Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ versus Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 .
Published on April 16, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 19 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, 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.
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.
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 Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ 28 ingredients
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 26 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 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free 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:
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 😥
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 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
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 Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ 28 ingredients
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 26 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ 28 ingredients
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 26 ingredients
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Homosalate 13.5% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Octocrylene 10% • Water • Butyloctyl Salicylate • Glycerin • Alcohol Denat. • Silica • Dimethicone • Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate • Polyurethane-62 • Phenoxyethanol • Pentylene Glycol • Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Crosspolymer • Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer • Glyceryl Stearate • Chlorphenesin • Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer • Parfum • Menthyl Lactate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Disodium EDTA • Trideceth-6 • Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice • Sodium Hydroxide • CI 15985 • CI 16035
Water • Glycerin • Alcohol Denat. • Caprylyl Methicone • Diisopropyl Adipate • Silica • Dicaprylyl Carbonate • Dimethicone • Polyurethane-62 • Phenoxyethanol • Hydroxyacetophenone • Pentylene Glycol • Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate • Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Crosspolymer • Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer • Glyceryl Stearate • Parfum • Chlorphenesin • Menthyl Lactate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Disodium EDTA • Trideceth-6 • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Sodium Hydroxide • Basic Violet 2 • Blue 1 Lake
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.
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 Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 5.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 7.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol and other additives. It has a low molecular weight and will evaporate quickly. This helps other ingredients become better absorbed and dry once applied.
Alcohol Denat. is volatile and may cause irritation. It helps draw out natural oils in skin and dry out your skin.
One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased irritation.
Alcohol is antibacterial by nature. This can help preserve products and increase their shelf life.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 8.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 SilicaNeutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 9.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 6.
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 Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 10.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 8.
We don't have a description for Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 11.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 13.
We don't have a description for Polyurethane-62.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 12.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 9.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 13.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can help thicken or emulsify a product. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolNeutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 14.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 12.
We don't have a description for Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Crosspolymer.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 15.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 14.
We don't have a description for Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 16.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 15.
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 Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 17.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 16.
Chlorphenesin 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 ChlorphenesinNeutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 18.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 18.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumNeutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 20.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 17.
We don't have a description for Menthyl Lactate.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 21.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 19.
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 Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 22.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 20.
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 Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 23.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 21.
We don't have a description for Trideceth-6.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 24.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 22.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideNeutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 26.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 24.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ 28 ingredients
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 26 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ 28 ingredients
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 26 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ 28 ingredients
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 26 ingredients
CaroleD
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...
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.
SabrinaPorteous_27
Love the feeling and scent, but too harsh for face
I love the light and non-greasy feeling of this sunscreen as well as its scent (like the hydro...
Love the feeling and scent, but too harsh for face
I love the light and non-greasy feeling of this sunscreen as well as its scent (like the hydro boost water gel moisturizer); however, due to having sensitive skin, the formula is too harsh for my face. To keep it from going to waste, I've enjoyed using it as a body sunscreen.
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