EltaMD UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF45
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 45 · 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.
Evens skin toneSide benefit the brand mentions · No ingredient credited for this claimWorks well
“Using this oil-free sunscreen daily will defend the complexion against signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots.”
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-agingSide benefit the brand mentions · No ingredient credited for this claimWorks well
“Tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E): Antioxidant that reduces free radicals to help diminish the visible signs of aging.”
This product can 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
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
User reviews
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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%
Isopropyl palmitate~5.2–7.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Isopropyl palmitateCetearyl alcohol~3.8–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholPolysorbate 60~2.9–4.4%
Oleth-3 phosphate~2.5–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Oleth-3 phosphatePhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCetearyl glucoside~1.5–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
More about Cetearyl glucosideHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~1.2–1.8%
- 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~0.8–1.2%
Polyether-1~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Butylene glycol~0.4–0.9%
- 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 glycolPeg-7 trimethylolpropane coconut ether~0.2–0.75%
Tocopheryl acetate~0.15–0.55%
- 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 acetateCitric acid~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidIodopropynyl 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, Isopropyl palmitate, Unknown, Cetearyl alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Oleth-3 phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl glucoside, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Polyisobutene, Polyether-1, Butylene glycol, Peg-7 trimethylolpropane coconut ether, Tocopheryl acetate, Citric acid, 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.
| EltaMDUV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF45YOUR PRODUCT | SOBEL SKIN RxMineral-Based SPF 50 Sunscreen | DRMTLGYBroad Spectrum SPF 45 | DCLSkincare Super Sheer SPF50 Broad Spectrum Protection Sunscreen | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 47% | 47% | 46% |
| Price | — | — | $13.97 | $61.57 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Niacinamide | Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 45 | SPF 50 | SPF 45 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Obagi Sun Shield Matte SPF50 CreamDr Sam's Flawless Daily Sunscreen
Product summary
We assess that "EltaMD - UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF45" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: octinoxate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails from 21.60$ up to 50.00$ 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 9 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearatejournals.sagepub.com
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