EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
3.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
46
SPF icon
SPF
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.3 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10, EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.
  • High sun protection for extended outdoor activities and exposure.

How moisturizing is it?

Lightly moisturizing: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 has a moisturizing rating of 3.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a high humectancy of 6.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

Tip: Studies suggest that humectants alone do not moisturize the skin. We recommend applying a product with some occlusive ingredients after the use of this one.

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
 

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

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin soothing

Based on the ingredient list analysis, EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Sun protection

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 has an SPF of 46 and provides high sun protection. This level of protection is ideal for activities such as spending time at the beach, outdoor sports, or other activities involving prolonged sun exposure. It's important to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating to maintain effectiveness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
7.5
5
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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Ratings

All humectants
6.6
5
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
5
1
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
3.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
5
1
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
All humectants
6.6
5
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 5 6
Total
6
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
5
Anti-wrinkle rating
6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
5
1
0.3
All antioxidants 6.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.3
Niacinamide
5
Sodium Hyaluronate
1
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
5
All soothing 5 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
5
5
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Cyclomethicone
Est. %65
Function
Origin
A blend of emollient silicones that leaves a smooth and non-greasy after-feel. Unlike other types of oils, it does not leave any residue on the skin, which is part of what makes it so popular.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %9
Function
Origin
A 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.
Octinoxate
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
A chemical sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. It protects against UVB, which causes the skin to burn and tan and can lead to certain types of skin cancers. For broad-spectrum protection claims, octinoxate should be paired with a UVA sunscreen.
Niacinamide
Est. %5
Function
Origin

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
A synthetic emollient ester. This clear, colorless liquid has a unique sensorial profile that is light and silky, with good lubricity.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %3
Function
Origin
An 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.
Polyisobutene
Est. %2
Function
Origin
A highly viscous liquid that is used in lip gloss formulations to prolong wear time and add shimmer. Polyisobutene dramatically increases the thickness of skincare products it is added to.
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %1
Function
Origin

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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.

Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Oleth-3 Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The 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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A highly effective preservative against fungi, specifically mold and yeast. It is cost-effective, functions at very low levels, and also provides some protection against bacteria.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A binding and coating ingredient that allows pigments like iron oxides and mica to disperse better in oily environments. This leads to more vibrant colors.