This Under-$20 Dupe Would Even Shock Hailey Bieber, an EltaMD Tinted Sunscreen Fan
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EltaMD is arguably the most coveted sunscreen brand of our generation. TBH, you can’t go wrong with anything in the dermatologist-approved skincare brand’s lineup, though the EltaMD UV Clear sunscreen and its corresponding tinted SPF are two of the most sought-after formulas. Loved by celebrities and beauty editors alike, this sunscreen lives up to the hype—it’s lightweight, sinks into the skin effortlessly, isn’t greasy, and leaves you with a glowy, protective layer that feels amazing with or without makeup.
As someone who doesn’t love the feel of foundation on my complexion, the EltaMD tinted sunscreen is my go-to alternative for a no-makeup makeup base layer—I’ve used it almost every day for years. I don’t think I’ll ever give it up entirely, but the high price tag means I’ve become a little more stingy with my usage, especially in the summer when I spend more time in the sun and need to reapply more frequently. So, when a friend mentioned that the under-$20 CeraVe tinted sunscreen is one of the best EltaMD tinted sunscreen dupes, I immediately ordered it to see for myself.
The Best EltaMD Tinted Sunscreen Dupe
SPF: 30
Size: 1.7 oz.
Shades: 3
Type: Physical/Mineral
Active Ingredient: Zinc oxide 10%
SPF: 47
Size: 1.7 oz.
Shades: 2
Type: Hybrid
Active Ingredient: Octinoxate 7.5%, zinc oxide 9.0%
EltaMD vs. CeraVe Sunscreen
While the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen isn’t an exact EltaMD tinted sunscreen dupe, there are a bunch of similarities that make this drugstore SPF a fabulous budget-friendly alternative.
The Similarities
- Key Ingredients: The CeraVe and EltaMD sunscreens have a lot in common when it comes to key ingredients. Both formulas feature zinc oxide, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to provide physical sun protection, reduce redness and calm the complexion, and hydrate the skin.
- Size: Both sunscreens come in a 1.7 oz. bottle.
- Finish: The CeraVe sunscreen is slightly thicker, thanks to its mineral base, but provides similar coverage with a glowy finish just like EltaMD.
The Differences
- SPF Level: The most obvious difference between the EltaMD vs. CeraVe sunscreen is SPF level. The EltaMD tinted sunscreen has SPF 46, but the CeraVe tinted sunscreen has SPF 30. Dermatologists recommend using at least SPF 30 on your face, so both are great options.
- Price: At full price, the EltaMD sunscreen is $47, while CeraVe sunscreen is under $20 (and depending on where you buy it from, you can get it for as low as $13). When you factor in the bottle size, the CeraVe sunscreen is still the better deal, coming out to around $8.23 per ounce vs. EltaMD’s $27.65 per ounce.
- Shades: Each sunscreen comes in different tints, but CeraVe has three shades, and EltaMD only has two. If you look at the photo above, you’ll notice that EltaMD’s lighter shade (top) is slightly darker compared to CeraVe (bottom). Despite the obvious color difference on my fingers, I didn’t notice it upon application.
- Consistency: I think that both sunscreens provide similar coverage and finish, but the consistencies are a tad different. The CeraVe sunscreen is thicker and feels more like a moisturizer or foundation when applying. This is likely because it’s a mineral sunscreen, so it’s a little heavier compared to a chemical or hybrid pick. The EltaMD sunscreen feels like a mix between a moisturizer and serum, so it’s thinner and feels more lightweight against the skin. Both options provide even, light coverage and a glowy finish.
- Type: The CeraVe sunscreen is a physical sunscreen, with sun protection provided by zinc oxide 10%. EltaMD is considered a hybrid formula (so it’s chemical and physical), thanks to its inclusion of octinoxate 7.5% and zinc oxide 9.0%.
Overall, I think that both sunscreens are worth additing to your arsenal. While I don’t think anything will ever replace the EltaMD sunscreen in my personal makeup bag, I think that the CeraVe sunscreen is a great, more affordable alternative that I’ll certainly reach for more during the summer months when I don’t want to go through so many bottles of EltaMD tinted sunscreen.
The Best Tinted Sunscreens for Summer Makeup
The EltaMD and CeraVe tinted sunscreens might be my top picks for summer, but there are several other formulas that could easily replace your foundation for light, no-makeup makeup in the summer. Here are additional tinted SPFs to consider adding to your rotation.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Shades: 1
Size: 2.5 oz.
Shades: 1
Size: 1 oz.
Shades: 17
Size: 1 oz.
Shades: 13
Size: 1.7 oz.
Shades: 1
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This story’s author, StyleCaster contributing writer Jessie Quinn, grew up in Los Angeles, where the sun is no-joke (and loves to wreak havoc on her fair skin). With her personal sun protection experiences and over a decade of covering skincare—including the best sunscreens—she knows a thing or two about what to look for in an SPF, and, of course, the best dupes. Additionally, Quinn has used the EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen (both the regular and tinted formulas) in her daily routine for around six years, upon a dermatologist’s recommendation.
