The golden rule of skin care is to never skip your sunscreen. Incorporating SPF into your daily routine helps shield skin from harmful UV rays, while working to prevent visible signs of premature aging, such as fine lines, sunspots, pigmentation and dry skin. Enter EltaMD, the skin care brand beloved by dermatologists and known for its high-performing sunscreens that work for a wide range of skin types, tones and concerns.
Skin has different needs, so finding the correct formula to suit your skin type is essential. Do you pick tinted or non-tinted sunscreen? What are the differences between the two? What if you have oily skin? Discover the difference between tinted and non-tinted sunscreen, how to choose the right SPF and the best EltaMD Sunscreen for your skin type.
What is Tinted Sunscreen?
Unlike non-tinted SPF, tinted sunscreen offers both UV and blue light protection. Tinted sunscreen contains iron oxides such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are mineral particles that block UV light and blue light emitted from electrical devices, helping to keep your skin supple and primed whether indoors or outdoors.
Tinted formulas provide SPF protection while instantaneously brightening and enhancing the complexion with sheer coverage. As a skin care and makeup hybrid, it adds a touch of pigment to your complexion, making it a convenient two-in-one product for those who want to streamline their skincare routine. By creating a visible skin-tone color, pigments in tinted sunscreens also reflect away visible light, ideal for those who work in front of a screen.
EltaMD Tinted Sunscreen
EltaMD's UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 protects your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays. Its tinted, mineral formula seeks to mask imperfections while guarding your skin from environmental aggressors and has an antioxidant-rich formula is made to care for the skin, not just protect it from the sun.
What is Non-tinted Sunscreen?
Non-tinted sunscreens are designed to be invisible on the skin. They offer a broader range of options for all skin types, including unique formulations and varying factors of SPF protection. Available in a range of textures and finishes, non-tinted sunscreen can be worn beneath makeup or alone, making it ideal for those with skin concerns such as sensitivity or blemishes.
The most fundamental factor when choosing a sunscreen is ensuring it provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. The decision between tinted or non-tinted sunscreen ultimately depends on personal skincare needs and individual preference.
EltaMD Non-tinted Sunscreen
The UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 by EltaMD provides protection to your complexion to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays. The fragrance-free face sunscreen is infused with sodium hyaluronate to help moisturize the skin, while lactic acid visibly refines the appearance of pores and unwanted shine.
How to Choose the Right SPF
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor; it is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from UVB rays. It’s recommended to choose an SPF of 30 or above; the higher the factor, the higher the protection. It should be reapplied as often as possible throughout the day to help keep skin protected. When it comes to choosing the best sunscreen for yourself, you need to consider your skin type and lifestyle.
Skin type: If your skin breaks out regularly, you may benefit from an oil-free formula that helps calm inflammation. If you have dry, flaky skin, you may want to look for hydrating ingredients that provide added moisture in addition to sun protection.
Lifestyle: Do you work outside all day? You may want a formula that’s easy to reapply every two hours. Do you plan on swimming or sweating? You’ll need a sunscreen that’s water-resistant. Do you wear your sunscreen under makeup? A sheer SPF may be your best bet.
EltaMD’s skincare-infused facial sunscreens feature ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, designed to deliver skincare benefits alongside UV protection. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight, fast absorbing cream or a tinted lotion, the extensive SPF range caters to all skin types and lifestyles.
1. EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 (1.7 fl. oz.)
Why we love it: The technology in UV AOX Elements not only protects your skin outdoors, with 100% mineral actives to reflect and scatter UVA and UVB rays, but also protects your skin indoors by blocking 56% of blue light (a.k.a HEV). It also has an antioxidant-rich formula that helps combat signs of photoaging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, and is proven to reduce detrimental effects of multi-environmental aggressors by 96%.
Key ingredients: Bisabolol, hyaluronic acid, ginger root, zinc oxide, Titanium Dioxide
SPF: 50
Tinted: Yes
Oil-free?: No
Water resistant?: Yes (40 minutes)
Great for skin type/concern: Combination, dry, sensitive, post-procedure
2. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (1.7 fl. oz.)
Why we love it: This is Dermstore’s
number-one best-selling sunscreen for good reason: It’s lightweight, non-greasy and loved by dermatologists. Plus, it fights acne while it protects your skin from damaging UV rays, thanks to anti-inflammatory, redness-reducing
niacinamide.
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, zinc oxide, octinoxate
SPF: 46
Tinted?: Untinted and
tinted versions available
Oil-free?: Yes
Water resistant?: No
Great for skin type/concern: Acne-prone, hyperpigmentation, rosacea
What shoppers say: “Sunscreen is light and blends easy! Feels like putting on an extra layer of moisturizer and love the way it makes my skin feel. No white residue and [it’s] great for everyday wear to protect your skin and great to use while in the sun!”
Read more reviews here 3. EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 (1.7 fl. oz.)
Why we love it: One of this facial sunscreen’s star ingredients is hydrating, skin-smoothing sodium hyaluronate, making it a great pick for dry skin. It’s also gentle, so it can be used by sensitive skin types and those who’ve just had procedures.
Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), vitamin E, zinc oxide, octinoxate
SPF: 40
Tinted?: Untinted and tinted versions available
Oil-free?: No
Water resistant?: No
Great for skin type/concern: Dry skin, sensitive skin, post-procedure
Price: $36.00
What shoppers say: “I love this! It feels like a lightweight moisturizer, not a sunscreen. Absorbs quickly, no sunscreen smell, leaves no residue or white sunscreen look. I feel like it [even] leaves a nice glow on my face. Put it on after my moisturizer and before my makeup every day now.”
Read more reviews here 4. EltaMD UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 (1.7 fl. oz.)
Why we love it: Look no further than this sunscreen for powerful protection that can hold up through a workout or swim and absorbs quickly with no white cast. Natural squalane and sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) boost moisture without leaving skin shiny.
Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, squalane, vitamin C, zinc oxide, octocrylene
SPF: 50+
Tinted?: No
Oil-free?: Yes
Water resistant?: Yes
Great for skin type/concern: All skin types
What shoppers say: “I love the EltaMD Sheer sunscreen! What I like best is that it glides on my skin and I can’t even tell that I have it on.”
Read more reviews here 5. EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Sunscreen - Tinted (3 oz.)
Why we love it: If you have oily skin, you might worry that using sunscreen will lead to breakouts. But you don’t have to be concerned with this facial sunscreen, which has a non-comedogenic, lightweight mineral formula that won’t clog pores. Its light tint adds a boost of radiance and acts like a primer for the rest of your makeup routine.
Key ingredients: Antioxidants, dimethicone, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
SPF: 41
Tinted?: Yes
Oil-free?: Yes
Water resistant?: Yes
Great for skin type/concern: Oily skin, sensitive skin
Price: $41
What shoppers say: “Chemical sunscreens burn and break me out, and most mineral-based sunscreens are pasty and leave a white cast on my skin. This is cosmetically elegant and sinks into my skin. It has a light, mousse-like consistency. I layer it over moisturizer, then add mineral foundation on top.”
Read more reviews here 6. EltaMD UV Active Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 (8 oz.)
Why we love it: If you prefer all-physical sunscreen ingredients and spend time in the water or exercising outdoors, this moisturizing, reef-safe formula is your best bet for your whole body. It’s great for kids, too.
Key ingredients: Jojoba esters, antioxidants, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
SPF: 50
Tinted?: No
Oil-free?: Yes
Water resistant?: Yes
Great for skin type/concern: All skin types, great for body
Price: $67.00
What shoppers say: “If you want serious water-resistant staying power with extreme SPF protection, this is for you. I love it for sweaty exercising or swimming.”
Read more reviews here 
