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EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 tube
EltaMD

UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Sunscreen 48 g
9OUT OF 10
Great formula

Formula has a high safety profile. Suitable for most skin types.

13
Safe
2
Caution
0
Higher risk

Score breakdown

Safety10/10
Barrier support9.8/10
Acne-safe8.8/10
Active treatment2.2/10

Our verdict

This is the sunscreen dermatologists actually recommend, and the formula explains why: a hybrid filter system (9% zinc oxide plus octinoxate) gives broad-spectrum coverage without the heavy, chalky finish pure mineral formulas can have, and it's built with 5% niacinamide for genuine tone and blemish support rather than a bare-bones filter-plus-water base. It's marketed specifically for acne-prone, rosacea-prone and post-procedure skin, and the formula backs that positioning up — oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, with a genuinely lightweight, fast-absorbing finish that plays well under makeup. Sodium hyaluronate and tocopheryl acetate round out the hydration side without adding heaviness. The honest caveat: it includes octinoxate, a chemical UV filter that some people prefer to avoid on personal-preference or environmental grounds, so if you specifically want a 100% mineral formula, this isn't it — the hybrid approach is a genuine formulation tradeoff for texture and wearability, not a flaw, but worth knowing before you buy. For reactive, acne-prone or post-treatment skin that needs daily SPF without the weight of a pure mineral cream, it's earned its reputation as a dermatologist go-to.

At a glance

What it does
hydrationsoothingbarrier supportbrightening
Best for
sensitive skinacne-prone skindry and dehydrated skinmost skin types
Not enough for
active anti-aging treatment

Key ingredients

Zinc Oxidesupports skin comfortNiacinamideevens skin tone and strengthens the barrierSodium Hyaluronateintensely hydratesLactic Acidsupports skin comfort

Full ingredient list (17)

Zinc OxideOctinoxatePurified WaterCyclopentasiloxaneNiacinamideOctyldodecyl Neopentanoate (thickener)Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerPolyisobutenePEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut EtherSodium HyaluronateTocopheryl AcetateLactic AcidOleth-3 PhosphatePhenoxyethanolButylene GlycolIodopropynyl ButylcarbamateTriethoxycaprylylsilane

Colour indicates our safety assessment for each ingredient — green is well-tolerated, amber warrants caution, red is higher-risk. Tap any ingredient to read its full profile.

Frequently asked

Is EltaMD UV Clear a mineral or chemical sunscreen?
It's a hybrid: zinc oxide (9%) provides the mineral component, paired with octinoxate, a chemical filter, for broader coverage with a lighter finish than a pure mineral formula typically achieves. If you want a 100% mineral sunscreen specifically, this isn't that, but the hybrid approach is what gives it its notably lightweight texture.
Why do dermatologists recommend this sunscreen specifically?
It combines broad-spectrum protection with a formula genuinely suited to reactive skin — oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, with niacinamide included for additional tone and blemish support. It's frequently used post-procedure (after peels, laser treatments) because it's well tolerated by freshly treated, sensitive skin.
Is this sunscreen good for acne-prone skin?
Yes — it's specifically formulated to be non-comedogenic and oil-free, and the included niacinamide supports oil regulation and tone alongside sun protection. It's one of the more commonly recommended sunscreens for acne-prone skin for exactly this reason.
What is the score based on?
The score comes from the same Pure Moonlight ingredient analyzer used across the whole site. It weighs safety, barrier support, acne and comedogenic risk, and active-ingredient strength, so this product's score is directly comparable to any ingredient page here.

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