Is EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Reef Safe?
Yes, by the law. Allowed in all 9 places we track. See why
- Allowed: Hawaii
- Allowed: Maui County
- Allowed: Hawaiʻi County
- Allowed: U.S. Virgin Islands
- Allowed: Palau
- Allowed: Aruba
- Allowed: Guam
- Allowed: Northern Mariana Islands
- Allowed: Thailand
EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ meets every sunscreen law we track, including the mineral-only rules in Maui County, Hawaiʻi County (Big Island) and Palau. It uses two mineral UV filters: titanium dioxide 4% and zinc oxide 19%. It is a broad-spectrum sport sunscreen lotion made by EltaMD (CP Skin Health Group, Inc.) and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Its FDA National Drug Code (NDC) is 72043-2600 and 72043-2601.
Sizes: 3.0 oz
Where EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ is allowed
| Location | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (statewide) | Allowed | No restricted ingredients found. |
| Maui County (Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi) | Allowed | No restricted ingredients found. |
| Hawaiʻi County (Big Island) | Allowed | No restricted ingredients found. |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Allowed | No restricted ingredients found. |
| Palau | Allowed | No restricted ingredients found. |
| Aruba | Allowed | No restricted ingredients found. |
| Guam | Allowed | No restricted ingredients found. |
| Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) | Allowed | No restricted ingredients found. |
| Thailand (all national parks) | Allowed | No restricted ingredients found. |
Guidance and repealed rules (4)
| Mexico: federal marine protected areas (e.g., Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancún & Punta Nizuc) | Meets guidance | |
| Bonaire (Bonaire National Marine Park) | Meets guidance | |
| U.S. National Parks with coral reefs (NPS guidance) | Meets guidance | |
| Key West, Florida | No rule in force |
EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ active ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium Dioxide | 4% | Mineral |
| Zinc Oxide (transparent) | 19% | Mineral |
EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ inactive ingredients
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco -Caprylate/Caprate, Ethyl Macadamiate, Glycerin, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyglyceryl- 6 Polyricinoleate, C15- 19 Alkane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sodium Chloride, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Silica, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Behenate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl -2 Isostearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, 1, 2 Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Pullulan, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Jojoba Esters, Polygonum Aviculare Extract, Malic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Highlighted ingredients are regulated somewhere; red ones are restricted in at least one location we track. Dotted ones are listed below.
Fragrance allergens, essential oils and alcohol
None of the 80 fragrance allergens on the EU list appear on this label, and it lists no fragrance, essential oil or drying alcohol.
The EU requires these allergens to be named on cosmetic labels above 0.001% in leave-on products (Regulation 1223/2009, Annex III). They can cause skin reactions in people who are sensitized; they don’t affect whether a sunscreen is legal anywhere we track.
Common questions about EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Is EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ reef safe?
“Reef safe” isn’t a regulated label claim, so we answer by law instead. It meets every sunscreen law we track, including the mineral-only rules in Maui County, Hawaiʻi County (Big Island) and Palau. Its only UV filters are minerals, which every law we track permits.
Is EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ legal in Hawaii?
Under Hawaii’s statewide law (Act 104, which bans oxybenzone and octinoxate) it is allowed. In Maui County (Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi), which allows only mineral sunscreens, it is allowed. In Hawaiʻi County (the Big Island), which has a mineral-only rule for sales, it is allowed. Oʻahu and Kauaʻi have no county rule, so only the statewide law applies there.
Does EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ contain oxybenzone?
No. It contains neither oxybenzone nor octinoxate, the two chemicals banned under Hawaii’s statewide law.
Is EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ a mineral or chemical sunscreen?
Mineral. Its UV filters are titanium dioxide 4% and zinc oxide 19%.
Is the zinc oxide in EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ non-nano?
Its Drug Facts ingredient list doesn’t state particle size, and US labels aren’t required to. Many brands make non-nano claims elsewhere on the pack or website. No sunscreen law we track regulates nano particles.
Is EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ water resistant?
Yes, for up to 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, according to its label. Reapply after 80 minutes in the water, immediately after towel drying, and at least every 2 hours.
What is the NDC and UPC for EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+?
EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ is listed with the FDA under National Drug Code 72043-2600 and 72043-2601, and its UPC barcodes are 390205026005 and 827854024538. The NDC identifies this sunscreen on its FDA drug label (DailyMed); package sizes carry longer package NDCs.
Mineral alternatives to EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Water Sport Sunscreen SPF 30
Active Organic Mineral Sunscreen Adults & Kids SPF 50
SPF 30 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion