The Best Sunscreens for Your Face: A Complete Guide for Every Skin Type

If you have oily skin, the thought of adding sunscreen to your routine might seem daunting. But don’t skip it! Look for lightweight, oil-free, and mattifying sunscreens that control shine throughout the day.  

The best sunscreen for oily skin is one that won’t clog your pores and keeps you looking fresh.

A water-based sunscreen gel or fluid with a non comedogenic formula is your go-to. These sunscreens absorb quickly, leaving a matte finish while protecting your skin from sun damage.

Top picks for oily skin:

Sunscreens with SPF 50+ with zinc oxide or niacinamide and oil-control properties

Non-greasy, gel-based sunscreens designed for acne-prone skin

Our Recommendations:

The Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camelia is the perfect solution for oily skin. This lightweight, non-greasy sun stick provides SPF 50+ protection while absorbing excess oil for a shine-free finish.

The Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel is a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen designed for oily skin. Infused with 8 types of hyaluronic acid, it provides deep hydration while offering broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection.  

Eucerin Oil Control Sun-Gel Cream SPF 50+ is specially formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, offering superior sun protection without clogging pores. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly, leaving a matte finish that controls excess oil throughout the day.

For those with dry skin, it’s crucial to find a sunscreen that hydrates while offering protection. The best sunscreen for dry skin will have moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.   

These sunscreens not only provide broad-spectrum protection but also keep your skin nourished and hydrated throughout the day.

Cream-based sunscreens or those with a rich, emollient texture work best for dry skin, helping to lock in moisture and prevent flakiness or tightness.

Top picks for dry skin:

Sunscreens with added hydration, like hyaluronic acid or ceramides

Creamy formulas that offer deep moisturization 

Our Recommendations:

Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum offers lightweight yet deeply hydrating sun protection, ideal for dry skin. Perfect for daily use, it’s the ultimate sun serum for maintaining hydration and protection. 

Discover ultimate hydration with Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun:

Rice + Probiotics, a lightweight sunscreen specially formulated for dry
skin. Infused with nourishing rice extract and probiotics, it delivers deep moisture while providing SPF 50+ protection.

Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar is the ultimate on-the-go sun protection for dry skin. This lightweight, non-greasy formula provides powerful SPF 50+ protection while delivering essential hydration.

Sensitive skin requires extra care when selecting skincare products, and sunscreen is no exception.  

The best sunscreen for sensitive skin is fragrance free and formulated with gentle, soothing ingredients. Mineral-based sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often recommended, as they provide a physical barrier without irritating your skin.

Look for sunscreens labeled “hypoallergenic” or “for sensitive skin” to avoid redness, irritation, or breakouts.

Top picks for sensitive skin:

Fragrance-free sunscreens with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile

Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide 

Our Recommendations:

Eucerin Sensitive Protect Sun Cream offers high UVA and UVB protection designed specifically for sensitive skin. This lightweight, non-greasy formula provides immediate sun defense while soothing and calming easily irritated skin. 

Bioderma Photoderm Cover Touch SPF 50+ Mineral Sun Cream offers high protection for sensitive skin, shielding it from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Its non comedogenic formula is designed for maximum coverage without clogging pores, leaving a smooth matte finish. 

Discover the gentle protection of Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream, specially formulated for sensitive skin. This lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen offers SPF 50+ protection while soothing and hydrating the skin with a refreshing water based formula.

If you have combination skin, you may find it tricky to balance the oily and dry areas of your face. The best sunscreen for combination skin is one that provides hydration without clogging pores or causing breakouts. Lightweight, non-greasy formulas are ideal, especially those that offer a balance of moisture for drier areas and oil control for shinier spots.

Opt for sunscreens that provide a semi-matte finis - this will help keep your skin balanced and protected.

Top picks for combination skin:

Gel or fluid sunscreens that balance hydration and oil control 

Sunscreens with a semi- matte finish that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin  

Our Recommendations:

Dermaction Plus by Watsons Advanced Sun Solar Barrier Water Drop Cream Gel is a lightweight, non-greasy formula perfect for combination skin. Offering high sun protection, this cream gel shields your skin from harmful UV rays while keeping it hydrated.

Experience lightweight hydration and sun protection with Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh: Rice + B5. This SPF50+ sunscreen is perfect for combination skin, blending nourishing rice extract with pro-vitamin B5 to soothe and moisturize without clogging pores.

Avene Hydrance Light Hydrating Emulsion Cream is a perfect lightweight moisturizer designed for combination skin. Enriched with Avene Thermal Spring Water, this cream helps restore the skin's natural moisture barrier, leaving it balanced, smooth, and refreshed.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is one of the most important factors when choosing the best sunscreen for your face. In the UAE, where the sun is intense, it’s recommended to use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. This ensures your skin is protected from both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sunburn, dark spots, and premature aging. 

For everyday use, an SPF 30 sunscreen is sufficient, but if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors or at the beach, opt for SPF 50+ for maximum protection. 

Finding the best sunscreen for your face is a vital step in your daily skincare routine, especially in the UAE. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, or combination skin, there’s a sunscreen designed just for you. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays will not only keep your skin looking radiant but also prevent long-term damage.  

Invest in the right sunscreen for your skin type and embrace a sun-safe, glowing complexion all year round. 

Discover a wide range of facial sunscreens tailored to every skin type at Watsons UAE—your one stop shop for the best skincare products!