Best Sunscreens for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin 2025 Guide

When you have oily or acne-prone skin, choosing the right sunscreen can feel like walking a tightrope. The wrong formula can clog pores, trigger breakouts, or make your skin look greasy. But skipping sunscreen isn’t an option either as UV rays can worsen acne scars and increase oil production.

In this 2025 guide, we’re breaking down the best sunscreens in India that are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and made for oily skin. Plus, we’re featuring Alive and Well, one of the best skincare brands in India right now.

What to Look for in a Sunscreen (for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin)

Before jumping into product names, let’s talk about what makes a sunscreen great for acne-prone skin:

• Oil-free / Non-comedogenic – Won’t clog your pores.
  
  

• Matte or gel-based texture – Helps control shine.
  
  

• Broad Spectrum (SPF 50+ PA++++) – Protects against UVA & UVB rays.
  
  

• Fragrance-free / Low-irritant – Prevents flare-ups and sensitivity.
  
  

• Active ingredients – Like niacinamide, zinc, or centella can help calm inflammation.
  
  

• No white cast – Especially important for medium to deeper Indian skin tones.
  
  

Alive and Well – India’s Rising Skincare Brand for Oily Skin

If you're looking for a reliable Indian skincare brand, Alive and Well should be on your radar.

Their Star Product:

Throwing Shade SPF 50 PA++++ Sunscreen

• Lightweight, non-greasy formula
  
  

• No white cast
  
  

• Designed for Indian skin tones
  
  

• Matte finish ideal for oily/acne-prone skin
  
  

It’s gaining popularity for its balance between high sun protection and skin comfort. Whether you’re out in the sun or under studio lights, this one holds up well without turning your face into an oil slick.

Check it out: aliveandwell.in

Why Alive and Well - Throwing Shade SPF 50 is Top picks in 2025 for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

Here’s a curated list of the best sunscreens available in India right now that suit oily/acne-prone skin:

• High Protection (SPF 50 PA++++)

It gives strong UVB protection (SPF 50) plus very high UVA protection (PA++++) — that’s important because UVA rays penetrate deeper and worsen pigmentation, dark spots, and can trigger acne scars. 

• Lightweight, Non-Greasy / Matte Finish

One of the biggest problems oily skin types face is getting super shiny or feeling heavy. The texture of Throwing Shade is described as light, milk‑like, melts into skin quickly, and gives a matte (or at least non‑greasy) finish.

• Non-Comedogenic & Acne‑Friendly

It doesn’t clog pores, which is essential for acne‑prone skin. Also, the product claims to be suited for “all skin types” but with special mention it works well for oily & acne‑prone skin. 

• Soothing & Barrier‑Care Ingredients

It includes Centella Asiatica extract, Ectoin, peptides, and date palm extract. These help in calming inflammation, strengthening the skin barrier, and reducing irritation — all useful when skin is breaking out or sensitive. 

• No White Cast

Many sunscreens leave a visible white film on darker or medium Indian skin tones; this product claims no white cast which increases wearability, especially outdoors or under makeup. 

• Hydration Without Overloading

Even though it’s matte and lightweight, it has humectants / hydrating agents (like xylitol, glycerin etc.) so it supports skin’s moisture without feeling heavy. Oily skin often overproduces oil if skin is dehydrated, so this helps break that cycle. 

• Dermatologist‑Recommended & Good User Feedback

The product page claims dermatologist approval / recommendation, and user reviews are positive regarding not only protection but comfort, non‑greasiness, and how it feels on oily skin. 

How to Apply Sunscreen for Best Results

• Use 2 fingers worth of sunscreen for your face and neck.
  
  

• Apply on clean, moisturized skin (after serums, before makeup).
  
  

• Wait 2-3 minutes before layering other products.
  
  

• Reapply every 2–3 hours, especially if sweating or exposed to the sun.
  
  

• Don’t forget under eyes, ears, and neck.
  
  

FAQs

Q1: Does sunscreen cause breakouts?

Not if you choose a non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formula made for oily skin.

Q2: Can sunscreen reduce acne marks?

Yes. Daily SPF helps prevent dark spots from getting darker and supports skin healing.

Q3: Is SPF 30 enough or should I go for SPF 50?

For Indian sun and oily skin, SPF 50 is better, especially if you’re out in the sun often.

Q4: Should I apply sunscreen even indoors?

Yes! UV and blue light from windows and screens can still damage skin.

Q5: Can I wear sunscreen under makeup?

Absolutely. Use a matte or gel sunscreen, wait 2-3 minutes, and then apply makeup.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let your skin type keep you from using sunscreen. With formulas like Alive and Well's Throwing Shade SPF 50, there are now smart, non-greasy, skin-friendly options that protect without clogging pores.

Whether you want matte finish, high SPF, or acne-safe ingredients — 2025 has plenty of great choices for oily skin.