Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 versus ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 .
Last updated on July 27, 2023. Published on August 22, 2023
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid, SPF, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any 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 need an update? Let us know.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
Sunscreen
Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.
Price
Ingredient Info
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 34 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 56 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Contains Parabens
Ingredients in this product that are types of parabens:
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 34 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 56 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 34 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 56 ingredients
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Homosalate 12% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Octocrylene 2.35% • Benzophenone-3 6% • Water • Dimethicone • Trisiloxane • Diethylhexyl Ipdi • Dimethyl 2,6-Naphthalate • Glycerin • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Potassium Cetyl Phosphate • Behenyl Alcohol • Caprylyl Methicone • Ethylhexylglycerin • Calcium Pantothenate • Retinyl Palmitate • Ascorbic Acid • Tocopheryl Acetate • Tocopherol • BHT • Polymethyl Methacrylate • Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides • Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer • Cetearyl Glucoside • Xanthan Gum • Disodium EDTA • Methylparaben • Propylparaben • Methylisothiazolinone • Benzyl Alcohol
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Homosalate 10% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Octocrylene 10% • Water • Dimethicone • Butyloctyl Salicylate • Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer • Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer • Glyceryl Stearate • Mica • Peg-100 Stearate • Butylene Glycol • Polyamide-5 • Steareth-21 • Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Petasites Japonicus Root Extract • Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract • Tocopheryl Acetate • Tocopherol • Ascorbic Acid • Retinyl Palmitate • Caprylyl Glycol • Hexylene Glycol • Melanin • Pentylene Glycol • Boron Nitride • Ethyl Ferulate • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate • Beta-Glucan • Ethylene Brassylate • Polymethyl Methacrylate • Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Disodium EDTA • Acrylates Crosspolymer-4 • Panthenyl Triacetate • Glycerin • Aluminum Hydroxide • Simethicone • Ethyl Linoleate • Oleyl Alcohol • Cetearyl Alcohol • Peg-8 Laurate • Steareth-2 • Coco-Glucoside • Isostearic Acid • Sodium Hydroxide • Phenoxyethanol • Potassium Sorbate • Ethylhexylglycerin • Parfum • Titanium Dioxide • CI 77492
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneNeutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.
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.
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 HomosalateNeutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.
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.
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 SalicylateNeutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.
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.
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 OctocryleneNeutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 4.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 4.
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterNeutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 6.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 5.
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.
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 7.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 6.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinNeutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 11.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 40.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
Glyceryl Stearate 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. The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateNeutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 12.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Peg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Peg-100 Stearate helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. It helps prevent oil and water from separating in a product. By binding oil and water, it helps remove dirt and oil to be rinsed away.
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 13.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 12.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholNeutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 14.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 45.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 18.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 53.
Retinyl palmitate is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the superstar class of anti-aging ingredients that include tretinoin and retinol.
This particular ingredient has had a bumpy year with its rise and fall in popularity.
First, Retinyl palmitate is created from palmitic acid and retinol. It is a retinol ester and considered one of the weaker forms of retinoid.
This is because all retinoids have to be converted to Tretinoin, AKA retinoic acid. Retinyl Palmitate is pretty far down the line and has to go through multiple conversions before its effects are seen.
Due to this long and ineffective conversion line, the benefits of Retinyl Palmitate are debated.
Studies show Retinyl Palmitate to help:
Dermatologists say this ingredient is ineffective because it isn't used in high enough concentrations in cosmetics.
This ingredient used to be found in sunscreens to boost the efficacy of sunscreen filters.
The downfall of Retinyl Palmitate was due to released reports about the ingredient being correlated to sun damage and skin tumors.
While there is a study showing this ingredient to cause DNA damage when exposed to UV-A, there is no concrete proof of it being linked to skin cancer. It is safe to use when used correctly.
All retinoids increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun in the first few months of usage. Be especially careful with reapplying sunscreen when using any form of retinoid.
Currently, this ingredient is still allowed in cosmetics all over the world. In Canada, cosmetics must have a warning label stating the product to contain Retinyl Palmitate
Fun fact: This ingredient is often added to low-fat milk to increase the levels of Vitamin A.
Learn more about Retinyl PalmitateNeutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 20.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 23.
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidNeutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 21.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 22.
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 AcetateNeutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 22.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 20.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolNeutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 23.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 21.
We don't have a description for Polymethyl Methacrylate.
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 25.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 34.
We don't have a description for Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer.
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 27.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 8.
Disodium 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 EDTANeutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 30.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 37.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 34 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 56 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 34 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 56 ingredients
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