EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

What is EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46?

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a face sunscreen whose registered label lists zinc oxide 9.0% and octinoxate 7.5%. EltaMD describes it as oil-free and non-comedogenic, and names 5% niacinamide in the formula.

Who it suits, and which skin tones

It suits skin that breaks out. EltaMD states the formula is fragrance-free, paraben-free and non-comedogenic, and the registered label carries no fragrance. On skin tone, EltaMD is specific: it says the product works best on fair, light, medium light or medium skin tones, so anyone deeper than that should weigh that before buying. It sits in our wider range of skincare chosen for skin that congests easily.

What the label lists

The actives do the protecting and the rest of the formula does the rest. Zinc oxide 9.0% and octinoxate 7.5% are the filters on the label. Niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, lactic acid and tocopheryl acetate follow as inactives; EltaMD puts niacinamide at 5% and credits it with visibly improving skin tone and discoloration. The label publishes no percentage for any inactive.

UV Clear SPF 46 or the SPF 50

EltaMD sells more than one UV Clear, and the labels are the way to tell them apart. UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50 reads zinc oxide 11.0% and octinoxate 3.5% on its registered label, against zinc oxide 9.0% and octinoxate 7.5% on this one. That is more zinc and less octinoxate. Our reading of both labels is that these are different formulas rather than one being a stronger version of the other.

Where it sits on our shelf

Browse the full EltaMD shelf for the rest of what we carry from the brand.

Product specification

How to Use

EltaMD's directions: apply a generous amount to the face and neck as the final step of your morning routine, at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply at least every two hours or after towel drying, swimming or sweating. Sunscreen is the last step, so cleanse and moisturize first. EltaMD pairs this one with AM Restore in its Clear Skin Daily Duo Kit.

Does UV Clear SPF 46 leave a white cast?

EltaMD does not publish a white cast claim for this product. What it does publish is a skin tone statement: the brand says UV Clear works best on fair, light, medium light or medium skin tones. Zinc oxide 9.0% is a mineral filter and mineral filters can read lighter on deeper skin. Our suggestion is to treat EltaMD's own tone guidance as the answer rather than a blanket no.

Is UV Clear SPF 46 non-comedogenic?

EltaMD states the formula is oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free and non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic is a formulation claim about pore-blocking ingredients, not a promise that nobody will break out, and EltaMD makes no such promise. The registered label carries no fragrance, which is the part you can check yourself against the ingredient list below.

What is the difference between UV Clear SPF 46 and SPF 50?

Different formulas, not different strengths. The SPF 46 label reads zinc oxide 9.0% and octinoxate 7.5%. The SPF 50 label reads zinc oxide 11.0% and octinoxate 3.5%, and its inactive list differs as well. EltaMD reformulated and the SPF 50 is the current product. We carry both so you can stay on whichever one your skin already agrees with.

Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 9.0% (sunscreen), Octinoxate 7.5% (sunscreen).

Inactive ingredients: Purified water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lactic Acid, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane.

Transcribed from the FDA registered label, labeler CP Skin Health Group, Inc., updated 4 June 2025. EltaMD publishes 5% niacinamide as a brand figure; the registered label gives no percentage for any inactive.

Morning only. It goes on after your moisturizer and before makeup, as the last skincare step of the day. Octinoxate is a chemical filter, so give it the 15 minutes EltaMD asks for before you go outside. EltaMD publishes no layering warning for this product, which is not the same as saying nothing interacts with it, so introduce it alongside a retinoid the way you would any new product.