EltaMD is the number-one recommended sunscreen brand by dermatologists, and for good reason. Their sunscreens are effective, gentle, and non-irritating, making them a great choice for all skin types and tones. The fact that it’s a celebrity favorite—we’re talking Hailey Bieber, Sofia Richie Grainge, Khloe Kardashian—doesn’t hurt, either.
But with so many different EltaMD sunscreens to choose from, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect SPF for your skin. We all need protection from harmful UV rays and protection from dangerous environmental aggressors, but depending on their formula, sunscreens can also help combat skin concerns like dryness, oiliness, fine lines, hyperpigmentation and more.
EltaMD Suncreen And Deciding Which Is the Right One for My Skin
In this guide, we’ll discuss the different EltaMD sunscreen formulas, their benefits, and who they’re best for. We’ll also share some tips for choosing the right EltaMD SPF for your skin type and needs. So whether you’re looking for a sunscreen that’s oil-free, water-resistant, non-comedogenic, or safe for use after a procedure, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more about EltaMD sunscreen and find the perfect one for you.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Best For: Rosacea or those with sensitive, acne-prone skin
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid
Safe for daily use, this formula helps calm and protect sensitive skin types that are more prone to discoloration due to acne. According to the brand, it contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid to promote the appearance of healthy, glowy skin. “This comes in a tinted version, but a lot of people like to mix the untinted and tinted together to get a light, natural glow,” says Echo Sandburg, chief brand Officer at CP Skin Health Group, EltaMD’s parent company.
EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
Best For: Dry Skin, fine lines, anti-aging
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Hailey Bieber’s personal favorite of them all, UV Daily flies off shelves fast, but for good reason. “If you have a little bit of dryness, this is the one for you because it has hyaluronic acid,” says Sandburg. This sunscreen feels more like a serum than anything else—it melts right into the skin with little to any rubbing required—and leaves zero white cast behind.
While your best bet is to pair any sunscreen with a proper moisturizer beforehand, this one includes a hefty dose of hyaluronic acid for a two-in-one situation in a pinch.
EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
Best For: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Antioxidants
While it sold out within a week, this newly launched, sheer, bring-with-you-everywhere stick is coming back to shelves shortly. “This helps you re-apply throughout the day, but it’s all mineral, it’s 50 SPF and it’s totally sheer,” says Sandburg. “It also works across all Fitzpatricks, golfers love it and kids love it.”
Drew Barrymore bought this formula the second it launched, which made it popular from the moment it hit the brand’s social media feed.
EltaMD UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
Best For: Combination skin, oily skin
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, squalane
“A lighter, more drippy formula, UV Sheer is suitable for darker Fitzpatricks and men with facial hair,” explains Sandburg, who adds that they decided to launch a bigger size so users could apply this to the body, too. This formula contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and squalane, all which help retain moisture in the skin, reduce water loss and help combat skin aging. Talk about a multi-tasker.
EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
Best For: Dry skin, hyperpigmentation, fine lines
Key Ingredients: Squalane
If you struggle with hyperpigmentation and sun damage, this sunscreen’s for you. And it just so happens to be Sanburg’s personal favorite, too. “I use the clear version of this on the neck and deck and then the tinted version on the face, and it’s very moisturizing, but if you have sun spots from the past it helps with those, too,” says Sandburg. “This is the one that I wear every single day during the week.”
Plus, Sandburg says this oil-free sunscreen is infused with ginger root extract and saccharide isomerate to help with fine lines and wrinkles, and squalane for a boost of hydration.
EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41
Best For: Extra sensitive skin, post-procedure, oily skin
Key Ingredients: Antioxidants
Because this is a tinted-only SPF formula, Sanburg explains it has become especially appealing for those who have just undergone a procedure. (Because your skin is in a compromised, super-sensitive state post-procedure, it’s important to do your research on which skin-care products are safe to use during this time.)
“This one is also all-mineral and it’s the lightest tint that we have. It’s super gentle so it’s suitable for very sensitive skin and it just gives you that little bit of nice coverage.” Sandburg also adds that this formula is good if you have skin that errs on the oily side because it offers a mattifying finish. Even better, it plays well with makeup and won’t pill or cake underneath your favorite foundation.
EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 40
Best For: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, aloe vera, glycerin
The brand’s first body mist is a showstopper. Launched just this month, this 100-percent mineral is packed with skin-shielding ingredients like vitamins C and E, plus aloe and glycerin. From its long list of skin-care ingredients to its easy-to-apply mist, this does-it-all sunscreen has already proven itself as a bonafide beach-bag staple.
EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
Best For: Combination skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, post-procedure
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid
One of the newest additions to the EltaMD SPF family, this multitasking, tinted sunscreen protects the skin from UV rays—with 100 percent mineral actives to reflect and scatter UVA and UVB rays—and shields the skin from harmful indoor aggressors like HEV light (blue light). With an antioxidant-rich formula and hydrating, soothing elements like hyaluronic acid and bisabolo, this superstar sunscreen helps to battle signs of photoaging while reducing redness.
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
Best For: Dry skin, combination
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
If you struggle with dry or combination skin and are looking for a sunscreen that provides unmatched sun protection and a sheer, natural-looking tint, EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 might be perfect for you. This lightweight, moisturizing sunscreen uses hyaluronic acid to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while zinc oxide protects from the rays that burn (UVB) and age (UVA).
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Best For: Combination, dry, oily, acne-prone
Key Ingredients: zinc oxide, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
A tinted take on the celeb-loved Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, the Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is safe for acne-prone skin and those prone to rosacea, as skin-soothing ingredients like vitamins A and B3 reduce redness and calm irritated skin. While protecting from harmful rays, the skin-loving ingredients in this tinted SPF help to smooth skin and even tone for skin that is protected and healthy during wear and after.
EltaMD UV AOX Eye Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Best For: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, peptides, vitamin E, bisabolol, Persian silk tree extract
The skin around the eyes is exceptionally delicate, and needs extra care to keep it hydrated and looking and feeling young. If your under eyes are feeling crepey and sun-damaged, EltaMD’s UV AOX Eye Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is for you. This 100 percent mineral, non-irritating eye sunscreen is enriched with antioxidants and peptides to help minimize the appearance of dark circles while protecting the delicate skin of the under eye and even reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
EltaMD UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+
Best For: Dry skin
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid
If you struggle with dry skin and need a sunscreen formula that hydrates while it protects, you might want to reach for the EltaMD UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+. Formulated to be worn under makeup as a hydrating and protective primer or on its own, this “fluffy moisturizing sunscreen,” as the brand puts it, is perfect for everyday, hydrating wear.
EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36
Best For: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, glycerin, quercetin, hydromanil
Yes, our skin everywhere needs sun protection, including the thin and sensitive skin on the lips. Have you ever gotten a sunburn on your lips? Trust me, you don’t want to. Instead, reach for this SPF-infused lip balm that features patented, hydrating ingredients to nourish and moisturize sun-exposed lips instantly and over time. Plus, it’s water-resistant up to 80 minutes, making it perfect for a dip in the pool or before a long run.
EltaMD UV Luminous Broad-Spectrum SPF 41
Best For: Combination, dry, oily
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium oxide, linoleic acid, vitamin E
Featuring a light, rosy tint that awakens the skin and a non-greasy, non-comedogenic, semi-matte finish, this newest addition to the EltaMD family is perfect for anyone looking for a product that seamlessly combines skin care and sun care. Not only does the product protect from UVA and UVB rays, it also reduces signs of aging and protects from free radicals while blurring imperfections.
EltaMD UV Restore Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
Best For: All skin types, hyperpigmentation, sun-damaged, mature
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, ginger root, saccharide isomerate, antioxidants, squalene
If you’re main concern is anti-aging and caring for mature skin, EltaMD’s UV Restore Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 is for you. Designed with anti-aging ingredients like ginger root, squalene and saccharide isomerate which minimize the appearance of dark spots from urban pollution, hyperpigmentation and restore moisture and suppleness, this product is the perfect way to incorporate powerful, anti-aging ingredients into your sun-care routine.
EltaMD UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
Best For: Normal, oily, acne-prone
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamin A
If you have oily skin, you’ve likely had difficulty finding SPF formulas that don’t make you overly shiny or promote acne production. But, EltaMD’s UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 is a sheer, oil-free sunscreen that can be worn alone or under makeup and can be worn at the same time as photosensitizing medications frequently associated with acne, like doxycycline.
EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
Best For: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamin E, octinoxate
If you’re more of an active type, EltaMD’s UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 is a great choice. Formulate to be water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and proven to not rinse off in water or drip into the eyes when sweating, this ultra-protective sunscreen is great for golfers, swimmers, skiers or anyone who loves to be outside.
EltaMD UV Active Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
Best For: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, knotgrass extract, jojoba esters
Providing protection against UVA, UVB and HEV rays to prevent burning, visible aging and blue light damage, UV Active Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ was specifically formulated for people with active lifestyles. Perfect for daily use on both adults and kids, this antioxidant-rich formula is a physical sunscreen, meaning there are no chemical sunscreen filters.
EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47
Best For: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, vitamin E
If you’re searching for a chemical-free sunscreen that provides unmatched, full-body protection, UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 is for you. Enriched with antioxidants, this physical sunscreen is gentle, gluten-free, photostable and safe for the whole family.
EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+
Best For: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
For all-in-one, head-to-toe hydration and sun protection safe for the whole family, reach for EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+. Enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid, this formula protects from harmful rays while providing much needed moisture and hydration.
