UV Physical is the EltaMD face sunscreen for people who want mineral filters only. Where UV Clear and UV Daily pair zinc oxide with a chemical filter, UV Physical SPF 41 uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and nothing else, adds a sheer tint, and is the only one of the three rated water resistant. It is the tube we point to for sensitive skin, for the weeks after a procedure, and for anyone who sweats through a day. This guide covers what is in it, who it suits, and how it compares to its two siblings.
Quick answers
- Is EltaMD UV Physical a mineral sunscreen?
- Yes, entirely. The only UV filters are 9 percent zinc oxide and 7 percent titanium dioxide. There are no chemical filters, no fragrance and no oils.
- Is UV Physical tinted?
- Lightly. It contains iron oxides for a sheer, universal tint that takes the edge off the pale cast mineral filters can leave. It comes in one shade in Canada.
- Is UV Physical water resistant?
- Yes, for 40 minutes. It is the water-resistant option in EltaMD's face range; UV Clear and UV Daily are not rated.
- Who is UV Physical for?
- Sensitive or reactive skin, skin recovering from a procedure, normal to oily skin that wants an oil-free mineral formula, and active days. EltaMD positions it for normal to oily skin and for post-procedure use.
- How does it differ from UV Clear?
- UV Clear SPF 46 adds a chemical filter (octinoxate) and 5 percent niacinamide, and is not water resistant. UV Physical is mineral only, lightly tinted, water resistant, and comes in a larger 85 g tube at $87.
What UV Physical is
EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum Tinted SPF 41
- Filters 9 percent transparent zinc oxide, 7 percent titanium dioxide (100 percent mineral)
- Also contains Iron oxides (sheer tint), alpha lipoic acid and quercetin (antioxidants), linoleic acid, lecithin
- Feel Oil-free lotion, semi-matte finish, light universal tint
- Water resistance 40 minutes
- Free from Fragrance, oils, parabens; non-comedogenic by EltaMD's description
- Size and price 85 g, $87
UV Physical is the plainest formula in the EltaMD face line-up, and that is its point. Two mineral filters, a lightweight lotion base, a sheer tint, two antioxidants, and a water-resistance rating. There is no niacinamide, no hyaluronic acid and no chemical filter, so there is less in it to react to, and less in it to wash off. It is also the largest tube of the three at 85 g, which makes the per-gram price the lowest in the range. Shop UV Physical SPF 41
What is in it, and why
Zinc oxide, 9 percent. The broadest single sunscreen filter available, covering UVB and the full UVA range. EltaMD uses a transparent, micronized grade so the cast is far lighter than old-style zinc creams. This is the same zinc oxide percentage used across the whole EltaMD face range.
Titanium dioxide, 7 percent. The second mineral filter, strongest in UVB and short UVA. On its own it is not enough; paired with zinc oxide it lifts the SPF to 41 without adding a chemical filter. Titanium dioxide is also the whiter of the two minerals, which is one reason EltaMD tints this product.
Iron oxides. The pigments that make the tint. Beyond colour, iron oxides absorb part of the visible light spectrum, which is why tinted mineral sunscreens are often suggested for skin prone to dark marks. The shade is sheer and warm; it is not a foundation.
Alpha lipoic acid and quercetin. Two antioxidants. EltaMD describes them as helping to neutralize free radicals associated with UV and infrared exposure. In plain terms, they are a small amount of extra support alongside the filters, not a replacement for applying enough.
What is not in it. No octinoxate, no oxybenzone, no avobenzone, no fragrance, no plant oils, no exfoliating acids. If you are trying to work out why a sunscreen stings or clogs you, a short ingredient list is the quickest route to an answer, and this is one of the shortest in the category.
Who it suits
- Sensitive or reactive skin. Mineral filters sit on the skin rather than being absorbed, and the formula is fragrance-free with a short inactive list. If chemical sunscreens make your eyes water or your cheeks flush, this is the EltaMD to try first.
- After a procedure. EltaMD positions UV Physical for post-procedure use, and clinics often ask for a mineral-only, fragrance-free SPF in the weeks after a peel, laser or microneedling. Follow your clinic's timing on when sunscreen can go back on. Our post-procedure skincare guide covers the rest of that routine.
- Mineral-only by preference. Some people simply want zinc and titanium and nothing else. Within EltaMD's face range, this is that product.
- Active days. The 40-minute water-resistance rating covers a sweaty commute, a run or a swim, with reapplication after towelling. Neither UV Clear nor UV Daily is rated.
- Normal to oily skin. The base is oil-free with a semi-matte finish. Very dry skin may want a moisturizer underneath.
- Anyone who wants more product for the money. At 85 g, the tube is nearly twice the size of UV Clear or UV Daily for a few dollars more.
UV Physical vs UV Clear vs UV Daily
The three EltaMD face sunscreens share one filter, 9 percent zinc oxide, and then diverge. This is the whole comparison in one table; the UV Clear vs UV Daily guide goes deeper on those two.
| Product | Filters | Added for skin | Tint | Water resistant | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UV Physical SPF 41 | Mineral only: 9 percent zinc oxide, 7 percent titanium dioxide | Alpha lipoic acid, quercetin | Yes, sheer | 40 minutes | Sensitive, post-procedure, mineral-only, active days | $87, 85 g |
| UV Clear SPF 46 | Hybrid: 9 percent zinc oxide, 7.5 percent octinoxate | 5 percent niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Untinted, or tinted version ($88) | Not rated | Oily, breakout-prone, redness-prone | $85, 48 g |
| UV Daily SPF 40 | Hybrid: 9 percent zinc oxide, 7.5 percent octinoxate | Hyaluronic acid in a moisturizing base | Untinted, or tinted version ($83) | Not rated | Normal, dry, combination | $83, 48 g |
The one-line version. UV Physical if you want mineral only, a tint, or water resistance. UV Clear if your skin is oily or breaks out and you want niacinamide. UV Daily if your skin is dry and you want your moisturizer built in.
About the tint
UV Physical comes in one tint in Canada, and the first question is always whether it will match. The honest answer is that it is designed not to match anyone exactly. The iron oxide load is light, so the colour reads as a sheer warming of the skin rather than coverage. On light skin it looks like a day with a bit more sun; on medium skin it is close to invisible; on deeper skin it softens the pale cast that titanium dioxide can leave, though people with very deep skin tones should swatch it on the jawline first, as with any single-shade mineral sunscreen.
Two practical notes. The tint transfers slightly onto white collars and phone screens, as every tinted sunscreen does, so apply it and let it set for a minute. And because it is sheer, it will not hide a blemish; it evens the overall look of the skin rather than concealing anything.
How to apply it
- Shake or knead the tube. Mineral filters can settle; a few seconds of mixing gives an even application.
- Apply as the last skincare step, after any serum or moisturizer has absorbed, about 15 minutes before you go outside.
- Use enough. For the face, roughly a quarter teaspoon, or two finger lengths. Mineral sunscreens look heavier at the correct amount than chemical ones do; spread it, wait a minute, and the finish settles to semi-matte.
- Do not forget the edges. Ears, hairline, eyelids with eyes closed, and the front and sides of the neck. The tint is sheer enough to carry onto the neck without a line.
- Reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and at least every two hours in direct sun. On an indoor day, a morning application and a top-up before you leave the office is realistic.
For how sunscreen sits inside a full morning routine, including where vitamin C goes, see our simple morning routine. For a broader look at mineral filters and the reapplication problem, our mineral sunscreen explainer is the companion piece.
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Shop EltaMDFrequently asked questions
Is EltaMD UV Physical good for sensitive skin?
It is the EltaMD face sunscreen we would suggest first for sensitive skin. It uses mineral filters only, no fragrance, no plant oils and a short ingredient list. As with any product, patch test on the jawline if your skin reacts easily.
Does EltaMD UV Physical leave a white cast?
Much less than an untinted mineral sunscreen, because it contains iron oxides. On light to medium skin it is close to invisible. On very deep skin tones a single-shade tint may still read slightly light, so swatch it first.
Can I wear UV Physical under makeup?
Yes. It dries to a semi-matte finish. Let it set for a minute before foundation so it does not move, and use a light hand with powder, since the finish is already matte.
Is UV Physical oil-free?
Yes. EltaMD describes it as oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free and non-comedogenic, and positions it for normal to oily skin.
Does UV Physical have hyaluronic acid or niacinamide?
No. Those are in UV Daily (hyaluronic acid) and UV Clear (niacinamide and hyaluronic acid). UV Physical keeps the formula minimal: two mineral filters, a tint and two antioxidants.
Which EltaMD is best after laser or a peel?
EltaMD positions UV Physical and UV Daily Tinted for post-procedure use. Many clinics prefer a mineral-only, fragrance-free SPF in the first weeks, which points to UV Physical. Always follow your own clinic's instructions on timing.
How long is UV Physical water resistant?
40 minutes. Reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and at least every two hours in direct sun.
Is EltaMD UV Physical available in Canada?
Yes, in an 85 g tube at $87. We are an authorized Canadian retailer of EltaMD and ship from Canada in Canadian dollars, with free shipping on orders over $99.
Filter percentages, ingredient positioning and directions are as published by EltaMD. Prices are current as of 22 October 2026 and may change. Descriptions refer to visible, cosmetic change. Individual results vary. This article is general information, not medical advice. Speak with your dermatologist or skincare professional about what suits your skin, and follow your clinic's instructions for post-procedure care.