EltaMD UV Glow Broad-Spectrum SPF 36
69/100 overall score
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About this sunscreen
EltaMD UV Glow Broad-Spectrum SPF 36 is a pure mineral face sunscreen that uses Zinc Oxide as its single UV filter. It carries a balanced finish, low white cast, and a medium feel on the skin, and it is low on pore-clogging concerns while generally not stinging, which commonly suits sensitive skin. The formula scores 69.2/100 with moderate protection. It is a reasonable everyday mineral choice, best where SPF 36 coverage meets your needs.
Ingredient & SPF scores
βοΈ
UV protection
Moderate
42
- +41 Zinc Oxide at #1, UV filter (UVA1 +18)
- +1 Label claims (SPF 36)
π»
White cast
Low
65
- +100 Starting score
- β55 Zinc Oxide at #1
- β15 Pure mineral formula
- +35 Iron-oxide undertone, partial masking
π΄
Comedogenic
Low
83
- +100 Starting score
- β17 Isopropyl Myristate at #5, heavy comedogenic ester
π
Fungal acne
Medium
50
- +100 Starting score
- β50 3 long-chain (C12+) esters that feed Malassezia (Isopropyl Myristate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate)
π
Fabric stains
Medium
45
- +100 Starting score
- β40 Iron-oxide pigments at #32, makeup-like collar marks (washable)
- β15 Zinc Oxide at #1, white marks, worst on dark fabric (washable)
π§
Moisture
Balanced
LightNourishing
- β 1.5 1 sebum-absorbing powders (Silica)
- β 5 Zinc Oxide at #1, mild sebum absorbent
- β 4 Glycerin at #9, the anchor humectant
- β 2 Sodium Hyaluronate at #27, hyaluronic family
β¨
Finish
Balanced
MatteDewy
- β 1 1 sebum-absorbing powders (Silica)
- β 3 1 dry-touch emollients reduce greasy shine (Coco-Caprylate/Caprate)
- β 4 1 slippy emollient esters (Isopropyl Myristate)
π
Makeup base
Okay
PillsPrimer
- β 3 Dry-touch esters, smooth fast-absorbing base
- β 2 Occlusives/waxes float the foundation
- 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
Full ingredient list (32)
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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2 Water
Solvent base, the water phase
-
Emollient, softens and smooths skin
- matte β 3 dry-touch emollient, anti-shine
-
Soothing, skin-conditioning active
-
Emollient, softens and smooths skin
- β 17 heavy comedogenic ester
- 4 β dewy slippy emollient ester
- β 24 feeds malassezia
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Emulsifier, keeps oil and water blended
- β 24 feeds malassezia
-
Emollient, softens and smooths skin
-
8 Mica
Colorant or pigment
-
9 Glycerin
Humectant, pulls water into the skin
- 4 β nourishing the anchor humectant
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10 Propanediol
Humectant, pulls water into the skin
-
Supporting ingredient
-
Humectant, pulls water into the skin
-
13 Undecane
Emollient, softens and smooths skin
-
Emollient, softens and smooths skin
-
15 Tridecane
Emollient, softens and smooths skin
-
Emulsifier, keeps oil and water blended
- β 9 feeds malassezia
-
Thickener and texture, structures the gel or cream
-
Preservative, keeps the formula from spoiling
-
Thickener and texture, structures the gel or cream
-
Thickener and texture, structures the gel or cream
-
Antioxidant, protects the formula and skin
-
Emollient, softens and smooths skin
-
Botanical extract
-
24 Xanthan Gum
Thickener and texture, structures the gel or cream
-
25 Bisabolol
Soothing, skin-conditioning active
-
26 Silica
Mattifying powder, absorbs oil and blurs the finish
- light β 1.5 sebum-absorbing powder
- matte β 1 sebum-absorbing powder
-
Humectant, pulls water into the skin
- 2 β nourishing hyaluronic family
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Soothing, skin-conditioning active
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29 Lactic Acid
pH adjuster
-
Botanical extract
-
Antioxidant, protects the formula and skin
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32 Iron Oxides
Colorant or pigment
- β 40 makeup-like collar marks (washable)
Does EltaMD UV Glow leave a white cast?
It shows low white cast for a mineral product. The finish is balanced and the feel is medium on the skin. Most skin tones can generally wear it comfortably.
Is EltaMD UV Glow mineral or chemical?
It is a pure mineral sunscreen using Zinc Oxide as its single UV filter. There are no chemical filters in the formula. It offers broad-spectrum SPF 36 coverage.
Is it good for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
It is generally suitable for sensitive skin, as it tends not to sting and is low on pore-clogging concerns. The score is 69.2/100 with moderate protection.