Which La Roche-Posay Sunscreen is Best for Oily Skin?

Sunscreen is the key to protecting our skin from premature ageing, sunburns, and ultraviolet (UV) light that can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen daily can also contribute to addressing specific skin care concerns such as hyperpigmentation and dark spots, as prolonged exposure to UV light not only triggers immediate darkening of the skin but also exacerbates long-term discolouration.

La roche posay sunscreen for oily skin

Sunscreen is not bad for oily skin

A common issue met with having oily, or blemish-prone skin is that most traditional sunscreens can feel too heavy or greasy on the skin. This can happen after applying sunscreen because you are using the wrong formulation for your skin type. Furthermore, not protecting your skin from UV radiation may cause inflammation and dehydration, encouraging your skin to over produce oil and trigger/worsen acne. Therefore, it is important to wear sunscreen daily, even if you have oily, blemish-prone skin.

The best sunscreen to use on oily, blemish-prone skin is a chemical sunscreen as they have lightweight formulas compared to traditional physical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens contain safe active ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate that absorb quickly into the skin, where they then convert UV radiation into heat, which the skin then releases. This function is what creates the thin and transparent properties of chemical sunscreens.

The Best La Roche-Posay Sunscreen for Oily Skin

La Roche-Posay have a range of sunscreens developed by dermatologists in their Anthelios range. These sunscreens are specifically intended for use on oily and blemish-prone skin types, without feeling greasy or leaving a white cast.

The top 3 La Roche-Posay sunscreens for oily skin are:

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Oil Control Fluid SPF 50+

Best: Overall
Texture: Fluid
Suitable for: Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin
SPF: 50+

Anthelios UVMune oil control is a daily, high protection SPF 50+ fluid, exclusively designed for oily, blemish-prone skin types. This formulation absorbs and regulates excess sebum (oil) production, minimises the appearance of pores, whilst keeping the skin mattified throughout the day. The invisible, weightless texture of this sunscreen fluid contains La Roche-Posay’s Netlock Technology, a patented sun protection technology, which is what allows the product to leave no trace of grease of stickiness on the skin, whilst also keeping it water, sweat and sand resistant.

This formula also contains thermal spring water, which helps to soothe the skin from inflammation, helping to minimise discomfort on acne-prone skin whilst keeping optimal hydration.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune SPF50+ Oil Control Gel-Cream

Best: Hydrating and mattifying
Texture: Gel-Cream
Suitable for: Oily-Combination Skin
SPF: 50+

La Roche-Posay UVMune SPF50+ Oil Control Gel-Cream is perfect for oily-combination skin types. It’s gel-cream texture provides slightly more hydration to the skin compared to Anthelios UVMune oil control fluid, benefiting dry and oily areas. Although this formula is more hydrating, it still features the key mattifying benefits with a fresh, dry-touch finish.

La Roche-Posay Anti-Shine Face Mist SPF 50+

Best: SPF top-up, over make-up SPF
Texture: Mist
Suitable for: Oily, Combination, and Blemish-Prone Skin
SPF: 50+

La Roche-Posay’s invisible anti-shine mist is perfect for topping up on your sun protection throughout the day for all oily, combination and acne-prone skin types. A general recommended practise is to reapply your sunscreen every two hours, especially during the summer, and this product is the easiest way to make sure you’re consistent. This product is also useful if you have oily skin and wear make-up regularly because it helps to absorb oil, whilst protecting your skin from UV radiation without ruining your make-up, or giving it a greasy finish.

How much La Roche Posay sunscreen should I use?

For individuals aged 16 and above, it is advisable to apply around two teaspoons (10ml) of sunscreen for effective coverage on the face, neck, and shoulders. It is recommended to apply chemical sunscreens before your moisturiser so that the skin can directly absorb the product.

For body coverage, use approximately two tablespoons (30-35ml) of sunscreen.