EltaMD UV Clear Guide: SPF 46 vs Tinted vs Deep Tint vs the New SPF 50
The four EltaMD UV Clear sunscreens compared: untinted SPF 46, Tinted, Deep Tint and the new Blemish-Prone and Oil Balancing SPF 50, with who each one suits.
UV Clear is the sunscreen that made EltaMD famous, and it is now a family of four. They share 5% niacinamide and an oil-free base, and differ in tint, SPF and finish. Here is how to pick.
Which EltaMD UV Clear should you buy?
Buy UV Clear SPF 46 untinted if your skin is fair to medium and you want no tint. Buy UV Clear Tinted if you want light coverage on light to medium deep skin. Buy UV Clear Deep Tint if you have a deeper skin tone. Buy UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50 if your skin is oily and you want a higher SPF with a shine-controlling finish.
How do the four UV Clear formulas compare?
| Feature | UV Clear SPF 46 | UV Clear Tinted | UV Clear Deep Tint | Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPF | 46 | 46 | 46 | 50 |
| Filters | 9% zinc oxide, 7.5% octinoxate | 9% zinc oxide, 7.5% octinoxate | 9% zinc oxide, 7.5% octinoxate | 11% zinc oxide, 3.5% octinoxate |
| Niacinamide | 5% | 5% | 5% | 5% |
| Tint | None | Sheer tint | Deep tint | None |
| Skin tones | Fair to medium | Light to medium deep | Deeper skin tones | All |
| Extra | Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E | Iron oxides | Invisible Blend Technology | Zinc-AOX Pro Technology, oil balancing |
| Price | $46 (1.7 oz), $78 (3.7 oz) | $48 | $48 | $49 |
Why is UV Clear so popular?
Three things. First, it is oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it suits the oily, combination and blemish-prone skin that usually avoids sunscreen. Second, it carries 5% niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that helps reduce the appearance of blemishes, visible redness and discoloration. Third, its transparent zinc oxide rubs in without a white cast on fair to medium skin and sits well under makeup.
It is also fragrance-free, paraben-free and hypoallergenic, which is why it is a common choice for sensitive skin.
UV Clear SPF 46: the original
UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is the untinted lotion. Choose it if you want an invisible finish and your skin tone is fair to medium. It comes in a 1.7 oz airless pump and a 3.7 oz size for people who use it daily or share it.
UV Clear Tinted and Deep Tint
UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 adds a sheer tint that evens skin tone without the weight of foundation, for light to medium deep skin. UV Clear Deep Tint SPF 46 was designed and tested on deeper skin tones and uses Invisible Blend Technology, iron oxides tuned to leave a sheer finish with no white cast. In a 12-week EltaMD study of 37 people using Deep Tint, skin texture improved by 40% and discoloration by 38%.
UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50: the new one
UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50 raises the SPF to 50 with 11% zinc oxide and 3.5% octinoxate, keeps the 5% niacinamide, and adds Zinc-AOX Pro Technology: four antioxidants paired with zinc oxide. EltaMD designed and tested it on blemish-prone skin in a 12-week study of 43 subjects. Choose it over the original if you turn shiny by midday.
When is UV Clear not the right choice?
UV Clear is not water resistant, so it is not the formula for swimming or heavy sweating: use UV Sport SPF 50 or UV Active SPF 50+. It is a hybrid, so if you want only mineral filters choose UV Physical Tinted SPF 41 or UV Skin Recovery SPF 50. And if your skin is dry, UV Daily SPF 40 or UV Daily Hydration+ SPF 50 will be more comfortable. See UV Clear vs UV Daily vs UV Physical.
How do you use UV Clear?
Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure, as the last step of your morning skincare and before makeup. For the face and neck, most people need about a quarter teaspoon, more than feels natural.
Reapply at least every 2 hours, and after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating with a water resistant formula. The UV Clear and UV Daily facial formulas are not water resistant, so switch to UV Sport SPF 50, UV Active SPF 50+ or UV Stick SPF 50+ for the pool, the beach and sport.
Where should you buy UV Clear?
EltaMD is sold through dermatology offices, medical spas and authorized retailers. On open marketplaces, third-party sellers can list sunscreen that is expired, stored in heat or diverted from its intended channel, and a sunscreen is an over-the-counter drug product whose protection depends on its age and storage.
SkinCrew is an Authorized EltaMD US Retailer. Every sunscreen is sourced direct from EltaMD, shipped from the US with current expiry dating, and backed by our 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Shipping is free on US orders of $99 or more. Shop the full range on the EltaMD brand page.
Not sure which UV Clear shade is yours?
Tell our clinical team your skin tone and they will suggest untinted, Tinted or Deep Tint.
Ask the SkinCrew Clinical TeamWhat else do people ask about EltaMD UV Clear?
What does EltaMD UV Clear do?
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 protects against UVA and UVB with 9% zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate, and its 5% niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of blemishes, visible redness and discoloration. It is oil-free and non-comedogenic.
Is EltaMD UV Clear good for blemish-prone skin?
Yes. EltaMD formulates UV Clear for sensitive and blemish-prone skin. It is oil-free, will not clog pores and contains 5% niacinamide. The newer UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50 was designed for and tested on blemish-prone skin.
What is the difference between UV Clear tinted and untinted?
The formulas share the same filters and 5% niacinamide. Tinted adds a sheer tint to even skin tone on light to medium deep skin. Untinted is invisible on fair to medium skin.
Does EltaMD UV Clear leave a white cast?
Untinted UV Clear uses transparent zinc oxide and leaves no white cast on fair to medium skin tones. For deeper skin tones, UV Clear Deep Tint was designed and tested to blend in sheer.
Is UV Clear SPF 46 or SPF 50 better?
SPF 46 is the classic lightweight formula. UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50 has more zinc oxide, an oil balancing finish and added antioxidants, and suits oilier skin. Both contain 5% niacinamide.
Is EltaMD UV Clear water resistant?
No. UV Clear is a daily wear sunscreen and is not labeled water resistant. For swimming or sweating, use UV Sport SPF 50 or UV Active SPF 50+, which are water resistant for 80 minutes.
Can I use UV Clear every day?
Yes. It is designed for daily use as the last step of morning skincare, alone or under makeup. Reapply at least every 2 hours when you are in the sun.
How much niacinamide is in UV Clear?
All four UV Clear formulas contain 5% niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3.
How much does EltaMD UV Clear cost?
At SkinCrew, UV Clear SPF 46 is $46 for 1.7 oz and $78 for 3.7 oz, UV Clear Tinted and Deep Tint are $48, and UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50 is $49.