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EltaMD

UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Contains 5% soothing niacinamide

Hybrid BalancedLotion
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Skin Type Match

65%

Soothing · Noncomedogenic · Lightweight

Pros
  • Calms acne inflammation
  • Low comedogenicity risk
  • Provides humectant hydration
Cons
  • Lacks needed emolliency
  • Low moisture retention
  • Poor UV photostability
View other sunscreens for Acne-Prone Dry 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.
Photo Stability
The formula contains inherently photolabile Octinoxate without adequate triplet-state quenchers like Octocrylene, leaving it highly susceptible to rapid UV-induced degradation.
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