Quick Summary:
Date Tested: 08/18/2022
The other day, my best friend of 11 years told me she was offered a position at a big pharma company (I guess she’s switching from a teeny pharma company). Bitter was the news, as I knew prior, that this new position would probably be the catalyst for her and her family to move back to her hometown (or nearby) in Maryland. Sweet, in the sense I know she’s going off to do bigger and better things. Housing prices, additional hands to help in raising kids, and the East Coast work hours just greased the wheels for her to decide that the new job meant the new move.
When I think back to what’s made us such good friends, I believe it’s not merely the sharing of common values but that we’ve very likely seen each other at our worst. You know what they say – “Misery loves company.” Were just comfortable being who we are with each other without any pretense. Helped her move out of her ex boyfriends apt? Check. Never let me forget about the time I got blackout drunk and spilled wine on our mutual friends brand new Christian Louboutin shoes? Check. Prayed for each other during those times when in the feels? Check.
I suppose it’s doing life together and sticking around through the thick and thin which forms strong bonds and crosses friendship over to family.
This Elta MD UV Elements Tinted Facial SPF 44 sunscreen review is dedicated to my small but mighty Korean friend…also, she gave me this sunscreen sample to test so there’s that too.
The Elta MD Tinted SPF 44 is a physical/mineral based sunscreen lotion which contains both Zinc Oxide (10.0%) and Titanium Dioxide (5.7%). This facial product is tinted and is in my opinion a bit pricey. But hey, tinted! Also, hey medical and science-sounding (probably why she bought it in the first case)!
Testing in the sunscreen machine proved the Elta MD UV Elements was a solid performer. Fantastic even, by reducing UVI by 99.31%, cutting down UVA by 99.44%, and blocking UVB by 97.48%. Really great results for a mineral based sunscreen.
Elta MD UV Elements Tinted Facial SPF 44 Sunscreen ingredients
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide (10.0%), Titanium dioxide (5.7%)
Inactive Ingredients:
Water/Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Sodium Chloride, Triethoxycaprylysilane, Alumina, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Iron Oxides.
Manufacturers Website: www.eltamd.com
Elta MD UV Elements Tinted SPF 44 characteristics at a glance:
- Hyaluronic acid boosts moisture-retention for a smoother, more youthful appearance
- Inorganic UV filters
- Dye-free and gluten-free
- Viscosity is medium goodish.
Prepared slide ready for testing
The Elta MD UV Elements Tinted SPF 44 spread nicely and pretty evenly. Viscosity seemed just right for a mineral based lotion.
Below are the results from 2 hours of testing in my UV testing station.
Elta MD UV Elements Tinted SPF 44 UV blocking test results
Ultraviolet light quick reference:
UVA: The Ultraviolet wavelength from 315nm – 400nm. The “Aging UV light” – Causes wrinkles.
UVB: The Ultraviolet wavelength from 280nm – 315nm. The “Bad UV light” – Causes skin cancer.
UVI: The global sun UV index. The more a sunscreen can reduce the level of UVI, the better.
UV test results:
Ultraviolet sensor readings:
| Before Sunscreen | After Sunscreen | % UV Blocked | |
| TEMP | 86.45 | 87.18 | |
| UVA | 24544.5 | 138 | 99.44% |
| UVB | 1230 | 31 | 97.48% |
| UVI | 14.39 | .10 | 99.31% |
Want to know more about how I test sunscreen? Head here to read about the details.
Testing notes:
There are two things which I appreciate about this particular facial sunscreen lotion. One, it works very well at blocking ultraviolet light. Two, the face of my friend will be protected from rotting if she uses it under the hot Maryland sun. Oh, also, its tinted!
On further thought, was this article really about this sunscreen? Have I suddenly converted over to writing a blog about my life with added sunscreen reviews just to give myself an excuse that makes me feel like I’m doing something useful with my life? O.M.G. what has happened to me!?
Hmmm… I think I am going to send her this article, pour myself a drink, and chat with her over messenger. Bye for now!
Want to try the Elta MD UV Elements Tinted SPF 44 Sunscreen?
If you like tinted lotion, strong UV protection, and a medically sounding name sunscreen, this is it. A bit pricey though.
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I have been using this Elta sunscreen for over a year (was given to me by my son, a facial plastic surgeon) and have found your review to be true. I would add one thing–the “tint” is definetly substantial, so if you are light skinned (like me) you may want to mix it with a lighter colored mineral sunscreen which is what I often do. Also, if you are out in the heat and sweating, it can get pretty messy so I only use it if I am not going to be doing heavy physical activity or out in severe heat.