Regardless of the temperature, it’s always important to slather sunscreen on ourselves and our loved ones. Yet, greasy, heavy, smelly white face paint-looking sun lotions can make you dread application so much that you may write off the importance of wearing them. So if you’re looking for sun protection that’s lightweight and clear (aka, something you’ll actually wear regularly), allow us to introduce you to the clear EltaMD broad-spectrum face sunscreen with SPF 46.
It promises to leave no sticky residue or white cast on your face, no “sunscreen smell,” and can be worn under or over makeup. A luxury sunscreen, this cream usually goes for $45, yet you can grab the clear and light-tinted versions on a rare sale for 20% off when you hit the coupon.
Many reviewers call the lotion “expensive but worth it,” and the first face sunscreen they’ve “ever actually liked,” —including several reviewers undergoing treatment for skin cancer or risk of skin cancer.
“My dermatologist said I HAD to get this one after having a small skin cancer and having my nose reconstructed,” Karen Anderson wrote, “I definitely don’t want to go through that again.”
Beloved by dermatologists and thousands of 5-star reviewers, the EltaMD sunscreen provides strong UVA and UVB protection in a lightweight, fragrance-free and oil-free formula. Those with sensitive skin or rosacea may benefit from its calming niacinamide and antibacterial zinc, both skincare favorites for soothing inflamed skin.
This cult-favorite SPF also moisturizes with popular hyaluronic acid while helping even out hyperpigmentation, reducing shine and lightly exfoliating pores thanks to the inclusion of lactic acid. Many reviewers with acne-prone skin and cystic acne call it “the only sunscreen that doesn’t make me break out,” celebrating the formula for not clogging pores, drying skin or feeling greasy.
The sunscreen comes in clear/no-tint, a light-tint and a new deep-tint version, designed to leave less of a white cast on your skin. One review deems the clear version “Black and Brown girl approved,” saying it’s the best sunscreen they’ve ever used, with others saying the cream leaves “absolutely no white cast.” Some do report a light white cast, though many agree it goes away upon rubbing it in. Users with mature skin call it the “best tinted moisturizer” they’ve tried for their skin type, with others saying it’s actually replaced their foundation.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the Skin Cancer Foundation and pretty much any dermatologist you’d ask — sunscreen indeed helps to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
We have to wag our fingers at you just a tad, OK?
Despite the winter chill, the sun’s UV rays remain harmful year-round. And while spring and summer may still feel a million years away, they are indeed coming, making UV protection is even more pressing since you’ll likely be outside more. So, if you’re looking for a good sunscreen, this really is a good go-to.
“I have had skin cancer and a dermatologist recommended this product,” one reviewer said. “I didn’t want something that was visible, oily, greasy, or smelly. This sunscreen is easy to apply, doesn’t smell, and you can’t tell you have it on at all. I use it everyday for my face, ears, and neck.”
And if you’ve got mature skin that needs a little more TLC than it used to, you should also consider this one of your strongest personal care hacks.
“I am 45 years old with extremely sensitive skin...” Brooke Congleton shared. “Other sunscreens make my skin break out and make my rosacea act up. This is the first sunscreen that I can wear every day and my skin has been [smoother] and clearer than ever.”
“I noticed my [wrinkles and lines] are reduced,” wrote another reviewer.
We love a skin care product that really does protect and multi-task.
Check out more 5-star reviews from people who adore the dermatologist-recommended EltaMD clear sunscreen, and grab some while it’s on sale ahead of the spring and summer.
“I have skin that tans immediately when in the sun and I’m outdoors a lot. I thought I never needed to wear sunscreen (and I hated the feel of it) because I never burned until I required an incision for a pre-cancerous spot. A little late, but I started wearing sunscreen and bought this for my face. I absolutely LOVE it and the coverage it gives. It’s not greasy, heavy, nor does it leave a white film. Excellent product!” — Debra Fera
“This was recommended by my dermatologist and I hesitated buying it b/c it is expensive, but now that I have been using it, it is well worth the money. It leaves my skin moisturized and the 46 SPF does an amazing job of protecting my skin from the sun. You don’t need that much, and I was concerned before purchasing it about the expiration date. It doesn’t expire until the end of next year, so I’m sure I’ll use it all by then without wasting any. Thumbs up from me” — MCleapyear
“This is the first face sunscreen that I have ever actually liked. My dermatologist said I HAD to get this one after having a small skin cancer and having my nose reconstructed. I definitely don’t want to go through that again. This lotion is so light and has a clean scent. It isn’t overly thick or gooey. It goes perfect under makeup and I was afraid it would make my foundation go on different and be streaky. It does not. It costs more than I am used to paying for anything as a frugal underemployed person. I wish things that Dr’s prescribe/recommend could be covered by insurance…. In a perfect world….as it is necessary for my health. Also… after going back and forth to figure it out, it is this ‘CLEAR’ one that I’m talking about and love.” — Karen Anderson
“I have to say at first I was skeptical that this would be worth the money, as it is a bit pricey. But let me tell you, this product is worth it! I have rosacea and my skin is prone to irritation from many products. But I need a good quality sunscreen to wear daily. This product does not irritate my sensitive skin, provides excellent protection from the sun. It does not leave a white cast on my skin, and dries clear. A little goes a long way too. If you have sensitive skin or rosacea, give this a try. It is a great product!” — Michelle James
Want more expert-recommended SPF? Check out three more on-sale and budget-friendly options curated by Senior Shopping Writer Lourdes Avila Uribe.
EltaMD UV AOX mist SPF 40 (24% off)
For beach days, Dr. Jessie Cheung of Chicago’s Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness told HuffPost recommends a water-resistant SPF, preferably a mineral formula that won’t cause your eyes to sting or slide off when you're sweating in the sun. She pointed out that the EltaMD UV AOX Mist is great for full body coverage, since it "sprays on white but dries clear, so you won't miss any spots. It also has 360-degree sprayability, so you can apply it upside down." Hit the coupon for 24% of.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 (20% off)
According to Dr. Alexander Witkowski, MD, PhD, board-certified dermatologist and Melanoma Research Alliance Dermatology Advisor, this CeraVe lotion with SPF 30 is "an excellent, affordable and widely accessible option for a daily morning routine." It provides sun protection while doubling as a moisturizer and is formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to support skin barrier health and hydration while also soothing irritation.. He also pointed out that it's non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, making it appropriate for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Hit the coupon for 20% off.
Blue Lizard Sensitive mineral sunscreen SPF 50+
For days spent outdoors, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sonia Badreshia-Bansal recommends this reef-safe mineral sunscreen from Australia, which contains no active chemicals and is suitable for use on sensitive skin. It's also sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes so you can enjoy all types of outdoor activities without worry.
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)