EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 | Niacinamide Face Sunscreen for Acne & Rosacea

The EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is the original, untinted version of the dermatologist cult-favorite UV Clear — the most-recommended face sunscreen in clinical skincare. Formulated with **5% niacinamide (Vitamin B3)** to reduce the appearance of blemishes, calm rosacea, fade discoloration, and strengthen the skin barrier, UV Clear is the foundational daily SPF for acne-prone, rosacea-prone, and sensitive skin.

At Le Petit Spa in Charlotte, NC, this is hands-down the **most-recommended sunscreen in our entire inventory**. It's the rare product that treats the skin while it protects, addresses multiple concerns at once, and is so cosmetically elegant that clients actually use it daily. If we could only recommend one face sunscreen, this would be it.

Key Benefits

• SPF 46 broad-spectrum protection against UVA + UVB rays
• 5% Niacinamide calms acne, reduces redness, fades hyperpigmentation, strengthens barrier
• Sheer, untinted finish — universally flattering, no color match required
• Lightweight, oil-free texture wears beautifully alone or under makeup
• Dermatologist cult-favorite — one of the most-recommended face SPFs in the U.S.
• Fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic

Step 1: Cleanse
In the morning, cleanse with a gentle cleanser. Pat dry.

Step 2: Apply Vitamin C Serum (Optional but Recommended)
Vitamin C serum is one of the most powerful morning pairings with UV Clear — antioxidant defense + niacinamide + SPF is a clinical anti-aging and anti-pigmentation trifecta. Apply, allow to absorb fully.

Step 3: Apply UV Clear
Dispense a nickel-sized amount of UV Clear onto fingertips. Apply to forehead, both cheeks, nose, chin, jawline, neck, and ears. Don't skip the decolletage if exposed.

Step 4: Massage Until Absorbed
Massage in gentle upward motions until fully absorbed (30–60 seconds). UV Clear leaves a soft, sheer finish that doesn't pill or feel heavy.

Step 5: Wear Alone or Under Makeup, Reapply Every 2 Hours
Wear solo or apply foundation/BB cream after 60–90 seconds. Reapply every 2 hours of sun exposure — use EltaMD UV Stick SPF 50+ for midday touch-ups over makeup. Continue daily year-round for cumulative niacinamide and UV protection benefits.

Active Ingredients:
- Octinoxate — absorbs UVB rays
- Zinc Oxide — mineral filter providing broad-spectrum UVA + UVB protection

Key Treatment Ingredients:
- 5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — clinical-grade dose that calms acne, reduces redness, fades hyperpigmentation, strengthens skin barrier, regulates oil production
- Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) — lightweight humectant for hydration
- Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) — antioxidant defense against UV-induced free radicals
- Lactic Acid — gentle exfoliating support and pH balance

What's NOT in it: No fragrance, no parabens, no oxybenzone, no dyes, no gluten, oil-free, non-comedogenic.

Ingredient Note: Ingredients may change from time to time. Please refer to the product packaging for the most current and complete ingredient list before use.

Why is UV Clear considered the dermatologist gold standard?
UV Clear has earned cult status in dermatology because it solves multiple high-prevalence skin concerns simultaneously in a single elegant product. The 5% niacinamide is clinical-grade and works on four pathways: regulating oil/acne, reducing redness/rosacea, fading hyperpigmentation, and strengthening the skin barrier. Combined with broad-spectrum SPF 46 and a lightweight oil-free formula, it's the rare product that genuinely treats while protecting — and that consistently gets used because it feels great on skin.

Will UV Clear help my acne?
Yes. Niacinamide regulates sebum production, calms inflammation, and reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Combined with the oil-free, non-comedogenic formula, UV Clear is one of the best face sunscreens for acne-prone skin. It's not a spot treatment, but as part of a complete acne routine, it makes a meaningful long-term difference.

Will UV Clear help my rosacea?
Yes. Niacinamide is one of the most rosacea-friendly actives in skincare, reducing inflammation, flushing, and barrier reactivity. For more intensive rosacea support, also consider the green-tinted EltaMD UV Skin Recovery SPF 50 with patented AA Complex.

Will UV Clear fade my dark spots?
Yes, with consistent daily use over 3–6 months. Niacinamide inhibits melanin transfer, gradually fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun spots. For accelerated results, pair UV Clear with a morning vitamin C serum and an evening retinol.

Should I get UV Clear Untinted or Tinted?
Choose Untinted if you're male, wear your own foundation/BB cream, have very deep skin tone (consider UV Clear Deep Tinted instead), or simply prefer no color in your SPF. Choose Tinted if you want an even skin-evening finish that lets you wear sunscreen alone.

Is UV Clear mineral or chemical sunscreen?
UV Clear is a hybrid sunscreen using both mineral (zinc oxide) and chemical UV filters. For 100% mineral options, see UV Pure, UV Physical, UV Restore, or UV Skin Recovery.

Can I layer UV Clear with vitamin C, retinol, or other actives?
Yes — niacinamide plays well with virtually all other skincare actives. Morning: vitamin C serum, then UV Clear, then makeup. Evening: gentle cleanser, then retinol or other treatments, then night moisturizer (do not use UV Clear at night — sunscreens are designed for daytime UV protection).

Will UV Clear cause sensitivity if I'm new to active skincare?
UV Clear is exceptionally well-tolerated and is often the first 'active' skincare product we recommend to clients building a routine. The niacinamide actually reduces sensitivity over time by strengthening the skin barrier.

How long until I see results?
Reduced redness and barrier improvement: 2–4 weeks. Improved oil control and acne: 4–6 weeks. Fading hyperpigmentation: 3–6 months of consistent daily use. The compounded UV protection benefits compound over years.

At **Le Petit Spa in Charlotte, NC**, EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (Untinted) is the **single most-recommended face sunscreen in our entire spa**. If a client asked us to recommend only one sunscreen, this is it. The combination of clinical-grade actives, cosmetically elegant texture, broad applicability across skin concerns, and dermatologist consensus has made it a cult favorite for very good reason.

The untinted version is what we recommend to:

- **Male clients** who don't want any color in their daily SPF
- **Clients who wear their own foundation, BB cream, or tinted moisturizer** and prefer a neutral base
- **Clients with very deep skin tones** if UV Clear Deep Tinted isn't the right match (untinted has no pigment to mismatch)
- **Clients with iron oxide sensitivity** (rare but real)

The formula is identical to UV Clear Tinted minus the pigment, so you get the full benefit of:

- **5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)** — a clinical-grade dose of one of the most-studied skincare actives in dermatology, working simultaneously on acne, redness, hyperpigmentation, and barrier function
- **Lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic** formula that doesn't break out even the most acne-prone skin
- **SPF 46 broad-spectrum** protection — enough for daily indoor/outdoor wear without overkill
- **Hybrid mineral + chemical filter system** that gives the elegant sheer finish that's made this product famous

UV Clear is in our most-stocked, most-reordered category at the spa. Clients come in needing acne support, rosacea management, hyperpigmentation help — and we send them home with UV Clear daily SPF as the foundation of their treatment plan. Over months, we watch their skin transform: fewer breakouts, less redness, fading dark spots, more even tone, slowed aging. It's the workhorse that quietly changes skin.