For more than three decades, EltaMD has quietly earned its place as one of the most trusted names in skincare — not just in the hands of dermatologists, but in the everyday routines of people who want products that actually work.
What sets this brand apart isn’t just its reputation (though being the No.1 dermatologist-recommended and personally used professional sunscreen brand in the U.S. is no small feat); it’s the way EltaMD has always approached skincare with a clinical, no-fluff attitude and a genuine respect for skin of every type, tone and condition.
But EltaMD didn’t start in a glossy lab or trendy skincare startup. Its roots stretch all the way back to the 1800s, in the quiet, rural hills of Switzerland. There, a healing ointment — crafted from simple, potent ingredients — was passed down by farmers for generations. It wasn’t fancy, but it worked. And that quiet power became the foundation of something much bigger.
In 1988, the formula made its way to the U.S., where a visionary founder recognized its potential for professional wound care. Thus, EltaMD was born: a brand that quickly became a go-to for hospitals, burn centers and rehabilitation clinics across the globe.
It wasn’t until 2007 that EltaMD, as it’s now known, took that medical heritage and brought it into everyday skincare. The goal was simple: combine the rigor of clinical science with the kind of formulas people would actually want to use every day. From that point forward, EltaMD became known not just for how well its products performed, but for how effortlessly they fit into real life.
Sun protection is, hands down, the core of the brand. EltaMD makes sunscreen, but makes it wearable. Every formula is powered by zinc oxide, a natural mineral that acts like a physical shield against the sun’s broad spectrum of UVA and UVB rays. But unlike the thick, chalky formulas of the past, EltaMD sunscreens are modern and breathable. They’re sheer, silky, and designed to disappear into skin without leaving behind a greasy layer or dreaded white cast. It’s sun care that feels like skincare — because it is skincare.
Take the EltaMD UV Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 40, for example. It’s a fan favorite for good reason. Lightweight and moisturizing, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin while helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It comes in untinted, tinted and deep-tinted versions to match a wide range of skin tones, and it layers beautifully under makeup or on its own. It’s noncomedogenic, paraben-free, fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin, making it a true everyday essential.
But EltaMD goes well beyond sun protection. Its broader skincare range is thoughtfully designed to support skin through every phase of its journey, from everyday cleansing to post-procedure recovery. The brand’s self-foaming cleansers, restorative toners and barrier-repairing serums are formulated to heal, renew, and protect, not just enhance. Whether someone is dealing with dryness, irritation, acne, or hyperpigmentation, there’s a targeted solution that works gently but effectively.
As a full-time beauty product tester, EltaMD is one of my sworn-in face sunscreens and a brand I’ve grown to use for other items as well, like spray sunscreens. Sure, I love its dermatologist seal of approval and sensitive skin-friendly formulas, but the ethos of the brand is one I trust. It even feels top-quality when applied, and that’s an important trait to take into account with the most important skincare ingredient: SPF.
One of EltaMD’s lesser-known but equally impactful offerings is its procedure care line, otherwise known as products formulated to support the skin before and after cosmetic or dermatologic treatments. These formulas help strengthen compromised skin, soothe inflammation and guide it through recovery with clinical precision. It’s another example of how the brand takes its medical heritage seriously, ensuring that even the most sensitive or vulnerable skin gets the same level of thoughtful attention.
What truly makes EltaMD a standout is the consistency of its science-backed philosophy. While some skincare brands chase trends, EltaMD stays grounded in evidence. It develops products in collaboration with dermatologists, rigorously tests for safety and efficacy and prioritizes formulas that feel as good as they perform. Every product is noncomedogenic, dye-free, paraben-free and sensitivity-tested, making the line remarkably accessible to a broad audience — including those often overlooked by mainstream beauty products.
And that accessibility matters, especially when it comes to sun protection. Skin cancer is still the most common form of cancer in the U.S., and UV exposure is its biggest culprit. But sunscreen only works if people actually wear it. That’s where EltaMD’s sheer, wearable formulas make a real difference. They’re designed for daily use, year-round, for every skin tone and skin type. No chalky finish. No irritation. Simply put, it’s just smart protection that fits into real lives.
This summer, and every season that follows, the most important part of any look isn’t the trendiest accessory or most hyped beauty product; it’s SPF. And when that SPF hydrates, protects, blends beautifully and makes your skin feel like its best self? That’s EltaMD.
shop eltamd favorites
If you’re looking for a quick-absorbing sunscreen that won’t leave a white cast, this bottle is one of my all-time favorites.
Great for post-procedure care, this SPF is gentle, helps cancel out redness and is one you’ll want to use on repeat.
If you’re looking for a tinted face sunscreen that’ll give you a nice balance on your sensitive skin, this formula is the real deal.
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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