Neutrogena Collagen Bank SPF 30 Moisturizer Sunscreen Versus Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25
Updated on September 12, 2024
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin
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
Neutrogena Collagen Bank SPF 30 Moisturizer Sunscreen 32 ingredients
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 21 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 Collagen Bank SPF 30 Moisturizer Sunscreen 32 ingredients
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 21 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.5%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 6%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 8%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningSilica
Abrasive
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Diisopropyl Adipate
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Acetyl Dipeptide-31 Amide
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Emollient
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Disodium EDTA
Trideceth-6
EmulsifyingBHT
Antioxidant
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.5%, Homosalate 6%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Octocrylene 8%, Water, Silica, Caprylyl Methicone, Diisopropyl Adipate, Dimethicone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Synthetic Beeswax, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Acetyl Dipeptide-31 Amide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Jojoba Esters, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetyl Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Polyacrylate, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Trideceth-6, BHT
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 4%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 2%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingBlue 1 Lake
Cosmetic ColorantCI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2%, Homosalate 4%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4%, Octocrylene 2%, Water, Glycerin, Caprylyl Methicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Blue 1 Lake, CI 16035
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 SalicylateOctocrylene 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.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocryleneWater. 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 WaterCaprylyl Methicone is a type of silicone.
It helps soften and soothe the skin by creating a thin film on top. This film helps trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateChlorphenesin 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 ChlorphenesinDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Neutrogena Collagen Bank SPF 30 Moisturizer Sunscreen 32 ingredients
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 21 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Neutrogena Collagen Bank SPF 30 Moisturizer Sunscreen 32 ingredients
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel SPF 25 21 ingredients
just as moisturizing as the water gel, but a little heavier because of the spf. I wish it was lighter but it's pretty good compared to any other spf ive tried
