Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 55 Versus Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50
Updated on October 07, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, sensitive skin and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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 Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 55 36 ingredients
Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 38 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 Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 55 36 ingredients
Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 38 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.7%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 4%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 6%
UV Absorber
Benzophenone-3 4.5%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningSilica
Abrasive
Cetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialSteareth-100
Gel FormingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Dimethicone
Emollient
Steareth-2
EmulsifyingPolyester-7
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Emollient
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientBisabolol
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningDiethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
EmollientMannan
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBHT
Antioxidant
Capryloyl Glycine
CleansingTrideceth-6
EmulsifyingSarcosine
Skin ConditioningCedrus Atlantica Bark Extract
Perfuming
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
Antimicrobial
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.7%, Homosalate 4%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Octocrylene 6%, Benzophenone-3 4.5%, Water, Silica, Cetyl Dimethicone, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Steareth-100, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Dimethicone, Steareth-2, Polyester-7, Chlorphenesin, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Bisabolol, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Mannan, Xanthan Gum, BHT, Capryloyl Glycine, Trideceth-6, Sarcosine, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 10%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientPolymethyl Methacrylate
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates Copolymer
Saccharomyces Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
C24-28 Alkyldimethylsiloxy Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Skin ProtectingPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin Conditioning
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSodium Chloride
Masking
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Raspberry Ketone
Masking
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingTriethyl Citrate
Masking
Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate
Emulsifying
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingOctyldodecanol
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Phytate
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 10%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Water, Isododecane, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Acrylates Copolymer, Saccharomyces Ferment, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, C24-28 Alkyldimethylsiloxy Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Glycine Soja Oil, Squalane, Raspberry Ketone, Lauroyl Lysine, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Triethyl Citrate, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Octyldodecanol, Tocopherol, Sodium Phytate, Polysorbate 60, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneHomosalate 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.
Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.
(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)
Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.
Learn more about HomosalateEthylhexyl 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.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateWater. 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 WaterPhenoxyethanol 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 GlycolPropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolButylene 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 GlycolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 55 36 ingredients
Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 38 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 55 36 ingredients
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.
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
