Neutrogena Age Fighter Facial Moisturizer + SPF 15 Versus Merle Norman Preventage Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry Broad Spectrum SPF 15
Updated on June 03, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both day moisturizers. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Neutrogena Age Fighter Facial Moisturizer + SPF 15 31 ingredients
Merle Norman Preventage Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry Broad Spectrum SPF 15 69 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Neutrogena Age Fighter Facial Moisturizer + SPF 15 31 ingredients
Merle Norman Preventage Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry Broad Spectrum SPF 15 69 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 1.5%
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 3%
UV Absorber
Benzophenone-3 4%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
PEG-75 Stearate
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Methylparaben
Preservative
Ceteth-20
CleansingSteareth-20
CleansingCamellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentPropylparaben
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
BHT
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 1.5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 3%, Benzophenone-3 4%, Water, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, PEG-75 Stearate, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Cetearyl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Propylparaben, Chlorphenesin, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Polysorbate 20, Retinol
Octocrylene 9.4%
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 1.9%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Diethylhexyl Maleate
EmollientJojoba Esters
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters
Emulsifying
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Skin Conditioning
PEG-100 Stearate
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Malt Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate
Antioxidant
Bisabolol
Masking
Cetearyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientHamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract
Skin Conditioning
PEG-8
HumectantAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Triethanolamine
BufferingSorbitol
Humectant
Lecithin
Emollient
Collagen Amino Acids
Moisturising
PEG-7m
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPhospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Calluna Vulgaris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Tetrasodium EDTA
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract
AstringentChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Methylisothiazolinone
Preservative
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Polyquaternium-24
Ilex Aquifolium Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Oleanolate
Skin ConditioningSodium Ursolate
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Euphrasia Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialEchinacea Angustifolia Extract
MoisturisingRetinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Diazolidinyl Urea
Preservative
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Preservative
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Methylparaben
Preservative
CI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantOctocrylene 9.4%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 1.9%, Water, Glycerin, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Diethylhexyl Maleate, Jojoba Esters, Cyclopentasiloxane, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Propylene Glycol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sorbitan Stearate, Dimethicone, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, PEG-100 Stearate, Polysorbate 60, PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether, Hydrolyzed Malt Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate, Bisabolol, Cetearyl Methicone, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Hamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract, PEG-8, Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Sorbitol, Lecithin, Collagen Amino Acids, PEG-7m, Carbomer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phospholipids, Silica, Calluna Vulgaris Flower Extract, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Disodium EDTA, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pvp, Phenoxyethanol, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, Chlorphenesin, Methylisothiazolinone, Hyaluronic Acid, Polyquaternium-24, Ilex Aquifolium Leaf Extract, Sodium Oleanolate, Sodium Ursolate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Echinacea Angustifolia Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, CI 19140, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Methylparaben, CI 14700
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneOctocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocryleneWater. 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 WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinDimethicone 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 DimethiconeTocopheryl 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 AcetatePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
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 GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolMethylparaben 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 MethylparabenChlorphenesin 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 ChlorphenesinDisodium 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 EDTAIngredient Ratings
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