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Product Comparison

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 American Brand United States
Serum 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.

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

Shop

Buy Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+

Starts at $22.49
Shop

Buy Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+

Starts at $13.10

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant 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
60
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
60

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (3)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (3)
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Ingredients Compared

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

Ingredients Side-by-side

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

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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.

1
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Methoxydibenzoylmethane

Neutrogena 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.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Homosalate

Neutrogena 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.

3
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Salicylate

Neutrogena 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.

4
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Octocrylene

Neutrogena 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.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Salicylate

Neutrogena 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.

6
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 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.

7
What it does: Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

8
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 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.

9
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 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.

10
What it does: Absorbent
Community Rating: Disliked

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.

11
What it does:

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.

12
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 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.

13
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

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 Glycol

Neutrogena 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.

14
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising

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.

15
What it does: Skin Conditioning

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.

16
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Stearate

Neutrogena 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.

17
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 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.

19
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 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.

20
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

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 EDTA

Neutrogena 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.

21
What it does: Emulsifying

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.

22
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

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 Hydroxide

Neutrogena 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.

9% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
59% are disliked or very disliked
23% have no rating yet
14% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
29% have no rating yet

Usage

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+ 22 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 1 review
jaboinga's Avatar'
Mar 27, 2024

Applies fairly smoothly, but stings my eyes

Applies fairly smoothly, but stings my eyes

Irritating

Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ 28 ingredients

Invisible Daily Defense Hydrating Face Serum SPF 60+ hasn't been rated yet.
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