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EltaMD

UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Niacinamide provides strong anti-inflammatory benefits

Hybrid Mineral DominantLotion
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Skin Type Match

48%

Unscented · Sensitizing · Lightweight

Pros
  • No drying alcohols
  • Completely unscented formula
  • Calms skin inflammation
Cons
  • Poor moisture retention
  • Allergenic preservative risk
  • May sting eyes
View other sunscreens for Sensitive Dry Skin

Performance Scores

SPF Level
The labelled SPF 46 maps directly to the 'High' protection tier, indicating strong UVB blocking capacity suitable for extended outdoor exposure.
Broad Spectrum
Moderate broad-spectrum coverage is achieved through a single mineral filter (9.0% Zinc Oxide) that provides baseline UVA I and UVA II protection without multi-filter synergy.
Sweat Resistance
The product lacks a formal water resistance claim but contains hydrophobic film-forming polymers that impart a baseline, unverified level of persistence against moisture.
Photo Stability
The filter system is unstable due to the pairing of inherently photolabile Octinoxate with Zinc Oxide, a combination known to accelerate degradation without adequate chemical quenchers.
Visible Light
Iron oxides are present to provide a tint, but their placement below the 1% concentration threshold indicates minimal functional attenuation of high-energy visible light.
Irritation Risk
Formula is largely gentle but contains niacinamide, lactic acid, and IPBC which may cause transient stinging on compromised skin.
Pore Clogging
The formulation contains isopropyl palmitate and ethylhexyl stearate, both recognized as highly comedogenic esters, present at meaningful concentrations in the middle of the ingredient list.
White Cast
Despite containing 9% zinc oxide, the formulation includes iron oxides as mineral pigments which completely offset the potential for white cast.
Ingredients Analysis▾

Active Filters

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

Key Inactives

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
Iron OxidesMineral · Colorant
Isopropyl PalmitateFatty Acid Ester · Emollient
Widely recognized as highly comedogenic (typically rated 4 out of 5), posing a significant risk of clogging pores and exacerbating acne breakouts, especially at higher concentrations.
Ethylhexyl StearateFatty Acid Ester · Emollient
Widely identified as having moderate to high comedogenic potential which may clog pores and trigger breakouts in individuals with acne prone skin [2.2].
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