Although it's a nice product, it's a nice SPF, it's just not suited to a lot of people. I can't really recommend it for that reason.
5
out of 10
Pros
+
Physical blocker — safe immediately post-procedure
+
Gentle on sensitive skin
+
Not oily — light feel
+
Plays well with other skincare
+
Blends nicely under makeup
+
Airless pump packaging
Cons
–
Only one tint shade — does not suit a wide range of skin tones
–
Tint doesn't work as advertised for diverse complexions
–
Pricey at $45 for 1.7 oz
–
EltaMD has better options without the tint limitation
This is a bottom of the jar review — I used every last bit of this product before giving my honest opinion.
The EltaMD UV AOX Elements SPF 50 is a physical (mineral) sunscreen with antioxidants. It retails for $45 for 1.7 ounces. As a physical blocker, it's safe to use immediately post-procedure — a real plus.
It comes in a plastic airless pump — clean and functional.
The product itself is genuinely nice:
This is the tinted version — and unfortunately, they only have one color. EltaMD's website claims this tint is "meant to enhance the complexion of a broad range of people," but I just don't see that to be true. It certainly doesn't work for my skin tone, and I suspect it won't work for many others either.
I completely understand tints that are designed to counteract white cast (like the Tower 28 product) — those aren't really meant to be true tinted products. But this one is just kind of weird. I don't get it.
If you really want to try this, check it out in person and see if it matches your skin tone before committing.
Note: EltaMD does have clear (non-tinted) options in other SPF formulas, plus a darker tint in some products — just not in this AOX Elements version.
Honestly, only people whose skin tone happens to match this single tint. Otherwise, look at other EltaMD options or sunscreens that come in multiple shades.
I give the EltaMD UV AOX Elements SPF 50 a 5 out of 10. The product itself is a very nice SPF — gentle, post-procedure safe, blends well. But the single tint that doesn't suit a lot of skin tones makes it hard to recommend. EltaMD makes better sunscreens that don't have this limitation.