Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 Versus Aveeno Sensitive Skin Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils or 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 Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 24 ingredients
Aveeno Sensitive Skin Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 19 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 24 ingredients
Aveeno Sensitive Skin Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 21.6%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialOctyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer
HumectantStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Ethyl Methicone
Emollient
Cetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Colloidal Oatmeal
Absorbent
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Behenate
Emollient
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Zinc Oxide 21.6%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glycerin, Ethyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Silica, Colloidal Oatmeal, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice, Glyceryl Behenate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Titanium Dioxide 9%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientBHT
Antioxidant
Bisabolol
Masking
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Dimethicone
Emollient
DMDM Hydantoin
Preservative
Magnesium Sulfate
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
Emulsifying
PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Trisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide 9%, Zinc Oxide, Aluminum Hydroxide, BHT, Bisabolol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, DMDM Hydantoin, Magnesium Sulfate, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Silica, Stearic Acid, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Trisiloxane, Water
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 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 may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.
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 OxideWater. 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 WaterC12-15 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 BenzoateWe don't have a description for Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer yet.
This ingredient is a high molecular weight silicone. It has emulsifying and skin conditioning properties.
Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeSilica 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 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 GlycolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 24 ingredients
Aveeno Sensitive Skin Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 19 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 24 ingredients
This WOULD be good, but it leaves a massive white cast and you have to reapply every two hours, oof.
