EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen Review

EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen
1.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
40
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen has to offer:
 
  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.8 out of 10.
  • High sun protection for extended outdoor activities and exposure.

Key Benefits of EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen:
 

Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 1.2 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 2.3 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

High sun protection for extended outdoor activities and exposure

With an SPF of 40, EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen provides high sun protection, making it ideal for prolonged outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, sports, or spending time at the beach.

This level of SPF blocks up to 98% of UVB rays, significantly reducing the risk of sunburn. When formulated as broad-spectrum, it also protects against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and long-term damage.

This level of SPF is recommended for most skin types, including those with moderate sun sensitivity. For individuals with fair or very sensitive skin, or under intense sun exposure, a higher SPF of 50+ is advised.

For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

It's important to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating to maintain effectiveness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen to your skincare routine:
 

As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of EltaMD, Inc UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
  • Provides high sun protection, ideal for prolonged outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, or beach outings, and suitable for most skin types.

Cons: 

  • Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is your only moisturizer in your routine
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
15
10
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Coco-Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Saccharide Isomerate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Behenate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Sclerotium Gum
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Pullulan
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.6
4.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.2 10
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 4.6 20
2.3
4.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 1.2 10
1.2
All humectants
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 4.6 20
2.3
All occlusives
4.6
4.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Coco-Caprylate
Est. %50
Function
Origin
Coco-CaprylateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced oil with a very light feel. An alternative to silicones, this ingredient spreads quickly and doesn't leave a residue on skin.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %15
Function
Origin
Zinc OxideA white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Est. %10
Function
Origin
Butyloctyl SalicylateA synthetic emollient and solvent. It is primarily used as a carrier oil to disperse minerals in, including pigments and sunscreen minerals. It can also absorb UV light, thus boosting the SPF of sunscreen products.
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Octyldodecyl NeopentanoateA synthetic emollient ester. This clear, colorless liquid has a unique sensorial profile that is light and silky, with good lubricity.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Methyl Glucose SesquistearateAn ultra gentle emulsifier that can be used in many products to blend oils and water together while providing a light film on the skin.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Silica
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneA binding and coating ingredient that allows pigments like iron oxides and mica to disperse better in oily environments. This leads to more vibrant colors.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyhydroxystearic AcidA soft and malleable amber wax naturally derived from vegetable sources. It allows minerals to be very finely dispersed, which can improve SPF, decrease the white cast in sunscreens, and increase the color expression in pigmented products.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Saccharide Isomerate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharide IsomerateA naturally-derived humectant that provides moisturization at low levels and is less sticky than other humectants like glycerin.
Glyceryl Behenate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl BehenateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced emollient that can help create oil gels. It provides a soft feeling to the skin, improving product spread and reducing tackiness.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root ExtractA fragrant and anti-inflammatory extract derived from ginger roots. It is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine. In can increase blood circulation, which helps with skin healing and skin metabolism.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
Sclerotium Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerotium GumA thickener with a silky, velvety feel that many manufacturers use as an alternative to silicones.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Pullulan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pullulan
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer
Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.