Dermatologists Swear By This Iconic Swiss Brand For Healthy, Radiant Skin

If there’s one thing that my decade-plus in the beauty industry has taught me, it’s that a more elaborate, more expensive skin care routine doesn’t always mean better. That especially holds true in the skin care department, where dermatologists have consistently shrugged off the triple-digit products in favor of more affordable staples — both during interviews for readers and during my own personal visits. One brand that’s come up on more than one occasion over the years? EltaMD. The Swiss-founded brand has focused on creating healing skin care formulas for more than 100 years. But it’s the past 30 years that have seen EltaMD grow its sun protection offerings, becoming the top-recommended sunscreen brand by dermatologists in the process.

That recognition doesn’t come without following a few guidelines, which, in EltaMD’s case, include making products that are fragrance-free and noncomedogenic. Not only does this make everything from the brand’s sunscreens to its serums suitable for sensitive skin types, but because there are no pore-clogging ingredients in the products, they’re also great for acne-prone skin.

Whether you’re looking for a beauty award-winning face sunscreen or daily essentials that are so sensitive skin-friendly, they can be used on post-procedure skin, here are some of our top EltaMD picks to try.

This hypoallergenic sunscreen was developed with rosacea and acne-prone skin types in mind, but it became a fast favorite for its multi-tasking formula. As its name implies, the UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 shields skin from the sun with a lightweight formula that applies clear and quickly absorbs into the skin. In addition to keeping you protected from the sun with a combination of mineral and chemical sun filters, the sunscreen also offers multiple skin care benefits. First, it contains a 5% concentration of niacinamide, which has the ability to calm redness and irritation while helping to strengthen the skin barrier, improve elasticity, and even lighten unwanted hyperpigmentation. Then, there’s a combination of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to draw more moisture to the skin and trap it there. The daily sunscreen works well under makeup, but it also comes in two tinted options — one for lighter skin tones and one for darker complexions — for days when you just want to put on your SPF and be out the door.

If you tend to get chapped lips in the summer, it might actually be sunburn. That’s because your lips need sunscreen, too, even though it’s tempting to just stick with your usual lipstick or gloss. This lip balm can be used on its own or over your favorite lip color as a way to add broad-spectrum SPF 36 to your lips. With up to 80 minutes of water resistance, it has a thicker, creamy texture to better protect your lips, plus, the balm is formulated with a mix of antioxidant-rich and moisturizing ingredients like castor seed oil, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

For removing your sunscreen at the end of the day (and your makeup, and all of the pollution and impurities that accumulate), lather up with this cleanser. The heavy-duty cleanser starts as a gel and transforms into a silky oil as you massage it onto your face, breaking down makeup and excess oil that can be rinsed away. The cleanser is suitable for all skin types, but because it includes moisturizing ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil, vitamin E, and turmeric root extract, it’s especially helpful for dry and sensitive skin types because it won’t dry out your skin.

Once you’re ready to start treating your skin, you can use this Skin Recovery Serum in the morning and at night to strengthen the skin barrier and restore hydration. To soothe irritation, EltaMD included its patented AAComplex, which is made up of three amino acids that help to heal damaged skin and stimulate collagen production. The serum also contains several skin care favorites that further assist with soothing and moisturizing, including centella asiatica extract, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid.

Part of EltaMD’s post-procedure collection, this Enzyme Hydrogel can be used anytime that your skin is feeling sensitive, but it’s especially helpful for accelerating healing after chemical peels or laser treatments. The gentle formula is free from fragrances, dyes, and oils, and instead uses ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and kiwi fruit extract to hydrate the skin and create a slight cooling effect that eases itching and irritation.