EltaMD
EltaMD is a professional-grade skincare brand distributed primarily through dermatologists' offices, making it one of the few brands in our database that consumers typically encounter as a dermatologist recommendation rather than through retail browsing. The brand, owned by Colgate-Palmolive since 2018, is built on sunscreen expertise -- their UV Clear, UV Daily, and UV Sport formulations are among the most frequently recommended sunscreens by dermatologists in the United States. The brand originated from the wound care and burn treatment space (Elta was originally a wound-healing product), giving it deep expertise in barrier repair and skin protection. With 10 products across 4 categories averaging an impressive 86/100, EltaMD's focused range delivers exceptional performance where it competes. Their sunscreens consistently rank among the highest-scoring SPF products in our database.
Brand Philosophy
EltaMD formulates for the professional dermatology channel, meaning every product must meet the exacting standards of dermatologists who recommend it to patients. The brand prioritizes transparent zinc oxide sunscreens, fragrance-free formulations, and barrier-protective ingredients. Clinical validation through dermatologist adoption is the brand's primary quality signal.
Anyone seeking the best daily sunscreen, particularly those with sensitive, acne-prone, or rosacea-prone skin. The gold standard for dermatologist-recommended SPF.
- UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
- Dermatologist-office distribution
- Transparent zinc oxide sunscreens
- Wound care heritage
- Niacinamide-containing SPF formulations
- Zinc Oxide (transparent)
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Lactic Acid
- Vitamin E
EltaMD at a Glance
Strongest Categories
EltaMD performs best in: Serum (1 product, avg 89/100); Moisturizer (2 products, avg 87/100); Sunscreen (6 products, avg 86/100).
Best Conditions Served
Across all products, EltaMD scores highest for: Sensitive Skin (avg 89/100); Aging/Mature Skin (avg 88/100); Rosacea (avg 88/100). If your primary concern is one of these conditions, EltaMD products are particularly worth considering.
Certifications
Common certifications include Non-Comedogenic, Paraben-Free, Oil-Free, Fragrance-Free, Phthalate-Free, Sulfate-Free.
Best EltaMD by Skin Condition
The highest-scoring EltaMD product for each condition we evaluate.
EltaMD UV Restore Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 40
EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
EltaMD UV Restore Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 40
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
EltaMD UV Restore Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 40
EltaMD Skin Recovery Essence Toner
All EltaMD Products (10)
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
EltaMD UV Restore Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 40
EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 41
EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 44
EltaMD Skin Recovery Essence Toner
EltaMD UV Sport Body Sunscreen SPF 50
EltaMD PM Restore Moisturizer (formerly PM Therapy)
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 40
