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 Hailey Bieber–favorite 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.
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 sunscreen 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.
Buy Now: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($41)
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.
Buy Now: EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 ($33)
EltaMD UV Glow Broad-Spectrum SPF 36
Best For: Discoloration and dullness
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, mica
“We’ve had a lot of people tell us that they don’t use foundation or anything else and that they just UV Glow,” says Sandburg of this particular EltaMD sunscreen. The formula includes niacinamide “to help with any discoloration and to give you that long-term glow” but also offers up mica for an instant brightening effect. “This is a great one if you’re running out the door and need a fresh glow.
Buy Now: EltaMD UV Glow Broad-Spectrum SPF 36 ($39)
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.
Buy Now: EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ ($34)
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.
Buy Now: EltaMD UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ ($39)
EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
Best For: All skin types, post procedure
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
A 100-percent physical, tinted-only formula, this EltaMD sunscreen is gentle on even the most sensitive of skin types. Formulated with chemical-free actives, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, UV Elements provides safe sun protection while hydrating and giving the skin a light wash of coverage for a youthful appearance.
Buy Now: EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 ($39)
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.
Buy Now: EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 ($39)
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.
Buy Now: EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 ($37)
EltaMD UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
Best For: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid
This oil-free sunscreen feels totally weightless on the skin, and it’s also infused with skin-care actives like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to attract moisture and diminish visible signs of aging with use. Once you try this sunscreen, there’s no going back to your old favorite.
Buy Now: EltaMD UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 ($38)
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.
Buy Now: EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 40 ($45)
