A skincare regime is never complete without the application of sunscreen. Whether you are going to stay indoors or outdoors, you ought to put your sunscreen on and shield your skin from harmful UV rays of the sun. For utmost protection and skin nourishment, you can rely on the best Elta MD sunscreens. Elta MD is renowned as the number one dermatologist-recommended professional sunscreen brand and it has introduced a wide range of sunscreens for everyone, be it kids or adults. The brand says, “When it comes to sun and skin care, there is no one-formula-fits-all. That’s why we offer products for different lifestyles, preferences, and needs, for people of all skin conditions, tones, and types.”

Each of their sunscreens feels oh-so-good on the skin that you just can’t resist appreciating their splendid formulations and potent blend of ingredients. Drawing from our experiences, Elta MD sunscreens are the real rockstars as they promise to protect, heal, and renew your skin from within. Plus, they are completely free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, gluten, and toxic ingredients. They are formulated with a natural mineral called zinc oxide which acts as a shield to protect your skin from the widest range of UVA and UVB rays. 

Hence, you need not worry about anything else! Just frolic around in utmost merriment or bask in the sun at the beach — your skin will have its safeguard on!

Based on our analysis, experience, and user feedback, we have written detailed Elta MD sunscreen reviews for the handpicked products on our list of the best sunscreens for your face or body. Read on for the deets.

• 1
  Best Overall

  Elta MD UV Physical Tinted Face Sunscreen

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The UV Physical Tinted Face Sunscreen from Elta MD is no less than a magical potion that will protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun and blue light. And, guess what? It also helps you withstand humidity and sweat and does not feel greasy. Additionally, it leaves your skin looking matte and also reduces the visible signs of premature aging. You can this sunscreen alone as well as under your makeup. What makes it count among the top sunscreens is its flawless mineral and non-comedogenic formula that calms and soothes your skin. 

 

Key ingredients: Dimethicone, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and antioxidants 

SPF: 41

Tinted: Yes

Oil-free: Yes

Water-resistant: Yes 

Great for skin type/concern: Oily and sensitive skin

2

Editor’s Pick

Elta MD UV Elements Facial Sunscreen

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To get right to the point, Elta MD’s UV Elements Facial Sunscreen is a protective shield against skin-damaging UVA and UVB rays and feels like a sip of water for dehydrated skin. Its potent blend of ingredients adds a boost of radiance and works just like your primer, inviting the rest of your makeup products to go on seamlessly. To note more, it beautifully enhances most skin tones and users have highly appreciated its mousse-like consistency. 

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants 

SPF: 44

Tinted: Yes

Oil-free: Yes

Water-resistant: Yes 

Great for skin type/concern: All skin types

3

Most Versatile

Elta MD UV Sport Full Body Sunscreen

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This full-body sunscreen — UV Sport by Elta MD — has managed to be the most reliable companion for those who often hit the beach and or love to engage in outdoor games. It not only provides consistent protection against harmful UVA and UVB sun rays, but also withstands heat, humidity, and sweat very effectively. Furthermore, it possesses a lotion-like texture that goes on smoothly, leaving no greasy residues or white marks behind. It is so light in weight that you often forget that you have it on. While describing the product, an Amazon reviewer says, “As someone with sensitive skin, I have always been cautious about the products I use. I have been using this sunscreen for years and it has never disappointed me.” 

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, and octisalate

SPF: 50

Tinted: No

Oil-free: Yes

Water-resistant: Yes

Great for skin type/concern: All skin types

Quick Tip:

Even though the product is water-resistant, apply it every few hours as per package instructions.

4

Best for Revitalizing Damaged Skin

Elta MD UV Restore Facial Sunscreen

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Perfect for revitalizing sun-damaged skin, the UV Restore Facial Sunscreen is a must-have for your everyday skincare routine, especially if you have dull and damaged skin. What makes it stand apart from the rest is the fact that it aids in promoting a healthy complexion and is widely considered one of the best dermatologist-recommended mineral sunscreens. We also glanced through the Elta MD UV broad spectrum SPF reviews and found that the majority of the users love how it helps in improving the skin's overall suppleness. So this one is an ideal choice to attain a smoother and healthier look.

Key ingredients:  Zinc oxide, squalene, and ginger root extract 

SPF: 40

Tinted: Yes

Oil-free: Yes 

Water-resistant: Yes

Great for skin type/concern: All skin types

5

Best Quick-absorbent

Elta MD UV Sheer Face Sunscreen

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When it comes to powerful sun protection, Elta MD’s UV Sheer Face Sunscreen with SPF 50 is what we can think of for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it is a quick-absorbent sunscreen that is super light on the skin. Adding to that, it evens out your skin tone, calms down reddened skin, and lends you an alluring sheen look. Topping it all off, this face sunscreen also provides a daily dose of hydration to your skin, thanks to the potent blend of ingredients that revitalize your skin!  

Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamin C, zinc oxide, and octocrylene

SPF: 50

Tinted: No

Oil-free: Yes

Water-resistant: Yes 

Great for skin type/concern: All skin types

6

Best for Boosting Skin Moisture

Elta MD UV Facial Sunscreen

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Based on our observations, the UV Facial Sunscreen from Elta MD has been a lifesaver for those dealing with dry skin as it offers a boost of hydration along with much-needed sun protection. It is also a great pick for travel aficionados or those who need to fly regularly as it is TSA-approved. We love how this “facial” sunscreen is also a double-duty wonder that moonlights as an impeccable makeup primer, lending you a smooth and protected canvas. 

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and zinc oxide 

SPF: 30

Tinted: No

Oil-free: No

Water-resistant: No 

Great for skin type/concern: Dry and combination skin

7

Most Easy-to-use

Elta MD UV Face and Body Sunscreen Stick

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Safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays and soothe it from everyday environmental stressors with Elta MD’s UV Face and Body Sunscreen Stick. This stick is one of the best skincare products for on-the-go applications or even touch-ups. The transparent formula glides like butter on the skin and never feels greasy or sticky. What’s the best part? It provides a nice glow with no white cast! An Amazon reviewer says, “This is an amazing sunscreen! I love the fact that I have not had any breakouts from using it. I have extremely sensitive skin and took a chance buying this product. After lots of research, I have no regrets. I’ve tried many sunscreens but this by far is the best yet!”

Key ingredients: Bisabolol, sunflower seed wax, and zinc oxide

SPF: 50

Tinted: No

Oil-free: Yes

Water-resistant: Yes

Great for skin type/concern: All skin types

8

Most Hydrating

Elta MD UV Replenish Facial Sunscreen

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Gentle moisturizing protection is the USP of the UV Replenish Facial Sunscreen introduced by Elta MD. What made us gravitate towards it is the fact that this sunscreen is a well-formulated and unscented product that feels like heaven on the skin. As per our experience, it feels like you are putting an extra layer of moisture while simultaneously protecting it from the harmful rays of the sun. All thanks to the star ingredients that make it a big win! 

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide and hyaluronic acid

SPF: 44

Tinted: No

Oil-free: Yes

Water-resistant: Yes 

Great for skin type/concern: Dry and combination skin

9

Best Water-resistant

Elta MD UV Active Full Body Sunscreen

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Elta MD’s UV Active Full Body Sunscreen attracts large eyeballs for its splendid water-resistant formula that lasts straight for up to 80 minutes. Whether you like to swim, hike, or engage in a variety of outdoor activities and adventures, this sunscreen will never let harmful UV rays hamper the quality of your skin. What’s the best part? This sunscreen provides full coverage and aims to provide all-round protection whenever you want to have fun in the sun. 

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba esters

SPF: 50

Tinted: No

Oil-free: Yes

Water-resistant: Yes

Great for skin type/concern: All skin types

Quick Tip:

Apply a golf ball-sized amount of sunscreen every two hours after initial application for continuous protection.

10

Most Convenient

Elta MD UV AOX Mist

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Lastly, we recommend MD UV AOX Mist from Elta MD as it is loaded with active minerals and features a gentle formula. What will make you drool over is its enchanting aloe vera and coconut fragrance! Moreover, this sunscreen is a great alternative to creams, lotions, and sticks because of its great coverage and viscosity. The best part — it leaves no white cast and aids in reducing premature photoaging.

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide and vitamins C and E

SPF: 40

Tinted: No

Oil-free: Yes

Water-resistant: Yes

Great for skin type/concern: Mature skin

That was our comprehensive list of the best Elta MD products for sun protection. Now, let us run you through a detailed buying guide.

Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best Elta MD sunscreen.

Skin Type: Make sure you analyze your skin type before investing in any of the sunscreens. The brand has specially crafted each sunscreen considering the skin care needs and concerns of every individual. If you possess a sensitive skin type, then pick those that feature a gentle and mild formulation. Likewise, for anyone who is dealing with dry skin, moisturizing and hydrating sunscreens will work the best for you. Do not invest in sunscreens that are not meant for your skin type or concerns as it might lead to skin burn, irritation, redness, or rashes.

Ingredients: Pay heed to the list of the ingredients that each sunscreen comes with. The brand claims that all the sunscreens are made from zinc oxide for utmost sun protection. Adding to that, you will find sunscreen power-packed with a good blend of skin-nourishing and moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalene, lactic acid, iron oxide, vitamins B3, C and E, and other antioxidants. Pick the one that suits your skin type and concerns the best.

Type of Sunscreen: There are a variety of sunscreens introduced by Elta MD — sunscreen lotions, moisturizers, sticks, mists, sprays, etc. All of them deliver effective results. If you are someone who requires frequent touch-ups while on the go, a sunscreen stick will be of great help to you. Likewise, for quick and convenient layering of sun protection, you may invest in a spray or mist. For everyday use, you may rely on lotions and moisturizers as they allow you to personalize your application process.  

SPF Level: Check the SPF level of every sunscreen and then choose the one that suits your needs and lifestyle the most. For full and broad spectrum coverage, pick a sunscreen with SPF level ranging from 40 to 50. For minimum coverage, a sunscreen with 20 to 30 SPF level will be sufficient. 

Formula: Last but not least, check the formula — whether it is oil-free, non-greasy, non-sticky, etc. Moreover, the majority of the Elta MD sunscreens are sweat-resistant, and humid-resistant for up to 80 minutes. You can choose to invest in such sunscreens if you spend the majority of your time outdoors.  

After taking note of the aspects mentioned above get to know a few tips for applying it accurately.

The application tips and best practices to consider while applying sunscreen are as follows: -

Step 1: Cleanse your skin with a good-quality face cleanser or face wash.

Step 2: Apply your toner followed by a serum.

Step 3: Moisturize your skin with a moisturizer.

Step 4: Take a golf ball-sized amount of sunscreen on your palms and begin applying it on your face/body using the dot method.

Step 5: Spread it evenly and wait until it gets absorbed. Make sure you apply your sunscreen at least 20 minutes before heading out into the sun. 

Tada, you are done!