EltaMD • UV Clear SPF 46 • Sunscreen

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*TOP REVIEWER* Tovah on 8/8/2011 3:05:00 PM more reviews by Tovah

Age: 44-55   Skin: Oily, Olive, Warm   Hair: Red, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

After trying and using hundreds of facial sunscreens, (only to get acne, greasy, flaky, streaky, ghostly-pallor, more melasma due to lack of photo-stability or UV-A filters, or great tans which I want to avoid), I've FINALLY found a facial sunscreen that really meets my needs.This works well for days I spend outdoors and doing a lot of swimming. It's water-resistant for as long as can be expected, and it covers evenly with a sheer finish. It's not completely matte but it doesn't make me look like I haven't washed my face in a week, like most other sunscreens. It leaves a white cast upon application, but this vanishes within a couple of minutes. I have to be careful not to over-apply or this will turn white & flake & ball-up & all those nasty sunscreen issues. It doesn't sting, and my breakouts from prior sunscreens are clearing up. I'm glad that Niacinamide is included because, it's been shown to (eventually) help fade discolorations. I'm currently using Refissa every night, so I really like the drier feeling of Clear SPF 46. I've spent many days in the sun, recently in AZ, and here in SoCal, and I've noticed no darkening of melasma/discolorations, and no tanning on my face!

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Johnmetbetty on 7/29/2011 10:53:00 AM more reviews by Johnmetbetty

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I've purchased this product several times. I never write reviews but this is truly an HG product for me! For years I was having reactions to sunscreens with Titanium Dioxide, burning, acne, terrible skin! In walks this product and my search for the perfect spf is over! My acne has cleared up completely since using this product! I've read some other reviews about it being drying, I just wanted to note that the first week I used this (on my insanely oily skin) I almost quit using it because it was terribly drying. Howver I continued with it and at first added moisturizer with it and now without. For some reason after a few weeks of using it, it was no longer drying but perfectly mattifying! After an entire year my skin looks fabulous! I admit there is a slight white cast, very slight but with my pale skin it doesn't look too noticeable. Anyways I LOVE this product and hope it never changes or goes off the market. Literally nothing worked for me before, it was to the point I stopped wearing SPF on my face because they broke me out so bad. I think this product has helped to clear my skin! I use PTR oil free when I need added moisture, makeup forever duo-matte compact make-up shade 200 ( which is fabulous for acne prone skin!) and that's it!

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LorenaG on 7/24/2011 10:28:00 PM more reviews by LorenaG

Age: Unknown   Skin: Sensitive, Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Curly   Eyes: Green    

Because of my problematic skin, finding a sunscreen has been difficult. I have rosacea, dehydratated/oily skin, with a touch of SD. I use a prescription retinoid, so sun protection is a must. The Elta Clear, unfortunately, did not work for my skin type. It left a white cast (and I am very pale) and made my skin look dull. It was also very drying, and at the end of the day, it caused some clogged pores. Sigh, back to Olay Complete (for sensitive skin) for now.

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*TOP REVIEWER* MsVengeance on 7/22/2011 12:47:00 PM more reviews by MsVengeance

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This sunscreen seems ridiculously over-priced for what it is (crap, in my opinion). It's not too dry, and it's not terribly thick and greasy, but that's true of many sunscreens--even the drugstore brands--nowadays. I thought this stuff created an awful cast--one of the weirdest to date that I have encountered so far in my quest for the perfect sunscreen. My skin was just "glowing" with this horrible thick and shiny iridescent-opaqueness whenever i wore this, and no amount of make-up could hide it. It was so bad that I only ever wore it when I walked my dog...until the day I was passing my neighbor and noticed him staring in horrified fascination at my face (at one point craning his neck to get a better look!). My god, it was so embarrassing!

Also, it claims to be suitable for acne-prone skin, however a quick scan of the ingredients will show you that it contains a lot of questionable ingredients. I guess it all just depends on your skin, but I honestly felt that this sunscreen exacerbated my (admittedly already present) acne whenever I wore it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* girrl65 on 7/16/2011 12:44:00 AM more reviews by girrl65

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Black, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I really like this sunscreen! It was lightweight and I liked the tint (hardly noticeable and I'm fair on the face). I felt it did a good job protecting my face and neck from the sun, and it also seemed to control oil quite well. Maybe too well because my face just seemed dry by the end of the day and I'm usually an oily mess without primer or powder. Very odd. I wouldn't use this every day but I still think it's nice!

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BaillieCole on 7/15/2011 1:33:00 AM more reviews by BaillieCole

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I have been using this sunscreen for about a year now on the recommendation of a saleswoman and based on my success my Mom and sister are now using it. It is amazing! Every other sunscreen I have tried has made my skin tingle in an unpleasant way and I swear makes my skin react. This sunscreen helps keep my skin clear!! I will repurchase forever....

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*TOP REVIEWER* ajax5455 on 7/5/2011 10:05:00 PM more reviews by ajax5455

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Oily   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Finally, my HG facial sunscreen! I have oily, acne-prone skin. I am forbidden to leave my home without at least SPF 30 on my face. I've tried a number of sunscreens and have always been disappointed. I've been using Elta MD UV Clear for a couple of weeks now, and I love it. No clogged pores, no breakouts. My skin looks brighter and clearer, and this product is approved by the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org). Yes, for the first few days, my face was oily by mid-afternoon. However, it turned out to be the setting powder I was using. I switched to Boots No. 7 Perfect Light loose powder and the oilyness went away.

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valentynka on 7/4/2011 11:21:00 PM more reviews by valentynka

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

PROS
high SPF,
light texture,
no fragrance
CONS
not all physical {octinoxate}
leaves my skin shiny/oily - at least in summer
price 29$/1.7oz

Its not waterproof, which I actually like - do not have to rub {and irritate} my sensitive skin to remove it. Might repurchase, unless find better, physical only SS

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176163 on 6/16/2011 4:01:00 PM more reviews by 176163

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I wish I was able to give this Elta MD UV Clear a good rating, because I thought I had finally found a great sunscreen. However after trying it several times, I realized it was quickly dehydrating my skin. I must say though that it has a great cosmetic feel to it! It ultimately gave me that orange peel looking texture and I couldn't figure out what was happening to my skin, as I also started generic Renova (Retacnyl) at the same time. Bad move! I thought the Renova was part of the problem and some of it was as I was going through the dreaded purge, but the skin texture issue was this sunscreen. After eliminating it for 3 days, my skin went back to normal. Also, as other reviewers have said, this totally does not hold up to sweat...it will run. So back to my HG Eucerin Everyday Protection SPF 30 which is very hydrating and great to use with a Retinoid!
EDIT:
Now using Topix Glycolix Elite SPF 30 for about7 months now, and it has replaced the Eucerin as my HG! Plus it has 17% zinc, so much more protective..also all physical!

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pinkandblack on 6/14/2011 1:14:00 AM more reviews by pinkandblack

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Sadly, another SS fail for me. It left a waxy film on my skin and never dried. My face was super shiny and sticky, then it became red and irritated and my eyes stung like crazy. This surprised me since I generally don't have a problem with chemical filters.

On to the next SS!

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5catmom on 6/2/2011 9:40:00 AM more reviews by 5catmom

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This recommended by my dermatologist. It's the lightest US sunscreen I've tried, but still worsened my acne. It is not water or sweat resistant at all, and will run down in white droplets during exercise. A disappointment given the high price. None in my family can tolerate it -- irritating or caused an allergic reaction.

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BeachBunniee on 5/9/2011 4:24:00 PM more reviews by BeachBunniee

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Other    

After searching high and low and doing some extensive research I think I've finally found my HG SS that I hope to continue using for a very long time. It's lightweight, wears well under makeup, non-greasy, no white cast, and doesn't cause me to break out. It's also Zinc based which is physical and doesn't irritate my very sensitive, eczema-prone skin. It also washes off easily without a cleansing oil. BUT, I do have to wear a good moisturizer underneath or my skin feels dry (I have combination skin for reference). Also, the first few days I used this my skin became bumpy, not with acne, but just a bumpy texture. I believe this was caused by the Niacinamide in this SS and my skin eventually got used to it in a few days and the bumps went away. Love this SS and would recommend it to anyone having a hard time finding that perfect SS!

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Jetta77 on 4/30/2011 1:30:00 PM more reviews by Jetta77

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Other    

Seems like a great sunscreen, oxybenzone-free. Initially seemed to make my skin look better, kind of glowy, but I think it actually makes me breakout.
I've noticed that on the days I go without it, my skin seems to clear up some, but as soon as I use it again, I notice new clogged pores that evening.
Very disappointing, since it seemed great at first.
I usually use this product, concealer on random spots and circles and rice powder sheets on top.
Tested out using only this product and no powder yesterday after going makeup and sunscreen free for a couple of days (skin was clearing) - still got the new clogged pores by evening.

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*TOP REVIEWER* valeriein on 4/8/2011 8:05:00 AM more reviews by valeriein

Age: Unknown   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy   Eyes: Brown    

This is the best stuff for acne prone skin. It hasn't cause a breakout yet and for me that is rare. The finish is a little shiny, but a good loose powder and touch ups throughout the day make it worth it. I just really needed a sunscreen that didn't break me out and this is the only one so far that I have found. There is no fragrance and it goes on clear. HG for now!

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UpErMei on 4/7/2011 1:04:00 PM more reviews by UpErMei

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Blue    

This sunscreen is the only one that I've repurchased over 7-8+ times and I will continue as long as they keep making it. My skin acutally looks better than it did when I first started using it last year!

I think it's IDEAL for oily and/or problematic skin types and excellent for all skin actually. In the winter I do use a moisturizer under it, but the rest of the year it's fine alone.

It has a dreamy light, almost gel/whipped textuxed that spreads wonderfully. You can fully work/pat it in without having to worry about it drying or balling up. I let it sit for 5 minutes, then apply mu.

If you think you can't do s/s, please give this one a try. It just might end up being your holy grail of S/Ss like it is mine! :)

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flysonek on 4/3/2011 12:12:00 PM more reviews by flysonek

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

OK.I already reviewed this.And as I read other peoples complaints about this SS leaving them shiny; well all you need is ONE pump for entire whole face.If you use more than that it is too much and that may be the reason for everyone being shiny.( I used to use 2 pumps and my face stayed shiny for few minutes)Then i tried to use less.And wow!! pump is more then enough for my entire face! And one more thing- keep spreading until its matte.I had that happened before(when i used too much) and then just kept spreading it on and the shine was gone.Truly-check your usage and you wont have shine problem at all(white cast is out of the question-i am trying it everyday !) Just my two cents. For me it has been the HGSS for more than year.There is nothing better out there,i tried them all .if i missed on something,please don,t hesitate to tell me Thanx .Elta MD lover.

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*TOP REVIEWER* LilMizz on 2/19/2011 4:19:00 PM more reviews by LilMizz

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Had to get this ordered in from the states, as I could not find any UK based outlet unfortunately and UK ladies the international shipping price on some of these sites are pure EXTORTIONATE..... anyway, just for reference in case you're interested, I got mine from radiantskinclinic and their shipping price was one of the most reasonable (about £15) and the product also had small discount. They impressed me actually because the product arrived in like a week, they were pretty efficient with me.


Onto the product, I'm very break-out prone and my experiences with sunscreen have usually been negative. I began to avoid it at all costs because I couldn't deal with the heaviness, greasy-ness, stress of re-application, clogged pores and blah blah. I now have freckles on my cheeks and various other sunspots/discolouration and I guess uneven skin in general. Yay for me........


So I've forced myself back into the sunscreen market and WOW I feel SO lucky to have found this product. Is it heavy on the skin? Nope. Is it greasy? Nope! Did I break-out? NO! In fact, I forget I'm wearing sunscreen at all. It just feels nothing like Anthelios or the others I've tried. It's like a light healthy lotion. I don't need to use any special cleanser to remove it. It's almost just become an invisible part of my skincare regime, it's just there and doesn't disrupt my skin in any way. And at the moment, my skin is as clear and balanced as it has ever been. I've used this for about 1 month now and I'll never change again. Bring on the hot summer rays!

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dani7865 on 2/19/2011 3:46:00 PM more reviews by dani7865

Age: 44-55   Skin: Oily, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Other   Eyes: Blue    

This is the BEST sunscreen for oily skin EVER!!!! I have tried them all (well, almost, I am sure!!! LOL), and this is by far the best in terms of great sun protection, non oily, non comedogenic and a smooth, non-greasy finish. I was told by my dermatologist that I needed to use a titanium dioxide or zinc oxide based sunscreen as I have melasma and that other sunscreens would not provide sufficient screening for the melasma with my current bleaching treatment and retin a treatment.

This product is the BEST!!! I have not yet found anyone locally that sells it, but have ordered it online from SkincareRX, and the price was $28.70 cdn each, so not bad at all in my opinion, and quick shipping. I have emailed the company to see if there is anyone selling it locally but chances are that it would probably have the price jacked up anyway.

ANYWAY.....if you have not tried this sunscreen, and you have oily skin, you should really try this, it is awesome!!!!!

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GiGiBean703 on 9/10/2010 10:03:00 AM more reviews by GiGiBean703

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this in the Spring of this year from my Derm. This is the first sunscreen that I used that: 1) I didn't break out 2) It actually works (no new sun damage this whole summer) Yay! I've tried many brands and still had some pigmentation from the sun. This stuff really works! I cleanse in the morning then I apply my moisturizer and then a thin layer of this. I wait about 10 minutes for everything to soak in and then I apply my primer and foundation. For the days that I am outside longer I will reapply this. There is also a sports (waterproof) one that I will pick up next year for the days that I am outdoors. This will be a forever ritual in my skincare regimen. I can't say enough... I love it!

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*TOP REVIEWER* zernelle on 9/10/2010 9:31:00 AM more reviews by zernelle

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I absolutely love this sunscreen! I was using Dermaquest Skin Therapy Solar Protection SPF 15, but it was irritating my skin a bit. After reading all the positive reviews of Elta MD UV Clear, I decided to try it. The Dermaquest and the Elta cost about the same (the Elta is slightly cheaper, but you get slightly less product, so the per-ounce cost is nearly identical). The Elta feels slightly lighter than the Dermaquest, which has been great on hot, humid days. I find it to feel very soothing to my sensitive skin; I haven't had any of the irritation issues I had with the Dermaquest. I like the high percentage of zinc oxide and niacinamide, which are both soothing to my skin, which has never looked better! And the packaging is great too--a pump that dispenses just the right amount for my face each morning. The only thing that could make this sunscreen better would be a lower price, but I order online with a discount, so that helps, and facial skincare is one of the few places in my life where I carefully and selectively splurge. Overall, I can't recommend this product highly enough for anyone with combination-to-slight-oily, sensitive, acne-prone skin.


Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 9%, Octinoxate 7.5%. Other Ingredients: Water, Cyclomethicone, Niacinamide, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lactic Acid, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane.

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