Versus

Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Versus Biore UV Watery Gel Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
American Brand United States
Japanese Brand Japan

Updated on November 06, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any oils, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant 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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
UV Watery Gel Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning

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
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone 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 Dimethicone
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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 Glycol
BHT
Antioxidant, Masking

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.

As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.

The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.

However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.

Learn more about BHT

When to use

89 Routines
98% use in am
2% use in pm
98% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
325 Routines
97% use in am
3% use in pm
94% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 35 ingredients

2.3 /5
from 4 ratings
No Scent (2) Great Value (2) Drying (1)
moorenat24's avatar

Tash Moore

11 months ago
Review

This sunscreen has a worthy goal, however, it does create white cast, especially upon reapplying for those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI (FSP). I found it useful for one application, but not for continuous use throughout the day.

#great value
#drying
#sticky
#no scent
gofofnglv's avatar

gofofnglv

1 year ago
Review

Nice water-resistant sunscreen that doesn’t break me out. Non-greasy and doesn’t make my face feel sticky.

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent

Biore UV Watery Gel Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ 36 ingredients

4.2 /5
from 5 ratings
Great Value (3) Works Well (3) Light Scent (3)
tofunway29's avatar

tofunway29

1 year ago
Review

New formula has tone-up and I dont like it.
I had used 3 bottles of this in last couple of years. But the one I bought in 2023 has tone-up and it has quite sticky texture to touch. My skin is super oily and has yellow complexion, that's why I don't want tone-up. Overall, it is still a very good product.

Danananana's avatar

Danananana

2 years ago
Review

Best Sunscreen
Provides ample skin protection and coverage, pleasantly melts into skin and leaves no stickiness and discomfort of something being on the face. Easily applied all over with watery gel texture. Pleasant smell that does not overwhelm and fades, with no irritiation. Also very affordable.