EltaMD Just Launched a New Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin, and My Sandpaper-Dry Skin Loves It

Beauty editors aren't the only ones who rave about EltaMD's UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. Derms and aestheticians both sing its skin-protecting, redness-reducing praises on the regular — so much so that it can be challenging to find a sunscreen-related story on this site that doesn't mention the sacred UV shield. It's simply that good. So, you can imagine the excitement that ensued when the brand unveiled its latest launch: the EltaMD UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44.

What immediately piqued my interest about this new sunscreen is that it's specifically designed for dry, stressed-out skin, which is basically my complexion in a nutshell. More specifically, the EltaMD UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 is a 100-percent physical active sunscreen that contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate, vitamin C ester to fight free radicals, and zinc and titanium oxides to reflect and scatter UVA and UVB rays.

In regards to why skin experts love EltaMD's Clear sunscreen so much, Christopher O’Connell, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, previously told Allure, "It's my favorite because it's a clear zinc-oxide sunscreen that also contains niacinamide to help give the skin a glow."

Hearing all this (and already in the market for a new sun-care product), I decided to take the new launch for a test run.

A few days later, the white-and-red tube landed on my desk and I popped it in my bag to take home and try the following morning. Despite my skin being perennially reactive and all-around problematic, it was being fairly cooperative this week, so I knew the true test would be whether or not the formula worked with my skin rather than against it. (In the past, certain sunscreens I've tested have triggered some pretty gnarly reactions, so now I'm extra cautious.)

Before slathering the silky liquid directly on my face, I applied a pea-size amount to a small section of my neck to ensure I wouldn't have an adverse reaction. (Patch-testing is important, people.) After five minutes of wear with no negative symptoms, I figured I was most likely in the clear and could go all in with the SPF. Well, this is the moment of truth, I thought to myself as I pumped a dollop into my palms and started massaging it into my skin.

Almost immediately, I noticed that it went on very white — like Snow White-status white — which made me wary at first considering one of the main issues with many sunscreens is that they can leave a white cast on the skin. As you can imagine, this is especially frustrating for people with darker skin tones. Luckily, though, it didn't take long at all before the formula became transparent and melted into my skin, leaving behind zero awkward residue. "OK EltaMD, I see you," I said to myself in the mirror. (Don't act like you've never done it before, folks.)

Once the sunscreen had completely disappeared, I inspected my complexion closely to see how it was holding up. No additional inflammation? Check. Moisturized? Double check. My skin was in decent shape, for sure, but it had to pass yet another test before I could dub it a new member of my daily regimen. You see, if it didn't wear well underneath makeup, I knew we'd never work.

So I applied my usual foundation-and-concealer combo and inspected a second time. Up close, my skin looked even, hydrated, and fresh, and it was impossible to tell I was wearing anything other than moisturizer underneath. In other words, there were no streaks or blotchy patches in sight.

As the day wore on, I paid attention to how my skin held up throughout the day, seeing as sometimes sunscreens can dehydrate my skin and cause tightness or flaking. Not this one, though. My epidermis remained hydrated and even-keeled, meaning it didn't get red or irritated by lunchtime, or even by dinnertime.

So, am I impressed? I'd say so. I love that the EltaMD UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 is a 100-percent physical sunscreen that actually rubs into the skin without a fight, and I especially love that it didn't interfere with any of my other products or even my makeup. It looked and felt undetectable after I'd massaged it in, which, if you ask me, is how all sunscreens should be.

A few final facts: The EltaMD UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 is oil-free, water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, and it's safe for all skin types. (Woo!) It's also free of any known irritants, such as artificial dyes and fragrances. Oh yeah, and it retails for $32 for two ounces on dermstore.com.

If you, too, have been on the hunt for a new sunscreen to try, take it from me: You can't go wrong with this one.

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