Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 Versus Papa Recipe Bombee Moist Sun Essence SPF 50+ PA+++
Updated on March 21, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF and Vitamin E
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances 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
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 32 ingredients
Papa Recipe Bombee Moist Sun Essence SPF 50+ PA+++ 48 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
Papa Recipe Bombee Moist Sun Essence SPF 50+ PA+++ 48 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
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Homosalate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientHoney Extract
Humectant
Propolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Royal Jelly Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
Cleansing
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentViola Tricolor Extract
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientRosa Damascena Flower Extract
MaskingPancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingSophora Japonica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
Cleansing
Isohexadecane
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethyl Hexanediol
SolventCitral
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Pentylene Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Caprylyl Methicone, Titanium Dioxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Honey Extract, Propolis Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Viola Tricolor Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Sophora Japonica Fruit Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Isohexadecane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 80, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Oleate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Citral, Limonene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 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 WaterCaprylyl 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.
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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Xanthan 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 GumTocopheryl 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 AcetateIngredient 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
Papa Recipe Bombee Moist Sun Essence SPF 50+ PA+++ 48 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.
Papa Recipe Bombee Moist Sun Essence SPF 50+ PA+++ 48 ingredients
Cons: There's a faint chemical citrus fragrance to it. It's not irritating to me, but it's also not something I vibe with. Worst for me is the shine. If you have dry-dull skin, this might be great. But I'm my skin's oily-dull-shiny.
Pros: Pretty cheap and convenient to bring around. The packaging is small, which I enjoy.
Will I buy this again? No.
