How to Pick the Best EltaMD Sunscreen for You for the Ultimate Sun Protection
Want healthy, plump, glowy skin? Then you best not gloss over sunscreen. This non-negotiable skincare step is also a golden rule of skin care: never leave the house (no matter the weather) without a layer of sunscreen. Incorporating SPF into your daily skincare routine does more for the skin's integrity and appearance than imaginable: it helps shield skin from harmful UV rays while limiting signs of premature aging, including fine lines, sunspots, pigmentation, and dry skin. However, finding the right sunscreen for your skin type can seem like an uphill battle, which is why EltaMD sits high on the list for works-for-all-skin kinds. The brand is beloved by dermatologists and known for its high-performance sunscreens that work for a wide range of skin tones and concerns.
Since every person's skin has different needs, finding the correct sunscreen formula to suit it is essential. Is tinted better than non-tinted sunscreen? And what makes the two so different? What sunscreen is best if you have oily skin? Discover the difference between tinted and non-tinted sunscreen and how to choose the proper SPF and the best EltaMD Sunscreen for your skin type.
About EltaMD
The EltaMD story dates back to the 1800s in Switzerland, where a special healing ointment was passed down from generation to generation, eventually reaching the US. In 1988, EltaMD's founder got wind of the powerful secret ointment and recognized its potential, developing a full skincare line around the concept. Beloved by dermatologists and the choice for wound healing worldwide, the science-backed and medically celebrated formulas have become dermatologists' favorites for everyday skin protection. For years, EltaMD has remained the number one dermatologist-recommended and trusted sunscreen brand, used more than any other professional sunscreen line.
Sun protection is at the core of the EltaMD brand, and every sunscreen is formulated with zinc oxide to naturally protect against UVA and UVB rays while retaining a sheer, blendable quality. Other products in the EltaMD portfolio include cleansers, toners, and serums, all of which repair the skin's barrier to promote healthy healing and renewal.
How to Pick the Right EltaMD Sunscreen for Your Skin
Each EltaMD sunscreen considers a unique skin type and its needs. You must consider your skin type and lifestyle when choosing the best sunscreen. Here's what you need to know to find the best EltaMD sunscreen for your skin.
SPF: A sunscreen's sun protection factor (SPF) measures how well it protects the skin from UVB rays. Sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or above are always recommended by dermatologists because the higher the factor, the better the protection. Skin type: A sunscreen formulation is imperative when finding the best EltaMD sunscreen for your skin (this goes for all types and brands of sunscreens). If your skin breaks out regularly, you may benefit from an oil-free formula that helps calm inflammation. When treating dry, flaky skin, look for hydrating ingredients since they provide added moisture and sun protection. Lifestyle: How you expect your sunscreen to perform based on your lifestyle must be considered when finding the right one. 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 water-resistant sunscreen. Do you wear your sunscreen under makeup? A sheer SPF may be your best bet.
Key Ingredients in EltaMD Sunscreen
EltaMD's skincare-infused facial sunscreens are formulated with UV-protecting ingredients like zinc oxide and skin-friendly actives such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, designed to deliver benefits alongside UV protection. Whether you're looking for a lightweight, fast-absorbing sunscreen or a tinted lotion, EltaMD's extensive SPF range of non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and sensitivity-free formulas caters to all skin types, tones, and lifestyles.
Shop the Best EltaMD Sunscreens
EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
1115 reviews
$45.00
This antioxidant-rich face sunscreen provides the ultimate protection against the sun. Whether you wear it when spending time outdoors or to shield your skin from indoor blue light, the tinted formula works to limit signs of photodamage while reducing the effects of exposure to environmental factors and increasing the skin's moisture content.
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, vitamins C & E, iron oxide, hyaluronic acid, bisabolol, ginger root
SPF: 50
Skin Type: Combination, dry, sensitive
Beauty Insider Tip: The water-resistant sheer tint complements a range of skin tones, so there's no need to worry about finding an exact match.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
5216 reviews
$44.00
The perfect oil-free, lightweight sunscreen, this formula works hard to protect sensitive skin from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays without causing irritation or redness. We like that it also contains lactic acid to help refine the pores and cut shine from the skin.
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, lactic acid, sodium hyaluronate, zinc oxide, vitamin E
SPF: 46
Skin Type: Combination, oily and acne-prone
Beauty Insider Tip: Always apply SPF at least 15 minutes before heading outdoors.
EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
849 reviews
$40.00
This ultralight, non-comedogenic daily moisturizer provides ample sun protection while shaving a step off your skincare routine. Packed with a bevy of skincare ingredients to help improve moisture levels and common signs of aging, the elegant formulation is hydrating enough to be used as a daily moisturizer.
Active Ingredients: Octinoxate, transparent zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
SPF: 40
Skin Type: Combination, dry, normal
Beauty Insider Tip: The formula is safe to use on post-procedure skin.
EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 40
4 reviews
$48.00
Sun-damaged skin can appear dry, rough, flaky, and need a little TLC. Applying this hydrating, mineral sunscreen daily helps restore the skin's natural moisture content while improving suppleness to help fade the look of lines, wrinkles and dark spots. Plus, it's rich in antioxidants to prevent future damage from occurring.
Active Ingredients: Ginger root extract, saccharides, squalene, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
SPF: 40
Skin Type: All skin types
Beauty Insider Tip: Use the lotion under makeup or on its own.
EltaMD UV Lip Balm BroadSpectrum SPF 36
113 reviews
$19.00
The delicate lips require serious sun protection to keep them healthy, smooth, plump, and protected from potential sun damage and cancers. This sunscreen-infused lip balm offers both protection and soothing properties to heal chapped lips. It provides immediate and long-term moisture while combating free radical exposure to minimize the appearance of aging lips.
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, ginger root, saccharide isomerate, vitamins C & E, squalene
SPF: 36
Skin Type: All skin types
Beauty Insider Tip: Layer the balm under your favorite lipstick or lip gloss for a nourishing and protective effect.
EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40- Deep Tinted
Darker skin tones have finally found their tinted sunscreen match with this formula, which blends into the skin seamlessly without a white cast. Packed with hyaluronic acid, the moisturizing formula safeguards the skin from UVA and UVB rays, so you can rest assured that your skin is well protected.
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, iron oxide blend
SPF: 40
Skin Type: Dry, combination
Beauty Insider Tip: The blend of skin-boosting ingredients gives way to smoother, softer-feeling skin immediately.
EltaMD UV Physical Rosy Broad Spectrum SPF 40
$43.00
A 100% truly mineral sunscreen, this formula gives the skin a beautiful, light, rosy hue, helping to even out its tone while blurring out imperfections. Since it also contains antioxidants to protect against environmental aggressors and improve the signs of aging, it can be worn alone, as makeup, or under makeup.
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, vitamin E, ginger root extract, bisabolol, iron oxides
SPF: 40
Skin Type: Sensitive, oily, normal
Beauty Insider Tip: Antioxidants and bisabolol help calm the skin and visibly reduce redness.
FAQs
Do Dermatologists Recommend EltaMD?
Dermatologists are fans of Elta MD and often recommend the brand. In fact, EltaMD is the number one dermatologist-recommended and trusted professional sunscreen brand. Not only do dermatologists use the sunscreen themselves, but they also trust it more than any other professional sunscreen.
What Are the Benefits of Using EltaMD Sunscreen?
Most sunscreens just protect the skin, but EltaMD sunscreen products go one step further and improve its health. The weightless formulas are proven to protect the skin from the sun's damaging rays while also helping to renew it.
The Bottom Line
It's a known fact that sunscreen is an essential part of any well-rounded skincare routine, and the right formulations can make all the difference. Dermatologists continually turn to and recommend the best EltaMD sunscreens simply because they work while improving the skin's health and overall appearance. So if you are in the market for a new, effective sunscreen, try one from EltaMD!
Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and beauty expert with more than 16 years of experience. She previously held the title of Executive Beauty Editor at NewBeauty magazine, where she reported on beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health and wellness. She was also instrumental in the launch of the beauty supplement brand Hush & Hush. A self-professed beauty junkie and retinol and sunscreen pusher, Elise knows what’s new, what works and who’s the best to go for every procedure under the sun. Follow Elise on Facebook, Instagram, and on her beauty blog, elisetabin.com
