Best sunscreen for combination skin: 10 top picks for you!

Sunscreen is an important part of daily skincare routine. It protects your skin from harmful UV rays and also helps in delaying the signs of premature ageing and prevent discolouration. Finding the right sunscreen for your skin type and needs are important to enhance its effectiveness. But when it comes to combination skin, it becomes tricky to choose the best sunscreen because of oily T-zone and dry cheeks. So, striking a healthy balance between sun protection and lightweight moisture without clogging any pores is essential. We have picked some of the best sunscreens for combination skin from the Amazon Great Summer Sale 2024 that you may use to shield your skin from UV radiation while preventing acne breakouts.

10 best sunscreens for combination skin

Best sunscreen for combination skin in India may help you keep your skin healthy and happy while protecting it from sun damage.

1. Conscious Chemist Sun Drink Hybrid SPF 50 PA++++

Conscious Chemist Sun Drink Hybrid SPF 50 PA++++ especially designed to protect your skin from UV rays, infrared rays and prevent the skin damage caused due to these rays. This non-sticky, water-resistant and lightweight sunscreen is formulated using aqua, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, glycol, ceramide and more, which may help reduce redness and antioxidant effect on your skin. Regular use of this product may help protect your skin against tanning, sunburn and premature skin-ageing.

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2. Earth Rhythm Ultra Defence Sunscreen

If you are looking for lightweight sunscreen for combination skin, try this one from Earth Rhythm. It has SPF 50 which may help protect your skin from ultraviolet rays. This non-greasy sunscreen promises to give long-lasting protection and hydration. In addition, this sunscreen is made using tinosorb s*, uvinul A plus*, and zinc oxide.

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Also Read: 7 best sunscreen sprays for a lightweight and non-greasy solution

3. Gabit 100% Mineral Sunscreen

This sunscreen for combination by Gabit is formulated using the mineral-based ingredients, which can help create a barrier on the skin. It promises to provide protection against UVA and UVB rays. The brand claims that their sunscreen can reflect and scatter UV rays, thus providing a reliable protection. Enriched with the goodness of Indian gooseberry and winter cherry extracts, this sunscreen may help restore the harmony of your skin. It is also free from oil, silicone and white cast.

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4. TAC Eladi Sunscreen SPF 50

TAC Eladi Sunscreen with SPF 50 is an organic sun protection spray that shields your skin from sun damage. Formulated with the goodness of vitamin C, eladi, aloe vera, avocado and neem, this sunscreen moisturises and nourishes your skin. This sunscreen offers broad spectrum SPF 50 UV protection. The brand claims that the product is free from harmful chemicals and is non-comedogenic.

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5. Svarasya Nivr Natural Sunscreen Lotion CReam

Svarasya Nivr Natural Sunscreen Lotion Cream promises to offer SPF 21 UV protection. Regular use of this sulphate-free sunscreen may help create a protective layer around your skin to beat the sun rays. Easy to apply, this sunscreen is packed with the goodness of jasmine, clove, cardamom, titanium oxide and zinc oxide that help keep your skin moisturised throughout the day. This sunscreen is lightweight and non-greasy, which makes it one of the perfect formulations for combination skin.

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6. NutriGlow Kashmiri Saffron Sunscreen

NutriGlow Kashmiri Saffron Sunscreen is packed with the goodness of active ingredients like saffron extract, aloe vera extract and orange extract. Besides protecting your skin from UV rays, it also promises to defend your skin against harmful infrared rays while supporting the ability of your skin to restore itself. It may also help reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and improve the appearance of sun damaged skin. This sunscreen may also provide an instant hydration boost, enhance the firmness of your skin, fight against environmental stressors and tighten the open pores.

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7. Dot & Key Watermelon Hyaluronic Cooling Sunscreen

Dot & Key Watermelon Hyaluronic Cooling Sunscreen contains watermelon, UV filters, hyaluronic acid and beet root extract. This sunscreen promises to control excess oil production while providing a cooling effect to your skin. It provides broad spectrum protection against UV, IR and blue light. Regular use of this sunscreen can hydrate your skin from within and make it healthy. The brand states that this sunscreen comes with a lightweight, non-oily, non-sticky and non-pilling formula, which makes it best for the skin.

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8. Cetaphil Combination Skin Sun

Cetaphil Combination Skin Sunscreen is packed with the goodness of vitamin E, sheer zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with prebiotics. It may help fight free radicals, protects your skin against damage and also promises to offer UV protection. Regular use of this sunscreen may also prevent dryness and roughness. It also claims to reduce skin irritation, make your skin tighter, firmer and improve the skin barrier. The brand also claims that this product is free from paraben, sulphate, mineral oil and allergen.

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9. Minimalist Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++

Minimalist Sunscreen is specially formulated with four effective UV filters, including Uvinal T 150, avobenzone, octocrylene and titanium dioxide. Regular use of this sunscreen may help protect your skin against both UVA and UVB rays. It is infused with the goodness of vitamins A. B3, B5, E and F that may help repair your skin after sun exposure. It can also nourish, soothe and hydrate your skin, thus improving your skin’s overall health. The brand claims that this product has been tested by an independent lab and confirmed that it contains an SPF of 50.

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10. Dr. Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen

Dr. Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen promises to protect your skin from UV rays and blue light by providing an SPF of 50. Regular use of this sunscreen may help prevent premature ageing and sunburn. It contains ceramide that can help build the skin barrier, making it less prone to pigmentation and damage. This sunscreen can even help improve the skin tone. The hydrating ingredients of this sunscreen may help hold the moisture without causing any greasy feel. The brand claims that this sunscreen is lightweight, perfect for all skin types, free of fragrances and dermatologically tested.

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What are the different types of sunscreen?

• Chemical sunscreen: This type of sunscreen works by absorbing UV radiation and converting it into heat, which gets released from the skin. They include active ingredients like avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone. These sunscreens are lightweight and can spread easily. While they are safe to use, some people may feel skin sensitivity or allergy.
• Physical sunscreen: Physical sunscreen or mineral sunscreen creates a physical barrier on the surface of the skin to deflect UV radiation. They contain zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide, which helps block UVA and UVB rays. Physical sunscreens are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.

How to pick the right sunscreen for combination skin?

Consider the following points while choosing a sunscreen for your skin:

• Look for sunscreens that are labelled as “non-comedogenic” as they won’t clog pores and cause breakouts.
• Choose lightweight or oil-free sunscreens that will help control excess oil production in the oily areas without leaving any greasy residue.
• The AAD recommends using sunscreens that offer broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. This will help reduce the risk of sun damage, pigmentation, premature ageing and skin cancer.
• Choose a sunscreen that promises to provide an SPF of 30 or higher for better protection.
• Look for sunscreens that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides. This will help prevent dryness and roughness in the dry areas of your skin. It will also help maintain the natural barrier function of the skin and replenish the lost moisture.
• Perform a patch test before applying the sunscreen on your skin to ensure it has any adverse effects.

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What are the benefits of sunscreen for combination skin?

• People with combination skin may struggle with oiliness in certain areas. These concerns can get exacerbated due to sun exposure and lead to acne breakouts. By applying sunscreen, you can create a protective barrier that may help prevent UV damage.
• Regular use of sunscreens for combination skin may also help prevent the exacerbation of existing pigmentation issues and can lead to even skin tone.
• These skin care products help reduce the effects of UV rays on your skin and preserve its youthful appearance.
• By using sunscreens regularly, you may protect your skin from sun damage and reduce the risk of sunburn and prevent the likelihood of irritations.
• Sunscreens for combination skin may also help moisturise and nourish your skin from within without clogging pores.

What is the right way of applying sunscreen?

The American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests a few steps of applying sunscreen. These steps can help you use the sunscreen effectively:

• Choose a sunscreen that comes with an SPF of 30 or higher. Make sure that the product is water resistant and promises to provide broad spectrum protection against UV rays.
• It takes some time for your skin to absorb the sunscreen. So, apply it approximately 15 minutes before going out.
• Use enough sunscreen, which means that you should at least use 1 ounce of sunscreen for optimal protection.
• Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your neck, face, ears and other parts of your body.
• Along with your skin, make sure to protect your hair from the sun damage as well. So, use hair sunscreen. Apply lip balms that contain SPF for protection.
• Reapply sunscreen after every 2 hours and immediately after swimming or sweating.

How to treat sunburn?

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends the following tips to treat sunburned skin:

• The first step towards treating sunburn is to take cool baths and shower. It can help relieve the pain.
• After taking the bath, pat dry yourself but leave a little water on your skin to keep yourself cool.
• Then apply a moisturiser on your skin as it can help prevent dryness.
• Make sure to choose a moisturiser that contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera or soy. It may help soothe your sunburned skin.
• Avoid using “-caine+ products on sunburned skin as it may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction.
• You can also take aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce swelling, redness and discomfort associated with sunburned skin.
• Make sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
• If your skin blisters, don’t pop them as they may help your skin heal and protect from infection.
• Take extra care to protect your skin while it heals. Wear proper clothes that cover your skin while going outdoors. Tightly-woven fabrics work best for sunburned skin.

Also Read: 6 best sunscreen body lotions to prevent sun damage

Frequently asked questions?

• How often should you use sunscreen?

As per AAD, you must use sunscreen on a daily basis irrespective of the weather to emit harmful UV rays. Make sure to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out and reapply it after every 2 hours for better protection against sun damage.

• Is mineral sunscreen better than chemical sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreen is packed with oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. They work by absorbing the sun’s rays like a sponge. Mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which helps to shield your skin against UV rays. These sunscreens sit on your skin and reflect the rays.

• How much SPF is good for combination skin?

Irrespective of the skin type, you must use a sunscreen that promises to offer an SPF of at least 30. Higher SPF number can block more percentage of UV rays.

• What does SPF man?

According to Britannica, SPF in sunscreen stands for the sun protection factor.  It is a relative measurement of the amount of time the sunscreen will protect your skin from UV rays. It tells how long the sun’s UV rays would take to impact or redden your skin when using the sunscreen exactly as directed versus the amount of time without using any sun protection.

• Which is the best sunscreen for combination skin?

While choosing a sunscreen for combination skin, look for products that are oil-free or non-comedogenic to avoid pore clogging. Choose a product that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and provides broad-spectrum protection. Opt for lightweight formulas that won’t feel greasy but still provide hydration for dry areas.

(Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we make a constant effort to break the clutter for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by the editorial team but use your discretion and an expert’s opinion before using them. Their price and availability may differ from the time of publication. If you buy something using these links in the story, we may earn a commission.)