EltaMD

UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Niacinamide provides strong anti-inflammatory benefits

Hybrid Mineral DominantLotion
58
ModerateOverall Rating
Based on formula analysis

Skin Type Match

42%

Comedogenic · Tinted · Unstable

Pros
  • No drying alcohols
  • Includes soothing niacinamide
  • Zero white cast
Cons
  • Highly comedogenic esters
  • Poor moisture retention
  • Unstable UV filters
View other sunscreens for Textured Dry Skin

Performance Scores

SPF Level

Excellent

The product claims SPF 46, supported by a combination of 7.5% Octinoxate for dedicated UVB absorption and 9.0% Zinc Oxide for broad-spectrum attenuation.

Broad Spectrum

Fair

Zinc Oxide acts as the sole UVA filter, providing an inherent absorption profile that peaks around 370 nm but lacks the robust UVA I coverage of a multi-filter system.

Sweat Resistance

Poor

Polyisobutene (position 10) functions as a known hydrophobic film-former and waterproofing agent in cosmetics, providing minimal inherent resistance to water and sweat.

Photo Stability

Poor

Photobiology literature confirms that Zinc Oxide can catalyze the photodegradation of Octinoxate under UV exposure, and the formula lacks recognized stabilizers like Octocrylene.

Visible Light

Poor

Iron Oxides are listed at position 12, notably after the preservative Phenoxyethanol (universally capped at 1%), confirming they are present only in trace amounts for cosmetic color.

Irritation Risk

Medium Risk

Niacinamide at higher concentrations and lactic acid are documented to potentially induce erythema or stinging in barrier-compromised patients.

Pore Clogging

High Risk

Clinical evaluations and dermatological comedogenicity scales (including the Fulton/Kligman rabbit ear assay and human patch tests) consistently rate isopropyl palmitate and ethylhexyl stearate as 4/5 for pore-clogging potential.

White Cast

Low Risk

Iron oxides provide a cosmetically elegant tint that counteracts the visible light reflectance of mineral UV filters on medium to deep skin tones.


Ingredients Analysis

Active Filters

Zinc Oxide MineralBroad Spectrum UV / High Energy Visible
Octinoxate ChemicalUVB

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

Key Inactive Ingredients

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
Iron Oxides MineralColorant
Isopropyl Palmitate Fatty Acid EsterEmollient

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 Stearate Fatty Acid EsterEmollient

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 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