Quick Summary:

Date Tested: 10/27/2022

In this EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Facial sunscreen review, I find a very inconsistently performing sunscreen formulation which proves that brand name means nothing when it comes to sunscreen effectiveness.

The EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 is a hybrid (includes both chemical and physical UV filtering active ingredients) sunscreen which contains Zinc Oxide at 9.0% and Octinoxate at 7.5% concentration. Zinc Oxide at 9% is rather low, and when coupled with only one chemical UV filter at only 7.5%, I didn’t have high hopes for its performance. However, I thought that the EltaMD brand would know what they were doing and would still score well. Boy was I wrong.

I actually tested this sunscreen two times using two completely different samples. The first testing of the EltaMD UV Clear found results so low, that I needed to verify I had not gotten a bad batch and pushed me to find another separate sample to verify my results. After testing the second sample, I realized the EltaMD UV Clear sunblock formulation is just bad.

The first sample of the EltaMD UV Clear only reduced UVI by 6.43%, filtered UVA by 6.57%, and only blocked UVB by 4.36%. What!? Terrible, terrible, results!

The second sample of the EltaMD UV Clear only reduced UVI by 44.07%, filtered UVA by 44.57%, and blocked UVB by 34.24%. Better, but still terrible results.

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen characteristics at a glance:

• Zinc Oxide: Natural mineral compound that works as a sunscreen agent by reflecting and scattering UVA and UVB rays
• Niacinamide (vitamin B3): Anti-inflammatory that reduces redness and minimizes the appearance of dry or damaged skin and restores suppleness
• Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid): Humectant that attracts and retains moisture, improving skin feel and restores suppleness
• Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E): Antioxidant that reduces free radicals to help diminish the visible signs of aging
• UVA/UVB sun protection
• Calms and protects acne-prone skin
• Leaves no residue

• Viscosity is thin.

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Elta UV Clear SPF 46 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.

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UV test results:

Ultraviolet sensor readings:

Want to know more about how I test sunscreen? Head here to read about the details.

Testing notes:

I believe both the low concentration of active ingredients used, plus the thin viscosity of the lotion combine to make a badly performing sunblock formulation. I believe the use of only one chemical UV blocker limits the broad spectrum effectiveness of the sunscreen, and the thin viscosity (physical UV filters are more affected by this) is to blame for the inconsistent results. I’m surprised this formulation passed QC at the EltaMD labs.

Pass on this. Not Recommended.