EltaMD Uv Clear Broad-Spectrum Spf 46
74/100 overall score
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About this sunscreen
A dermatologist-favourite facial sunscreen led by zinc oxide and 2% niacinamide, aimed squarely at acne-, rosacea- and sensitivity-prone skin. The oil-free, fragrance-free lotion is lightweight and broad-spectrum SPF 46, with a sheer finish that wears well on its own or under makeup. The niacinamide and hyaluronic acid add oil-balancing and hydrating benefits beyond UV protection.
Ingredient & SPF scores
βοΈ
UV protection
Good
60
- +41 Zinc Oxide at #1, UV filter (UVA1 +18)
- +18 Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate at #2, UV filter
- +1 Label claims (SPF 46)
β’οΈ
Health safety
High
64
- +100 Starting score
- β36 Octinoxate at #2 (regulatory/evidence concern)
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Allergens
Low
94
- +100 Starting score
- β6 Sensitizing preservatives (Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate)
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White cast
Low
87
- +100 Starting score
- β14 Zinc Oxide, 9% declared
- +1 Coated minerals (Triethoxycaprylylsilane)
π₯
Eye sting
Low
84
- +100 Starting score
- β16 Octinoxate at #2, migrates into eyes with sweat
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Heavy feel
Low
94
- +100 Starting score
- β8 Zinc Oxide, 9% declared
- +2 Volatile silicone at #4, flashes off
π
Fungal acne
Low
91
- +100 Starting score
- β9 1 long-chain (C12+) esters that feed Malassezia (Oleth-3 Phosphate)
π
Fabric stains
Low
85
- +100 Starting score
- β15 Zinc Oxide at #1, white marks, worst on dark fabric (washable)
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Moisture
Balanced
LightNourishing
- β 5 Volatile carriers flash off, leaving a dry finish
- β 5 Zinc Oxide at #1, mild sebum absorbent
- β 4 Sodium Hyaluronate at #10, hyaluronic family
β¨
Finish
Balanced
MatteDewy
- β 4 Volatile carriers flash off, leaving a dry finish
- β 2 1 dry-touch emollients reduce greasy shine (Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate)
π
Makeup base
Okay
PillsPrimer
- β 5 Primer-style base, volatile silicones and dimethicone slip
- β 4 Gel polymers prone to pilling under friction (Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer)
- β 15 High mineral load at #1 greys under foundation
π
Water resistance
Not resistant
Non-water-resistantWater-resistant
Nothing flagged in the ingredient list.
How we rate water resistance βSkincare extras
Beneficial actives this formula contains. Informational only, not part of the rating: their effect depends on a concentration the label does not disclose.
- β¨ Niacinamide
- β¨ Vitamin E
Full ingredient list (17)
What each ingredient does and how it moves each rating: green helps, red hurts, β / β give the direction, and β / β shift a slider toward its ends (finish, moisture, makeup base). Auto-derived from our scoring rules and the ingredient's position.
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Mineral UV filter (Zinc Oxide), high in the list, a primary filter
- β 41 UV protection, incl. long-UVA (UVA1)
- β 14 9% declared
- β 8 9% declared
- β 15 white marks, worst on dark fabric (washable)
- light β 5 mild sebum absorbent
- pills β 15 High mineral load greys under foundation
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Legacy UV filter (Octinoxate), high in the list, a primary filter
- β 18 UV protection
- β 16 migrates into eyes with sweat
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3 Water
Solvent base, the water phase
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Volatile silicone, flashes off for a light finish
- light β 5 volatile carrier, flashes off
- matte β 4 volatile carrier, flashes off
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Soothing, skin-conditioning active
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
- matte β 2 dry-touch emollient, anti-shine
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Thickener and texture, structures the gel or cream
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
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Emulsifier, keeps oil and water blended
-
Humectant, pulls water into the skin
- 4 β nourishing hyaluronic family
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Antioxidant, protects the formula and skin
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12 Lactic Acid
pH adjuster
-
Emulsifier, keeps oil and water blended
- β 9 feeds malassezia
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Preservative, keeps the formula from spoiling
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Humectant, pulls water into the skin
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Preservative, keeps the formula from spoiling
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Supporting ingredient
Is EltaMD UV Clear good for acne-prone skin?
It is one of the most recommended sunscreens for acne- and rosacea-prone skin. It is oil-free, fragrance-free and labelled non-comedogenic, and the 2% niacinamide helps calm visible redness and regulate oil. The zinc-oxide base is gentle on reactive skin.
Does EltaMD UV Clear leave a white cast?
The untinted version can leave a slight cast because it contains zinc oxide, most noticeable on deeper skin tones if it is over-applied. EltaMD also makes a tinted UV Clear with iron oxides that blends closer to skin and avoids the white look.
Is EltaMD UV Clear a chemical or mineral sunscreen?
It is a hybrid that leads with mineral zinc oxide plus the chemical filter octinoxate for added UVB. If you want a fully mineral, octinoxate-free option, EltaMD's UV Physical and UV Elements are alternatives.
Can you wear EltaMD UV Clear under makeup?
Yes. It is light and sheer and is widely used as a daily base under foundation. Letting it absorb fully before applying makeup gives the smoothest result.