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Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 55 Versus Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
American Brand United States
Japanese Brand Japan

Updated on June 13, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF

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
spf rating
55
spf rating
50

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 55
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane UV Absorber, UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
Chemical UV FilterChemical UV Filter Icon 2 Concerns

Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Homosalate Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon
Chemical UV FilterChemical UV Filter Icon Non-Reef-SafeNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Ethylhexyl Salicylate UV Absorber, UV Filter
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
Chemical UV FilterChemical UV Filter Icon 2 Concerns

Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Octocrylene UV Absorber, UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Eczema Icon
Chemical UV FilterChemical UV Filter Icon 2 Concerns

Octocrylene 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.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Benzophenone-3 UV Absorber, UV Filter
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon
Chemical UV FilterChemical UV Filter Icon 2 Concerns

You probably know this ingredient as Oxybenzone, a sunscreen ingredient. It is a broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredient, meaning it can protect the skin against UVB and short UVA rays. The absorption range is 270-350 nm with peak absorption at 288 and 350 nm.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Unknown Full details ->
Water 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.

Silica Abrasive, Absorbent
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon 2 Concerns

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.

Disliked Full details ->
Cetyl Dimethicone Emollient
Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Cetyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Unknown Full details ->
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer

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

Unknown Full details ->
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.

Disliked Full details ->
Steareth-100 Gel Forming
0 / 0

Steareth-100 is an ether of stearyl alcohol . It is a waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Unknown Full details ->
Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

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.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

Sodium Polyacrylate Absorbent, Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising

Sodium Polyacrylate is the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid.

Dimethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
1 / 0 Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

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.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Steareth-2 Emulsifying
2 / 2

Steareth-2 is a waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients. It is created from polyethylene glycol and stearyl alcohol.

2 Com. / 2 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Polyester-7 Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Polyester-7.

Unknown Full details ->
Chlorphenesin Antimicrobial, Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

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.

Disliked Full details ->
Propylene Glycol Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
0 / 0 May worsen Eczema Icon
May worsen EczemaMay worsen Eczema Icon

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Ethylhexyl Stearate Emollient
Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
2 Concerns

Ethylhexyl Stearate is an ester of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and stearic acid. It is an emulsifier, emollient, and texture enhancer.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate.

Bisabolol Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Helps reduce irritation Icon
Helps reduce irritationHelps reduce irritation Icon

Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.

Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

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

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer Skin Conditioning

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

Unknown Full details ->
Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

We don't have a description for Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate.

Unknown Full details ->
Mannan

We don't have a description for Mannan.

Unknown Full details ->
Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

Disliked Full details ->
BHT Antioxidant, Masking
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Capryloyl Glycine Cleansing

Capryloyl Glycine is created by adding an acyl group to glycine and caprylic acid chloride.

Trideceth-6 Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Trideceth-6.

Unknown Full details ->
Sarcosine Skin Conditioning

Sarcosine is a skin conditioning ingredient. It is a synthetic amino acid.

Cedrus Atlantica Bark Extract Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance IconEU Allergen Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon EU AllergenEU Allergen Icon

Cedrus Atlantica Bark Extract is a fragrance.

Unknown Full details ->
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent
Antioxidant IconFragrance Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon FragranceFragrance Icon

Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract is an antioxidant and is a fragrance.

Disliked Full details ->
Portulaca Oleracea Extract Skin Conditioning

Portulaca Oleracea Extract is an extract of the whole plant of the Purslane, Portulaca oleracea L., Portulacaceae. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.

UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
Water 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.

Alcohol Denat. Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AlcoholAlcohol Icon 5 Concerns

Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate UV Absorber, UV Filter
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon
Chemical UV FilterChemical UV Filter Icon 2 Concerns

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Ethylhexyl Triazone UV Absorber, UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter Icon
Chemical UV FilterChemical UV Filter Icon

Ethylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.

Isopropyl Palmitate Emollient, Masking
3-4 / 1 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
3 Concerns

Isopropyl Palmitate is a texture enhancer and emollient. It is an ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid.

3-4 Com. / 1 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Peg-Crosspolymer

We don't have a description for Peg-Crosspolymer.

Unknown Full details ->
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter Icon
Chemical UV FilterChemical UV Filter Icon

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UVA absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene Emollient, Skin Conditioning
1 / 2

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.

1 Com. / 2 Irr.
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter Icon
Chemical UV FilterChemical UV Filter Icon

You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.

Palmitic Acid Emollient, Emulsifying
2 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
2 Concerns

Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid found in our skin. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It is a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.

2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

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

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Xylitol Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Xylitol is a humectant and prebiotic. It can help with dry skin.

Dimethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
1 / 0 Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

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.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate.

Unknown Full details ->
Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Glyceryl Stearate Emollient, Emulsifying
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Propanediol Solvent

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Glyceryl Behenate Emollient, Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Behenate is a fatty acid created from glycerin and behenic acid. It is an emollient and emulsifier.

Disliked Full details ->
Polymethylsilsesquioxane/Silica Crosspolymer

We don't have a description for Polymethylsilsesquioxane/Silica Crosspolymer.

Unknown Full details ->
Cedrenol Perfuming
Fragrance Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon

Cedrenol is a fragrance.

Unknown Full details ->
Agar Masking

Agar is the vegan substitute for animal-gelatin. It helps thicken and improve the texture of cosmetics.

Disliked Full details ->
Sorbitan Distearate Emollient

We don't have a description for Sorbitan Distearate.

Unknown Full details ->
Isoceteth-20 Emulsifying
May cause irritation Icon
May cause irritationMay cause irritation Icon

Isoceteth-20 comes from Isocetyl Alcohol. It is an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Polyvinyl Alcohol

We don't have a description for Polyvinyl Alcohol.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Stearoyl Glutamic Acid Cleansing, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Stearoyl Glutamic Acid.

Unknown Full details ->
Arginine Masking, Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

Potassium Hydroxide Buffering

Potassium hydroxide is commonly known as caustic potash. It is used to fix the pH of a product or as a cleaning agent in soap. In cleansers, it is used for the saponification of oils.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Hydroxide Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

Royal Jelly Extract Skin Conditioning

Royal Jelly Extract comes from a secretion made by worker honeybees. This secretion is white and described as creamy.

Hyaluronic Acid Humectant, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation Icon
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon 4 Benefits May cause irritationMay cause irritation Icon

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.

Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

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.

Very Disliked Full details ->
EDTA

EDTA is the shortened name for ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. It is a chelating agent and used to stabilize products.

Very Disliked Full details ->
BHT Antioxidant, Masking
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Parfum Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon 2 Concerns

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Very Disliked Full details ->

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
Loved

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
Preservative
Very Disliked

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
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.

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
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.

BHT
Antioxidant, Masking
Very Disliked

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

Ingredient Ratings

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

Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 55
6
4
16
10
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
10
3
15
6
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

62 Routines
97% use in am
3% use in pm
98% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
80 Routines
98% 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 Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 55 36 ingredients

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

bagheera

7 months ago · Combination Skin
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...

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.

hannahl's avatar

hannah

10 days ago · Oily Skin
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...

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

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 34 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Light (1)
phoebe1's avatar

Phoebe

12 days ago · Combination Skin
Review

I’ve been using this for a year and a half and it’s my favorite sunscreen. Absorbs into skin quickly, and when applied every two hours I’ve never...

I’ve been using this for a year and a half and it’s my favorite sunscreen. Absorbs into skin quickly, and when applied every two hours I’ve never ever gotten burned. Doesn’t irritate my sensitive acne prone skin and doesn’t make me feel greasy.