UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
A weightless zinc-based sunscreen that plays well with sensitive, acne-prone, and rosacea-prone skin.
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Why we like it.
There is a reason this shows up in so many treatment rooms: it feels closer to a lightweight serum than a sunscreen, but it's a real broad-spectrum SPF 46 with nearly 10% zinc oxide. That combination is rare.
The niacinamide in the formula does real work — over a few weeks of daily use, we see less background redness in clients with rosacea and sensitive skin. That's not a claim we make lightly about most sunscreens.
The one honest tradeoff: at $40 for 1.7 oz, it's more expensive than drugstore SPF. But you're paying for something you'll actually re-apply, which is the only sunscreen worth owning.
- Sensitive, reactive, rosacea-prone skin that stings from most sunscreens
- Acne-prone skin that breaks out from chemical SPF
- Anyone managing melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Retinoid users (sun protection is non-negotiable on tretinoin)
- Anyone specifically looking for a tinted SPF (see EltaMD UV Clear Tinted for that)
- Deeper skin tones who want zero cast — the untinted version has a faint sheen; try the tinted version instead
If I could get every one of my clients to wear one sunscreen every single morning, this is the one. It doesn't sting, it doesn't pill, and it doesn't turn white on anyone.
— Kendal, Licensed EstheticianA simple, repeatable routine.
- 1AM: last step in your routine, after moisturizer. Two full finger-lengths for face + neck.
- 2Reapply every 2 hours outdoors, or after sweating and swimming.
- 3On desk days indoors near windows, one morning application is a reasonable minimum.
Key ingredients, plain English.
- Zinc oxide 9%
- Mineral UV filter — physically reflects UVA and UVB.
- Octinoxate 7.5%
- Chemical UVB filter that boosts SPF without heaviness.
- Niacinamide
- Calms redness, evens tone, supports the barrier.
- Hyaluronic acid
- Adds a light hydration layer as you apply.
What we'd put next to it.
Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
A daily moisturizer that fixes the two things Michigan winter breaks: barrier and hydration.
Toleriane moisturizer first for hydration, this on top for real protection.
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
The boring, bland, brilliant cleanser we recommend to nearly every new guest.
A gentle cleanser at night is how you actually get sunscreen off without irritation.
Questions people actually ask.
Is this reef-safe?
The untinted version contains octinoxate, which is not reef-safe. If you're headed to Hawaii or a reef, switch to a 100% mineral SPF for that trip.
Will it break me out?
It's oil-free and non-comedogenic. In practice this is one of the sunscreens acne-prone clients tolerate best.
Can I use it under makeup?
Yes — give it 60 seconds to set, then apply foundation. It doesn't pill under most bases.
Ready to try EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46?
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