EltaMD

UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Contains 5% soothing niacinamide

Hybrid BalancedLotion
73
StrongOverall Rating
Based on formula analysis

Most Suitable For


Skin Type Match

52%

Smoothing · Lightweight · Breathable

Pros
  • Smooths skin texture
  • Provides moderate hydration
  • No drying alcohols
Cons
  • Lacks rich emollients
  • Low moisture retention
  • Poor photostability
View other sunscreens for Textured Dry Skin

Performance Scores

SPF Level

Excellent

Label claims SPF 46, which is corroborated by the active concentrations of UVB-absorbing Octinoxate (7.5%) and Zinc Oxide (9.0%).

Broad Spectrum

Fair

Zinc Oxide absorbs across the UVA spectrum up to 400 nm, but at 9.0% it functions as a single moderate UVA filter without overlapping secondary UVA actives.

Sweat Resistance

Poor

Polyisobutene acts as a synthetic polymer providing minimal film-forming infrastructure, but the absence of heavy silicones or specialised water-proofing acrylates limits durability.

Photo Stability

Poor

Photobiology research demonstrates Octinoxate loses significant UV-absorbing capacity within 2 hours of UV exposure unless formulated with specific photostabilisers, which are absent here.

Visible Light

Poor

Complete absence of iron oxide colour indices (e.g., CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) or non-nano pigmentary minerals in the provided ingredient list.

Irritation Risk

Medium Risk

Niacinamide at 5% can cause transient flushing, while iodopropynyl butylcarbamate is a documented contact allergen.

Pore Clogging

Low Risk

Clinical comedogenicity scales rate the primary vehicle ingredients (water, cyclopentasiloxane, niacinamide) at 0/5, with no ingredients in the formula exceeding a 2/5 rating.

White Cast

Medium Risk

Un-tinted zinc oxide at 9% consistently produces visible light reflectance and an ashy finish on Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin types, even when micronized.


Ingredients Analysis

Active Filters

Octinoxate ChemicalUVB

Studies indicate potential estrogenic and thyroid disrupting activity in animal models and human cell lines.

Zinc Oxide MineralBroad Spectrum UV / High Energy Visible

Key Inactive Ingredients

Vitamin B3 VitaminAntioxidant
Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic AcidHumectant
Vitamin E VitaminAntioxidant
Water WaterSolvent
Cyclopentasiloxane SiliconeEmollient

The European Union is restricting this ingredient to a maximum concentration of one tenth of a percent in leave on cosmetics effective June 2027.

Niacinamide VitaminAntioxidant
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate Fatty Acid EsterEmollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer PolymericThickener
Butylene Glycol GlycolSolvent
Phenoxyethanol PhenoxyethanolPreservative

Generally well tolerated but can cause contact dermatitis or skin irritation in rare cases, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Polyisobutene Synthetic PolymerFilm Former
Triethoxycaprylylsilane Texture EnhancerSensory Modifier
Tocopheryl Acetate VitaminAntioxidant
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether NonionicEmulsifier

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 Phosphate AnionicEmulsifier

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 Butylcarbamate MultifunctionalPreservative

Recognized as a contact allergen that can induce allergic contact dermatitis and skin sensitization, particularly in leave-on cosmetic products [1.11].

Lactic Acid AcidpH 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 Hyaluronate Hyaluronic AcidHumectant
Phosphoric Acid AcidpH Adjuster