EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46, Oil-Free Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, Dermatologist Recommended

I’m 52 and never wore sunscreen. About a year ago, I noticed some discoloration on my upper cheeks. I asked my dermatologist what I could do about it. He said that it was melasma from sun damage. He sold me a cream that contained hydroquinone and recommended EltaMD Tinted 46. So, I bought some. EltaMD seemed very expensive at the time. So, I bought a big bottle of another brand with a pump on it and used it every morning like lotion. Quick and easy. But, I could feel that I was absorbing what I learned were chemicals (I didn’t know the difference in physical and chemical sunscreen at the time). So, then I got into a rather obsessive series of chats with ChatGPT about chemical sunscreen (for months). Most chemical sunscreens in the U.S. use the same four ingredients. These ingredients do absorb into the skin and some impact hormones. So, I bought Zinc Oxide /Titanium Dioxide sunscreens. But, they literally turn your face blue. OK for the beach. But, you can’t wear it to work. People think you are low on oxygen and are dying. Definitely not worth the distracting conversations—especially if you’ve lost a bunch of weight taking a GLP-1. As I said, I became obsessed with this subject and know all of the chemicals used in the U.S and Europe along with associated target wavelengths (I didn’t look too much into Asian sunscreens). But, I’ll say that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is really in the way with chemical sunscreens. The approval process is so expensive, the sunscreen companies don’t go through the approval process in the U.S. But, the Europeans have a lot of options. And they are very good options. Particle size, and some other characteristics, ensure that they don’t absorb into the skin, are reef safe, and don’t degrade quickly in sunlight. So, you don’t have to apply them every two hours if you are in an office and not sweating (because that’s the other thing—I’m not getting caught in the restroom mirror, or with a compact mirror, applying sunscreen at work). So, I ordered a lot of different European sunscreens to be shipped directly from Europe. Why so many? I learned that blue light is what causes melasma. And there are a couple of ingredients (Mexoryl 400 and TriAsorB) that stop blue light along with UVA and UVB. But they made my face shiny (like, your face looks like it is slathered in olive oil). I bought matte versions that were still shiny. Or they had perfume in them—very floral feminine scents (God knows I don’t want to show up at work smelling like a girl—or a Romeo fresh from a romp either). Some of the bottles were comically small (fits in the front pocket of your slacks without bulging) for exhorbatant prices that were exacerbated by high shipping costs. But, mostly, they are oily. So, I bought a great U.S. zinc oxide one that is very mattifying. Worked perfect… almost. The problem was that two layers of sunscreen (I didn’t want to give up the blue light protection) with a mattifier absorbing so much oil made it look like I was wearing foundation—and turned my face blue. I tried a lower zinc oxide spf concentration. Still blue. Then I got tinted versions (the first one was too dark and made me look like I was drunk). And, that much sunscreen makes you feel like you are wearing a mask and you can’t wait to wash it off at the end of the day. After washing, my face would be dry (don’t use Castile soap on your face). So, I bought moisturizers (several because ChatGPT gave me a whole regimen on a Word doc so I could tape it to my mirror). Some made my face oily. Some made my face sting (even the simple volcano water and hyaluronic acid stung). For the love of God! So, ChatGPT tells me that my barrier is compromised. So, I buy a bunch of mild cleansers. Cream to foam is not strong enough to remove caked on sunscreen. Squalene oil emulsifier works great. But, this was all too much. So, this morning I saw, among a bathroom sink full of so many products it puts my wife’s side of the sink to shame (she’s very unhappy with this obsession by the way. She says I look like a girl putting on make up (rubycell sponges are the best in case you are looking for that kind of thing))…. Well, to make a long story short, I saw an old bottle of EltaMD 46. Very smooth application (I think that it is the Octinoxate that creates the perfect viscosity). It feels like I have nothing on my face. That’s a great feeling. No white cast or blue face. The tint does not seem to wear off as easily on things like a white collar or the inside of a hat (probably because it spreads so well you don’t have to use a lot. I’ve purchased a dozen hats to protect me from the sun too. But that’s a whole n’other story). The bottom line is that my dermatologist was right. And, I could have financed a few years worth of EltaMD 46 purchases if I hadn’t gone down the European rabbit hole. Do not buy the EltaMD 50! It does not spread well. One more thing. The iron oxide used in the tint blocks blue light that causes melasma! Who would have guessed. I didn’t notice that message the first time I was reading the bottle label. Just buy the EltaMD 46. Trust me. It’s the best in every way.

My dermatologist recommended this sunscreen. I have been using now for ten years. I wear it every day over my moisturizer and my skin is protected. Has undoubtedly saved me lots of wrinkles/aging! Best face sunscreen on the market. Not greasy and has never even caused one breakout! Worth the price.

My dermatologist recommended this facial sunscreen to me and I have been using it for several years now. I prefer the clear over the tinted version which does not really give much coverage for skin imperfections. I spend a lot of time outside in sunny weather and I have noticed that since using this sunscreen my brown "sun spots" have diminished over regualr use and time. The lotion feels so nice going on, almost like a serum, and it does not make my face shiny or leave a white smear from the zinc oxide. I also use it on my neck and upper chest, just wish I'd started in my 20's!

I love how this product feels and smells. Goes on clean and non greasy. Not a fan of the price point but great product otherwise

Sunscreen is lightweight and has no strong fragrance. It has worked well for my oily, acne-prone skin- hasn’t caused breakouts and has a brightening effect from the niacinamide. One bottle lasts me a while (use on face only). Four stars because this sunscreen is on the pricier side.

Love this brands sunscreen, literally the first that did not cause skin reactions. Dries clear, no residue and does not cause makeup timpill

The only sunscreen I'll ever use! I have tried so many different popular sunscreens that were greasy, sticky, smelly, pilled under makeup, or gave me fungal acne. Although, this sunscreen exceeds my expectations every time. NO WHITE CAST, NO "SUNSCREEN" SMELL, DOESN'T PILL UNDER MAKEUP, NOT GREASY! It gives you a shine in the best way. I cannot recommend this sunscreen enough. I've been using this sunscreen everyday for the past 3 years and one bottle lasts me about 3 months so the price is worth it to me. If you haven't tried it already just get it!! I also have eczema, sensitive, and dry skin that's usually prone to breakouts from irritating or pore clogging ingredients in certain skincare. But I haven't had any issues this sunscreen!

originally bought this sunscreen after struggling with heavier formulas that either clogged my pores or felt greasy under makeup. I’ve been using EltaMD UV Clear consistently for several months now, and I’m currently on my second bottle. I apply it every morning after my moisturizer before heading to work. It blends in quickly, doesn’t leave a white cast on my light-medium skin tone, and layers well under foundation. I also appreciate that it doesn’t sting around my eyes, even during long days outside or workouts. Pros: • Lightweight and absorbs fast • No noticeable white cast • Works well under makeup • Gentle on sensitive, acne-prone skin • Doesn’t feel greasy throughout the day Cons: • Slightly on the expensive side for the size Compared to drugstore sunscreens I’ve tried, this feels more refined and comfortable for daily wear. It’s ideal for anyone with sensitive or breakout-prone skin who wants reliable sun protection without heaviness.