11 Matte Sunscreens That Will Keep Even the Oiliest Skin Shine-Free and Protected
A sun-kissed glow is all the rage on TikTok these days, thanks to stars like Hailey Bieber rocking the dewy-faced trend, but sometimes you just want a matte appearance—especially if you’re an oily skin girlie. We’ve all been there, especially in the summertime when sweat becomes an everyday summer accessory.
That’s why we’re dropping the list of all of the best matte sunscreens that are available now. If you’re not already wearing sunscreen every day, what are you doing? Sunscreen is the number one way to protect your skin against environmental stressors like pollution (which is more rampant than ever), sun damage, and premature aging. And this classic product has gone through major upgrades over the years, so anyone can find the perfect formula to suit their skin’s needs.
1. Best Tinted Matte Sunscreen:
MDSOLARSCIENCES Mineral Tinted Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 30 UVA-UVB Sunscreen
This matte sunscreen truly does it all. First, it works well as a makeup primer due to its light tint; next, it’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes so you don’t have to worry about sweating through it; and finally, it delivers natural antioxidant protection with green tea, cranberry, and pomegranate. Grab this for your makeup bag and you’ll be ready for anything.
2. Best Matte Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin:
MURAD Acne Control Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 | PA++++
Because this sunscreen is lightweight and oil-free, it’s completely non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores and cause more breakouts. The mattifying finish helps to control oil and shine with the help of avocado and African yellow wood bark extract. Sweaty girls (*raises hand*), this one's for you!
3. Best Invisible-Finish Matte Sunscreen:
SUGAR COSMETICS Goddess of Flawless SPF30 Mattifying Sunscreen
If you like a no-frills mattifying sunscreen that actually delivers, you’re going to love this option from SUGAR COSMETICS. It’s totally sheer on the skin, making it perfect for any skin tone. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, so you don’t have to worry about that ~iconic~ sunscreen smell that everyone deals with but no one ever asked for. You can use this as a primer or a stand-alone sunscreen on makeup-free days.
4. Best Matte Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin:
SUNTIQUE I'm Pure Perfect Cica Suncream
Did you know that your skin needs SPF protection year-round—not just during the summer time? SUNTIQUE makes it easy to add SPF as a daily step, thanks to this fast-absorbing, non-sticky, non-greasy formula that settles into the skin and protects for hours. Because it’s ultra-gentle, it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin. One IPSY reviewer loved it so much, they said, “Best sunscreen second to Murad city skin for me. No white cast. No grease!”
5. Best Matte SPF Spray:
COOLA Organic SPF 30 Makeup Setting Sunscreen Spray
The best thing about SPF facial sprays is that they usually double as makeup setting sprays, like this one from COOLA. What better way to seal off your makeup job than with even more SPF? Hey, we believe you can never be too protected out there. This weightless spray will keep your makeup going all day and is packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
6. Best Semi-Matte Formula:
ELTA MD UV Luminous Broad Spectrum SPF
This sunscreen is lightly tinted and has a semi-matte finish, which is perfect for those who don’t want a dewy glow or a super-matte appearance. Somewhere in between sounds juuust right. Thanks to linoleic acid and vitamin E, your skin stays protected from free radicals all day long.
7. Best Ultra-Sheer Matte Sunscreen:
COLORESCIENCE Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Matte SPF 50
This is a great option for medium to deep skin tones. Even though it has a slight tint of color, it’s ultra-sheer and dries on matte, so it’s perfect for controlling oil production in the T-zone. All you need is a nickel-size amount of product for a full face of coverage.
8. Best Matte Moisturizer With SPF:
IMAGE SKINCARE Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer Oil-Free SPF 30
If you deal with large pores, this is the mattifying SPF to reach for. It works to minimize shine while making pores appear invisible, so you can smooth your foundation over this sun protection if you’re planning to wear a full face of makeup. Of course, it’s just as effective as a standalone SPF. It’s free of artificial fragrances, dyes, and parabens, so you know you’re only getting effective SPF skincare in each tube.
9. Best Matte Sunscreen With Blue Light Protection:
SUPERGOOP Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40
Did you know you can naturally filter out blue light damage with the powerhouse ingredient wild butterfly ginger? Yup, and that’s what this SPF is packed with, in addition to bamboo extract that helps reduce the visible effects (aka premature aging) of free radicals (pollution, UV rays, etc.) on the skin.
10. Best Gel Formula:
BLACK GIRL SUNSCREEN Make It Matte™ SPF 45 Sunscreen
A lightweight, gel formula is the key to protecting your skin against sun damage with absolutely no white cast or residue left behind after application. Since it’s also formulated with ingredients like aloe, squalene, and shea butter, it’s just as hydrating as it is skin-protecting.
11.Best Matte Sunscreen for Tired Skin:
DERMALOGICA Oil-Free Matte SPF 30
If your skin appears dull and sleepy long after you’ve woken up, reach for this SPF that contains caffeine to help skin appear more alive. It also has niacinamide to help absorb excess oil, so you’ll stay shine-free and matte after each application.
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