UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen, SPF 46 Oil- Free with Zinc Oxide, Dermatologist Recommended

I’m 52 and never wore sunscreen. About a year ago, I noticed some discoloration on my upper cheeks. I asked my dermatologist what I could do about it. He said that it was melasma from sun damage. He sold me a cream that contained hydroquinone and recommended EltaMD Tinted 46. So, I bought some. EltaMD seemed very expensive at the time. So, I bought a big bottle of another brand with a pump on it and used it every morning like lotion. Quick and easy. But, I could feel that I was absorbing what I learned were chemicals (I didn’t know the difference in physical and chemical sunscreen at the time). So, then I got into a rather obsessive series of chats with ChatGPT about chemical sunscreen (for months). Most chemical sunscreens in the U.S. use the same four ingredients. These ingredients do absorb into the skin and some impact hormones. So, I bought Zinc Oxide /Titanium Dioxide sunscreens. But, they literally turn your face blue. OK for the beach. But, you can’t wear it to work. People think you are low on oxygen and are dying. Definitely not worth the distracting conversations—especially if you’ve lost a bunch of weight taking a GLP-1. As I said, I became obsessed with this subject and know all of the chemicals used in the U.S and Europe along with associated target wavelengths (I didn’t look too much into Asian sunscreens). But, I’ll say that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is really in the way with chemical sunscreens. The approval process is so expensive, the sunscreen companies don’t go through the approval process in the U.S. But, the Europeans have a lot of options. And they are very good options. Particle size, and some other characteristics, ensure that they don’t absorb into the skin, are reef safe, and don’t degrade quickly in sunlight. So, you don’t have to apply them every two hours if you are in an office and not sweating (because that’s the other thing—I’m not getting caught in the restroom mirror, or with a compact mirror, applying sunscreen at work). So, I ordered a lot of different European sunscreens to be shipped directly from Europe. Why so many? I learned that blue light is what causes melasma. And there are a couple of ingredients (Mexoryl 400 and TriAsorB) that stop blue light along with UVA and UVB. But they made my face shiny (like, your face looks like it is slathered in olive oil). I bought matte versions that were still shiny. Or they had perfume in them—very floral feminine scents (God knows I don’t want to show up at work smelling like a girl—or a Romeo fresh from a romp either). Some of the bottles were comically small (fits in the front pocket of your slacks without bulging) for exhorbatant prices that were exacerbated by high shipping costs. But, mostly, they are oily. So, I bought a great U.S. zinc oxide one that is very mattifying. Worked perfect… almost. The problem was that two layers of sunscreen (I didn’t want to give up the blue light protection) with a mattifier absorbing so much oil made it look like I was wearing foundation—and turned my face blue. I tried a lower zinc oxide spf concentration. Still blue. Then I got tinted versions (the first one was too dark and made me look like I was drunk). And, that much sunscreen makes you feel like you are wearing a mask and you can’t wait to wash it off at the end of the day. After washing, my face would be dry (don’t use Castile soap on your face). So, I bought moisturizers (several because ChatGPT gave me a whole regimen on a Word doc so I could tape it to my mirror). Some made my face oily. Some made my face sting (even the simple volcano water and hyaluronic acid stung). For the love of God! So, ChatGPT tells me that my barrier is compromised. So, I buy a bunch of mild cleansers. Cream to foam is not strong enough to remove caked on sunscreen. Squalene oil emulsifier works great. But, this was all too much. So, this morning I saw, among a bathroom sink full of so many products it puts my wife’s side of the sink to shame (she’s very unhappy with this obsession by the way. She says I look like a girl putting on make up (rubycell sponges are the best in case you are looking for that kind of thing))…. Well, to make a long story short, I saw an old bottle of EltaMD 46. Very smooth application (I think that it is the Octinoxate that creates the perfect viscosity). It feels like I have nothing on my face. That’s a great feeling. No white cast or blue face. The tint does not seem to wear off as easily on things like a white collar or the inside of a hat (probably because it spreads so well you don’t have to use a lot. I’ve purchased a dozen hats to protect me from the sun too. But that’s a whole n’other story). The bottom line is that my dermatologist was right. And, I could have financed a few years worth of EltaMD 46 purchases if I hadn’t gone down the European rabbit hole. Do not buy the EltaMD 50! It does not spread well. One more thing. The iron oxide used in the tint blocks blue light that causes melasma! Who would have guessed. I didn’t notice that message the first time I was reading the bottle label. Just buy the EltaMD 46. Trust me. It’s the best in every way.

I’ve been using this sunscreen for eight months and it has become an essential part of my routine. The texture is lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly into the skin. I love the tinted version because it evens out my skin tone without feeling heavy or looking like makeup. It has never caused irritation or breakouts, and it actually helps keep my skin calm and balanced. I also appreciate that it wears beautifully under makeup and doesn’t leave any white cast. Overall, this is one of the best sunscreens I’ve ever used — gentle, effective, and truly reliable for daily protection. I highly recommend it.

My goodness!!! I've recently discovered a game-changer in my skincare routine, and it's none other than this tinted sunblock that has won my heart! This product is more than just sun protection; it's my secret to a flawless, radiant complexion. Haha!!! :) What sets this tinted sunblock apart is its ability to tackle multiple concerns with ease. First and foremost, it provides the essential sun protection we all need. That's a given. But what truly stands out for me is its magical touch in evening out my skin tone. It conceals the redness on my cheeks and imparts a lovely, uniform color to my face, leaving me feeling confidently fresh-faced. Another reason I'm head over heels for this sunblock is its lightweight texture and easy blendability. It glides on effortlessly, and within moments, it feels like a part of my skin. No caking, no heavy feeling - just pure comfort. I have not tried it under makeup yet, but in the mornings I do not really gravitate towards makeup. What's more, it's a savior for my sensitive eyes. I've struggled with sunblocks that irritate my eyes, but this one is gentle and doesn't cause any burning or discomfort. I should also mention that I have oily skin, and this sunblock has been a true hero in controlling shine. It mattifies my T-zone and keeps excess oil at bay throughout the day. I no longer worry about looking greasy in the afternoon. Now.......the only drawback is its size and price. It's a tad small, and I wish it came in a larger container. But, quality often comes at a price, and I'm more than willing to invest in something that works wonders for my skin. In fact, I've already dropped hints to friends and family that this sunblock is my go-to gift request! Who can blame me? I'm simply smitten with it. Hahaha!! :) In a nutshell, this tinted sunblock is a true gem. It's not just sun protection, it's a beauty enhancer, a skin soother, and an oil controller all in one. So, if you're looking for a sunblock that goes the extra mile, look no further. Give it a try, and you might just fall in love with it, like I did! :) <3

I was introduced to this specific product in my dermatologist’s office, when I asked about tinted sunscreens. She gave me samples of 3 others, then on my way out one of the staff enthusiastically slid me this one. It is a hands down favorite, with an spf of 46 and a corresponding price point. It can seem expensive at first look, but it is multifunctional and takes the place of several products, which can clear up space on your counter and in your wallet. This product is Different. It evens out skin tone better than most makeups. Don’t let the zinc oxide on the label fool you; This product has zero white cast and I wouldn’t know the zinc was in there. The color is sheer. It evens out skin tone and minimizes pores. It’s a good year round product. Even though I was in love with this product, I wanted a slightly darker color, so also bought the deep color to try. While either color works ok for me, the best color was a mix of the two. It is a perfect foundation, especially when the perfect color match can be had with a little mixing. Photo is of the regular tint, dark tint, and the current color mix I’m using.

I think it’s okay and everything but damn it’s expensive for a little a— bottle. I thought I was getting a larger bottle, but I guess reading is fundamental. My bad. Still, they be pricey AF.

I avoided this sunscreen for years because of the price, even though my best friend swore by it. I finally tried it about a year ago, and now I’ve purchased it three times. That alone says a lot — I’ve tried countless sunscreens over the years, especially after having laser treatment in my early 20s for sun damage. Living in Colorado, with sun exposure year-round, a strong and reliable sunscreen is non-negotiable for me. I have oily skin, and this is the first tinted sunscreen that doesn’t make me shiny, greasy, or break out. It feels completely weightless once it’s on. The tint is subtle but evens out my skin tone just enough without looking like makeup — it simply makes my face look healthier and a bit more put together. It wears comfortably on its own or under makeup, never feels sticky or heavy, and doesn’t irritate my skin even on sensitive days. Yes, it’s more expensive than most sunscreens, but after trying several EltaMD formulas, this is the one I keep coming back to. If you want something that feels like nothing, protects well, and looks natural — this is absolutely worth it.

This stuff is amazing, and works well with my very sensitive skin. It is just tinted enough that it also sort of works as a foundation. If you pair it with your foundation, it works even better. It is moisturizing and feels great, and doesn’t have a weird smell like some sunblock does. It’s not too thick and feels like on my skin. It is a little pricey, but overall I think it’s worth the price because of how luxurious it feels and because it only takes a small drop to go a long way. It’s great for on the go if you are not wanting to do a full face of make up in the summer, but still want a more elevated, glowy look.

I was not really a fan of tinted sunscreen because I was afraid that it could worsen my acne (even when it says for acne-prone), dry my skin out, darken my skin tone, and the list goes on… I even opted Elta MD out of my list because I tried their sunscreen before and it irritated my face badly… Reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours is absolutely necessary if you want continuous protection, especially if you’re treating your acne or dark spots. I’m treating both so yeah I have to follow this rule. But the problem with regular sunscreens, whether chemical or mineral, is that after like the 3rd reapplication in a day, it starts to form a white cast on my face, and it makes me look… horrible. So the journey begins, I looked for tinted sunscreens hoping that it would solve this problem. I tried 2 from other brands and they did… but they left my face looking shiny in a bad way… I got upset but I still wanted to keep looking… and after having watched a few Youtube videos. I decided to pick this one… and I’m so happy that I did! First, it doesn’t cause irritation, which was amazing because their untinted did. Second, it blends onto my skin quickly, easily and without compromising your skin tone. The tint looks dark when i get it on my hands at first, but then it goes almost transparent after I spread it all over my face. And because of this, it doesn’t really darken my skin tone at all after multiple applications throughout the day. Third, it feels oily, but doesn’t make my face look shiny. So, it further encourages me to reapply every 2 hours. Fourth, it is not water-resistant. You may not want to use this sunscreen if you’re heading to the beach, or living your life outdoor on a rainy day. But if you spend most of the time indoor while the outside is sunny and dry, and you have little contact with water, this sunscreen is fabulous! On top of that, you can avoid the hassle at night that is trying to remove it off your face. Using just water may or may not be effective so I still need to use an oil-based cleanser first to remove it. The thing here is that I need just a tiny bit of the cleanser with little to no rubbing to get the job done. And last but not least, it sure protects you from those UV Rays. I have used this for a week and haven’t got any sunburnt or any sign of worsening dark spots on my face and neck. And while protecting my skin, the sheer tint also hides away my red & dark spots, even my skin tone and therefore making my face look better! Overall, this is a 10/10 sunscreen for acne-prone, sensitive skin type. It solves all kinds of hassles that stop you from consistently applying and/or reapplying sunscreen.