Here’s a thoroughly researched breakdown of Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, based on the latest credible sources:
Table of Contents
Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Overview & Reputation
- Dermatologist-favorite: EltaMD consistently ranks as the #1 dermatologist-recommended professional sunscreen brand, and its UV Clear SPF 46 formula is particularly trusted for its lightweight and skin-soothing properties.
- 15 years of excellence: As of August 2025, EltaMD is celebrating the 15th anniversary of UV Clear SPF 46—an indication of its enduring popularity and efficacy.
- Editor’s pick: Allure’s editors named UV Clear SPF 46 their Best Sunscreen for Mature Skin Overall, praising its silky texture, calming ingredients, and hydrating benefits.
Women’s Health also underscores its dermatologist-favored status and suitability for sensitive or aging skin.
Key Features & Benefits
- Broad-spectrum SPF 46: Protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) skin damage (EltaMD, Healthline).
- Skin-soothing formulation:
- 5% niacinamide helps reduce blemish appearance and discoloration.
- Micronized zinc oxide (9%) and 7.5% octinoxate provide physical and chemical sun protection, carefully balanced for efficacy and skin tolerance (EltaMD, INCIDecoder, Healthline).
- Additional ingredients like sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) and vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate) deliver hydration and antioxidant defense.
- It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and excellent for sensitive or acne-prone skin (EltaMD, Epiphany Dermatology, Healthline).
Real-World User Feedback
- Highly praised for sensitive and oily skin: “I’ve been using this one for years… it had not caused me to break out.”
“I use it and like it because I can’t feel it on my face after it sets and doesn’t get oily.” (Reddit) - Tinted version adds glow—but may pill: “I absolutely love this spf for my acne & sensitive & oily skin, it leaves a nice sunkissed glow… pricey but lasts so long.”
Aware of minor pilling issues with certain layering products (Reddit). - Some users experienced breakouts, possibly due to niacinamide sensitivity: “…finally realized it was my EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 causing cystic breakouts.”
“Doesn’t it have niacinamide in it?? that was what absolutely screwed me.” (Reddit) - Slight white cast and pilling potential, typical of mineral-inclusive formulas: “It is a mineral sunscreen, so it does have a slight white cast, and it can pile if you keep rubbing it in after it’s dried.” (Reddit)
Ingredient Insights
From sources like Incidecoder and official listings:
| Active Ingredients | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Zinc Oxide 9% | Mineral UVA/UVB protection |
| Octinoxate 7.5% | Chemical UV filter for added coverage |
| Niacinamide (Vitamin B3, ~5%) | Reduces discoloration, improves tone |
| Sodium Hyaluronate | Hydrating humectant |
| Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) | Antioxidant for skin protection |
| Lactic Acid (trace) | pH adjuster (not for exfoliation here) |
| Fragrance-Free, Paraben-Free, Oil-Free, Non-Comedogenic | Better tolerated by sensitive skin types |
Pros & Cons Summary
Pros:
- Lightweight, non-greasy, hydrating texture.
- Gentle and soothing for sensitive, acne-prone, or rosacea-prone skin.
- Blends under makeup or worn alone.
- Paraben- and fragrance-free.
- Broad-spectrum sun protection approved by Skin Cancer Foundation (Healthline).
Cons:
- Higher price point.
- Contains octinoxate, which faces environmental regulatory scrutiny in some regions.
- Minor white cast for deeper skin tones (improved with tinted or deep-tinted versions).
- Possibility of breakouts in users with niacinamide sensitivity.
- Slight risk of pilling with certain base products or over-layering (Healthline, Reddit).
Bottom Line
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a cult-favorite, dermatologist-endorsed sunscreen ideal for daily protection, especially for sensitive, acne-prone, or aging skin. Its formula is thoughtfully designed to soothe, hydrate, and protect—making it a standout choice for many.
If you’re exploring this for yourself, consider:
- Trying the tinted or deep-tinted version for a more natural look on medium to deeper skin tones.
- Patch-testing first if you suspect sensitivity to niacinamide.
Here’s a fresh roundup based on the best moisturizers 2025 reviews and ratings, compiled from expert opinions, tester panels, and user feedback:
Best Moisturizers 2025 Reviews and Ratings: Top Overall Moisturizers
- La Roche‑Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Widely praised by Byrdie, InStyle, Glamour, and Strategist for its gentle, oil‑free formula with ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin. Suitable for most skin types and touted as the best overall and best for dry‑sensitive skin. - Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
A recurring favorite across several 2025 roundups (Strategist, Glamour, Byrdie). Delivers gel-like hydration with hyaluronic acid and glycerin—great for normal to combination skin.
Best Face Moisturizer 2025 Reviews and Ratings Standouts By Skin Concern (Including Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin 2025 Reviews)
| Concern | Favorite Product & Why |
|---|---|
| Dry Skin | InnBeauty Project Extreme Cream – rich, glow-boosting, non-greasy; top pick by Glamour |
| CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – thick, ceramide-rich, budget-friendly and praised by InStyle and Strategist | |
| Oily / Acne-Prone | CeraVe Ultra-Light Gel – effective and lightweight, recommended for pore-prone skin |
| Tatcha Water Cream – luxe gel-cream praised for mattifying and light feel | |
| Sensitive Skin | La Roche‑Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 – calming, barrier-soothing pick |
| Mature / Anti-Aging | SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced – top choice for maturity, packed with Proxylane and antioxidants |
| BeautyStat Peptide Moisturizer – uplifting, firming peptide blend |
Night Cream Highlights
- CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream – beloved for rich hydration
- iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Extreme Cream – glow-enhancing and rejuvenating, top night pick
- Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair – helps with redness/inflammation overnight
See also 8 Possible Causes for a Scary Red Skin Patch
Editor & Celebrity Picks
Beauty editors and celebrities frequently mention:
- Glow Recipe Cloudberry Bright Moisture Cream – antioxidant-rich with Vitamin C, praised for brightening and glow
- Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream – a luxe multi-tasker praised for pre-makeup prep and glow
Dermatologist & Tester Notes
- Consider active ingredients:
- Ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid for hydration & barrier health.
- Niacinamide for oil control and skin texture.
- Peptides, retinol, antioxidants for anti-aging.
- Texture matters: gels/gel-creams for oily/mixed skin; richer creams or balms for dry/mature skin.
- Many picks are fragrance-free (e.g., La Roche‑Posay, CeraVe, SkinCeuticals)—great for sensitive skin types.
How to Choose for You
- Identify your skin type & primary concern (e.g. dryness, oiliness, aging, sensitivity).
- Balance ingredients with texture:
- Lightweight gels for oiliness
- Thicker creams or balms for dryness/aging
- Check your budget: many excellent drugstore picks (La Roche‑Posay, Neutrogena, CeraVe) rival luxury options.
- If layering actives (vitamin C, retinol, etc.), a barrier-supporting moisturizer (with ceramides or peptides) is key.
Best Facial Moisturizer Reviews 2025: Final Picks Based on Popularity & Performance
- Drugstore go-to: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel or La Roche‑Posay Toleriane Double Repair
- Derm-favorite mid-range: InnBeauty Project Extreme Cream, Tatcha Water Cream
- Luxury / anti-aging: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced, BeautyStat Peptide Moisturizer