With oily skin, the first question about sunscreen is often whether it will make the skin shiny. Applying too little, or none at all, out of this worry reduces protection; the right choice starts with texture, not with the level of protection.
In short: When choosing a sunscreen for oily skin, the level of protection is not lowered for your skin type; what changes is the texture and finish. A formula with a matte finish and ingredients associated with sebum balance makes it easier to apply enough every morning. On combination skin, too, it goes on the whole face, not just the T-zone. Matte's Up? SPF 50+ has a matte finish; it contains niacinamide and zinc PCA and is recommended for oily, combination and normal skin.
Does sunscreen make oily skin shiny?
Whether a sunscreen leaves a shiny feel on the skin depends on the texture and finish of the formula; the level of protection does not determine this. Shine on oily skin is a common cosmetic concern that arises when enlarged oil glands produce excess sebum, and it can increase in hot, humid weather. This is why a product with a glossy finish adds to a look of shine that is already increasing during the day. We cover reducing the number of layers in the warmer months, and where sun protection sits in the morning order, in our article a simpler skincare routine for summer.
The solution is not to use less sunscreen but to change its texture. According to the AAD, people who get sunburnt have usually applied too little product or have not reapplied it. We explain what causes sebum and the morning and evening routine for oily skin in our article oily skin care routine.
How do you choose a sunscreen for oily skin?
When choosing a sunscreen for oily skin, look at the finish, the supporting ingredients, the skin type on the label and the level of protection; of these, only the level of protection does not change with skin type. The table below sets each criterion against what the Matte's Up? pack states.
| Criterion | What to look for on oily skin | Matte's Up? |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | A matte finish that does not add to the look of shine | Matte finish |
| Supporting ingredients | Ingredients associated with the look of sebum balance | Niacinamide, zinc PCA |
| Skin type | Oily or combination skin stated on the label | Oily, combination, normal |
| Level of protection | Protection that is not lowered for the sake of texture | SPF 50+ (very high protection) |
One more criterion needs to be added to the table: the amount you will use. People tend to apply too little of a product whose texture bothers them, and a product applied too sparingly does not give the protection on the label. We have brought together how much is needed for the face and what SPF and label statements mean in our article how much sunscreen to apply and how often. The difference in texture and finish between the three s'hevec sunscreens is in our hybrid sunscreen guide.
On combination skin, does sunscreen go only on the T-zone?
No. The AAD recommends applying sunscreen to all skin not covered by clothing; on combination skin, too, the whole face including the cheeks, the neck and the ears are covered. Shine on the forehead and nose is no reason to leave the cheeks unprotected.
If your cheeks feel drier than your T-zone, adjust the moisturiser step underneath rather than reducing the amount of sunscreen. Any Time Of Day Water-Based Moisturising Cream is silicone-free and was developed for all skin types; it can be applied in a thin layer over the whole face, with Matte's Up? on top.
Matte's Up?: how to use it
Matte's Up? is the last skincare step of the morning routine; it is applied before make-up, if you wear it, and before going out.
- Cleanse: wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry.
- Serum: if the look of pores and sebum is your priority, Hi Girls Bye Pores Niacinamide Pore Serum (10% niacinamide, 0.5% zinc PCA) comes at this step.
- Moisturiser: a water-based texture such as Any Time Of Day, in a thin layer.
- Matte's Up?: spread it over the whole face including the cheeks, the neck and the ears, and work it in well. The AAD notes that the skin needs about 15 minutes to absorb sunscreen and be protected.
Do not skip reapplication because shine has increased; a matte finish does not do away with the need to reapply.
Matte's Up?: what's in the formula?
Matte's Up? SPF 50+ Mattifying Sunscreen is a 50 ml sunscreen with a matte finish; its key ingredients are niacinamide and zinc PCA, and its supporting ingredients are horse chestnut seed extract and potassium azeloyl diglycinate. No percentages are declared for the formula; the level of protection is shown by the SPF 50+ value. Other options with different textures and finishes can be found in our SPF 50+ sunscreens collection.
- Niacinamide: an amide of vitamin B3. According to a review, when sufficient bioavailability is achieved it shows a range of effects depending on its concentration, including a sebum-suppressing (sebostatic) effect; it is described as a well-tolerated ingredient widely used in cosmetics.
- Zinc PCA: the formula's second key ingredient aimed at the look of sebum control.
- Potassium azeloyl diglycinate: an ingredient derived from azelaic acid; it is not considered the same ingredient as azelaic acid itself.
What Matte's Up? does not do
- It does not stop sebum production; with its matte finish and ingredients, it helps balance the look of shine during the day.
- It does not do away with the need to reapply during the day.
- It does not replace evening care aimed at the look of pores or blackheads.
Who should take care?
- Dry and very sensitive skin: Matte's Up? is recommended for oily, combination and normal skin. For dry or very sensitive skin, you can start with Just Protected From Sun; the skin types recommended on its label include dry and sensitive skin.
- Sensitive skin: try Matte's Up? on a small area before applying it to the whole face; when applying it to the forehead and around the eyes, keep the product out of the eyes. If stinging, redness or itching starts on the cheeks or along the jawline after application, wash the product off with your cleanser and do not apply it again.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding and diagnosed skin conditions: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a skin condition, consult your doctor before use. If you have noticeable irritation on your face, also consult your doctor before you start using Matte's Up? every morning; it contains niacinamide and sun filters.
Frequently asked questions
Can oily skin go without sunscreen?
No. According to the AAD, skin is exposed to the sun's UV rays every time you go outside, including on cloudy days and in winter; skin type does not change this.
Can Matte's Up? be used under make-up?
Yes. As the last skincare step of the morning routine, it is applied before make-up. In a study looking at sunscreen and foundation pilling, pilling was reported more often on skin with lower oiliness and hydration.
How do you reapply if shine appears during the day?
More shine is not a reason to skip reapplication; the AAD recommends reapplying every two hours when you are outdoors and immediately after sweating. We cover ways to reapply over make-up in our application and reapplication guide linked above.
Can Matte's Up? be used with a niacinamide serum?
Yes; the serum goes on first and Matte's Up? last. Because Hi Girls Bye Pores, Any Time Of Day and Matte's Up? all contain niacinamide, add these products to your routine one at a time rather than all at once, and watch how your skin responds.
Sources
- Sakuma TH et al. Oily skin: an overview. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2012.
- Wohlrab J et al. Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014.
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). How to apply sunscreen.
- Lua BL et al. Understanding the causes of skincare product pilling. Skin Res Technol. 2024.
This content is for information only and does not replace medical advice. s'hevec products are cosmetic products and are not intended for medical treatment. It was prepared by the s'hevec Team on the basis of the s'hevec product data library and the sources listed above.
