SunscreensHow It WorksAbout
ELTAMD
SPF
46
Lotion
EltaMD

UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Contains 5% soothing niacinamide

Hybrid BalancedLotion
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Skin Type Match

85%

Lightweight · Breathable · Noncomedogenic

Pros
  • Highly breathable finish
  • Won't clog pores
  • Rich in niacinamide
Cons
  • Poor UV photostability
  • Endocrine disruption risk
  • Not sweat resistant
View other sunscreens for Oily Skin

Performance Scores

SPF Level
The labelled SPF 46 maps directly to the 'High' protection tier, suitable for extended outdoor use, backed by a combination of Octinoxate and Zinc Oxide.
Broad Spectrum
UVA protection relies entirely on a moderate 9.0% concentration of Zinc Oxide, which provides continuous UVA I and UVA II coverage but lacks the depth of a multi-filter system.
Sweat Resistance
The formula contains basic film-forming agents but lacks robust hydrophobic polymers and makes no formal water-resistance claim.
Visible Light
The formulation completely lacks iron oxides, tinting agents, or pigmentary minerals necessary to meaningfully attenuate visible light and high-energy visible (blue) light.
Irritation Risk
Generally gentle, but contains 5% niacinamide, octinoxate, and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate which may irritate compromised skin.
Pore Clogging
The formulation is extremely lightweight and oil-free, with only one mildly comedogenic emulsifier (Oleth-3 Phosphate, rated 2/5) present at a very low concentration.
White Cast
Contains 9% un-tinted Zinc Oxide in a hybrid filter system; despite formulation elegance, it will likely leave a visible cast on deeper skin tones.
Ingredients Analysis▾

Active Filters

OctinoxateChemical · UVB
Studies indicate potential estrogenic and thyroid disrupting activity in animal models and human cell lines.
Zinc OxideMineral · Broad Spectrum UV/High Energy Visible

Key Inactives

Vitamin B3Vitamin · Antioxidant
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid · Humectant
Vitamin EVitamin · Antioxidant
WaterWater · Solvent
CyclopentasiloxaneSilicone · Emollient
The European Union is restricting this ingredient to a maximum concentration of one tenth of a percent in leave on cosmetics effective June 2027.
NiacinamideVitamin · Antioxidant
Octyldodecyl NeopentanoateFatty Acid Ester · Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerPolymeric · Thickener
Butylene GlycolGlycol · Solvent
PhenoxyethanolPhenoxyethanol · Preservative
Generally well tolerated but can cause contact dermatitis or skin irritation in rare cases, particularly in sensitive individuals.
PolyisobuteneSynthetic Polymer · Film Former
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneTexture Enhancer · Sensory Modifier
Tocopheryl AcetateVitamin · Antioxidant
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut EtherNonionic · Emulsifier
As an ethoxylated PEG compound, it carries a potential risk of trace contamination with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, which are probable human carcinogens [2.1].
Oleth-3 PhosphateAnionic · Emulsifier
As an ethoxylated ingredient, it carries a risk of trace contamination with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, which are probable human carcinogens formed during the manufacturing process [3.2].
Iodopropynyl ButylcarbamateMultifunctional · Preservative
Recognized as a contact allergen that can induce allergic contact dermatitis and skin sensitization, particularly in leave-on cosmetic products [1.11].
Lactic AcidAcid · pH Adjuster
Alpha hydroxy acids like lactic acid can increase skin sensitivity to UV radiation and the possibility of sunburn, prompting the FDA to recommend a sunburn alert on products containing them [2.1].
Sodium HyaluronateHyaluronic Acid · Humectant
Phosphoric AcidAcid · pH Adjuster