EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
At a glance
Summary
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 scores 40/100. The brand is heavily dermatologist-recommended for acne-prone and rosacea-prone skin thanks to 5% niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid in the carrier — these are genuinely effective barrier-supportive actives. However the UV-filter system mixes 9.0% zinc oxide with 7.5% OCTINOXATE (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate), an organic UV filter that the FDA flagged in its 2019 proposed rule as needing additional safety data, that Hawaii banned in 2021 for coral-reef toxicity, and that has documented hormone-disrupting (estrogenic and antithyroid) activity in animal studies. The formula also contains heavy cyclosiloxane (D5/D6) carrier silicones. EltaMD was acquired by Colgate-Palmolive in 2024. Strong therapeutic actives undermined by a UV-filter choice cleaner sunscreens specifically avoid.
Key ingredients 21
Octinoxate / Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (7.5%)Very Bad
Organic UV filter banned in Hawaii (2021) for documented coral-reef bleaching and bioaccumulation, and flagged by the FDA in 2019 as needing additional safety data. Multiple animal studies show estrogenic activity and antithyroid effects. EWG hazard rating of 6. Cleaner sunscreens use zinc oxide alone.
See more about Octinoxate / Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (7.5%) →Cyclopentasiloxane (D5)Very Bad
EU SVHC since 2018; persistent and bioaccumulative.
See more about Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) →Cyclohexasiloxane (D6)Very Bad
EU SVHC; persistent and bioaccumulative.
See more about Cyclohexasiloxane (D6) →Lactic AcidNeutral
Fermentation acid used for pH and preservation — benign.
See more about Lactic Acid →Octyldodecyl NeopentanoateNeutral
Synthetic emollient.
See more about Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate →Phenyl Trimethicone
Silicone emollient with high refractive index for skin-smoothing optics.
See more about Phenyl Trimethicone →Trisiloxane
Volatile silicone for skin-feel.
See more about Trisiloxane →VP/Eicosene CopolymerNeutral
Synthetic film-former for water resistance.
See more about VP/Eicosene Copolymer →Phenethyl BenzoateNeutral
Synthetic ester emollient.
See more about Phenethyl Benzoate →Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
Synthetic UV-stabilizer for organic UV filter.
See more about Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate →Methyl DihydroabietateNeutral
Synthetic film-former from rosin.
See more about Methyl Dihydroabietate →TriethoxycaprylylsilaneNeutral
Silane coating used to surface-treat zinc oxide for stability.
See more about Triethoxycaprylylsilane →Disteardimonium HectoriteNeutral
Mineral clay thickener; inert.
See more about Disteardimonium Hectorite →PEG-8 Laurate
PEG-derivative; possible 1,4-dioxane contamination.
See more about PEG-8 Laurate →Aluminum StearateNeutral
Inorganic stabilizer for the mineral filter.
See more about Aluminum Stearate →Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
PEG-modified silicone surfactant.
See more about Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone →Zinc Oxide (9.0%)Good
Mineral broad-spectrum UV filter.
See more about Zinc Oxide (9.0%) →Sodium HyaluronateGood
Effective humectant.
See more about Sodium Hyaluronate →Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)Good
Synthetic Vitamin E ester used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioner.
See more about Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) →Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGood
Coconut-derived emollient.
See more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride →Niacinamide (Vitamin B3, 5%)Very Good
Multi-benefit active at therapeutic concentration. Strengthens barrier, reduces TEWL, calms redness, evens tone, reduces sebum — among the most evidence-supported skin actives in dermatology.
See more about Niacinamide (Vitamin B3, 5%) →Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping
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