Which EltaMD Sunscreen Is Right for You?
Posted by Gail Leroy on Oct 22, 2026
Choose by skin type and filter. UV Clear SPF 46 is the lightweight pick for breakout-prone or rosacea-prone skin. UV Daily SPF 40 adds hyaluronic acid for normal to dry skin. UV Physical SPF 41 and UV Skin Recovery SPF 50 are the two 100% mineral options for sensitive and post-procedure skin.
EltaMD makes some of the most popular daily face sunscreens we carry, and the hardest part is picking one. Here is how four of them compare, based on our product pages, so you can choose by skin type, filters and tint. Shop all EltaMD sunscreen at BeautifiedYou.
EltaMD sunscreens at a glance
| Sunscreen | Active ingredients | Made for, per our product page |
|---|---|---|
| UV Clear SPF 46 | 9% zinc oxide, 7.5% octinoxate | Acne-prone skin, rosacea and hyperpigmentation concerns |
| UV Daily SPF 40 | 9% zinc oxide, 7.5% octinoxate | Dry, normal, combination and post-procedure skin |
| UV Physical SPF 41 | 9% zinc oxide, 7% titanium dioxide (100% mineral) | Sensitive and post-procedure skin |
| UV Skin Recovery SPF 50 | 12.9% zinc oxide (100% mineral) | Sensitive, post-procedure and rosacea-prone skin |
| Sunscreen | Tint options | Stand-out details |
|---|---|---|
| UV Clear SPF 46 | Untinted or tinted | Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid |
| UV Daily SPF 40 | Untinted or tinted | Hyaluronic acid |
| UV Physical SPF 41 | Rosy Tint (1.7 oz) or Tinted (3.0 oz) | Water-resistant up to 40 minutes; free of fragrance, oils and parabens |
| UV Skin Recovery SPF 50 | Untinted or Green Tinted | Barrier Repair Technology with ceramides |
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46: the everyday classic
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is our best-selling EltaMD sunscreen. Our product page describes it as made for skin types prone to acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation. It pairs 9% transparent zinc oxide with niacinamide (vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid and lactic acid in a lightweight texture that layers under makeup without a greasy feel. It is noncomedogenic and fragrance-free, and comes untinted or tinted in 1.7 oz, plus a larger 3.7 oz untinted size.
Comparing it with the newer UV Clear for blemish-prone skin? Read UV Clear SPF 46 vs UV Clear Blemish-Prone SPF 50.
EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40: sunscreen with extra moisture
EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 is the moisturizing option. Our product page lists it for dry, normal, combination and post-procedure skin. It has the same 9% zinc oxide as UV Clear, with hyaluronic acid to help skin hold moisture, in a lightweight, noncomedogenic formula. Wear it alone for a natural look or under makeup, untinted or tinted.
EltaMD UV Physical SPF 41: tinted and 100% mineral
EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 uses only mineral filters: 9% transparent zinc oxide and 7% titanium dioxide. It is lightly tinted for a hint of color, water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, and free of fragrance, oils and parabens. Our product page calls it ideal for sensitive and post-procedure skin. Choose Rosy Tint in 1.7 oz or Tinted in 3.0 oz.
EltaMD UV Skin Recovery SPF 50: mineral comfort for sensitive skin
EltaMD UV Skin Recovery SPF 50 is the other 100% mineral formula, with 12.9% zinc oxide. It adds EltaMD Barrier Repair Technology, and its ingredient list includes ceramides and cholesterol. It is made for sensitive skin, including post-procedure and rosacea-prone skin, and comes untinted or with a green tint.
How to choose
- Oily, breakout-prone skin, or you wear makeup daily: UV Clear SPF 46.
- Normal to dry skin that wants extra moisture: UV Daily SPF 40.
- You want 100% mineral filters with a tint, or water resistance for outdoor days: UV Physical SPF 41.
- Sensitive or easily stressed skin that wants a mineral formula: UV Skin Recovery SPF 50.
- Breakout-prone skin that wants SPF 50: see UV Clear Blemish-Prone and Oil Balancing SPF 50.
How to apply EltaMD sunscreen
EltaMD directions on our product pages say to apply liberally to the face and neck 15 minutes before sun exposure. Use it as the last step of your morning skincare routine, and reapply at least every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
FAQ
Which EltaMD sunscreens are 100% mineral?
Of the four in this guide, UV Physical SPF 41 (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) and UV Skin Recovery SPF 50 (zinc oxide) are 100% mineral. UV Clear SPF 46 and UV Daily SPF 40 combine zinc oxide with octinoxate.
Which EltaMD sunscreens come tinted?
All four have a tinted option. UV Clear and UV Daily come untinted or tinted, UV Physical comes in Rosy Tint or Tinted, and UV Skin Recovery comes untinted or Green Tinted.
Can I wear EltaMD sunscreen under makeup?
Yes. Our product pages note that UV Clear layers under makeup without a greasy feel, and UV Daily can be worn alone or under makeup.
Is BeautifiedYou an authorized EltaMD retailer?
Yes. We are an authorized retailer for every brand we sell, EltaMD included, and have been since 2010. Our products come directly from the brands or their authorized distributors. Have other questions? Visit our FAQs or shop all EltaMD.
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