Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion versus Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 .
Last updated on December 05, 2023. Published on July 24, 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 fighting acne, dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion 46 ingredients
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 24 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
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:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
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:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of 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
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion 46 ingredients
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 24 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
This product contains 6 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 4 ingredients 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:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient 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:
Benefits
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:
Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion 46 ingredients
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 24 ingredients
Titanium Dioxide 9% • Zinc Oxide 7% • Water • Glycerin • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Dimethicone • Isododecane • Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer • Glyceryl Stearate • Butyloctyl Salicylate • Dicaprylyl Carbonate • Propanediol • Stearic Acid • Aluminum Hydroxide • Peg-100 Stearate • Sorbitan Stearate • Niacinamide • Peg-8 Laurate • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Sorbitan Isostearate • Carbomer • Cetearyl Alcohol • Ceteareth-20 • Triethoxycaprylylsilane • Dimethiconol • Sodium Citrate • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate • Myristic Acid • Sodium Hyaluronate • Cholesterol • Palmitic Acid • Phenoxyethanol • Chlorphenesin • Tocopherol • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Caprylyl Glycol • Citric Acid • Panthenol • Xanthan Gum • Phytosphingosine • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Polysorbate 60 • Ethylhexylglycerin
Zinc Oxide 21.6% • Water • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer • Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer • Phenyl Trimethicone • Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone • Dimethicone • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Glycerin • Ethyl Methicone • Cetyl Dimethicone • Silica • Avena Sativa Kernel Extract • Tocopheryl Acetate • Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice • Glyceryl Behenate • Phenethyl Alcohol • Caprylyl Glycol • Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer • Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer • Sodium Chloride • Phenoxyethanol • Chlorphenesin
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.
Zinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.
Today, traditional and nano-sized zinc oxide can be found in beauty products. Nano-sized zinc oxide can enhance a product's UV protection. While it is not believed to have a negative effect on skin, nano-zinc oxide can be harmful to coral reefs.
More about harmful reef ingredients here.
Zinc Oxide also has antibacterial and calming properties. It is not water soluble.
Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.
Learn more about Zinc OxideCeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion contains this as ingredient number 2.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 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 WaterCeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion contains this as ingredient number 3.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinCeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion contains this as ingredient number 4.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 10.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateCeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion contains this as ingredient number 5.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.
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.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion contains this as ingredient number 6.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 8.
We don't have a description for Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion contains this as ingredient number 8.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 5.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion contains this as ingredient number 35.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 23.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinCeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion contains this as ingredient number 36.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 24.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion contains this as ingredient number 39.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 19.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidCeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion contains this as ingredient number 44.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 9.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion 46 ingredients
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 24 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion 46 ingredients
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion 46 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion.
See 50 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 37 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50.
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