EltaMD UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ | Hydrating Face Sunscreen

The EltaMD UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ is a hydrating, sheer face sunscreen that delivers excellent UVA and UVB protection in a fast-absorbing, cosmetically elegant formula. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, UV Sheer hydrates while it protects — making it an excellent choice for normal, dry, and combination skin that wants both daily SPF and moisture in one streamlined step.

At Le Petit Spa in Charlotte, NC, we recommend UV Sheer to clients who want stronger SPF protection (50+ versus the SPF 45 of UV Shield) and slightly more hydration in their daily sunscreen. It's water-resistant for 80 minutes, so it bridges everyday wear and lighter outdoor activity without needing to switch to a sport formula. Layer it under makeup, wear it solo, or use it as a unified face-and-decolletage SPF — it's that versatile.

Key Benefits

• SPF 50+ broad-spectrum protection against UVA aging rays and UVB burning rays
• Water-resistant for 80 minutes — ideal for everyday wear + light outdoor activity
• Hyaluronic acid hydration for dewy, plump skin
• Antioxidant defense with vitamin E for free radical neutralization
• Sheer, weightless finish works beautifully under makeup
• Fragrance-free, paraben-free, dermatologist-tested

Step 1: Cleanse & Treat
In the morning, cleanse your face and apply any morning serums (vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, growth factors, etc.) and your usual moisturizer. Allow products to fully absorb.

Step 2: Apply UV Sheer
Dispense a nickel-sized amount of UV Sheer onto fingertips. Apply to the forehead, both cheeks, nose, chin, jawline, neck, and decolletage. Don't forget the ears and back of the neck.

Step 3: Massage Until Absorbed
Massage in gentle upward motions until the product fully absorbs. UV Sheer leaves a soft, hydrated, dewy finish — not greasy or shiny.

Step 4: Wait Before Makeup
Allow 60–90 seconds for UV Sheer to fully set before applying makeup. This prevents pilling and preserves the protective SPF film.

Step 5: Reapply Every 2 Hours
Reapply every 2 hours of direct sun exposure or after swimming/sweating. For midday reapplication over makeup, use EltaMD UV Stick SPF 50+. Continue daily year-round for cumulative anti-aging benefits.

Active Ingredients:
- Octinoxate — absorbs UVB rays
- Zinc Oxide — mineral filter providing broad-spectrum UVA + UVB protection
- Octisalate — supports UVB absorption and stabilizes the formula

Key Supporting Ingredients:
- Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) — multi-weight humectant that draws moisture deep into the skin for sustained hydration
- Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) — antioxidant defense against UV-induced free radicals
- Glycerin — humectant that supports overall skin moisture

What's NOT in it: No fragrance, no parabens, no oxybenzone, no dyes, no gluten, 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.

How is UV Sheer different from UV Shield?
Both are excellent daily face sunscreens, but UV Sheer is SPF 50+ with 80-minute water resistance and added hyaluronic acid for hydration, while UV Shield is SPF 45 and oil-free, formulated more for oily/acne-prone skin. Choose UV Sheer if your skin is normal, dry, or combination and you want hydration. Choose UV Shield if your skin is oily or acne-prone.

Is UV Sheer mineral or chemical sunscreen?
UV Sheer is a hybrid sunscreen that combines mineral (zinc oxide) and chemical UV filters to achieve its elegant, sheer feel. For 100% mineral protection, see EltaMD UV Pure, UV Physical, UV Active, or UV Skin Recovery.

Is UV Sheer safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. UV Sheer is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dermatologist-tested. It's safe for sensitive skin types, though if you have highly reactive skin, post-procedure skin, or rosacea, we recommend the 100% mineral EltaMD UV Skin Recovery line instead.

Can I wear UV Sheer on my body too?
Yes. UV Sheer's water resistance and sheer finish make it suitable for face, neck, decolletage, and arms. For broader full-body application during heavy outdoor activity, we recommend EltaMD UV Sport or UV Lotion in larger sizes.

Will UV Sheer break me out?
UV Sheer is non-comedogenic and unlikely to cause breakouts. However, if you have very acne-prone or oily skin, we recommend UV Clear SPF 46 (with niacinamide) or UV Shield SPF 45 (more oil-free) as better matches for your skin type.

How often should I reapply UV Sheer?
Reapply every 2 hours of sun exposure, immediately after swimming or sweating, and after towel-drying. The 80-minute water resistance is the FDA-allowed maximum, but reapplication is what maintains full SPF protection. Use EltaMD UV Stick for midday reapplication over makeup.

Can I wear UV Sheer under makeup?
Yes. Apply UV Sheer, wait 60–90 seconds for it to set, then apply foundation, concealer, or BB cream. The sheer finish creates an ideal base for makeup application without pilling or sliding.

How long until I see results?
Protection is immediate. Hydration improvements (less midday tightness, plumper texture) are noticeable within days. Long-term cumulative benefits (less hyperpigmentation, fewer fine lines, more even tone) build over months and years of consistent daily use.

At **Le Petit Spa in Charlotte, NC**, we love EltaMD UV Sheer because it solves a common request from clients with normal-to-dry skin: 'I want strong SPF, but my morning sunscreen makes my skin feel tight, dehydrated, or pulled.' Most sunscreens — especially higher SPF formulas — are formulated for oily skin and prioritize a matte finish, which can leave drier skin types depleted by the end of the day.

UV Sheer is different. The hyaluronic acid in the formula draws moisture into the skin, leaving a soft, dewy finish that looks like healthy skin rather than a flat sunscreen layer. Vitamin E provides antioxidant defense and additional skin conditioning, so by the end of the day, your skin actually looks better, not worse.

We also love the **SPF 50+ rating with 80-minute water resistance**. This makes UV Sheer one of our most versatile face sunscreens — strong enough for outdoor errands, beach walks, light hiking, or a Charlotte summer day at the patio, but elegant enough for daily indoor wear. Clients often tell us it's the first face sunscreen they've worn that didn't make them feel like they were 'wearing sunscreen' — it just feels like skincare.