What is EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46?

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a face sunscreen whose registered label lists zinc oxide 9.0% and octinoxate 7.5%. EltaMD describes it as oil-free and non-comedogenic, and names 5% niacinamide in the formula.

Who it suits, and which skin tones

It suits skin that breaks out. EltaMD states the formula is fragrance-free, paraben-free and non-comedogenic, and the registered label carries no fragrance. On skin tone, EltaMD is specific: it says the product works best on fair, light, medium light or medium skin tones, so anyone deeper than that should weigh that before buying. It sits in our wider range of skincare chosen for skin that congests easily.

What the label lists

The actives do the protecting and the rest of the formula does the rest. Zinc oxide 9.0% and octinoxate 7.5% are the filters on the label. Niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, lactic acid and tocopheryl acetate follow as inactives; EltaMD puts niacinamide at 5% and credits it with visibly improving skin tone and discoloration. The label publishes no percentage for any inactive.

UV Clear SPF 46 or the SPF 50

EltaMD sells more than one UV Clear, and the labels are the way to tell them apart. UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50 reads zinc oxide 11.0% and octinoxate 3.5% on its registered label, against zinc oxide 9.0% and octinoxate 7.5% on this one. That is more zinc and less octinoxate. Our reading of both labels is that these are different formulas rather than one being a stronger version of the other.

Where it sits on our shelf

Browse the full EltaMD shelf for the rest of what we carry from the brand.

Product specification