Quick Summary:

Date Tested: 4/21/2023

In this EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen lotion review, I find that name brand doesn’t guarantee high performance.

*Cue personal blurb*

So I haven’t been able to post as frequently as I would like because…dun dun dun….I went back to school! I think my time as a stay at home dad is slowly winding down (it’s been 13 years), and in order to prepare for the next chapter in my life, I’m taking advantage of free community college in my county. I decided to switch up my career trajectory by going from technology to health care, and am working towards getting an associates in surgical technology. I figure it would be a nice change since our financials are pretty sorted out. My first semester (spring) just ended, and I do enjoy the bio courses I’ve had to complete for pre-requisites. 1.5 more years and I should be working in a formal workplace once again, this time in a hospital setting. So how does this relate to this sunscreen review? Well, I am fully aware of the need for sunscreen as I throw on my backpack, put on my shoesies, and mosey on down the hill to walk to class (the school is 10 minutes walk away). So me being the good boy I am, I need quality sunblock to protect this old face of mine. OK. Bye.

*Cue sunscreen review*

The EltaMD sunblock product line focuses on appealing to the customers intellect by using design choices which give their products a clinical aesthetic (on some of their other sunscreen ratings, they label with SPF 46…as if their QA is more precise by not rounding). Coupled with a higher price than most comparable offerings on the shelf, one could be swayed towards purchasing this product thinking that it is produced to a higher standard and more scientific. Unfortunately, looks can be deceiving, and in the case of this EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50, that phrase rings true.

The EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen contains a hybrid formulation which uses the mineral based Zinc Oxide (9%) UV filter, and the chemical filters of Octinoxate (7.50%) and Octisalate (5.0%).

Testing results show the EltaMD UV Sport filtered UVA by 89.06%, blocked UVB by 82.16%, and reduced total UVI by 88.70%. Unfortunately, these results don’t fit the hefty price tag or the SPF rating of the sunscreen. I recommend getting something else as it really only performs as well as a strong SPF 30-40.

EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 sunscreen lotion characteristics at a glance:

• UVA/UVB sun protection
• Will not rinse off in water or drip into eyes due to perspiration
• Water-resistant (80 minutes)

• Viscosity is good

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EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 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:

This sunscreen performs as well as a really strong SPF 30-40 sunscreen. I would pass on this and get something else if looking for a SPF 50 broad spectrum sunscreen lotion. Don’t be fooled by the brand, or marketing appeal.