Let's Compare Elta MD's 2 Best-Reviewed Sunscreens

by Lydia Bell

Browsing through the sunscreen section online or at your local beauty boutique will present you with an overwhelming array of options. How do you choose a sunscreen that's the right one for you? To help you answer this question, we surveyed a few dermatologists about the most important things you should look for in a sunscreen. 

 

What Do Dermatologists Look For In A Sunscreen?

Most dermatologists look for a sunscreen that contains broad-spectrum protection, which means that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. They also recommend you choose an SPF of 30 or higher, as this provides the most optimal range of protection for all skin types. Finally, all dermatologists agree that the best kind of sunscreen is the one you will use daily and keep on applying - because consistency is key! That's why the sunscreen you choose has to feel comfortable, lightweight, and suitable for your skin type. 

Other important factors for dermatologists is that a sunscreen should be dye, paraben and fragrance free. Dyes, fragrances, and parabens are known irritants to the skin, plus they do not offer any meaningful skin conditioning or sun protection benefit to a product. Making sure your sunscreen doesn't contain these ingredients is an important factor to consider when choosing a product!

 

Why Is Elta MD Our Best Selling Sunscreen Brand?

When it comes to professional-grade sunscreen, EltaMD is the go-to choice recommended by dermatologists. Surprisingly, more dermatologists use EltaMD for their personal sun care needs than any other professional brand. The result? A line of products that not only feel amazing on your skin, but also provide serious skincare benefits. With a solid 30 years of medical heritage, EltaMD has collaborated with some of the nation's top dermatologists to create safe and effective solutions catering to the unique needs of every skin type. These products are not just cosmetic; they're proven to protect, heal, and renew your skin.

With so many options in its product line, we’ve decided to help you streamline your search by comparing 2 of our best-selling Elta MD sunscreens: Elta MD UV Clear vs. Elta MD UV Daily. Read on to find out the main differences between the two, and pick the one that’s right for you!

 

Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 is a lightweight sunscreen that protects against harmful UVA and UVB radiation. This product's non-comedogenic composition will not clog pores, aggravate acne, or cause irritation. Ideal for acne-prone, rosacea-prone, and hyperpigmented skin. 

Who Should Use It?

Suitable for all skin types. However, it is best for people who have sensitive, acne-prone skin, or hyperpigmentation.

What Does It Do?

Formulated with niacinamide, EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 soothes blemishes, inflammation, and discoloration. Hyaluronic acid draws in moisture and maintains hydration, resulting in soft skin. Lactic acid and Vitamin E, both of which are high in antioxidants, boost healthy skin cells. This mild and fast-absorbing lotion works well under makeup and has the potential to prevent future photoaging damage, such as fine lines, scars, and dark circles.

What Do People love About it?

It doesn't have the oily, liquid texture of traditional sunscreen, rather keeping its form until blended in—much like your daily moisturizer. Bonus? It will easily dissolve into your skin and absorb in 30 seconds. It’s an inexpensive, low-maintenance essential in any regimen. Suitable for use as a daily sunscreen as it is mild, non-irritating, and has additional skin care benefits.

 

Elta MD UV Daily SPF 40

Elta MD UV Daily SPF 40 is a moisturizing SPF mild enough even for post-procedure skin while providing excellent coverage against the sun's damaging UV rays. This hydrating sunscreen, when used on a regular basis, also helps reduce wrinkles and pores for a more youthful appearance.

Who Should Use It?

This formulation works best for people with dry, mature, combination, or post-procedure skin types.

What Does It Do?

This sunscreen includes hyaluronic acid—dry skin’s best friend which has the ability to retain 1,000 times its own weight in water, providing critical hydration while firming the skin. It is also paraben-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic.

What Do People love About It?

Elta MD UV Daily is one of our top sellers because it hydrates without clogging pores, and doesn’t leave a white cast or an oily finish on skin. It feels more like a mild moisturizer than a sunscreen. One of the key components in this face sunscreen is moisturizing, skin-smoothing hyaluronic acid, which makes it an excellent choice for dehydrated, dry skin.

 

 

Side-By-Side Comparison of Elta MD UV Clear and UV Daily

Elta MD UV Clear	Elta MD UV Daily
Main ingredients: zinc oxide, octinoxate, niacinamide, lactic acid,  Vitamin E	Main ingredients: zinc oxide, octinoxate, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E
Elta MD UV Clear provides the strongest UV protection at SPF 46	Elta MD UV Daily SPF 40 also provides very sufficient protection from harmful UV rays
Suitable for people with sensitive and acne prone skin since it has niacinamide as a key ingredient	People with dry skin would benefit from Elta MD UV Daily because of its main ingredient, hyaluronic acid
Works mainly as a sunscreen	Feels more like a moisturizer with SPF
Absorbs quickly into skin, perfect for oily, sensitive or congested skin	Provides a light, hydrating feel that is suitable for use on dry or mature skin

 

The Takeaway

Both Elta MD sunscreens work very well at protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. However, Elta MD UV Clear is designed especially for acne-prone skin, whereas Elta MD UV Daily is more suited for normal to dry skin. It all depends on your skin type and preferences, but you can’t go wrong with either option!