Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 - US Versus CVS Health Clear Zinc Broad Spectrum Sun Lotion SPF 50
Updated on August 19, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 6 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, brightening skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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 Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 26 ingredients
CVS Health Clear Zinc Broad Spectrum Sun Lotion SPF 50 23 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 Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 26 ingredients
CVS Health Clear Zinc Broad Spectrum Sun Lotion SPF 50 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterDiisopropyl Adipate comes from isopropyl alcohol and Adipic Acid.
It is a solvent and emollient. As a solvent, it is used to help other ingredients dissolve into the solution. It is also often used to soften hard ingredients.
Emollients help hydrate the skin by creating a thin barrier. This thin barrier prevents moisture from escaping.
Learn more about Diisopropyl AdipateSilica 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 SilicaDimethicone 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 DimethiconePhenoxyethanol 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.
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 EDTAIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 26 ingredients
CVS Health Clear Zinc Broad Spectrum Sun Lotion SPF 50 23 ingredients

Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 26 ingredients
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.
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.