Versus

Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 55 Versus Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Overview

What they are

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

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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 needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

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 Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 55

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
Abrasive, Absorbent

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.

Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.

Learn more about Silica
Emollient

Cetyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

We don't have a description for Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer yet.

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, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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
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
Antimicrobial, Preservative

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

We don't have a description for Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer yet.

When to use

68 Routines
97% use in am
3% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
28 Routines
96% use in am
4% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 55 36 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Heavy (1) Light (1)
bagheera's avatar

bagheera

1 year ago
Review

I personally don't support Neutrogena after everything they've done... But if nothing else is available, this works well and is sold nearly everywhere.

#heavy
hannahl's avatar

hannah

9 months ago
Review

this is The sunscreen of all time. not particularly hydrating but not drying either. very neutral texture. i certainly don’t hate it. does sting eyes but not as bad as some

#light
#absorbs well

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 25 ingredients

1.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Heavy (2) Broke Me Out (1) Doesn't Work (1)
anonymous3's avatar

A Nonymous

6 months ago
Review

I am one of the whitest caucasians probably in the world besides people with albinism. This sunscreen made me look like I was cosplaying as Casper the ghost. Do not recommend lol

#heavy
#doesn't work
MaishaMaliha's avatar

Maisha

4 months ago
Review

Product review:
Way too much white cast but this one is better than the Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen from Aveeno. Also, it breaks me out and gives me whiteheads. and Irritates my eczema so I had to stop using it.

My skin:
Eczmea on the forehead, fungal acne, milia, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and normal to combination skin.

#broke me out
#irritating
#heavy
#sticky