Does the tinted version contain it too?
| US product | Niacinamide | Sunscreen filters | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 | Present | Zinc oxide 9% and octinoxate 7.5% | White |
| EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 | Present | Zinc oxide 9% and octinoxate 7.5% | Brown; includes iron oxides |
If you are avoiding niacinamide, neither of these two formulas is a suitable choice. Match the full product name on your bottle, because 'UV Clear' leaves some paperwork for 'Tinted SPF 46' to finish.12
How much niacinamide does UV Clear contain?
The US labels list niacinamide without a percentage. The stated 9% and 7.5% concentrations belong to zinc oxide and octinoxate, respectively, not niacinamide. Do not use those numbers to compare UV Clear's niacinamide strength with a serum.12
Is niacinamide the sunscreen ingredient?
No. Zinc oxide and octinoxate are the active sunscreen ingredients; niacinamide appears separately among the inactive ingredients. UV Clear is a sunscreen, even if its name sounds like it would rather be filed in the serum drawer.1
How should you apply UV Clear?
- 1Apply liberally to your face and neck 15 minutes before sun exposure.
- 2Reapply at least every 2 hours.
- 3Use a water resistant sunscreen instead if you are swimming or sweating.
Pair sunscreen with other sun protection: limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses.2
When should you stop using it?
Stop using UV Clear and ask a physician if a rash occurs. Do not apply it to damaged or broken skin. Keep it out of your eyes, and rinse with water if it gets into them. Ask a physician before using it on a child under 6 months.2
Where this answer comes from
- 1DailyMed - ELTAMD UV CLEAR SPF46- zinc oxide and octinoxate sunscreen lotiondailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- 2DailyMed - ELTAMD UV CLEAR TINTED SPF46- zinc oxide and octinoxate sunscreen lotiondailymed.nlm.nih.gov
