UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 — Reddit Reviews
by EltaMD
Updated September 10, 2026
Niacinamide sunscreen eases acne and redness; many report irritation and high price.
What the community says
This sunscreen uses niacinamide to target acne-prone and redness-prone skin with broad-spectrum protection. Reddit users often praise its lightweight feel but warn of irritation or breakouts from niacinamide. Studies found niacinamide improves acne, supporting its use, yet some users report skin reactions.
What this means for you
Backed by 22 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 4 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- Formulated with niacinamide to calm acne and redness
- Lightweight texture that layers well under makeup
- Fragrance-free and goes on non-greasy, aiding sensitive skin
Watch out for
- Can cause irritation or breakouts due to niacinamide sensitivity
- Pricey compared to drugstore sunscreens, limiting frequent use
- Pills or feels greasy, especially if layered with certain moisturizers
Product details
Use caution
Values
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
What the science says
Niacinamide
Some evidence for acne- It often improved acne, but many studies used niacinamide together with other ingredients
- 19 studies back this, including one large review
- Some studies found it worked about as well as clindamycin or benzoyl peroxide
- A few studies found niacinamide beat a placebo or no treatment for red, sore spots and blemishes
- No major side effects were reported in the findings given
What Reddit says
The why
Serum consistency sunscreen targets oily skin with niacinamide to reduce redness and prevent breakouts without feeling heavy or greasy.
“For SPF — try EltaMD UV Clear.”
28 mentions for acne
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 268 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.
- OriginalYou’re here
UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
268 mentions
TintedUV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
87 mentions
13 of 14 traits shared
Dupes & Alternatives
Beauty of Joseon
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+
Better for Sun Protection
16 shared traits
763 mentions
Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Better for Sun Protection
16 shared traits
654 mentions
Beauty of Joseon
Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 SPF50+ PA++++
Better for Sun Protection
14 shared traits
444 mentions
