate. My skin feels smooth and matte all day, making it perfect for everyday use. I highly recommend it, especially if you have acne-prone skin.”
- What we love: Affordable; suitable for acne-prone and oily skin
- What could improve: Can leave a bit of a white cast if not fully blended in
Best Tinted Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Face Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Original photo from Miah Hardy testing EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates, is a fan of this daily SPF. “It has 5% of vitamin B3, which is helpful in reducing skin blemishes and balancing out discoloration,” she says.
“As a Black woman, I’ve always been a bit wary of tinted sunscreens,” says Miah Hardy, associate manager of audio audience strategy at Condé Nast, who has combination skin. “No one wants to trade sun protection for an ashy finish. But this tinted formula completely won me over. Not only does it protect my skin, but it also leaves a beautiful, healthy glow. No chalkiness, no weird cast, just radiant skin. If you love a skin care routine that doubles as makeup, this is definitely worth a try,”
- What we love: Hydrating thanks to hyaluronic acid; contains vitamin E to soothe and reduce signs of aging
- What could improve: Only comes in two shades
Best for Sensitive Skin: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
This weightless gel sunscreen is a go-to for Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, because it contains meadowfoam seed oil, chamomile and antioxidant-rich algae to help protect and soothe sensitive, combination skin types. It doesn’t leave behind a white cast and can even be used as a primer under makeup. “You’ll find yourself second-guessing whether you even put anything on,” says Anna Moeslein, Glamour deputy editor. “Because of that, it works well as a primer or on its own as a mattifying finish after your daily moisturizer.”
- What we love: Invisible formula is suitable for all skin tones; fragrance-free; doubles as a makeup primer
- What could improve: Can be a little greasy if you apply too much
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Original image of Jenifer Calle testing the SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
“This weightless physical sunscreen is suitable for combination skin because it contains artemia salina, an ingredient that can help increase skin’s resistance to UV rays and heat-induced stress. It is also lightweight, leaves a matte finish and is easy to apply,” says Dr. Spearman. Since it’s noncomedogenic and tinted, it’s ideal for acne-prone skin because it will keep pores clear and reduce redness.
“This sheer tinted sunscreen is great for blurring and adding a bit of coverage. It might not be hydrating enough for some, so I would recommend layering on a hydrating serum or moisturizer beforehand,” says Glamour’s Calle. “It meshes well with my makeup and helps mattify my oily complexion. Its liquid-like consistency is very lightweight and easy to blend. However, it does leave a bit of white cast so it might not be great for darker skin tones.”
- What we love: Fragrance-free; suitable for skin prone to pimples and sensitivity
- What could improve: Pricey
Best for Mature Skin: Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Original image of Jazmin Gathers testing the Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non Greasy Sunscreen
This nongreasy sunscreen pick really lives up to its name: It contains kaolin clay to help remove and tame impurities and suck up excess grease, plus it’s got vitamins A, C and E to protect from free radicals. Lightweight, oil-free and sweat-resistant, it’s a great pick if you’re spending a long day out in the sun.
“My fear with sunscreen is that it can sometimes appear too greasy or leave a white cast on my skin, and this one did neither. I have naturally oily skin, but this product gave off a matte finish that didn’t leave me looking too dry. I wore it all afternoon at the park with my dog, and even after chasing her around (she’s a toy poodle—if you know, you know), I didn’t feel like I sweated it off or needed to reapply it. If it’s good enough to withstand her high energy, it’s good enough for me,” says Glamour senior manager of social media Jazmin Gathers.
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