During the summer, I never wear foundation. In the hot, humid weather my makeup feels like a mask ready to melt off my face. I’ve been using the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen almost daily for seven months, and I don’t see myself switching anytime soon.
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
Pros
- Replaces my need for foundation
- Available in three tints
- Made with hydrating ingredients
- Doesn't cause acne
- Layers beautifully with blush, bronzer, and setting powder
- Water-resistant for up to 2 hours
Cons
- Not ideal if you want a full coverage foundation apperance
Key Specs
| Active Ingredients | Octinoxate, zinc oxide |
| Other Key Ingredients | Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E) |
| Shades available | Clear, Tinted, and Deep Tinted |
| Reapplication | At least every two hours |
What I Like
Why I Skip Foundation
As WH’s beauty editor, I’ve quite literally tested hundreds of sunscreens while covering skincare over the last decade . EltaMD UV Clear stands out for its combination of nourishing ingredients, flexible shades, and comfort. It’s one of the few face SPFs that hasn’t clogged my pores or caued breakouts, which is a major problem for my oily skin in the summer. I’ve even fallen asleep wearing this SPF (please don’t tell my derm!) to ensure the creamy, almost-whipped formula really doesn’t cause breakouts, and I’ve never had an issue the next morning.
Since you’re not testing beauty products for a living, just remember to double-cleanse your face, or else your white pillowcases will be stained like mine. Otherwise, this is truly one of the best and most reliable sunscreens I’ve tested and often recommend to others looking for a no-frills option that genuinely works.
SHOP ELTAMD CLEAR TINTED SUNSCREEN
Three Flexible Shades
EltaMD is available in three shades: Clear for light to medium complexions, Tinted (my closest match), and Deep for more melanin-rich complexions. For reference, I wear the shade 9 Cool in the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation. In the summer, I’ll mix in a half pump to a pump of Deep to match my tan. For the most seamless finish, I dot the SPF on my face, concentrating at the center of my face and blend and buff outward using my Anisa Beauty Pinnacle Foundation Brush. When the mood strikes, I’ll even grab the brand’s Buffing Bronzer Brush and just apply the darker shade all over as a bronzer to bring some dimension and warmth to my complexion. The coverage starts light but is buildable. I can achieve medium coverage with a second pea-sized layer, which helps conceal my hyperpigmentation and neutralize the appearance of red pimples.
Why Dermatologists Recommend EltaMD Clear Sunscreen
I chatted with five dermatologists about the best face sunscreens, and they all suggested EltaMD Clear, especially for acne-prone, oily skin like mine. The pros appreciate the lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that won’t cause breakouts. Teresa Song, MD, told me it’s one of her favorites for protecting her acne-prone skin. It combines niacinamide, which helps improve skin tone and texture, with lactic acid to gently exfoliate.
Although I don’t have rosacea, Brendan Camp, MD, said the fragrance-free formula is compatible with sensitive skin. It’s infused with vitamin E to help fight free radicals that cause signs of aging, added Hadley King, MD.
FWIW, it also contains hyaluronic acid, which I always describe as a drenched sponge because it can hold up to a 1,000 times its weight in water. My oily skin behaves like combination skin in the fall—an oily T-Zone and dry cheeks—and I noticed that EltaMD hydrates better than the Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen, whether paired with a moisturizer or applied to my bare face.
The Bottom Line
After seven months of almost daily wear, EltaMD Clear Sunscreen is the face SPF I trust the most. It doesn’t clog my large pores or cause breakouts, and it evens my complexion, so I feel confident enough to skip concealer or foundation. It’s one of the most reliable tinted face sunscreens I’ve tried, and I recommend it if you want light coverage without compromising on broad-spectrum sun protection.
SHOP ELTAMD CLEAR TINTED SUNSCREEN
Other SPFs Worth Trying
Curious what other face sunscreens that I enjoy using? These three are worth trying—and they start at just $9 on Amazon.
Unique DNA enzymes help repair and protect sun damage, said Dr. King in our guide to the best face sunscreens. Isdin’s tinted SPF has iron oxides that help protect against visible light, noted Saami Khalifian.
Coppertone proves I don’t have to splurge to enjoy an invisible face sunscreen. It blends like a dream on my face without leaving it greasy. A bonus: The non-comedogenic formulation doesn’t cause breakouts, and it’s safe for all skin types and tones.
"It absorbs excess oil, so it can serve a dual purpose as a finishing powder, actually extending the life of your makeup, and providing sun protection," said Dr. King. It combines zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and antioxidants to protect the skin from free radical damages.
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site.
Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper's BAZAAR.
You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.
