Sunscreen is an important part of any daily skincare routine, but finding a sunscreen that is both effective and free of harmful chemicals can be a challenge. Two of the best sunscreens on the market that are also phthalate-free are the CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen and the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.

Both of these sunscreens are physical sunscreens, meaning that they work by reflecting and scattering the sun’s rays away from the skin. This is in contrast to chemical sunscreens, which work by absorbing the sun’s rays. Physical sunscreens are generally considered to be more effective and less irritating than chemical sunscreens.

CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen is a water-based sunscreen that contains three active ingredients: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and ceramides. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are mineral sunscreens that provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Ceramides are a type of lipid that is naturally found in the skin. They help to restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, which is important for keeping the skin healthy and hydrated.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is also a physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as its active ingredients. In addition, it also contains niacinamide, which is a form of vitamin B3. Niacinamide has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to be helpful for treating acne and rosacea.

CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen is available in both a lotion and a spray form. The lotion is a white, creamy consistency that can be a bit thick and difficult to spread, but it does not leave a white cast on the skin. The spray is a light, misty consistency that is easy to apply and does not leave a white cast. Both the lotion and spray are fragrance-free and have a light, neutral scent.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is available in both a lotion and a gel form. The lotion is a clear, lightweight consistency that spreads easily and does not leave a white cast. The gel is a thicker, clear consistency that can be a bit difficult to spread, but it also does not leave a white cast. Both the lotion and gel are fragrance-free and have a light, citrusy scent.

CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores, and it is also safe to use on the face. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and has a shelf life of three years.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is also non-comedogenic and can be used on the face. It is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes and has a shelf life of two years.

CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen is oil-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free. It is also hypoallergenic and suitable for use on sensitive skin.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is oil-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and phthalate-free.

CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen is available in two sizes: 3 ounces and 8 ounces. The 3-ounce size retails for $15.99 and the 8-ounce size retails for $25.99.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is available in two sizes: 2 ounces and 4 ounces. The 2-ounce size retails for $26.00 and the 4-ounce size retails for $36.00.

CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen has an SPF of 50 and provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 has an SPF of 46 and provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen is a physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and ceramides.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It also contains niacinamide, which is a form of vitamin B3.

CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen is available in both a lotion and a spray form. The lotion is a white, creamy consistency that can be a bit thick and difficult to spread, but it does not leave a white cast on the skin. The spray is a light, misty consistency that is easy to apply and does not leave a white cast.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is available in both a lotion and a gel form. The lotion is a clear, lightweight consistency that spreads easily and does not leave a white cast. The gel is a thicker, clear consistency that can be a bit difficult to spread, but it also does not leave a white cast.

CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores, and it is also safe to use on the face. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and has a shelf life of three years.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is also non-comedogenic and can be used on the face. It is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes and has a shelf life of two years.

CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen is oil-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free. It is also hypoallergenic and suitable for use on sensitive skin.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is oil-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and phthalate-free.

CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen is available in two sizes: 3 ounces and 8 ounces. The 3-ounce size retails for $15.99 and the 8-ounce size retails for $25.99.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is available in two sizes: 2 ounces and 4 ounces. The 2-ounce size retails for $26.00 and the 4-ounce size retails for $36.00.

CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen has an SPF of 50 and provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 has an SPF of 46 and provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

So, which sunscreen is the best? Both sunscreens are effective, safe, and free of harmful chemicals. They are both available in lotion and gel form, and they both come in two sizes. CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen is slightly cheaper than EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, but EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 contains niacinamide, which has additional benefits for the skin. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference.