🇦🇪United Arab Emirates

EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 for oily skin

High

  • HighOily Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

A great choice for oily skin; a few sunscreens fit it even better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers excellent sun protection for your oily skin due to the presence of zinc oxide and octinoxate, which effectively shield against UV radiation and absorb oil for a matte finish. Sodium hyaluronate provides essential hydration without being overly occlusive, complementing your skin's needs.
  • The formula is highly suitable for oily skin, with zinc oxide offering mild astringent and anti-inflammatory actions to manage shine.
  • This product has a favorable safety profile, with no identified risks of irritation for your oily skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients.

How to apply

  • Use this moisturizing sunscreen daily in your AM routine. Reapply every two hours when exposed to direct sun.
  • Apply this moisturizing sunscreen as the final step of your morning routine after your moisturizer.
  • Smooth an even layer of the moisturizing sunscreen over your face and neck, avoiding harsh rubbing.
  • Apply the moisturizing sunscreen onto clean, dry skin for the best protection and even coverage.
  • Avoid the immediate eye area and discontinue use if any irritation occurs.

People Say

★4.7Overall rating based on 3.0k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, users find this sunscreen to be a holy grail for dry and sensitive skin, often using it as a daily moisturizer due to its hyaluronic acid content. It is frequently praised for its lightweight, sheer texture that layers well under makeup without a white cast. However, some users with oily or acne-prone skin report it can be too dewy or lead to breakouts.

Highlights

  • Moisturizing and hydrating Mostly Mentioned
    • “feels like a light moisturizer”
    • “keeps my dry patches hydrated”
    • “plumps fine lines”
    • “great for winter dryness”
    • “dewy finish”
  • Lightweight and sheer Often Mentioned
    • “disappears into skin”
    • “no heavy residue”
    • “feels weightless”
    • “sheer coverage”
    • “not thick or pasty”
  • No white cast Often Mentioned
    • “no ghost face”
    • “blends perfectly into dark skin”
    • “tint matches well”
    • “clear on application”
    • “invisible on my complexion”
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Sometimes Noted
    • “no stinging”
    • “soothing after laser”
    • “doesn't burn eyes”
    • “calms my redness”
  • Makeup friendly Sometimes Noted
    • “makeup glides right over”
    • “doesn't separate foundation”
    • “smooth base for makeup”
    • “no pilling under concealer”
    • “best primer I've used”
  • High price Sometimes Noted
    • “bottle is tiny”
    • “wish it was cheaper”
    • “expensive for daily use”
    • “runs out too fast”
    • “pricey per ounce”
  • Too shiny Sometimes Noted
    • “looked like a greaseball”
    • “too shiny by noon”
    • “not matte enough”
    • “slick feeling”
    • “emphasized texture”
  • Causes breakouts Rarely Noted
    • “caused tiny bumps”
    • “broke me out on chin”
    • “clogged my pores”
    • “too heavy for acne-prone skin”
    • “switched to UV Clear”
  • Pilling issues Rarely Noted
    • “pills near hairline”
    • “balls up over serum”
    • “flakes off if touched”
    • “can't rub it in too long”
    • “incompatible with my moisturizer”

Sources: lovi.care, lovelyskin.com, dermstore.com, eltamd.com, amazon.com, reddit.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes EltaMD UV Daily a great fit for oily skin?

EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 is a great fit for oily skin because zinc oxide and octinoxate shield against UV radiation and absorb oil for a matte finish while managing shine. Sodium hyaluronate provides essential hydration without feeling heavy, and the formula is unlikely to cause irritation.

Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2008Biomedicines, 2025

Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for oily skin?

Zinc oxide and octinoxate make this moisturizing SPF a great fit for oily skin because they block UV rays and absorb extra oil to leave a matte finish, while sodium hyaluronate adds light moisture without feeling heavy. Zinc oxide also helps manage shine and soothe the skin with mild anti-inflammatory action.

Biomedicines, 2025Journal of Controlled Release, 2025

What does Hyaluronic Acid do for oily skin?

Hyaluronic acid helps oily skin by reducing extra oil and sebum production without causing irritation. Clinical studies show it successfully balances oil levels while keeping the skin comfortable.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017

What does Zinc Oxide do for oily skin?

Zinc oxide helps oily skin by calming redness and reducing blemishes. It has antibacterial properties and may help control excess oil.

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2013International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2023

Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This moisturizing spf goes last in your morning routine, right after your moisturizer. It provides sun protection and a matte finish while keeping your skin hydrated.

Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this moisturizing SPF in the morning after your retinol and moisturizer routine to protect your skin. It is unlikely to cause irritation on oily skin, and using a barrier-supporting moisturizer alongside it helps keep your skin calm.

Cutis, 2006

How often should I use this cream?

Use this moisturizing SPF every morning as the final step of your daytime routine. Daily application helps shield against UV radiation while keeping shine under control.

Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 is unlikely to cause breakouts for oily skin because it lacks harsh ingredients and uses transparent zinc oxide and octinoxate to help absorb oil for a matte finish, though a moderate number of reviewers still mention it can feel too shiny. Reviewers rarely complain about breakouts, and the formula's sun filters have been shown in studies not to disrupt the skin's normal balance.

Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024

Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Multilamellar liposomes containing octyl methoxycinnamate increased stratum corneum accumulation and reduced deeper skin penetration compared to conventional emulsions and small unilamellar liposomes in six volunteers, resulting in a slightly better sun protection factor.

    Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2008
  • Biomimetic hyaluronic acid-stabilized zinc oxide nanoparticles selectively inhibited C. acnes, outperformed erythromycin in preclinical acne models, and safely reduced acne lesions and redness in a clinical trial.

    Journal of Controlled Release, 2025
  • Liposomal encapsulation of octyl methoxycinnamate increases its safety, skin affinity, and in vivo solar photoprotection factor while slowing its release and enhancing retention in the stratum corneum compared to a conventional formulation.

    International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2013
  • Topical 0.5% hyaluronic-ZnO nanogel applied twice daily reduced inflammatory-lesion counts by 58% at week four in human subjects compared to baseline without causing erythema.

    Biomedicines, 2025
  • The application of a sunscreen formulation containing ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, ethylhexyl salicylate, methyl anthranilate, and octocrylene does not significantly affect critical acne-related species such as Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, refuting the induction of facial dysbiosis in men.

    Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024
  • Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011
  • Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.

    Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022
  • Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.

    BMC Oral Health, 2019
  • Nels cream achieved a similar reduction in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesion counts compared to 5% benzoyl peroxide in acne vulgaris patients, but caused significantly fewer side-effects such as peeling and dryness.

    Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2000
  • Topically applied coated and uncoated zinc oxide nanoparticles under flexing and massage are retained in the stratum corneum with no significant penetration into the viable epidermis and no cellular toxicity in human skin.

    Nanomedicine, 2016
  • Replacing 20% of the chemical UV filter octyl methoxycinnamate with urucum oil in solid lipid nanoparticles maintained the skin protection factor without inducing toxic responses or significant skin penetration in human volunteers.

    Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2018
  • Encapsulation of ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane in lipid microparticles significantly reduced their in vivo human skin penetration compared to nonencapsulated filters.

    Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2011
  • The difference in dermatotoxicokinetic parameters between trans-EHMC and cis-EHMC isomers was not statistically significant when applied to the forearm skin of two volunteers.

    Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 2017
  • Wearing an N95 mask alone compared to using dimethicone cream or hydrocolloid dressing caused more adverse skin reactions among 73 military health care workers, with no significant differences in fit test failure rates between groups.

    Military Medicine, 2024
  • A dimethicone skin protectant lotion significantly decreased visual scoring and transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control and SLS-only treated sites in 12 healthy humans exposed to sodium lauryl sulfate.

    Skin Research and Technology, 2000
  • Treatment with a moisturizer containing dimethicone and glycerine increased epidermal thickness by 0.019 mm, improved barrier function by decreasing transepidermal water loss by 13%, decreased melanin intensity, and induced keratins 6 and 16 in fifteen women with moderately photoaged forearms.

    Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2007
  • Topical application of an antioxidant serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented particulate matter-induced degradation of extracellular matrix components, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skin of 15 female volunteers compared to untreated controls.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
  • Dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate showed non-comedogenic potential with less than a 50% increase in microcomedones in 12 healthy male subjects compared to octyl palmitate.

    Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
  • Topical application of an antioxidant mix containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented PM and UV-induced skin barrier perturbation, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, MMP9 activation, and Type I collagen loss in 15 healthy females compared to untreated exposed skin.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

Ingredients

Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Water, Petrolatum, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Peg-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyether-1, Citric Acid, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

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Prices checked 6 Nov 2026

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Arab Emirates.

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