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#1 in Best Mineral / Physical Sunscreens

EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF, Oil-Free Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, Dermatologist Recommended

EltaMD

Best for

Best overall

Amazon rating

★★★★★4.6(47,578)

Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score

Verdict scoreExcellent
91/ 100

Based on 1 trusted source

Current price

$36.00

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Updated May 18, 2026 · 1 min read

EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF, Oil-Free Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, Dermatologist Recommended

Sources behind this verdict

10 reviewers weighted by source trust

Methodology →

The consensus

What reviewers found

Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.

Across the reviewers we read, EltaMD UV Clear is the most consistently recommended face mineral sunscreen on the market, with a near-unique combination of dermatologist endorsement, 47,000+ verified-purchase reviews at a 4.6 average, and multiple high-trust r/SkincareAddiction threads describing it as the rare zinc-based SPF that doesn't trigger acne-prone or sensitive skin. The formula is technically a hybrid (zinc oxide plus a small amount of octinoxate in the original) marketed as mineral-based, something worth flagging since pure-mineral seekers may want the UV Pure or UV Physical instead. Specialist-community consensus on r/SkincareAddiction emphasizes that it spreads well, leaves only a faint cast on light-to-medium tones, and sits cleanly under makeup.

What reviewers liked

  • Overwhelmingly positive signal across 47,000+ verified-purchase reviews and multiple high-trust r/SkincareAddiction threads
  • Niacinamide-inclusive formula repeatedly cited as non-comedogenic for acne-prone skin
  • Lightweight texture that sits well under makeup according to specialist-community consensus
  • Strong dermatologist visibility across YouTube reviews on the product listing

Where it falls short

  • At $36 for 1.7 oz, verified-purchase reviewers consistently flag it as expensive per ounce
  • r/Rosacea users report irritation and watery eyes from multiple EltaMD formulas
  • Not a pure-mineral formula in the original SPF 46 version, which may matter to reef-safe seekers
  • Some users on r/CanSkincare question whether the cosmetic benefits justify the premium over drugstore mineral options

Across the reviews

Synthesis · not our verdict

Across the reviewers we read, EltaMD UV Clear is the most consistently recommended face mineral sunscreen on the market, with a near-unique combination of dermatologist endorsement, 47,000+ verified-purchase reviews at a 4.6 average, and multiple high-trust r/SkincareAddiction threads describing it as the rare zinc-based SPF that doesn't trigger acne-prone or sensitive skin. The formula is technically a hybrid (zinc oxide plus a small amount of octinoxate in the original) marketed as mineral-based, something worth flagging since pure-mineral seekers may want the UV Pure or UV Physical instead.

Specialist-community consensus on r/SkincareAddiction emphasizes that it spreads well, leaves only a faint cast on light-to-medium tones, and sits cleanly under makeup. The notable dissent comes from r/Rosacea, where one widely-upvoted thread documents users whose skin reacted to multiple EltaMD formulas, a useful counterweight to the dermatologist-recommended halo. Price is the other honest knock: at $36 for 1.7 oz, verified-purchase reviewers on Walmart and Amazon repeatedly note it's expensive for the volume, even as most say they keep repurchasing.

Key specs

Source: Amazon listing
Clear Sunscreen For Face
This lightweight face sunscreen with transparent Zinc Oxide provides broad spectrum SPF 46 protection and helps protect normal and sensitive skin types from UVA and UVB damage without leaving white cast residue behind
For Normal, Acne-Prone, And Sensitive Skin Types
UV Clear uses an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula that’s designed for daily use on normal, oily, rosacea, and acne-prone skin so you get effective daily sun protection without feeling greasy
Suitable For Hyperpigmented Skin
Contains Niacinamide which helps to visibly improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of discoloration and blemishes on the skin
Convenient Travel Size Sunscreen
This face sunscreen is TSA approved and comes in a convenient travel-size pump bottle that easily fits in handbags, beach bags, and carry on luggage so you can protect your skin at home, work, or on the go
Suitable For All Skin Types
UV Clear comes in both tinted and untinted versions that support a wide range of skin types and complexions; it’s a dermatologist recommended sunscreen that’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free, and non-comedogenic

What customers say

2 verified voices
For me, it's worth it. I've suffered with acne prone skin in the past, and it had not caused me to break out. I've also never gotten a tan ...
Supportingvia r/CanSkincare
I tried 5 or 6 of their sunscreens and they all irritated my skin and/or made my eyes water. I have a lot of contact allergies but all the ...
Supportingvia r/Rosacea

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Video review

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EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46” · Oil Free ...

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