B
EltaMD

UV Clear SPF46

79 /100
sunscreen 48g ~37EUR US

Score breakdown

A

Efficacy

C

Safety

A

Comedogenicity

C

Transparency

B

Skin-type fit

Strengths

Weaknesses

Full ingredient list

1 ?
Zinc Oxide
2 ?
Octinoxate
3 ?
Niacinamide
4 ?
Sodium Hyaluronate
5 ?
Tocopheryl Acetate
6 ?
Lactic Acid
7 ?
Phenoxyethanol
8 ?
Butylene Glycol

Best for

normal skinoily skincombination skin acne

Our full review

The #1 dermatologist-recommended sunscreen in the US. EltaMD UV Clear is the only sunscreen with 5% niacinamide built into the formula, making it both sun protection AND acne treatment in one step. It uses a hybrid formula: zinc oxide (9%, mineral) + octinoxate (7.5%, chemical). The zinc calms inflammation while the niacinamide controls oil and fades post-acne marks. Lightweight, sheer, no white cast on most skin tones. The hyaluronic acid adds hydration without heaviness. At 37 EUR for 48g, it's premium-priced but eliminates the need for a separate niacinamide serum under your SPF. For acne-prone skin that needs sun protection, there's nothing better.

How to use

Apply liberally to face as last step of AM routine. Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors. Works under makeup. No need for separate niacinamide serum when using this (5% niacinamide already included).

Who is it for?

Best for: acne-prone skin, oily skin, rosacea-prone skin (zinc is soothing), post-acne marks (niacinamide fades them). US dermatologists' default recommendation. Less ideal for: those avoiding chemical filters (contains octinoxate), very dark skin tones (slight white cast from zinc).

What to expect

Immediate: sun protection + matte finish. Long-term: fewer breakouts (niacinamide), calmer skin (zinc), fading post-acne marks. It's SPF that treats your skin, not just protects it.

Common mistakes

1. Not applying enough (quarter-teaspoon for face). 2. Not reapplying. 3. Using at night (it's an AM product). 4. Layering niacinamide serum underneath (UV Clear already has 5%).

FAQ

Why does it contain octinoxate?
Octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) is an older chemical UVB filter with some endocrine disruption concerns. EltaMD uses it to complement the zinc oxide for broader coverage. If you want to avoid octinoxate entirely, La Roche-Posay Anthelios uses newer generation filters (Mexoryl 400). The trade-off: EltaMD has niacinamide, LRP doesn't.

How it compares

EltaMD UV Clear SPF46 vs LRP Anthelios UVMune 400

EltaMD B (79) vs LRP A (87). LRP has better UV filters (Mexoryl 400, no octinoxate). EltaMD has 5% niacinamide (LRP doesn't). LRP is SPF50+ vs EltaMD SPF46. For maximum UV protection, LRP wins. For acne-prone skin wanting niacinamide + SPF in one, EltaMD wins.

Better alternatives

A

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ (Fragrance-Free)

89/100 - sunscreen
A

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF50+

87/100 - sunscreen
A

Summer Fridays

ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

86/100 - sunscreen
A

Mad Hippie

Daily protective serum.

85/100 - sunscreen