EltaMD Skincare UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 46 · 2 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.
Anti-blemishNiacinamideWorks well
“Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 This facial sunscreen helps reduce the appearance of blemishes, discolorations and sun-damaged skin while providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Cyclopentasiloxane + 4 moreWorks well
“The smooth formula features hyaluronic acid to moisturize while lactic acid refines the skin to clear pores and reduce shine.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
sodium hyaluronate, butylene glycol.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: octyldodecyl neopentanoate, cyclopentasiloxane.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Evens skin toneNiacinamide, Lactic acidWorks well
“Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 This facial sunscreen helps reduce the appearance of blemishes, discolorations and sun-damaged skin while providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.”
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Lactic acidWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
This product can also help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Iodopropynyl butylcarbamateMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
2 of 2 community members would buy it again.
Only one I’ve found that doesn’t make my eyes burn all day. Sun protection is excellent! I missed a spot one day on the beach and it was the only part of my face that burned haha
Love the light feel. Works well under makeup x
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Zinc oxide9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant
More about Zinc oxideEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate7.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateWater~40–60%
Cyclopentasiloxane~6.8–10.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneNiacinamide~4.1–6.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideOctyldodecyl neopentanoate~3.1–4.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin. Often used to stabilize other ingredients, for example, sunscreen
More about Octyldodecyl neopentanoateHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~2.4–3.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerPolyisobutene~1.7–2.6%
Peg-7 trimethylolpropane coconut ether~1.3–2%
Sodium hyaluronate~0.95–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateTocopheryl acetate~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateLactic acid~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
More about Lactic acidOleth-3 phosphate~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Oleth-3 phosphatePhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolButylene glycol~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolIodopropynyl butylcarbamate~0.01–0.02%
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation
More about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneIngredient list view
Zinc oxide, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Octyldodecyl neopentanoate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Polyisobutene, Peg-7 trimethylolpropane coconut ether, Sodium hyaluronate, Tocopheryl acetate, Lactic acid, Oleth-3 phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene glycol, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| EltaMDSkincare UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Facial SunscreenYOUR PRODUCT | DRMTLGYBroad Spectrum SPF 45 | SOBEL SKIN RxMineral-Based SPF 50 Sunscreen | SkinMedicaEssential Defense Everyday Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 47 Sunscreen | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 96% | 94% | 91% |
| Price | — | $13.97 | — | $32.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 7 | 6 of 7 | 6 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Knotgrass Extract | Panthenol | Knotgrass Extract |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 46 | SPF 45 | SPF 50 | SPF 47 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Barefaced Tinted Protection SPF 50+Replenix Hydrating Oil-Free Face Sunscreen SPF50+
Product summary
We believe that "EltaMD - Skincare UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: octinoxate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide.
Irritation risk
It contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
What our users say
Based on 1 review 100% of users would recommend this product.- As for the white cast, it did not leave a noticeable white residue for the reviewer.
- When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, the user found that it pills under a foundation.
- As for using this sunscreen in the eye area, the reviewer reported that it does not sting eyes.
Price
The product retails from 15.58$ up to 33.50$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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