Neutrogena Age Shield Face Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 70 Versus Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50
This chemical sunscreen covers most of the UV range, lighter on the deep UVA that drives aging, though its SPF isn't confirmed on file yet.
This mineral sunscreen covers the full UV range and blocks ~98% of UVB at SPF 50.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV AbsorberHomosalate 15%
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV AbsorberOctocrylene 10%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Silica
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
SurfactantCetyl Dimethicone
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentHydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexyl Stearate
EmollientGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantJojoba Esters
EmollientTrideceth-6
EmulsifyingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 15%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, 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, Chlorphenesin, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT, Jojoba Esters, Trideceth-6
Zinc Oxide 21.6%
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialOctyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer
HumectantStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantEthyl Methicone
EmollientCetyl Dimethicone
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveColloidal Oatmeal
AbsorbentTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantChrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
AntioxidantGlyceryl Behenate
EmollientPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialZinc Oxide 21.6%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glycerin, Ethyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Silica, Colloidal Oatmeal, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice, Glyceryl Behenate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This polymer has film-forming properties and helps leave behind a soft film on the skin with oxygen permeability.
That's why you'll most likely find this in sunscreen formulations.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
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 ChlorphenesinChrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice is an antioxidant.
Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaThis ingredient is a synthetic polymer that mainly works as a film former. It creates a thin, flexible film on the surface of your skin. Once applied, it helps improves wear, durability, and resistance to water/smudging.
Due to its large molecule size, it sits on top of your skin rather than absorbing into it.
Tocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water