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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 versus La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Anti-Shine Gel Cream .

Published on December 02, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin

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 need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen American Brand United States
Sunscreen French Brand France

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

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
40
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (3)
Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (8)
Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (4)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Methoxydibenzoylmethane

NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 1.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Anti-Shine Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 9.

2
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Salicylate

NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 3.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Anti-Shine Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 3.

3
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 4.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Anti-Shine Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 8.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Anti-Shine Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 16.

5
What it does: Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Benzoate

NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 9.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Anti-Shine Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 12.

6
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 10.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Anti-Shine Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 13.

7
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.

This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.

Those with sensitive skin or conditions may deliver a rash when using this ingredient.

Learn more about Propylene Glycol

NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 23.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Anti-Shine Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 14.

8
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Gum

NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 26.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Anti-Shine Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 33.

9
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium 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 EDTA

NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 30.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Anti-Shine Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 22.

10
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Glycol

NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 31.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Anti-Shine Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 21.

11
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 32.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Anti-Shine Gel Cream contains this as ingredient number 26.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

24% are loved or liked
3% have mixed ratings
59% are disliked or very disliked
15% have no rating yet
29% are loved or liked
6% have mixed ratings
56% are disliked or very disliked
9% have no rating yet

Usage

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 34 ingredients

Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 hasn't been rated yet.
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La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Anti-Shine Gel Cream 34 ingredients

2.3 /5
from 3 ratings
YousifShamoon's avatar

YousifShamoon

1 year ago · Combination Skin
Review

what a joke
this was everything i didn't want in a sunscreen. way too thick and greasy, insane white cast, didn't spread nicely at all, and to top...

what a joke
this was everything i didn't want in a sunscreen. way too thick and greasy, insane white cast, didn't spread nicely at all, and to top it all off, it pilled all over my face no matter if i had any other products layered under it or not. i really tried to like this but i despise it and i cannot believe this costed me about 20€.

Luna's avatar

Luna

2 years ago · Combination Skin
Review

Love it. Has minimal whitecast and dries to a lovely, smooth, lightly matte finish. Great on its own and under makeup; I haven’t had issues with...

Love it. Has minimal whitecast and dries to a lovely, smooth, lightly matte finish. Great on its own and under makeup; I haven’t had issues with pilling.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40.

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