Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Alba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 versus Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 .
Published on August 16, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Sunscreen
Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.
Sunscreen
Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.
Price
Ingredient Info
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 29 ingredients
Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 32 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 29 ingredients
Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 32 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
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This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 29 ingredients
Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 32 ingredients
Homosalate 12% • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5% • Octocrylene 7% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Water • Glycerin • Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer • Dimethicone • Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate • Potassium Cetyl Phosphate • Phenoxyethanol • Glyceryl Stearate Se • Cetyl Alcohol • Xanthan Gum • Benzyl Alcohol • Sodium Benzoate • Potassium Sorbate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract • Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract • Echinacea Purpurea Extract • Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract • Panax Ginseng Root Extract • Citric Acid • Sodium Chloride
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Homosalate 10% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Octocrylene 10% • Water • Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer • Silica • Dimethicone • Potassium Cetyl Phosphate • Benzyl Alcohol • Beeswax • Caprylyl Methicone • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • Cetyl Dimethicone • Caprylyl Glycol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate • Behenyl Alcohol • Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer • Xanthan Gum • Sodium Polyacrylate • Chlorphenesin • Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer • Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters • Parfum • Disodium EDTA • Ethylhexyl Stearate • Tocopheryl Acetate • BHT • Trideceth-6 • Jojoba Esters
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.
(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)
Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.
Learn more about HomosalateAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocryleneAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 3.
Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 contains this as ingredient number 4.
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 4.
Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 contains this as ingredient number 3.
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 5.
Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 6.
Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 contains this as ingredient number 5.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 9.
Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 contains this as ingredient number 8.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
As a cleansing agent, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate helps gather oils, dirts, and pollutants from your skin. This makes it easier to rinse them away with water.
Learn more about Potassium Cetyl PhosphateAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 11.
Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 contains this as ingredient number 9.
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 15.
Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 contains this as ingredient number 21.
Benzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 16.
Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateAlba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 19.
Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 contains this as ingredient number 29.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 29 ingredients
Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 32 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 29 ingredients
Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 32 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Sport Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 29 ingredients
Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 32 ingredients
KadriReede_527
I really like it in springtime and summertime. It is so moisturizing and sinks in fast. And tube is big. Last a long time.
Sometimes irritates...
I really like it in springtime and summertime. It is so moisturizing and sinks in fast. And tube is big. Last a long time.
Sometimes irritates eyes a bit. Not everytime.
But i really don't like it at all in wintertime. It feels so drying on my sentsitive skin then.
Overall I think I would even consider buying this again.
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