What actually differs?
The comparison below covers two US UV Clear versions; UV Daily's details need confirming on the bottle you intend to buy. The names suggest a clear distinction, but "Clear" and "Daily" still leave the bottle doing the explaining.12
| Detail | UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 | UV Clear Blemish Prone and Oil Balancing | UV Daily |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPF | 46 | Confirm the SPF on the bottle. | Confirm the SPF on the bottle. |
| Sunscreen ingredients | Zinc oxide 9% and octinoxate 7.5%. | Zinc oxide 11% and octinoxate 3.5%. | Confirm ingredients and percentages. |
| Other listed ingredients | Niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, lactic acid and iron oxides. | Niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, lactic acid, dimethicone and bisabolol. | Check the full ingredient list. |
| Form and colour | Brown lotion. | White cream. | Confirm the version and tint. |
| Application | Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure; reapply at least every 2 hours. | Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure; reapply at least every 2 hours. | Follow that bottle's directions. |
| Price comparison | Check the current price and pack size. | Check the current price and pack size. | Compare the same pack size. |
Which should you choose?
If niacinamide is on your shopping list, both UV Clear versions above contain it. If you want a tint, UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 contains iron oxides. Tinted sunscreen with iron oxide helps protect against visible light, which can worsen dark spots, and the shade should match your skin tone. Tint can add useful protection without making a sunscreen shade mismatch part of the dress code.123
For sensitive skin, distinguish a mineral sunscreen from a hybrid. These two UV Clear formulas are hybrids because they contain both zinc oxide and octinoxate. Dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both for sensitive skin. Neither the UV Clear name nor its niacinamide content promises freedom from irritation or breakouts.4
Does a higher SPF make the decision?
SPF measures sunburn protection, mainly against UVB rays. Broad spectrum protection also covers UVA rays, so check for both the SPF number and "broad spectrum" on the bottle. A higher SPF provides greater sunburn protection, but does not last longer or let you skip reapplication. Dermatologists recommend broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher with water resistance.345
How to use UV Clear
- 1Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors. Both UV Clear versions direct you to apply liberally.
- 2Use enough for full coverage. General sunscreen guidance recommends at least 1 teaspoon for the face; also protect the neck, ears and other exposed skin.
- 3Reapply at least every 2 hours while outdoors. A morning application is not the whole day's protection.
- 4Use a water resistant sunscreen for swimming or sweating, as both UV Clear labels direct.
- 5Use shade and protective clothing alongside sunscreen, particularly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Do not apply either UV Clear formula to damaged or broken skin. Keep sunscreen out of your eyes and rinse with water if it gets in. Stop using UV Clear and ask a physician if a rash occurs. Keep the bottle away from excessive heat and direct sun, and discard expired sunscreen.125
Where this answer comes from
- 1DailyMed - ELTAMD UV CLEAR TINTED SPF46- zinc oxide and octinoxate sunscreen lotiondailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- 2DailyMed - ELTAMD UV CLEAR BLEMISH-PRONE AND OIL BALANCING- octinoxate and zinc oxide sunscreen creamdailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Practice Safe Sunaad.org
- 4Sunscreen FAQsaad.org
- 5Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sunfda.gov
