EltaMD
UV Clear Face Sunscreen
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen, Oil Free Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin with Zinc Oxide, Dermatologist Recommended
Ingredient Snapshot
8 beneficial ingredients detected with no known safety concerns.
8 ingredients to watch — D5 Silicone, Emollient Ester, Phenoxyethanol, PEG Coconut Emulsifier, Oleyl Ether Phosphate, IPBC, Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), pH Adjuster may cause sensitivity in some skin types.
Ingredients (16)
Water
Benefits
- ✓Universal solvent that forms the base of aqueous formulations
- ✓Helps dissolve and deliver other active ingredients
Sources
Aqua (Water) — CIR Expert Panel Safety Assessment: The CIR Expert Panel concludes that water (aqua) is safe as used in cosmetic formulations.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Aqua (Water): Water is the most commonly used cosmetic ingredient and is listed as safe by the CTPA with no restrictions on use.
Cyclopentasiloxane(D5 Silicone)
Benefits
- ✓Provides silky, lightweight skin feel
- ✓Acts as an emollient and spreading agent
- ✓Improves texture and spreadability of formulations
Potential concerns
- !Environmental persistence concern — bioaccumulates in aquatic organisms
- !EU has restricted use in wash-off cosmetics due to environmental risk
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Cyclomethicone (D4, D5, D6) as Used in Cosmetics: The CIR Expert Panel found cyclopentasiloxane (D5) safe as used in cosmetics. It functions as a lightweight volatile silicone that improves formula texture and spreadability without leaving residue. The Panel found no significant dermal sensitisation or irritation at cosmetic concentrations.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Cyclopentasiloxane: CTPA notes that cyclopentasiloxane (D5) is subject to restrictions under EU Cosmetics Regulation: it is limited to concentrations below 0.1% in rinse-off cosmetics due to environmental persistence concerns. It remains permitted in leave-on cosmetics and is considered safe for skin application.
Niacinamide(Vitamin B3)
Benefits
- ✓Reduces appearance of enlarged pores
- ✓Improves uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation
- ✓Strengthens the skin barrier
- ✓Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness
Potential concerns
- !May cause flushing or redness at high concentrations in sensitive individuals
Sources
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — FDA Cosmetic Ingredient Review: Niacinamide is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It is a well-established skin-conditioning agent with evidence supporting its role in improving skin texture, tone, and barrier function.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Niacinamide: CTPA lists niacinamide as a safe and effective skin-conditioning agent widely used across cosmetic formulations, with a strong safety profile across concentrations typically used in cosmetics (2–10%).
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate(Emollient Ester)
Benefits
- ✓Skin conditioning and emollient agent
- ✓Improves product texture and spreadability
- ✓Provides a non-greasy skin feel
Potential concerns
- !May be comedogenic at high concentrations for acne-prone skin
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics: The CIR Expert Panel has assessed alkyl ester emollients, including neopentanoate esters, and concluded they are safe for use in cosmetic formulations as skin-conditioning agents.
CTPA Ingredient Profile — Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate: The CTPA lists octyldodecyl neopentanoate as a safe emollient ester in cosmetics; caution is advised for acne-prone skin due to potential comedogenicity at higher concentrations.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer(Polymer Thickener)
Benefits
- ✓Rheology modifier and thickener for stable gel and emulsion textures
- ✓Improves product stability and skin feel
Sources
CIR/FDA Ingredient Assessment — Not Found in Regulatory Databases: No published safety assessment was found for this ingredient in the CIR, FDA, CTPA, or MFDS regulatory databases at the time of review. This does not necessarily indicate a safety concern; many ingredients in common use have not been formally assessed by these bodies.
CTPA Cosmetic Ingredient Index — Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer: No specific safety assessment was found for this synthetic polymer thickener in the CTPA cosmetic ingredient database at the time of review; it is widely used in cosmetic formulations as a rheology modifier.
Butylene Glycol(1,3-Butylene Glycol)
Benefits
- ✓Humectant that attracts and retains moisture
- ✓Solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients
- ✓Penetration enhancer for active ingredients
Potential concerns
- !Low potential for skin sensitization in some individuals
Sources
Butylene Glycol — CIR Expert Panel Safety Assessment: The CIR Expert Panel concluded that butylene glycol is safe as used in cosmetic formulations; it is a well-tolerated humectant and solvent.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Butylene Glycol: CTPA classifies butylene glycol as a safe skin-conditioning humectant and solvent with a strong tolerability record across skin types including sensitive skin.
Phenoxyethanol
Benefits
- ✓Broad-spectrum preservative that prevents microbial contamination
- ✓Effective at low concentrations up to 1%
Potential concerns
- !Potential skin sensitizer in some individuals
- !FDA advises against use near the mouth or nipple area for infants due to risk of CNS depression
Sources
FDA — Phenoxyethanol in Cosmetics: FDA has reviewed phenoxyethanol as a cosmetic preservative and considers it safe at concentrations up to 1.0% in cosmetic products. FDA advises caution in products used around the mouth of infants.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Phenoxyethanol: CTPA confirms phenoxyethanol is a permitted cosmetic preservative under EU Cosmetics Regulation at a maximum concentration of 1.0%, and is considered safe for use in both rinse-off and leave-on products.
Polyisobutene
Benefits
- ✓Emollient and film-forming agent
- ✓Provides skin-conditioning properties
- ✓Improves texture and water resistance of formulations
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Polyisobutene: The CIR Expert Panel concluded that polyisobutene is safe as used in cosmetic formulations, serving as an emollient and film-forming agent with minimal safety concerns.
CTPA Ingredient Profile — Polyisobutene: The CTPA recognises polyisobutene as a safe cosmetic emollient and film former used in personal care products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane(Silane Coupling Agent)
Benefits
- ✓Surface-treating agent for mineral sunscreen particles such as zinc oxide
- ✓Improves dispersibility and stability of mineral ingredients in formulations
Sources
CIR/FDA Ingredient Assessment — Not Found in Regulatory Databases: No published safety assessment was found for triethoxycaprylylsilane in the CIR, FDA, CTPA, or MFDS regulatory databases at the time of review. It is widely used to coat mineral UV filters to improve their dispersion and cosmetic feel.
CTPA Cosmetic Ingredient Index — Triethoxycaprylylsilane: No specific safety assessment was found for triethoxycaprylylsilane in the CTPA cosmetic ingredient database; it is routinely used as a silane surface treatment for mineral pigments and sunscreen actives.
Tocopheryl Acetate(Vitamin E Acetate)
Benefits
- ✓Antioxidant that protects skin against oxidative stress and environmental damage
- ✓Skin-conditioning agent that supports barrier function
Potential concerns
- !Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Tocopherols and Tocopheryl Esters as Used in Cosmetics: The CIR Expert Panel found tocopheryl acetate safe as used in cosmetic formulations. It functions as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent, protecting formulas and skin from oxidative damage. The Panel noted rare reports of contact sensitisation at very high concentrations.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Tocopheryl Acetate: CTPA lists tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E ester) as a safe skin-conditioning and antioxidant ingredient. It is widely used in cosmetics to protect against oxidative stress and is considered safe at concentrations typically used in cosmetic formulations.
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether(PEG Coconut Emulsifier)
Benefits
- ✓Emulsifier and surfactant that helps blend oil and water phases
- ✓Skin-conditioning properties
Potential concerns
- !PEG compounds may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing byproduct
- !Potential for irritation in individuals with compromised skin barriers
Sources
FDA Cosmetic Safety — PEG Compounds and 1,4-Dioxane: The FDA has noted that PEG compounds used in cosmetics may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen; manufacturers are advised to use purification processes to reduce contamination to safe levels.
CTPA Ingredient Profile — PEG Compounds: The CTPA acknowledges PEG-based emulsifiers as generally safe cosmetic ingredients; caution is advised due to potential 1,4-dioxane contamination from the ethoxylation manufacturing process.
Oleth-3 Phosphate(Oleyl Ether Phosphate)
Benefits
- ✓Emulsifier and surfactant that aids in forming stable emulsions
- ✓Skin-conditioning properties
Potential concerns
- !As an ethoxylated compound, may contain trace 1,4-dioxane from manufacturing
- !Potential for irritation in sensitive individuals
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Oleth Compounds: The CIR Expert Panel has reviewed oleth compounds and determined they are safe as cosmetic emulsifiers; as ethoxylated compounds they may carry trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, and manufacturers are advised to minimise this through purification.
CTPA Ingredient Profile — Oleth Compounds: The CTPA notes that oleth compounds, including oleth-3 phosphate, are ethoxylated surfactants that may contain trace 1,4-dioxane; caution is advised for individuals with sensitive or compromised skin barriers.
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate(IPBC)
Benefits
- ✓Broad-spectrum preservative with antifungal activity
- ✓Effective at very low concentrations
Potential concerns
- !Potential skin sensitizer — may trigger allergic contact dermatitis
- !EU restricts use in certain product types; not recommended for children under 3 in leave-on products
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate: The CIR Expert Panel concluded that iodopropynyl butylcarbamate is safe at concentrations up to 0.1% in rinse-off and 0.02% in leave-on cosmetics, with caution noted for sensitization potential.
CTPA Ingredient Profile — Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate: The CTPA notes that iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) is an effective cosmetic preservative with antifungal properties; it is a potential sensitizer and its use is restricted to specific product types and concentrations in the EU.
Lactic Acid(Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA))
Benefits
- ✓Exfoliates by loosening dead skin cell bonds
- ✓Humectant that attracts and retains moisture
- ✓Improves skin texture and tone
- ✓Acts as a pH adjuster in formulations
Potential concerns
- !Increases UV sensitivity — daily sunscreen use is recommended
- !May cause irritation, redness, or stinging at higher concentrations
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Alpha Hydroxy Acids as Used in Cosmetics: The CIR Expert Panel reviewed lactic acid as part of its AHA assessment. It is safe as a pH adjuster and gentle exfoliant. At active exfoliant concentrations, the Panel recommended sun protection advisories due to increased photosensitivity potential.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Lactic Acid: CTPA lists lactic acid as a safe alpha hydroxy acid used as a pH adjuster and skin-conditioning agent. At higher active concentrations, CTPA advises labelling for potential increased sun sensitivity, consistent with EU Cosmetics Regulation requirements for AHA products.
Sodium Hyaluronate(Hyaluronic Acid Salt)
Benefits
- ✓Powerful humectant that holds up to 1000x its weight in water
- ✓Improves skin hydration and plumping effect
- ✓Supports skin barrier function
- ✓Biocompatible — naturally found in skin tissue
Sources
FDA Briefing on Hyaluronic Acid in Topical Formulations: Sodium hyaluronate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a cosmetic ingredient. It functions as an effective humectant and skin-conditioning agent suitable for all skin types.
Phosphoric Acid(pH Adjuster)
Benefits
- ✓pH adjuster and buffering agent that maintains optimal formulation stability
Potential concerns
- !Highly concentrated forms are corrosive; at cosmetic concentrations can cause irritation if the final formulation pH is too low
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Phosphoric Acid: The CIR Expert Panel concluded that phosphoric acid is safe as a cosmetic pH adjuster at concentrations resulting in a final product pH appropriate for intended use; concentrated forms are corrosive and must be handled with care.
CTPA Ingredient Profile — Phosphoric Acid: The CTPA recognises phosphoric acid as a safe cosmetic pH adjuster when used at appropriate concentrations; formulations should maintain a safe pH range to avoid skin irritation.
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