Elta MD UV Glow Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 36 1.7 oz

Common questions

Is Elta MD UV Glow Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 36 1.7 oz healthy?

Elta MD UV Glow Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 36 1.7 oz scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This sunscreen contains beneficial ingredients like niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, and tocopheryl acetate, which support skin health and hydration.

Which ingredients drive Elta MD UV Glow Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 36 1.7 oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate count in its favor; Phenoxyethanol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Elta MD UV Glow Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 36 1.7 oz

EltaMD
65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Colgate-Palmolive
Category Sunscreen
Summary

This sunscreen contains beneficial ingredients like niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, and tocopheryl acetate, which support skin health and hydration. However, it also includes preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, which can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. The presence of these preservatives and the overall processing level of the product limit its score.

Key ingredients 17

Niacinamide
Good

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. It helps improve skin texture and tone. It is highly beneficial for maintaining skin health.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with niacinamide in cosmetics.

Benefits

It improves skin elasticity, enhances barrier function, and reduces redness.

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Sodium Hyaluronate
Good

Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid known for its excellent moisture-retaining properties. It helps in keeping the skin hydrated and plump. It is highly beneficial for maintaining skin moisture levels.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with sodium hyaluronate in cosmetics.

Benefits

It provides deep hydration and helps in maintaining skin elasticity.

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Tocopheryl Acetate
Good

Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of Vitamin E used for its antioxidant properties. It helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It is beneficial for maintaining skin health.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with tocopheryl acetate in cosmetics.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and helps in maintaining skin health.

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Iron Oxides
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with iron oxides in cosmetics.

Benefits

They provide natural pigmentation and are safe for use in cosmetics.

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Water
Neutral

Water is commonly used as a solvent in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks in this context.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water helps in the even distribution of other ingredients in the formulation.

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Cyclopentasiloxane
Neutral

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone-based compound used for its smooth application and quick-drying properties. It helps in spreading the product evenly on the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some concerns exist about bioaccumulation in the environment.

Benefits

It provides a silky texture and helps in the even application of the product.

See more about Cyclopentasiloxane →
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Neutral

Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate is an emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps in the spreadability of the product. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its moisturizing properties. It is considered safe for use.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and spreadability of the product.

See more about Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate →
Butylene Glycol
Neutral

Butylene Glycol is a common solvent and conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps in retaining moisture and improving the texture of the product. It is generally recognized as safe for use.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It acts as a humectant, helping to keep the skin hydrated.

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Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Neutral

This copolymer is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps maintain the consistency of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It provides stability and consistency to the formulation.

See more about Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer →
Polyisobutene
Neutral

Polyisobutene is used as a thickening agent and film-former in cosmetics. It helps in providing a smooth application and enhances the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It improves the texture and application of the product.

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PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
Neutral

This ingredient is used as an emollient and surfactant in cosmetics. It helps in moisturizing the skin and improving the spreadability of the product. It is considered safe for use.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It provides moisturizing benefits and enhances product spreadability.

Lactic Acid
Neutral

Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid used for its exfoliating properties. It helps in removing dead skin cells and improving skin texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

It may cause irritation in sensitive skin or if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

It helps in exfoliating the skin and improving texture.

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Oleth-3 Phosphate
Neutral

Oleth-3 Phosphate is used as an emulsifier in cosmetic formulations. It helps in blending oil and water-based ingredients. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps in stabilizing emulsions and improving product consistency.

Isopropyl Palmitate
Neutral

Isopropyl Palmitate is an emollient used to enhance the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products. It helps in moisturizing the skin. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause acne in some individuals.

Benefits

It provides a smooth texture and helps in moisturizing the skin.

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Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Neutral

Triethoxycaprylylsilane is used as a surface modifier in cosmetics. It helps in improving the dispersion of pigments and enhances product stability. It is considered safe for use.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It improves pigment dispersion and enhances product stability.

See more about Triethoxycaprylylsilane →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in maintaining product safety. However, it can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.

Risks

It may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps in preserving the product and preventing microbial contamination.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Bad

Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in maintaining product safety. However, it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.

Risks

It may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps in preserving the product and preventing microbial contamination.

See more about Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate →

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