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How we build UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46

The original, what makes it special, the shelf parts we use and how to get closer. Add or swap parts and the score updates.

UV

The original · EltaMD

UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46

$46 · 1.7 oz (48 g)

A hybrid sunscreen for acne- and rosacea-prone skin: zinc oxide 9.0% sits on skin and octinoxate 7.5% absorbs UVB, with niacinamide (EltaMD cites 5%) and lactic acid in an oil-free lotion.

Official product page (opens in new tab)

Prices and listings checked Oct 28, 2026. Amazon prices change; the link shows today's price.

Step 2 · The build

Our build 1 part

  • Illustration of CeraVe Hydrating 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (face)

    CeraVe

    CeraVe Hydrating 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (face)

    AZinc oxide 9.0% · 15 of 30CNiacinamide (5% brand claim) · 23 of 30DLactic acid and sodium hyaluronate · 5 of 10ECyclopentasiloxane oil-free base · 3 of 10
    $11.89View product (opens in new tab)

    Listing not re-checked. Check the title and size on the retailer page.

    Not an affiliate link.

Partial credit means the part only partly matches that standout.

The 100 points

What stands out 100 pts

We split UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 into 5 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.

  • AZinc oxide 9.0%15 of 30 pts

    The mineral UVA/UVB filter that sits on the skin and is the main reason this formula suits reactive skin.

    Schneider 2019 · Photodermatol Photoimmunol…
  • BOctinoxate 7.5%0 of 20 pts

    A chemical UVB filter that lifts SPF to 46 and keeps the finish sheer.

    Schneider 2019 · Photodermatol Photoimmunol…
  • CNiacinamide (5% brand claim)23 of 30 pts

    The calming, sebum and tone-evening active that sets UV Clear apart from plain sunscreens.

    Bissett 2004 · Int J Cosmet Sci
  • DLactic acid and sodium hyaluronate5 of 10 pts

    A touch of exfoliation and hydration in an oil-free base.

  • ECyclopentasiloxane oil-free base3 of 10 pts

    The light silicone base gives the oil-free, non-greasy finish.

Optional

Get closer score under 80

46 / 100. We have not found a shelf product that closes more of the gap yet.

Step 3 · Buy

Buy the build

One link per part. Each opens the retailer in a new tab.

Skincare SuppliesOct 28, 2026

Your build

  1. 01CeraVeCeraVe Hydrating 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (face)$11.89

    Running total $11.89

    View product (opens in new tab)

    Listing not re-checked. Check the title and size on the retailer page.

    Not an affiliate link.

Build total$11.89
The splurge$46
Match46/100

Snapshot prices. Each link shows today's price.

Other single-product swaps

One bottle instead of a build. Sorted by match score; scores use the same standouts as above.

budget Closest we found

CeraVe Hydrating 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (face)

CeraVe

Match score 46 out of 100

No close match yet — we show the nearest formulas.

$11.89 · 2.5 fl oz
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • Zinc oxide 7% (less than EltaMD)
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Fragrance-free mineral SPF

Misses

  • Octinoxate (this is zinc plus titanium only)
  • Lactic acid
  • Oil-free acne positioning

Why it is close. Closest on the feel: zinc plus niacinamide in a face lotion at SPF 50. It is fully mineral (adds titanium dioxide, no octinoxate) and has a more moisturizing base with ceramides.

Ingredient list source

View product (opens in new tab)

Not an affiliate link.

budget

Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer Mineral SPF 50

Naturium

Match score 41 out of 100
~$22.99 Price not confirmed · 1.7 fl oz / 50 ml
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • Zinc oxide
  • Niacinamide

Misses

  • Octinoxate
  • Lactic acid

Why it is close. A mineral SPF 50 moisturizer with zinc and niacinamide. Dewy rather than matte, and zinc strength and niacinamide percentage are not published.

Ingredient list source

Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
budget

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60

La Roche-Posay

Match score 13 out of 100
$20.99 · 1.7 fl oz
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • Oil-free, acne-prone positioning
  • Broad spectrum SPF

Misses

  • Zinc oxide (chemical filters only)
  • Niacinamide

Why it is close. Matches the oil-free, acne-prone use case, but it is an all-chemical filter system with no zinc and no niacinamide.

Ingredient list source

View product (opens in new tab)

Not an affiliate link.

What the science says

Full ingredient list

Show the INCI list

Active Ingredients: zinc oxide 9.0%, octinoxate 7.5%; Inactive Ingredients: purified water, cyclopentasiloxane, niacinamide, octyldodecyl neopentanoate, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, polyisobutene, PEG-7 trimethylolpropane coconut ether, sodium hyaluronate, tocopheryl acetate, lactic acid, oleth-3 phosphate, phenoxyethanol, butylene glycol, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, triethoxycaprylylsilane

Ingredient list from a third-party listing, not confirmed on the brand site. Source

Questions

What does the 46/100 score for our UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 build mean?

We split UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 into 5 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 46 of a possible 100. A full 100 needs every standout fully covered.

What is the best dupe for UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46?

CeraVe Hydrating 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (face) by CeraVe is our closest single-product match at 46 out of 100 for $11.89 (2.5 fl oz). It shares Zinc oxide 7% (less than EltaMD), Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Fragrance-free mineral SPF.

How much can I save on UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46?

UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 costs $46 for 1.7 oz (48 g). The closest dupe costs $11.89, a saving of about $34.11. Prices change, so check the seller page.

Is CeraVe Hydrating 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (face) exactly the same as UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46?

No. Dupes share the key actives but can differ in concentration, vehicle and supporting ingredients. Missing from this one: Octinoxate (this is zinc plus titanium only), Lactic acid, Oil-free acne positioning. See our methodology for how we score.

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