EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 Review

EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
5.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
44
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 Ingredients

Hover to see details. On mobile? Tap for ingredient stories!

Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Sodium Chloride, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Alumina, Methicone, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Iron Oxides
Review

Does EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 has to offer:
 
✅ Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10, impaired by the lack of humectants.
✅ High sun protection for extended outdoor activities and exposure.

  

Key Benefits of EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 1.5 out of 10 and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈22.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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 44, EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 contains a low level of humectants.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

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

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Ascorbyl Palmitate may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available 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 UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Exceptionally rich moisturizer with the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
Provides high sun protection, ideal for prolonged outdoor activities such as hiking or beach outings, and suitable for most skin types
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
, as a moisturizer, provides an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin, delivered in a rich, thick texture.
 
With an SPF of 44, EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 delivers high sun protection, well-suited for extended outdoor activities such as hiking or beach outings, and compatible with most skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains only a small amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
22
10
5.5
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Alumina
Function:
Origin:
Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.5
1.5
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
22.6
22.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.5 10
1.5
1.5
Occlusivity All occlusives 22.6 20
10.0
22.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.5
All humectants 1.5 10
1.5
All humectants
1.5
1.5
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
22
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 22.6 20
10.0
All occlusives
22.6
22.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1 -
Total
0
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
1
0.3
All antioxidants 2.8 3 No
All antioxidants
2.8
Sodium Hyaluronate
1.5
Ascorbyl Palmitate
1
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %50
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Dimethicone
Est. %22
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.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %10
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.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %5.5
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.
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Octyldodecyl NeopentanoateA synthetic emollient ester. This clear, colorless liquid has a unique sensorial profile that is light and silky, with good lubricity.
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl DimethiconeA powerful emulsifier with the unique trait of being able to work in both oil- and silicone-based formulas. It can also function as a thickener in low concentrations.
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 CrosspolymerA self-emulsifying surfactant, which means that it can help facilitate the formation of water-in-silicone emulsions. This results in lightweight formulas with a soft finish. It can also act as a film-former and thickener.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

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.

Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

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.
Alumina
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AluminaA mineral derived from the metal ore known as aluminum. It is commonly used as an abrasive and also acts as a thickening viscosity controlling agent (and thus as a bulking agent). Alumina is also a great opacifier.
Methicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethiconeA silicone oil that can function as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Occasionally, methicone is used as a surface modifier for various pigments to improve the longevity and vibrancy of colorants.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
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.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Iron Oxides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron OxidesMineral pigments used to provide color in skincare products. These naturally occurring pigments are available in yellow, red, brown, and black powders.