Best SPF Tinted Moisturizer for Oily Skin

Oily skin needs makeup that multitasks. You want real SPF, enough coverage to even out redness, and a finish that stays fresh instead of turning into a greasy slip by lunchtime.

This guide focuses on SPF tinted moisturizers and skin tint hybrids that actually work on oily and combination skin. Each pick balances sun protection, oil control, and everyday wear so you can choose the formula that fits your skin and your schedule.

Quick picks

• EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 – Best for acne prone oily skin. Lightweight and breathable with niacinamide, it calms redness and breakouts while giving a natural, slightly satin finish.
• IT Cosmetics CC+ Oil Free Matte SPF 40 – Best full coverage option. This behaves like a long wear foundation with skincare and SPF baked in, ideal when you want serious coverage that still controls shine.
• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 20 – Best everyday, natural look. A classic oil free tint that feels weightless and gives a soft matte, skin like finish for office days and casual outings.
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50 – Best mineral SPF tint for very oily skin. Thin, fluid texture that dries down quickly and resists shine in hot, humid weather.

In-depth reviews

EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 review

Best for: Oily, sensitive, and acne prone skin that flushes or breaks out easily.

EltaMD UV Clear Tinted is technically a tinted sunscreen, but it behaves like the ideal oily skin tinted moisturizer. The fluid, oil free formula sinks in quickly, leaves a soft satin finish, and never feels heavy or occlusive.

Key ingredients include niacinamide to calm redness and support the skin barrier, plus a gentle blend of UV filters that provide broad spectrum SPF 46 protection. The tint is sheer and flexible, designed to neutralize the typical white cast of sunscreen rather than give full coverage. On light to medium skin tones it subtly blurs redness and unevenness; on deeper skin tones it works more as a tone corrector under makeup.

Where it shines for oily skin is the way it manages oil through the day without drying you out. It layers well under makeup, but many people with combination or slightly oily skin find it enough on its own for low key days. Compared with IT Cosmetics CC+ Oil Free Matte SPF 40, EltaMD feels far lighter, offers less coverage, and is easier to reapply over the day for true SPF protection.

The main drawback is the limited tint range; it comes in only one flexible shade. If you want real coverage or have a deeper skin tone, you may still need a thin layer of concealer or a separate skin tint in your exact shade.

IT Cosmetics CC+ Oil Free Matte SPF 40 review

Best for: Oily skin that wants foundation level coverage with built in SPF and skincare.

If you love the idea of a tinted moisturizer but feel most of them are too sheer, IT Cosmetics CC+ Oil Free Matte is the power option. It gives medium to full coverage, covers redness and breakouts, and dries down to a true matte finish that resists midday shine.

The formula is oil free and includes an SPF 40 broad spectrum sunscreen. It also includes skincare style ingredients like charcoal, tea tree extract, and colloidal clay, which are commonly used to help purify and absorb oil. The texture is creamy but not runny, so a little goes a long way and it is easy to overapply at first.

For oily skin, the big advantage is longevity. Once set, it grips well and holds up much better through heat and humidity than a dewy tinted moisturizer such as Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 20. It is a smart choice for long workdays, events, or anyone who prefers a perfected look.

On the downside, the matte finish can emphasize dry patches or texture if you apply too much or skip moisturizer. It can also feel heavier than a traditional tinted moisturizer, especially if you are used to something weightless like EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. If you are between shades, you may need to mix two tubes or customize with a bit of bronzer.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 20 review

Best for: Normal to oily skin that wants a soft matte, natural look.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 20 is the classic choice for people who hate the feel of heavy foundation but still want a polished, even complexion. The oil free formula uses lightweight hydrators and oil absorbing powders to balance hydration with shine control.

Creamy out of the tube, it blends easily with fingers, a sponge, or a brush. The coverage is light to medium and very buildable, so you can keep it sheer on good skin days or add a second thin layer over redness and blemishes. The finish is a soft matte that still looks like real skin, less flat than IT Cosmetics CC+ Oil Free Matte SPF 40 but more controlled than a dewy tint.

For oily skin, this one is especially good if your cheeks lean normal but your T zone gets shiny. It is comfortable across the face without clinging to slightly drier areas. Shade range is solid, and the undertones are more nuanced than many drugstore tints, which helps avoid that mask like look.

The tradeoff is SPF level and staying power. SPF 20 is lower than the others in this list, so you should pair it with a dedicated sunscreen underneath if you will be outdoors for more than a quick commute. It also may not keep very oily skin matte on a long, hot day without a mattifying primer or setting powder.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50 review

Best for: Very oily, sensitive, or SPF focused users who prioritize high mineral protection.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50 is a high protection mineral sunscreen with a subtle tint, ideal for very oily or sensitive skin. The thin, milky texture spreads easily and dries down quickly to a natural matte finish that resists shine through sweat and humidity.

Because it is mineral based, it uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier against UVA and UVB rays, which many people with sensitive or reactive skin prefer. The universal tint softens the white cast typical of mineral sunscreen and lightly evens out tone, but coverage is sheerer than Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 20 or IT Cosmetics CC+ Oil Free Matte SPF 40.

For oily skin, the oil control is excellent. The formula is designed to feel non greasy and includes mattifying ingredients that keep shine at bay longer than many traditional moisturizers with SPF. It is particularly helpful for people who live in hot, humid climates and struggle to keep any makeup in place.

The biggest drawback is the single, fairly light shade; deeper complexions may find it still too light or slightly ashy. It can also cling to very dry patches or emphasize flaking, so be sure to use a light, oil free moisturizer underneath if your skin is combination rather than uniformly oily.

How to choose an SPF tinted moisturizer for oily skin

Before you add anything to your cart, it helps to know what actually works for oily skin and what just sounds good on the label. Use these checkpoints to quickly narrow your options.

• Look for oil free and non comedogenic claims. Products labeled oil free are less likely to add extra shine. Non comedogenic means the formula is designed not to clog pores, a key feature if you are acne prone.
• Choose at least SPF 30 for real protection. Many classic tinted moisturizers sit at SPF 20 or lower. If your pick is under SPF 30, plan to wear a dedicated face sunscreen underneath.
• Match the finish to your oil level. Very oily skin usually does best with a matte or natural matte finish like IT Cosmetics CC+ Oil Free Matte SPF 40 or La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50. Combination skin may prefer a soft satin finish, such as EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.
• Decide how much coverage you truly want. If you want “your skin but better,” go for a sheer formula like EltaMD or La Roche-Posay. If you often reach for foundation, something like the IT Cosmetics CC cream or Laura Mercier is more appropriate.
• Check for helpful skincare ingredients. Niacinamide, gentle antioxidants, and light hydrators can help balance oily skin. Avoid heavy butters or thick occlusives if you already struggle with clogged pores.

If you are torn between two formulas, imagine when you will use them most. For daily office wear and quick errands, a lighter tint you do not mind reapplying is handy. For long days, events, or special occasions, a more coverage focused formula that behaves like foundation can be worth it.

Application tips for longer wear on oily skin

Even the best SPF tinted moisturizer can slide off if application is off, especially on oily skin. A few small tweaks in your routine make a big difference in how long your base looks fresh.

• Prep with the right moisturizer. Use a light, oil free gel or lotion and let it absorb fully. Skipping moisturizer can backfire by making your skin overproduce oil.
• Blot or lightly powder your T zone before makeup. Press a thin tissue or blotting paper over your forehead, nose, and chin, then dust on a very light layer of translucent powder. This creates a better base for tints like Laura Mercier or EltaMD.
• Apply in thin layers. Start with a pea sized amount for the whole face and build only where you need more coverage. Thinner layers of IT Cosmetics CC+ Oil Free Matte or Laura Mercier wear better and crease less.
• Use tools strategically. Clean fingers warm up sheer formulas and help them melt into the skin. A damp sponge sheers out heavier coverage if you accidentally applied too much.
• Set only where you need it. Use a small brush to press powder into areas that get shiny or where you tend to lose coverage, like the sides of the nose or between the brows.
• Touch up with powder or SPF mist. For true sun protection, SPF needs reapplying every couple of hours if you are in direct sun. You can layer a sheer SPF mist or an SPF powder over your tinted moisturizer without completely starting over.

Remember that SPF ratings are based on applying a generous amount. If you are using your tinted moisturizer as your only sunscreen, aim for roughly a nickel sized amount for face and neck, then press in and let it set before adding any powder.

See also

To keep your base looking fresh, pair your tinted moisturizer with a smart primer from our guide to pore blurring vs hydrating primers and lock everything in with a mist from our best setting sprays for long wear makeup.

• Explore more low effort coverage with these best skin tints for no mirror application.
• For maximum sweat proof coverage on very oily days, try one of the best transfer resistant foundations for humid summers.
• Control midday shine and add a bit more coverage using one of the best drugstore powder foundations.

Final thoughts

If your priority is calming sensitive, acne prone skin with believable coverage, EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is the most flexible everyday pick. For people who want more perfected, foundation like coverage that still respects oily skin, IT Cosmetics CC+ Oil Free Matte SPF 40 is the strongest choice.

If you prefer a classic, soft matte tint that feels almost weightless, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 20 is ideal as long as you pair it with a proper sunscreen. For high protection and strong oil control in hot, sunny weather, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50 is hard to beat. Choose based on how much coverage you want and how oily your skin is, and you will land on a tinted SPF you actually enjoy using every day.

FAQ

Is a tinted moisturizer with SPF enough sun protection on its own?

Sometimes, but often not. You need a generous amount of product to reach the SPF printed on the label, usually more than most people use for everyday makeup. If your tinted moisturizer is under SPF 30 or you apply only a light layer, wear a separate broad spectrum sunscreen underneath for reliable protection.

Can oily skin wear tinted moisturizer every day without breaking out?

Yes, as long as the formula suits your skin. Look for oil free, non comedogenic products like EltaMD UV Clear Tinted or La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Light Fluid. Always remove your makeup thoroughly at night with a gentle cleanser, since leftover product and sunscreen can contribute to clogged pores.

Should I use primer under SPF tinted moisturizer if I have oily skin?

A light, pore blurring or mattifying primer can help a lot, especially in the T zone. It creates a smoother canvas, controls oil, and helps tints like Laura Mercier or IT Cosmetics adhere better. If your skin is very oily, priming the center of the face and leaving the outer edges bare often gives the best balance.

How do I stop my tinted moisturizer from oxidizing on oily skin?

Oxidation usually shows up as your base turning darker or more orange through the day. To minimize it, blot away excess oil before applying, use a thin layer, and set with a translucent powder. Choosing formulas that are not overly dewy and avoiding very warm undertones can also help.

What is the difference between tinted moisturizer, BB cream, and CC cream?

Tinted moisturizer is usually sheer, hydration focused coverage with a skin like finish. BB creams tend to add more skincare style benefits and light to medium coverage, while CC creams, like IT Cosmetics CC+ Oil Free Matte, focus on color correcting with medium to full coverage. For oily skin, the label matters less than the actual formula, SPF level, and finish.

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