Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 Versus Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50

See how these products line up with your preferences

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 versus Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 .

Published on October 04, 2020

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 23 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin and brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens 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 need an update? Let us know.

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Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50

Sunscreen American Brand United States

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

Shop

Buy Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50

Starts at $8.49

Shop

Buy Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50

Starts at $10.99

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 24 ingredients

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 25 ingredients

alcohol-free

silicon-free

fragrance-free

sulfate-free

paraben-free

oil-free

fungal-acne safe

reef-safe

eu-allergen-free

vegan

cruelty-free

spf rating

alcohol-free

silicon-free

fragrance-free

sulfate-free

paraben-free

oil-free

fungal-acne safe

reef-safe

eu-allergen-free

vegan

cruelty-free

spf rating

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 24 ingredients

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 25 ingredients

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter

Vitamin E

Exfoliators (2)

Benefits

Hydrating (2)

Acne Fighting

Brightening (2)

Concerns

Rosacea (2)

Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter

Vitamin E

Exfoliators (2)

Benefits

Hydrating

Acne Fighting

Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying

Acne Trigger

Rosacea (2)

Eczema

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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 24 ingredients

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 25 ingredients

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Zinc Oxide

What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber, UV Filter

Community Rating: Liked

Zinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.

Today, traditional and nano-sized zinc oxide can be found in beauty products. Nano-sized zinc oxide can enhance a product's UV protection. While it is not believed to have a negative effect on skin, nano-zinc oxide can be harmful to coral reefs.

More about harmful reef ingredients here.

Zinc Oxide also has antibacterial and calming properties. It is not water soluble.

Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.

Learn more about Zinc Oxide

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.

Water

What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

What it does: Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Community Rating: Disliked

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.

As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.

This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.

Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.

Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer

What it does: Humectant

We don't have a description for Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer.

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 4.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 5.

Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer

What it does:

We don't have a description for Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer.

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 5.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 4.

Phenyl Trimethicone

What it does: Skin Conditioning

Community Rating: Disliked

Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.

Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.

As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.

Learn more about Phenyl Trimethicone

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 6.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 6.

Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone

What it does: Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Community Rating: Disliked

This ingredient is a high molecular weight silicone. It has emulsifying and skin conditioning properties.

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 7.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 7.

Dimethicone

What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 8.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 8.

Polyhydroxystearic Acid

What it does: Emulsifying

Community Rating: Disliked

Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.

It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.

Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic Acid

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 9.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 10.

Glycerin

What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent

Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 10.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 9.

Ethyl Methicone

What it does: Emollient

Ethyl Methicone is a type of silicone.

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 11.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 11.

Cetyl Dimethicone

What it does: Emollient

Cetyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 12.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 13.

Silica

What it does: Abrasive, Absorbent

Community Rating: Disliked

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

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 13.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 12.

Tocopheryl Acetate

What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Community Rating: Liked

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 Acetate

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 15.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 24.

Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice

What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Community Rating: Disliked

Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice is an antioxidant.

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 16.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 25.

Glyceryl Behenate

What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying

Community Rating: Disliked

Glyceryl Behenate is a fatty acid created from glycerin and behenic acid. It is an emollient and emulsifier.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal acne safe.

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 17.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 16.

Phenethyl Alcohol

What it does: Masking

Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenethyl Alcohol is a colorless and aromatic alohol. It is naturally occuring in essential oils.

The scent of this ingredient is floral and often compared to rose.

Like other alcohols, this ingredient helps prevent the growth of bacteria. However, its main purpose is to impact a fragrance.

Learn more about Phenethyl Alcohol

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 18.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 20.

Caprylyl Glycol

What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Community Rating: Liked

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 Glycol

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 19.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 22.

Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer

What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer.

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 20.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 23.

Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer

What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer.

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 21.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 18.

Sodium Chloride

What it does: Masking

Community Rating: Very Disliked

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.

You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.

There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.

The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.

Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.

Learn more about Sodium Chloride

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 22.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 17.

Phenoxyethanol

What it does: Preservative

Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 23.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 15.

Chlorphenesin

What it does: Antimicrobial, Preservative

Community Rating: Disliked

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 Chlorphenesin

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 24.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 19.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.