Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 Versus Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse
Updated on January 26, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens
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 Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 32 ingredients
Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse 55 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 32 ingredients
Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse 55 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 10%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 10%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Silica
Abrasive
Dimethicone
Emollient
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Cetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
Trideceth-6
EmulsifyingJojoba Esters
Emollient
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 10%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Water, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Dimethicone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Benzyl Alcohol, Beeswax, Caprylyl Methicone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Behenyl Alcohol, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Polyacrylate, Chlorphenesin, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT, Trideceth-6, Jojoba Esters
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Glycerin
Humectant
Homosalate
Skin Conditioning
Tribehenin PEG-20 Esters
EmollientStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Vp/Eicosene Copolymer
C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCreatine
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningMannitol
HumectantPEG-100 Stearate
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
C20-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-8 Laurate
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCerium Oxide
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBenzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberDisodium EDTA
Sodium Dextran Sulfate
Gel Forming
Squalane
Emollient
Palmaria Palmata Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantParaffinum Liquidum
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Andrographis Paniculata Leaf Extract
AstringentSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Aminoethanesulfinic Acid
Antioxidant
Silica
Abrasive
BHT
Antioxidant
Carnosine
Skin ConditioningArtemia Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium Adenosine Triphosphate
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingTocopherol
Antioxidant
CI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantHexapeptide-2
Bleaching
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Homosalate, Tribehenin PEG-20 Esters, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Caprylyl Methicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, Creatine, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Mannitol, PEG-100 Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, C20-22 Alcohols, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, PEG-8 Laurate, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cerium Oxide, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Squalane, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Paraffinum Liquidum, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Andrographis Paniculata Leaf Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 60, Propylene Glycol, Aminoethanesulfinic Acid, Silica, BHT, Carnosine, Artemia Extract, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Tocopherol, CI 17200, Hexapeptide-2
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 SalicylateWater. 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 WaterWe don't have a description for Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer yet.
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 SilicaCaprylyl 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.
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 StearatePeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
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.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumDisodium 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 EDTATocopheryl 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 AcetateBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 32 ingredients
Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse 55 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 32 ingredients
stings eyes so bad, leaves white cast, irritates skin it’s very bad
I really like it in springtime and summertime. It is so moisturizing and sinks in fast. And tube is big. Last a long time.
Sometimes irritates eyes a bit. Not everytime.
But i really don't like it at all in wintertime. It feels so drying on my sentsitive skin then.
Overall I think I would even consider buying this again.
