Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ versus Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ .
Published on May 30, 2022
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, SPF 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, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols 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.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Price
Ingredient Info
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ 22 ingredients
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ 28 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
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:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
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 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ 22 ingredients
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ 28 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 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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 4 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 Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ 22 ingredients
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ 28 ingredients
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Homosalate 13.5% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Octocrylene 10% • 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 • Tocopheryl Acetate • Disodium EDTA • Trideceth-6 • Sodium Hydroxide
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 • Zingiber Officinale Root Extract • Menthyl Lactate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Disodium EDTA • Trideceth-6 • Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice • Sodium Hydroxide • CI 15985 • CI 16035
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.
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneNeutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 1.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 HomosalateNeutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 2.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 2.
Ethylhexyl 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 SalicylateNeutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 3.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 3.
Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocryleneNeutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 4.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 4.
Butyloctyl Salicylate is a photostabilizer, emollient and solvent. Its main purpose is to evenly spread out ingredients.
This ingredient is a common sunscreen ingredient carrier and photostabilizer. According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for carrying micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateNeutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 5.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 6.
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 Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 6.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 7.
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 Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 7.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 8.
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 Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 8.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 9.
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 Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 9.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 10.
We don't have a description for Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 10.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 11.
We don't have a description for Polyurethane-62.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 11.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 12.
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 Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 12.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 13.
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 Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 13.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 14.
We don't have a description for Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Crosspolymer.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 14.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 15.
We don't have a description for Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 15.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 16.
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 Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 16.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 17.
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 Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 17.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 18.
We don't have a description for Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 18.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ 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 Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 19.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 22.
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 Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 20.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 23.
We don't have a description for Trideceth-6.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 21.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 24.
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 Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 22.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ contains this as ingredient number 26.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ 22 ingredients
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ 28 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ 22 ingredients
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ 28 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ 22 ingredients
Applies fairly smoothly, but stings my eyes
Applies fairly smoothly, but stings my eyes
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ 28 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+.
See 50 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 3 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+.
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