Dot & Key Skincare Cica Calming Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50+ Versus Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 100+
Updated on December 27, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for sensitive skin and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Dot & Key Skincare Cica Calming Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50+ 40 ingredients
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 100+ 23 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dot & Key Skincare Cica Calming Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50+ 40 ingredients
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 100+ 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Benzophenone-3
UV Absorber
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Lecithin
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
SolventZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Silica
Abrasive
Silanediol Salicylate
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Bisabolol
Masking
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentDimethicone
Emollient
Trideceth-6
EmulsifyingPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Benzophenone-3, Phospholipids, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Lecithin, Glycerin, Niacinamide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylene Glycol, Propanediol, Zea Mays Starch, Centella Asiatica Extract, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Decyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide, Silica, Silanediol Salicylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Dimethicone, Trideceth-6, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Gluconate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 15%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 10%
UV Absorber
Benzophenone-3 6%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Silica
Abrasive
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
Masking
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Triethanolamine
BufferingDiethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Methylisothiazolinone
Preservative
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 15%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Benzophenone-3 6%, Water, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Beeswax, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Triethanolamine, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Methylisothiazolinone
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 WaterAlso 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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneYou probably know this ingredient as Oxybenzone, a sunscreen ingredient. It is a broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredient, meaning it can protect the skin against UVB and short UVA rays. The absorption range is 270-350 nm with peak absorption at 288 and 350 nm.
This chemical ingredient protects your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy. UV absorbers may absorb both UVA and UVB rays. It is often combined with other sunscreen ingredients to help with stability.
Ongoing research is looking into whether oxybenzone causes skin irritation and sensitivity. However, it has been shown to trigger contact dermatitis in some studies.
Oxybenzone is allowed in certain concentrations by many countries. It is allowed up to 6% in the US, and Canada, 5% in Japan, and 10% in Australia. Other countries and regions of the US have banned this ingredient to protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems. These places include Hawaii, Key West, US Virgin Islands, marine parks in Thailand, Aruba, and Palau.
The EU currently allows the following maximum concentrations:
Studies show conflicting results about oxybenzone being absorbed into the human body. The Swedish Research Institute has advised careful use of this ingredient by pregnant women and children. We always recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns about this ingredient and your health.
Learn more about Benzophenone-3Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneSilica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about SilicaGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Dot & Key Skincare Cica Calming Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50+ 40 ingredients
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 100+ 23 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dot & Key Skincare Cica Calming Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50+ 40 ingredients
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 100+ 23 ingredients
Acne, white face, not sweat proof
Gave me acne, left a white sheen on my face, if I sweat it would run down my face, also if it dries and you rub your face it will like roll off onto your hand
Used to like it as a body sunscreen.
Found that it worked quite well at high altitude where UV is even stronger - the high SPF seemed to help a lot in those situations.
Tried using it on my face but I didn't like the feeling, and it seemed to irritate my face skin.
