EltaMD UV Clear
SPF 46; a tinted version is widely used under makeup
Illustration of the product
▶ From a video review of this product
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- Filters
- Chemical and mineral, with niacinamide
- White cast
- Low
Why it ranks here. The sunscreen dermatologists name first, on YouTube and in Reddit replies, for skin that breaks out from everything else: chemical and mineral filters together, niacinamide for redness, and a matte finish that disappears under makeup. Owners who have tried many high-end, K-beauty and drugstore sunscreens keep coming back, and rosacea-prone buyers are in love.
It is expensive for a small tube, and nobody has found a dupe. There is a faint cast on some deeper tones. The SPF 46 on the label bothers shoppers chasing a number, though broad-spectrum coverage matters far more.
What owners like
- Dermatologists' first pick for acne-prone skin
- Calms redness
- Disappears under makeup
What owners complain about
- Expensive, no dupe
- Faint cast on deep tones
- SPF 46 not 50
“The UV clear is one of the best sunscreens I have ever tried. Wish I could find a dupe!” — YouTube comment · @jennag7650 · 2021-04-09
7 positive · 1 mixed · 8 voices · ✓ all 8 linked to source
Read all 8 quotes (8 voices)
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Try eltamd uv clear (spf 46, i know it’s not 50 but it’s the one derms push for acne-prone combo and it doesn’t look wet), neutrogena ultra sheer dry-touch spf 55 if you want cheap and actually matte, biore aqua rich watery essence off amazon if you want that weightless korean/japanese gel feel, or skin1004 hyalu-cica / haruharu black rice airyfit if you can grab those.
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EltaMD UV Clear is the one derms recommend most for combo/acne prone for a reason, it's got niacinamide in it and doesn't feel heavy. It's spf46 not 50 but broad spectrum coverage matters way more day to day than chasing the highest number past spf30. If the LRP lines keep breaking you out it might genuinely be a specific filter or the silicone base reacting rather than the spf itself, so switching brand entirely (Biore Aqua Rich if you want that lightweight Korean/Japanese gel feel) is probably a better move than trying another LRP formula.
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I wear eltamd tinted every day. It is “the best” daily sunscreen for under makeup.
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Thanks for this comparison! I love Elta MD sunscreen! My favorite, HG is the Daily ; I worn it for the past dozen years. It does have a slight white cast, but on my light skin it is fine, or I mix a little of the Elta MD UV Elements all mineral tinted in with it. I have tried MANY high end, K beauty, and drugstore sunscreens, but I always come back to the Elta MD UV daily- it feels good on my skin, so light I don’t even feel it, and doesn’t make me break out.
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Just purchased the one for rosacea-prone skin and I'm in love.
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The UV clear is one of the best sunscreens I have ever tried. Wish I could find a dupe!
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Loved this post! Since Covid and WFH, I’ve ditched the makeup and have been loving EltaMD UV Physical Tinted SPF 41.
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This was extremely helpful especially for those of us with deeper skin tones, noting the white cast is something many people ignore.
