Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Stick Sunscreen SPF 60 Versus Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Updated on March 14, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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 Face Stick Sunscreen SPF 60 20 ingredients
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50 18 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Stick Sunscreen SPF 60 20 ingredients
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 15%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 10%
UV Absorber
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Emollient
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientSynthetic Wax
Abrasive
Isohexadecane
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingParaffin
Perfuming
Synthetic Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Neopentyl Glycol Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Dimethicone
Emollient
Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
EmollientStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 15%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Synthetic Wax, Isohexadecane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ozokerite, Paraffin, Synthetic Beeswax, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Neopentyl Glycol Diisostearate, Dimethicone, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate
Titanium Dioxide 6%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 4.7%
Cosmetic Colorant
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientBeeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
BHT
Antioxidant
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Emollient
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingParaffin
Perfuming
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Titanium Dioxide 6%, Zinc Oxide 4.7%, Aluminum Hydroxide, Beeswax, BHT, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Isostearic Acid, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Ozokerite, Paraffin, Polyethylene, Stearic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butyloctyl Salicylate is similar to octisalate. It a photostabilizer, SPF booster, 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.
Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.
According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateC12-15 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 BenzoateDimethicone 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 DimethiconeNeopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Emollients help hydrate the skin by creating a barrier on top. This barrier prevents moisture from escaping, keeping the skin hydrated.
It is the diester of neopentyl glycol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Ozokerite is a naturally occuring mineral wax. In cosmetics, ozokerite is used as a texture enhancer.
Ceresin wax is derived from this ingredient.
The melting point of ozokerite is 58-100 C.
Ozokerite is found all over the world including Scotland, the US, and India.
Learn more about OzokeriteParaffin is a solid created from petroleum. The term 'paraffin' can also refer to either
petroleum jelly or mineral oil.
It has natural occlusive properties which can worsen oily skin. Due to its petrolatum base, this ingredient is not fungal-acne safe.
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 AcetateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
