EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-spectrum SPF 46
71/100 overall score
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About this sunscreen
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-spectrum SPF 46 pairs Zinc Oxide with Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate in an older-school filter system for good protection. It has a balanced, lightweight finish and a low white cast helped by the tint. Pore-clogging risk is low, it does not commonly sting, and it sits okay under makeup. At 71.3/100 with good protection, it is generally a well-liked option, often chosen by those with sensitive or blemish-prone skin.
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
85
- +100 Starting score
- β55 Zinc Oxide at #1
- +38.5 Tinted formula, pigment masks the cast
- +1.2 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
70
- +100 Starting score
- β40 Zinc Oxide at #1
- +10 Volatile silicone at #4, flashes off
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Comedogenic
Low
98
- +100 Starting score
- β2 Isopropyl Palmitate at #13, heavy comedogenic ester
π
Fungal acne
Low
82
- +100 Starting score
- β18 2 long-chain (C12+) esters that feed Malassezia (Isopropyl Palmitate, Oleth-3 Phosphate)
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Fabric stains
Medium
45
- +100 Starting score
- β40 Iron-oxide pigments at #12, makeup-like collar marks (washable)
- β15 Zinc Oxide at #1, white marks, worst on dark fabric (washable)
π§
Moisture
Light
LightNourishing
- β 5 Volatile carriers flash off, leaving a dry finish
- β 5 Zinc Oxide at #1, mild sebum absorbent
- β 2 Sodium Hyaluronate at #20, 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)
- β 2 2 slippy emollient esters (Isopropyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Stearate)
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 7.5 High mineral load at #1 greys under foundation (tinted)
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 (21)
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 15 white marks, worst on dark fabric (washable)
- light β 5 mild sebum absorbent
- pills β 7.5 High mineral load greys under foundation (tinted)
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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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Humectant, pulls water into the skin
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Preservative, keeps the formula from spoiling
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
-
Supporting ingredient
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12 Iron Oxides
Colorant or pigment
- β 40 makeup-like collar marks (washable)
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
- β 2 heavy comedogenic ester
- 1 β dewy slippy emollient ester
- β 9 feeds malassezia
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
- 1 β dewy slippy emollient ester
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Antioxidant, protects the formula and skin
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Emulsifier, keeps oil and water blended
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Emulsifier, keeps oil and water blended
- β 9 feeds malassezia
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Preservative, keeps the formula from spoiling
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19 Lactic Acid
pH adjuster
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Humectant, pulls water into the skin
- 2 β nourishing hyaluronic family
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Supporting ingredient
Is EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 good for acne-prone skin?
It is generally chosen by those with sensitive or blemish-prone skin, since it is low on pore-clogging risk and lightweight.
Does the tinted version leave a white cast?
No, the white cast is rated low, helped by the tint, with a balanced finish.
Is the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-spectrum SPF 46 mineral or chemical?
It is a hybrid, pairing mineral Zinc Oxide with chemical Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate for good protection. It scores 71.3/100.