SkinCeuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense SPF50 Versus Neutrogena Healthy Skin Primer SPF15
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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
SkinCeuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense SPF50 37 ingredients
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Primer SPF15 31 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
SkinCeuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense SPF50 37 ingredients
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Primer SPF15 31 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Isododecane
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Undecane
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Nylon-12
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Phenethyl Benzoate
Emollient
Tridecane
Perfuming
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingIsohexadecane
EmollientDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientTalc
Abrasive
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
Cleansing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPEG-8 Laurate
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Magnesium Sulfate
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientAlumina
Abrasive
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Propylene Carbonate
SolventArtemia Extract
Skin ConditioningBenzoic Acid
Masking
PEG-9
HumectantWater, Titanium Dioxide, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Undecane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Caprylyl Methicone, Nylon-12, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Phenethyl Benzoate, Tridecane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Silica, Triethylhexanoin, Isohexadecane, Dicaprylyl Ether, Talc, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Aluminum Stearate, PEG-8 Laurate, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium Sulfate, Caprylyl Glycol, Alumina, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Tocopherol, Propylene Carbonate, Artemia Extract, Benzoic Acid, PEG-9
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 3%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 4%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialIsododecane
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Nylon-12
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Quaternium-90 Bentonite
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Propylene Carbonate
SolventDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Antioxidant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2%, Homosalate 3%, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 4%, Water, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isododecane, Methyl Trimethicone, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Silica, Butylene Glycol, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Sodium Chloride, Nylon-12, Phenoxyethanol, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Tocopherol, Propylene Carbonate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Sorbic Acid, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, CI 77163, Iron Oxides, Tin Oxide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterTitanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.
Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.
With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.
Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.
Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
Learn more about IsododecaneDimethicone 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 DimethiconeC12-15 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 BenzoateNylon-12 is a polymer. It is derived from 12-aminododecanoic acid, an omega-amino fatty acid
According to a manufacturer, it is a talc substitute. Like talc, nylon-12 gives products a satin feel. The manufacturer also claims this ingredients does not block pores and has moderate oil absorption.
This ingredient may not be reef-safe.
Learn more about Nylon-12Silica 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 SilicaPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
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 GlycolTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolThis ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene CarbonateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
SkinCeuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense SPF50 37 ingredients
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Primer SPF15 31 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
SkinCeuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense SPF50 37 ingredients
Something in this product is really messing up my skin barrier and now everything I use hurts like hell. Very surprised having heard good things from this company.
Smells sooooo strong of sunscreen
