Clear Untinted, Lightweight, Calming Sun Protection for Sensitive Skin
Get daily defense against UV damage, without irritation or a greasy feel. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (Untinted) is a dermatologist-loved mineral-based sunscreen formulated for sensitive, acne-prone, and rosacea-prone skin. It blends seamlessly without a white cast and offers sheer, fragrance-free protection that wears well alone or under makeup.
This best-selling EltaMD multitasking formula shields skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays while soothing inflammation, minimizing shine, and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Packed with powerhouse ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid, it doesn’t just protect: it nourishes, calms, and improves overall skin tone.
Why You'll Like It
- 5% niacinamide helps visibly improve uneven tone and discoloration every time you apply your SPF.
- Sheer, untinted finish wears well alone or under makeup without leaving a white cast.
- Oil-free, non-comedogenic texture feels weightless and will not clog pores.
- Broad-spectrum SPF 46 with micronized zinc oxide shields skin from UVA and UVB rays.
- Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dye-free for easily irritated skin.
- Hyaluronic acid and vitamin E add comfortable moisture and antioxidant support.
Who Is It For
- Acne-prone skin that needs daily SPF without added congestion.
- Rosacea-prone or easily irritated skin.
- Skin with blotchiness, discoloration, or lingering post-breakout marks.
- Fair to medium skin tones (EltaMD notes the untinted formula works best on fair, light, medium light, and medium tones).
- Anyone who wants a lightweight face sunscreen that layers smoothly under makeup.
If most sunscreens leave your skin red, shiny, or congested, EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 is the easy switch: calm-looking, protected skin and a finish you will actually look forward to wearing every morning.
Benefits
This hypoallergenic sunscreen helps calm and protect skin prone to discoloration and breakouts.
- Good for: skin prone to acne and rosacea.
- Contains 5% Niacinamide to help visibly improve skin tone and discoloration.
- Formulated to calm and protect acne-prone skin.
- Helps keep your skin smooth and even.
- Non-comedogenic, lightweight formula will not clog pores and can be layered under makeup.
- Leaves no residue.
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 belongs to our EltaMD sun care collection, a dermatologist-trusted line of zinc oxide sunscreens built for every skin type, from oily and breakout-prone to dry and post-procedure.
How to Use
Easy to use:
- Apply generously to face and neck 15 minutes before sun exposure.
- If you're swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant sunscreen.
- Reapply every 2 hours for continued protection.
Smart Sun Safety Tips
- Sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer and early aging. To help protect your skin:
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF of 15 or higher every day
- Limit time in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses
- For children under 6 months: Please consult a physician before use.
Troubleshooting the EltaMD Airless Pump
- Having trouble getting your product to dispense? Here's what to do:
- Keep the cap on and turn the bottle upside down
- Tap the bottom firmly 8 to 10 times to help the product move up
- Turn it upright, remove the cap, and press the pump a few times
- Still not working? Repeat the steps, tapping with a little more force
This process helps create a vacuum inside the airless pump system to get the product flowing.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients: 9.0% Zinc oxide, 7.5% Octinoxate
Ingredient Insights:
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Zinc Oxide: A Natural mineral compound that works as a sunscreen agent by reflecting and scattering UVA and UVB rays
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5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps to improve skin tone and discoloration
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Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid): A Humectant that attracts and retains moisture, improving skin feel, and restores suppleness
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Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E): Antioxidant that reduces free radicals to help diminish the visible signs of aging
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyisobutene, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phosphoric Acid.
Ingredients may change. Please check the packaging for the most current list.
Awards
- WhoWhatWear's - 100 Beauty Awards 2024
- New Beauty - 2024 Readers' Choice Award
- New Beauty - Best SPF for Acne-Prone Skin 2023
- InStyle - Best Beauty Buys Award 2022 - Category: Facial Sunscreen
- Women's Health Magazine - Skincare Awards 2022 - Best SPF
- InStyle - Best Beauty Buys Award 2021
- Women's Health - Beauty Award 2021
- Beauty Inc. - Top 100 Skin Care Products 2021
- SkinStore - SkinStore Experts Choice 2020
- RealSimple - Smart Beauty Award 2020
- InStyle - Best Beauty Buys Award 2020
- NewBeauty - Beauty Award 2020
- InStyle - Best Beauty Buys Award 2019
FAQ
Will this sunscreen leave a white cast?
No. EltaMD UV Clear Untinted is formulated with micronized zinc oxide that goes on sheer and blends easily, even on medium to deeper skin tones.
Is it safe for acne-prone or oily skin?
Yes. It’s non-comedogenic and oil-free, with niacinamide to help regulate oil and reduce inflammation. It’s a favorite among dermatologists for acne-prone patients.
Can I use this with makeup?
Absolutely. Its lightweight, silky finish makes it a perfect primer under makeup. It doesn’t pill or feel greasy.
What’s the difference between this and the Tinted version?
The Tinted version includes a tint for added tone correction. The Untinted version is completely transparent and doesn’t alter skin tone.
Is this sunscreen water-resistant?
No, UV Clear is not water-resistant. If you plan to swim or sweat heavily, choose a water-resistant sunscreen like EltaMD UV Sport.
Can I use this around my eyes?
Yes, it's gentle enough for the eye area. However, avoid direct contact with the eyes and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Is this sunscreen available in tinted?
Yes. The same formula with a sheer tint is available as EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF 46.
The SPF Your Sensitive Skin Has Been Waiting For
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (Untinted) protects and soothes, no white cast, no greasy feel. Powered by zinc oxide, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it’s your new daily essential for calm, clear, radiant skin.
