
Sun ProtectionChemical Sunscreen
UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 — Reddit Reviews
by EltaMD
Updated October 13, 2026
5% niacinamide SPF 46; Reddit loves it, studies find niacinamide helps acne.
What the community says
A lightweight SPF 46 hybrid with 5% niacinamide, built for oily, acne-prone routines and makeup. Redditors call it HG material, and studies found topical niacinamide can clear acne comparably to clindamycin. Niacinamide-sensitive or rosacea-prone skin can flare.
What this means for you
Backed by 22 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 4 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- Lightweight, serum-like hybrid SPF 46
- 5% niacinamide; community credits fewer breakouts
- Sits well under makeup after a 10–15 minute set
Watch out for
- Price is rough for the small bottle
- Niacinamide triggers redness, itchy bumps, or breakouts for reactive users
- Pills or leaves a cast on some skin, especially with layers
Product details
Use caution
Values
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
Acne
Some evidence
Niacinamide: 6 studies tested it on its own. See all 17 studies
On Reddit: Greaseball-free mornings matter to very oily users, who say it doesn’t clog pores or leave them looking greasy. 29 mentions
Hyperpigmentation
Some evidence
Niacinamide: 5 studies tested it on its own. See all 20 studies
On Reddit: After Florida swims, it keeps facial tanning at bay, while niacinamide helps lighten pigmentation. 7 mentions
Anti-Aging
Some evidence
Niacinamide: 3 studies tested it on its own. See all 9 studies
Skin Barrier
Not proven yet
Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.
Niacinamide: 1 study tested it on its own. See all 17 studies
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 282 mentions across 22 threads
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 on Reddit, in one place — 22 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 4 more, summarized.
“I changed my sunscreen to Elta MD UV clear around 2 weeks ago.”
Positive
“My skin has been loving it and it feels more ‘elegant’ (idk the exact term) than the LRP one.”
Positive
“I really like the Elta MD UV clear sunscreen too.”
Positive
“EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 sunscreen.”
Positive
“I do wear sunscreen every day.”
Positive
“Yes, sunscreen every day!”
Positive
“EltaMD UV Clear.”
Positive
“Amazing, HG sunscreen under makeup.”
Positive
“Not sticky, not chemical, no smell. 💯”
Positive
“EltaMD UV Clear is formulated specifically for acne- and rosacea-prone skin”
Mentioned
“Someone with oily as hell skin and acne lmk which of these worked for you.”
Mentioned
“I have oily and acne prone skin.”
Mentioned
“I'm an EltaMD lover, but that's limited to their UV Skin Recovery (green tint), UV Clear, and the UV Daily tinted.”
Mentioned
“UV Clear”
Mentioned
“I'm an EltaMD lover”
Mentioned
“although I usually use EltaMD on face”
Positive
“also why Elta MD is not here? :D”
Positive
“I’ve done the coppertone on face frequently also with no issues.”
Positive
Other variants in this line
Same formula family — here’s what changes between them.
Dupes & Alternatives
Compared with
Reddit's best chemical sunscreens by concern or skin type
- Best Chemical Sunscreens for Sun Protection
- Best Chemical Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin
- Best Chemical Sunscreens for Oily Skin
- Best Chemical Sunscreens for Dry Skin
- Best Chemical Sunscreens for Combination Skin
- Best Chemical Sunscreens for Acne
- Best Chemical Sunscreens for Redness / Irritation
- Best Chemical Sunscreens for Rosacea






