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UV Aqua Rich SPF 50 (US formula) vs UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 edges out Bioré UV Aqua Rich SPF 50 (US formula), 8.0 to 7.8. It wins on results, formula and community love, while the UV Aqua Rich SPF 50 (US formula) is stronger on value.

Benefit fingerprints

What each one does.

Bioré UV Aqua Rich SPF 50 (US formula)

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

Side by side

Every detail, compared.

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Beauty score
7.8Good
8.0Great
Results30% of score
7.7
8.4
Formula & ingredients20% of score
6.8
8.2
Texture & experience15% of score
8.0
8.0
Value20% of score
9.0
6.4
Community love15% of score
7.4
8.8
Community
No ratings yet
No ratings yet
PriceTypical, checked by our editors
$15.99/ 1.7 fl oz / 50 mlDrugstore
$46.00/ 1.7 oz / 48 gPrestige
Price per ounceLowest wins
$9.46 / oz
—
What it does
  • UV protection
  • No white cast
  • Hydrating
  • Natural
  • UV protection
  • Redness
  • Soothing
  • Acne marks
Made for
Dry skin, Sensitive skin
Acne-prone skin, Sensitive skin, Oily skin, Combination skin, Dry skin
Format
Sunscreen lotion
Sunscreen lotion
Texture
Watery, weightless lotion with micro gel capsules that the brand says melts into skin
Lightweight, oil-free lotion that the brand says layers under makeup
Finish
Natural
Natural
Sun protection
SPF 50· Chemical filters
SPF 46· Hybrid filters
Fragrance-free
No — contains fragrance
Yes
Claims
Dermatologist-tested, Non-comedogenic
Fragrance-free, Paraben-free, Non-comedogenic
Brand origin
🇯🇵 J-beauty
🇺🇸 American beauty
Video reviews
Best for
  • • Everyday face sunscreen under makeup on a budget
  • • Dry or sensitive skin that wants a light, hydrating texture (alcohol and fragrance permitting)
  • • US shoppers who want a Japanese-style feel without importing
  • • Acne-prone or rosacea-prone skin that reacts to fragrance
  • • Daily office wear under makeup
  • • Fair to medium skin tones (or the tinted version for deeper tones)
Strengths
  • Lightweight watery texture that absorbs fast
  • No white cast and works under makeup
  • Inexpensive and easy to find at US retailers
  • Fragrance-free, oil-free and non-comedogenic for acne- and rosacea-prone skin
  • 5% niacinamide and hyaluronic acid on top of zinc oxide
  • Light texture that sits well under makeup
Watch-outs
  • Contains alcohol denat. and fragrance
  • Not water resistant
  • Expensive for 1.7 oz
  • Not water resistant

FAQ

Quick answers.

Which is better, UV Aqua Rich SPF 50 (US formula) or UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46?

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 edges out Bioré UV Aqua Rich SPF 50 (US formula), 8.0 to 7.8. It wins on results, formula and community love, while the UV Aqua Rich SPF 50 (US formula) is stronger on value.

Which costs less?

Bioré UV Aqua Rich SPF 50 (US formula) typically sells for about $15.99 and EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 for about $46.00, based on retail prices when we last checked.

How do you score them?

Both are scored on the same five-factor rubric (results, formula & ingredients, texture & experience, value, community love), using the formula or specs, verified creator reviews, community consensus and value. Brands can’t pay for placement.