Versus

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 - US Versus Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Gel

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on July 15, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols 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

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

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, 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

When to use

65 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
92% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
37 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 26 ingredients

2.3 /5
from 3 ratings
Heavy (1) Hydrating (1) Irritating (1)
CaroleD's avatar

CaroleD

1 year ago
Review

If you have oily skin, do not use!

It is super greasy and it feels impossible to apply enough without ending up like a disco ball.

It somehow always ends up in my eyes and burns like mad.

If you have dry skin, you may find it very hydrating.

#hydrating
#heavy
#sticky
#oily
kassia's avatar

Kassia

4 months ago
Review

As with most other Hydro Boost products, this is hydrating with a lovely light scent and pleasant gel consistency, plus the added benefit of leaving no cast at all. However, if it gets anywhere even remotely close to the eyes (and I mean remotely), said eyes will burn and sting until kingdom come.

#irritating

Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Gel 24 ingredients

2.3 /5
from 3 ratings
Absorbs Well (2) Great Value (2) Works Well (2)
horaceon's avatar

horaceon

1 year ago
Review

LOVE ittt! really good sunscreen in general, but may not be the best for oily skin types. good to put under makeup as SPF, but will worsen the oilyness in your face if you don't blot excess off every hour of the day.

#great value
#hydrating
#absorbs well
sarahmeadows's avatar

Sarah Meadows

5 months ago
Review

Hard to rub in and leaves a white cast. It doesn’t leave my skin oily or sticky and keeps my skin well protected.

#great value
#light
#light scent
#works well