UV Active Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
The EltaMD UV Active Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ is a emulsion. Our analysis of its 34 ingredients (31 low-risk) rates it Excellent (97/100). Based on its ingredients, it looks well-suited to dry skin.
The EltaMD UV Active Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ is a emulsion. Our analysis of its 34 ingredients (31 low-risk) rates it Excellent (97/100). Based on its ingredients, it looks well-suited to dry skin.
Summarised from our ingredient analysis — not brand marketing copy.
The evidence
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
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Zinc Oxide
(Bulking Agent, Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, Sunscreen Agent) |
Good for Oily Skin
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Titanium/Titanium Dioxide
(Cosmetic Colorant, Opacifying) |
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Water
(Solvent) |
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Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
(Emollient, Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning, Solvent) |
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Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
(Emollient, Skin Conditioning) |
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Ethyl Macadamiate
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient) |
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Glycerin
(Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care Agent, Oral Health Care Drug, Skin Protecting, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Perfuming, Solvent) |
Good for Dry Skin
Fungal Acne Trigger
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Sorbitan Olivate
(Emulsifying, Surfactant) |
Fungal Acne Trigger
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Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Emulsifying, Surfactant) |
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C15-19 Alkane
(Solvent) |
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Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Viscosity Controlling) |
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Sodium Chloride
(Bulking Agent, Masking, Oral Care Agent, Viscosity Controlling) |
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Triethoxycaprylylsilane
(Binding Agent, Binding) |
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Silica
(Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking Agent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Viscosity Controlling) |
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TOCOPHEROL
(Antioxidant, Fragrance, Skin Conditioning) |
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Glyceryl Behenate
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Emulsifying, Surfactant) |
Fungal Acne Trigger
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Hydroxyacetophenone
(Antioxidant) |
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Polyhydroxystearic Acid
(Suspending Agent Nonsurfactant, Emulsifying) |
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Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Emulsifying, Surfactant) |
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Disteardimonium Hectorite
(Stabilising, Viscosity Controlling) |
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1,2-Hexanediol
(Solvent) |
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Caprylyl Glycol
(Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Humectant) |
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Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
(Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning Agent Occlusive, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Skin Conditioning) |
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Xanthan Gum
(Binding Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning, Surfactant Emulsifying Agent, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Binding, Gel Forming, Viscosity Controlling) |
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Dimethicone
(Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting, Emollient, Skin Conditioning) |
Silicone
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Sclerotium Gum
(Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Viscosity Controlling) |
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Lecithin
(Skin Conditioning, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Antistatic Agent, Emollient) |
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Pullulan
(Binding Agent, Film Forming, Binding) |
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Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
(Chelating Agent) |
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Jojoba Esters
(Emollient, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning, Soothing) |
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Polygonum Aviculare Extract
(Emollient) |
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Malic Acid
(Fragrance, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent) |
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Potassium Sorbate
(Fragrance, Preservative) |
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Sodium Benzoate
(Fragrance, Preservative, Anticorrosive, Masking) |
No personal ingredient notes yet. Save ingredients to your profile to get good/bad alerts here.
How to use
General guidance from this product's category and active ingredients — always follow the directions on the package.
Trust & honesty
The concentrations these actives are typically effective at in research — not a measurement of this product.
OTC leave-on AHAs are usually 5–10%. The effect also depends on pH and free-acid value, not the percentage alone.
Malic Acid
INCI lists don't disclose amounts, and we don't claim to know this product's levels — these are the ranges these ingredients are usually effective at, so you can tell a real formula from "fairy-dusting" a marketed active. How we estimate this.
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