Cosmo HQ Review: 3 Acne-Prone Editors on EltaMD’s New SPF for Breakouts

EltaMD UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50

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If you’ve got acne, then you know that finding the perfect sunscreen can be incredibly difficult. So many formulas can feel thick and greasy on your skin or are loaded with pore-clogging ingredients, so when you find one that works, you stick with it. For me, the one has always been EltaMD’s UV Clear. It’s widely regarded as the best sunscreen for oily and pimple-prone skin by editors like myself (as well as dermatologists and other skincare experts), thanks to its noncomedogenic formula and acne-friendly ingredients. As of today, the team at EltaMD is taking things a step further with the introduction of UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50. Unlike the original UV Clear, this new formula isn’t just designed not to break you out; it’s designed to actively clear up breakouts.

Back in February, I visited EltaMD’s R&D labs in New Jersey to hear from the experts and scientists behind UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50 and test the new launch. Ahead, a full rundown of the newness plus unfiltered reviews from me and two other Cosmo beauty editors.

Shop at eltamd.comCredit: Courtesy of EltaMD

About the formula

About UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50:

As I mentioned earlier, the new UV Clear isn’t just considered safe for acne-prone skin; it’s made for acne-prone skin, which, as someone who has struggled with acne my entire life, feels like a breakthrough in the beauty space. In clinical studies, when used as a part of a gentle daily skincare routine for 12 weeks, UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing was proven to reduce acne by 65 percent, visible oil and shine by 61 percent, and pore size by 25 percent—all impressive claims for an SPF.

It’s not just about being noncomedogenic and nongreasy. It’s about containing ingredients that actively prevent breakouts. The big one here is the ZincAOXPro, a combination of zinc (a mineral sunscreen filter that’s gentle on skin) and four antioxidants, including carnosine, two forms of vitamin E, and soothing bisabolol. Not only does this proprietary complex protect skin from UV damage, but it also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. Why does this matter? Well, inflammation and bacteria are the two biggest causes of breakouts. The formula also uses 5 percent niacinamide, which is proven to reduce inflammation and reduce sebum output (excess oil = clogged pores = breakouts). By containing ingredients that actively treat the primary causes of acne, you can think of this sunscreen in the same way you would your retinol serum or salicylic acid face wash: as a treatment product that improves skin clarity with regular use.

It’s also worth noting that when the oil on your skin comes in contact with pollution and UV rays, it becomes thicker and stickier and much more likely to clog pores. So by simply wearing a sunscreen like this and protecting yourself from UV rays, you’re reducing your chance of breakouts, too.

UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50

Cosmo editor reviews:

Lauren Balsamo, beauty director

“I’ve used the original UV Clear for nearly a decade, so my expectations were high—especially because I’ve been dealing with more hormonal breakouts lately. After six weeks of daily use (with no other routine changes), my skin genuinely looks clearer and brighter. I’ve had fewer inflamed breakouts along my jawline, and my post-acne marks from old breakouts have faded, too. The texture is super lightweight and layers well, although I do need a moisturizer underneath since it’s slightly less hydrating than the original. I also wish it came tinted. Still, I’ve worn it everywhere—from beach days to workouts—and it consistently keeps my skin calm, protected, and noticeably clearer.” —LB

Beth Gillette, beauty editor

“I have quite the dilemma on my hands. I want to listen to all the dermatologists (and Lauren) who tell me to only wear mineral sunscreen because I have acne-prone skin, but I hate the heavy feeling of zinc and will only consistently use a sunscreen if it’s lightweight and easy to blend. See my conundrum? Turns out, the answer was a hybrid formula like this from EltaMD. I already knew I loved the OG version of this sunscreen (it’s actually one of the few I’ve used up multiple tubes of), but this is somehow even better. It blends into nothing on my skin, doesn’t pill, and looks fresh under makeup. It’s not dewy per se, but there’s a slight radiance that it leaves behind that my combination-to-oily skin loves. And, of course, the zinc protection (and anti-inflammatory powers) just can’t be beat on the SPF front.” —BG

Jasmine Hyman, beauty editor

“I’ve been obsessed with EltaMD’s sunscreens for years, and while none of them have ever broken me out in the past, I love that this upgraded formula is specifically catered toward acne-prone skin. I was a bit nervous to read the words “oil-balancing” on the bottle since I’m super dry and formulas for oily skin tend to be too light for me, but I actually didn’t experience any flaking or tightness. It kept my face nice and smooth all day long. I also didn’t experience any pilling or flaking, and it provided amazing protection as I spent the afternoon outside in L.A. recently. This will be the sunscreen I rely on for all of my upcoming outdoor activities, like morning runs and festivals like Coachella.” —JH

The final verdict:

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, EltaMD’s newest SPF is absolutely worth trying. Team Cosmo (who all deal with varying types of breakouts) agrees that the formula is effective and easy to use. The texture is ultra lightweight and blendable (there’s no white cast), and the formula is stacked with skin-clearing ingredients. My only wish? That it came in tinted versions like the original UV Clear. But don’t worry, the brand tells me that’s on its way…

Why trust Cosmopolitan?

Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan, with more than 13 years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories ranging from the best skincare routine for your 30s to a comprehensive roundup of the best drugstore skincare brands. She regularly tests and analyzes new skincare products and treatments while working with the industry’s top experts to assess new brands, trends, and technologies.

Lauren BalsamoBeauty Director

Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.