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Amazon shoppers call this sunscreen a 'game-changer' and 'worth every penny' — here's what a dermatologist thinks

sunscreen
With 26,000 five-star reviews, this is a sunscreen you can count on. (Photo: Amazon)

We are serious bargain hunters and, like anything else, we look for the best prices for the best beauty products. But every once in awhile, we come across splurge-worthy skin care essential​s that we can't resist adding to our cart. ​Today, we stumbled upon a good one: Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen. With over 26,000 five-star reviews on Amazon​, it's well worth its $39 price tag. What's better? It's dermatologist-approved so you know it's protection you can count on when the sun is beating down on you.

This broad spectrum sunscreen is specially formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It's oil-free and mineral-based and contains zinc oxide for maximum protection.
$43 at Amazon

Dermatologist​s​ agree that wearing sunscreen every single day is non-negotiable​, and this hydrating, lightweight formula is a true standout among the rest. Ellen Marmur, Board Certified Dermatologist, counts Elta MD’s facial sunscreen among her favorites. “It is ​gentle enough to use if you have acne, dryness or rosacea​,​ but not greasy for those with oily skin,” she ​explains.

Amazon shoppers praise the ​sensitive skin-friendly SPF, calling it ​a "game-changer” and “worth every penny.” One five-star fan writes, “I've been using this sunscreen for about 3 years ... I'm also prone to acne, rosacea, and hyper-pigmentation so to find a sunscreen that's specifically designed to not aggravate those issues is amazing. It has no white cast, no scent, and works beautifully under makeup. It's not matte but it's not greasy — it feels and looks like a very lightweight lotion but it totally works at protecting my skin. Truly the best sunscreen I've ever used.”

Many happy customers note that the sheer formula doesn't leave behind a white cast or a sticky residue, and is ideal for acne-prone skin. "So many of my patients hate the feeling of a thick sunscreen that sits on top of the skin, but EltaMD spreads quickly and feels as if you don’t have any product on​," says Dr. Marmur.

​Any sunscreen that is virtually transparent and hydrates skin while calming redness and inflammation will easily become a staple in anyone's routine, but the protection is what really counts. The beloved sunscreen offers broad-spectrum UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays) protection, ​courtesy of two main ingredients: zinc oxide and octinoxate.

​"​Zinc oxide is a natural mineral which provides the safest and most effective protection against UV rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens, zinc forms a physical barrier on the skin and reflects the sun's rays. Zinc Oxide is the best performing ingredient for blocking both UVA and UVB rays​," explains Dr. Marmur.​ "Since Octinoxate is known to block UV-B rays, you’ll often find it in the ingredients list of over-the-counter sunscreens. Manufacturers also routinely use Octinoxate in all kinds of cosmetic and personal care products to help keep their ingredients fresh and effective.​"​

This broad spectrum sunscreen is specially formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It's oil-free and mineral-based and contains zinc oxide for maximum protection.
$43 at Amazon

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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