EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF50 - Tube

EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF50 - Tube

SPF 50Efficacy90/100IrritancyMedium·3 UV filters·0% recommend (1 review)

Works for

Sun protection
SPF 50 · 3 UV filters
Broad spectrum
SPF 50Broad spectrumMineral + chemical filtersWater-resistant

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.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Octinoxate
Octisalate
Zinc Oxide
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
OctinoxateEthylhexyl MethoxycinnamateUVBOctinoxate. 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 irritating7.5%
OctisalateEthylhexyl SalicylateUVBOctisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen5%
Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA Photo-stable 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 colorant9%
Evens skin tone
Side benefit the brand mentions · No ingredient credited for this claim
Works well
What the product description says
“Elta MD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 (formerly Elta MD UV Sport Waterproof SPF 50) blocks UVA and UVB rays from causing sun damage during outdoor and water activities.”
Source: Dermstore

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-aging
Side benefit the brand mentions · No ingredient credited for this claim
Works well
What the product description says
“Antioxidant protection combats skin-aging free radicals associated with ultraviolet (UV) and infrared radiation (IR).”
Source: Walmart

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.

Moisturizing
Side benefit · Beeswax, Cetyl dimethicone + 5 more
Works

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: beeswax, cetyl dimethicone.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

BeeswaxKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighForms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen~23–35%
Cetyl dimethiconeKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA type of silicone. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice, light product texture~3.8–5.7%
Hydrogenated castor oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency~1.7–2.5%
Octyldodecyl neopentanoateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Often used to stabilize other ingredients, for example, sunscreen~0.55–1.3%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~6.2–9.3%
Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together. Can help to soften upper layer of the skin~2.5–3.7%
Isopropyl palmitate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency~0.95–1.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate
Medium risk
We flagged 6 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctinoxate. 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 irritatingHigh7.5%
Iodopropynyl butylcarbamateA preservative. Can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.02%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.5–1%est.
Hydrogenated castor oilA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistencyMedium~1.7–2.5%est.
Isopropyl palmitateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.95–1.45%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA 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.Medium~0.1–0.3%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Isopropyl palmitateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency3/5~0.95–1.45%est.

User reviews

Would you recommend?
0%·yes

0 of 1 community members would buy it again.

0% would100% wouldn't
  • fernqueen· Oct 2022Doesn't recommend

    So incredibly greasy, even for my dry/dehydrated skin. Pills on top of moisturizer! Doesn't dry down. Has a moderate cast.

What reviewers noticed
Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Zinc oxide9%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

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 oxide
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate7.5%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Sun protection

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 methoxycinnamate
Ethylhexyl salicylate5%
UV filter
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Ethylhexyl salicylate
Beeswax~23–35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen

More about Beeswax
Butylene glycol~6.2–9.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 glycol
Cetyl dimethicone~3.8–5.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of silicone. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice, light product texture

More about Cetyl dimethicone
Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone~2.5–3.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A type of silicone that helps water and oil mix together. Can help to soften upper layer of the skin

More about Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone
Disodium edta~0.5–1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Hydrogenated castor oil~1.7–2.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency

More about Hydrogenated castor oil
Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate~0.01–0.02%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be irritating

More about Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate
Isopropyl palmitate~0.95–1.45%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency

More about Isopropyl palmitate
Octyldodecyl neopentanoate~0.55–1.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. Often used to stabilize other ingredients, for example, sunscreen

More about Octyldodecyl neopentanoate
Water~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Sodium chloride~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride
Tocopheryl acetate~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

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 acetate
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.05–0.2%
Formula
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 Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Ingredient list view

Zinc oxide, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Beeswax, Butylene glycol, Cetyl dimethicone, Cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone, Disodium edta, Hydrogenated castor oil, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, Isopropyl palmitate, Octyldodecyl neopentanoate, Water, Sodium chloride, Tocopheryl acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 11/11 00:29 GMT
$32.00
Buy
Dermstore3 oz
$32.00
Buy

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
EltaMDUV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF50 - TubeYOUR PRODUCTBlue LizardAustralian Sunscreen - Kids, SPF 30+burndSPF41SOBEL SKIN RxMineral-Based SPF 50 Sunscreen
Match—41%36%36%
Price$32.00$11.99−$20.01$35.00+$3.00—
Shared key ingredients—5 of 53 of 53 of 5
Key difference—DimethiconeCyclopentasiloxaneNiacinamide
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
SPFSPF 50SPF 30SPF 41SPF 50
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: DRMTLGY Broad Spectrum SPF 45Obagi PHYSICAL UV BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 32

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "EltaMD - UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF50 - Tube" can offer reliable sun protection. 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).

Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work 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 is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. The organic filters in the product are: octinoxate and octisalate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide.

Irritation risk

There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits 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 0% recommend this product
  • When it comes to comedogenicity, the reviewer believes that it clogs pores.
  • As for the white cast, the reviewer reported a noticeable whitish residue.
  • 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 stings eyes.
Our users describe the finish of this product as shiny, They find the product's texture to be heavy and In terms of the smell, our users report that no smell.

Price

The product retails from 9.71$ up to 56.94$ 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 11 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF50 - Tube
EltaMDUV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF50 - Tube

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.