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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Neutrogena Age Fighter Facial Moisturizer + SPF 15 versus Merle Norman Preventage Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry Broad Spectrum SPF 15 .

Published on April 18, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both day moisturizers. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain retinoid and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, fragrances, oils or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain parabens 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.

Day Moisturizer American Brand United States
Day Moisturizer American Brand United States

Day Moisturizer

Day Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin during the daytime.

Day Moisturizer

Day Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin during the daytime.

Price

Shop

Buy Age Fighter Facial Moisturizer + SPF 15

Starts at $24.99
Shop

Buy Preventage Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry Broad Spectrum SPF 15

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
15
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
15

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Vitamin E (2)

Benefits

Hydrating
Reduces Irritation
Acne Fighting
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (2)
Retinoid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Irritating (4)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (8)
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Ingredients Compared

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

Octocrylene 9.4%Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 1.9%WaterGlycerinButyloctyl SalicylateDiethylhexyl MaleateJojoba EstersCyclopentasiloxaneC10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol EstersPhenyl TrimethiconeStearic AcidStearyl AlcoholGlyceryl PolymethacrylatePropylene GlycolBiosaccharide Gum-1Sorbitan StearateDimethiconeDipalmitoyl HydroxyprolinePeg-100 StearatePolysorbate 60 Ppg-20 Methyl Glucose EtherHydrolyzed Malt ExtractTocopheryl AcetateCaprylyl GlycolBis-Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy BenzylmalonateBisabololCetearyl MethiconeHydrolyzed ElastinHamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf/Twig ExtractPeg-8AlcoholTriethanolamineSorbitolLecithinCollagen Amino AcidsPeg-7mCarbomerDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerPhospholipidsSilicaCalluna Vulgaris Flower ExtractGlycyrrhetinic AcidButylene GlycolTetrasodium EDTAHydrolyzed Rice ProteinDisodium EDTACamellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractPvpPhenoxyethanolCucumis Sativus Fruit ExtractGinkgo Biloba Leaf ExtractRuscus Aculeatus Root ExtractChlorphenesinMethylisothiazolinoneHyaluronic AcidPolyquaternium-24Ilex Aquifolium Leaf ExtractSodium OleanolateSodium UrsolateAscorbyl PalmitateEuphrasia Officinalis ExtractEchinacea Angustifolia ExtractRetinyl PalmitateDiazolidinyl UreaImidazolidinyl UreaCI 19140Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12MethylparabenCI 14700

Ingredients Side-by-side

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

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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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: 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

Neutrogena Age Fighter Facial Moisturizer + SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 1.

Merle Norman Preventage Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry Broad Spectrum SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 4.

2
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.

Neutrogena Age Fighter Facial Moisturizer + SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 6.

Merle Norman Preventage Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry Broad Spectrum SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 17.

3
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Acetate

Neutrogena Age Fighter Facial Moisturizer + SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 9.

Merle Norman Preventage Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry Broad Spectrum SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 23.

4
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.

Neutrogena Age Fighter Facial Moisturizer + SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 10.

Merle Norman Preventage Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry Broad Spectrum SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 49.

5
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

Neutrogena Age Fighter Facial Moisturizer + SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 11.

Merle Norman Preventage Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry Broad Spectrum SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 24.

6
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
Community Rating: Disliked

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.

Neutrogena Age Fighter Facial Moisturizer + SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 12.

Merle Norman Preventage Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry Broad Spectrum SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 37.

7
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Neutrogena Age Fighter Facial Moisturizer + SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 14.

Merle Norman Preventage Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry Broad Spectrum SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 43.

8
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Methylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben. It is used to prevent the growth of fungus, mold, and other harmful bacteria. Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in both cosmetics and food.

Methylparaben can be synthetically created. It can also be found naturally in some fruits, such as blueberries.

Oftentimes, Methylparaben is combined with other parabens to help increase the shelf life.

The safety of Methylparaben is currently being studied. While ongoing studies are looking into the safety of parabens, the results have been very mixed. Some studies have not found Methylparaben to be harmful.

Learn more about Methylparaben

Neutrogena Age Fighter Facial Moisturizer + SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 15.

Merle Norman Preventage Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry Broad Spectrum SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 68.

9
What it does: Antimicrobial, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Chlorphenesin

Neutrogena Age Fighter Facial Moisturizer + SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 20.

Merle Norman Preventage Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry Broad Spectrum SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 53.

10
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

Neutrogena Age Fighter Facial Moisturizer + SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 22.

Merle Norman Preventage Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry Broad Spectrum SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 46.

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

31% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
54% are disliked or very disliked
8% have no rating yet
23% are loved or liked
4% have mixed ratings
46% are disliked or very disliked
26% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 33 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Neutrogena Age Fighter Facial Moisturizer + SPF 15.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 1 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Merle Norman Preventage Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry Broad Spectrum SPF 15.

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