If you’re looking for an easygoing daily sunscreen that’s gentle but gets the job done, you might find your perfect match in the EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46, which is meant to be seamlessly incorporated into your routine while keeping your skin safe from the sun.
The most necessary of habits is one of the best: Wear sunscreen every day. But it can be incredibly challenging to find one that works for your sensitive skin without breaking you out or causing irritation. That’s where the EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 really steps up. With gentle ingredients and care in its making, this sunscreen is touted as one of the best picks for folks who want broad-spectrum coverage without a greasy feeling or irritating flare-ups.
Where EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 stands out is in its light texture, and soothing ingredients. It is especially popular for individuals who want an EltaMD sunscreen for sensitive skin that is not only a UV blocker. Its star ingredients, which include niacinamide in sunscreen, calm down redness and buff up your skin barrier.
This EltaMD UV Clear review will guide you through everything you need to know about this popular product — what’s in it, packaging, how it feels on the user, and so on — to help you determine if this is the product for you.
Did You Know?
Niacinamide in sunscreen not only fights inflammation and redness, but also makes skin smoother and more even, which is why products such as EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 are great options for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Also Read: Chemist at Play Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub Review: 3% AHA Formula for Sensitive Skin
At a Glance: What You Need to Know
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Broad-spectrum mineral and chemical sunscreen |
| SPF Rating | 46 |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Hyaluronic Acid |
| Skin Types | Sensitive, acne-prone, normal, combination |
| Texture | Lightweight, sheer, non-greasy |
| Non-comedogenic | Yes |
| Water Resistance | 40 minutes |
A Closer Look: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 is one of the most popular facial sunscreens as recommended by dermatologists — especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin, or for those with rosacea. Here are some of its most promising features:
- Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection: 9.0% Zinc Oxide and 7.5% Octinoxate in a powerful antioxidant-rich base to protect skin against signs of aging.
- Formulated for Sensitive and Acne-Prone Skin: It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), fragrance-free, paraben-free and sensitivity-free, so it won’t irritate skin prone to acne and sensitivity.
- Soothe and Protect: Relieves and protects the skin due to redness, discoloration, and breakouts.
Key Ingredients and Their Functions
Getting to know what is in your sunscreen is the first step to appreciating why EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 is so good. Let’s do a deep dive into them:
- Zinc Oxide 9.0%: Provides powerful yet safe protection from harmful UV rays. Zinc oxide is gentle and soothing to sensitive skin, which is why it’s a must-have for an EltaMD sensitive skin sunscreen.
- Octinoxate (7.5%): Chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB rays to provide broad spectrum protection.
- Niacinamide: Formerly referred to as Vitamin B3, this is a standout ingredient. It soothes inflammation, decreases redness, stabilizes sebum production, and improves the skin barrier. Niacinamide is also one of the reasons we’re ranking this sunscreen higher than “must-have protection.”
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic Acid is helps to taking care to keep your skin moisturized all day long, it helps your skin to hold on to its moisture.
- Other Calming Agents: The presence of allantoin also add an extra layer of relief, making the skin calm.
The formula is fragrance free and paraben free with a non comedogenic sunscreen label. This indicates that this won’t block your pores, or contribute to your acne, great news for anyone with sensitive skin looking for a good non-comedogenic sunscreen.
First Look: My Thoughts on the Packaging
The EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 is packaged in nice, clinical-looking white tube with light blue details, it feels professional and reputable. Its tube is strong enough to be squished but not to the extent that you lose control of dispensing your soap. Its flip-top cap tightens firmly to help prevent accidental spills in your bag.
The tube is travel-size and is easy to throw into your skincare bag or purse. The stripped back typography and colour pallet are a nod to no-nonsense vibe, which is all miles away from offering the choice of performance over flash.
Who Should Try this Sunscreen?
If you have sensitive skin, rosacea, an oily complexion, acne-prone or breakouts or just desire a lovely, non-irritating all-day sunscreen this is your sunscreen. EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 provides protection to those who are looking for a more delicate barrier from the sun without skin-clogging or irritation.
Also if you appreciate skin care products formulated with actives that provide soothing and barrier-repair benefits (not to mention the fact that they put niacinamide in a sunscreen) this is a good pick.
How I Use It for Best Results
To maximize your use of EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46, here’re a few easy steps to follow:
- Cleanse your face thoroughly.
- Apply a liberal amount of the sunscreen to your face as well as your neck approximately 15 minutes prior to sun exposure.
- Reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Pair It With
For best results, use EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 with EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser and EltaMD PM Therapy Moisturizer.
User Reviews: What People Are Saying
Plenty of users are obsessed with EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 for being so easy to blend and depigmenting without being irritating. Sufferers of sensitive, acne prone skin rave about how their skin feels the next day, without any breakouts after daily use.
In addition to the calming sensation, reviewers also love the lightweight texture, non-white cast and the natural finish that allows their skin to breathe. This sunscreen is often referred by dermatologists and also vloggers too.
Editor’s Note: My Skin Type & Experience
Having combination skin and breaking out all the time, EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 was something I was afraid to try. It only took a few weeks before it became a part of my routine. The product is light and easily absorbed without any greasy residue and has brought my redness and irritation down.
How It Stacks Up Against Other Sunscreen
When selecting a sunscreen, it is important to assess its standing in relation to other options. Here’s a mini smackdown between EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 and a couple others:
| Feature | EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 | CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen | La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPF | 46 | 50 | 50 |
| Texture | Lightweight | Lightweight | Creamy |
| Non-Comedogenic | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide for calming sensitive skin | Ceramides and hyaluronic acid hydration | Light mineral formula with antioxidants |
Mini Sunscreen Face-Off
While all three choices offer sun protection, I especially appreciate EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 with niacinamide, which is what makes it friendly for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great broad-spectrum SPF 46 protection
- Sunscreen with niacinamide for a soothing effect
- Light texture that is easily absorbed into the skin
- Resistant to water for 40 minutes
- Labeled as a non-comedogenic sunscreen
Cons
- Expensive
- May be to odehydrating for super dry skin types
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Adding to Your Routine?
My honest thoughts Having tried and tested it, I can confirm that the EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 definitely deserves its title of the very best daily sunscreen for face. It offers broad-spectrum protection and soothing ingredients (niacinamide in sunscreen) in a sunscreen that’s lightweight yet non-greasy and that won’t clog pores—a winning combination for anyone in search of an EltaMD sunscreen for sensitive skin.
It may cost more than some drugstore brands, but if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, it’s worth the investment. Wear it alone or under makeup, it lays well without causing irritation.
If you’re ready to invest in daily sun care, EltaMD is a great choice. But if you’re still puzzling out the why, you might take a moment to read the daily effects of wearing sunscreen, which lays the groundwork for anyone with SPF questions.
FAQs
Is EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 good for sensitive skin?
Yes! It’s formulated for sensitive skin, and contains calming ingredients, including niacinamide. It’s also fragrance-free and labeled non-comedogenic to minimize irritation and breakouts.
Is niacinamide good in sunscreen?
Niacinamide, which can help reduce redness, soothe irritation, regulate oil production and improve skin barrier. When placed in sunscreen, such as EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46, it also acts as a skin-friendly ingredient that works in harmony with sun protection.
Does this sunscreen clog pores?
No, it’s non-comedogenic sunscreen, which means it’s specifically formulated so as not to clog your pores or cause acne.
