Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30 Versus Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55
Updated on January 26, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Free From
They both do not contain any 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30 17 ingredients
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 32 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30 17 ingredients
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 32 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientCeteareth-20
Cleansing
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Stearoxytrimethylsilane
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Anisate
AntimicrobialWater, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Persea Gratissima Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Citric Acid, Sodium Levulinate, Caprylyl Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Stearoxytrimethylsilane, Stearyl Alcohol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Anisate
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 10%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 10%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Silica
Abrasive
Dimethicone
Emollient
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Cetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
Trideceth-6
EmulsifyingJojoba Esters
Emollient
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 Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterTocopheryl 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 AcetateDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeCaprylyl 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 GlycolBenzyl 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 AlcoholIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30 17 ingredients
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 32 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30 17 ingredients
Great for oily and acne prone skin. Doesn't cause a greasy look or feel. Been using for 5 years now and I swear by it!
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 32 ingredients
stings eyes so bad, leaves white cast, irritates skin it’s very bad
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.
