Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen vs. Ultra Sheer vs. Dry Touch: Which is Right for You?

• About Neutrogena Sunscreens

Born in 1954, Neutrogena is a dermatologically-recommended skincare brand, committed to delivering compromise-free solutions that make a real, and long-lasting, difference. One of the best things about Neutrogena sunscreen products is that there are so many to choose from. You can find the exact level of protection that you need and options that will work great for your specific skin type. The Neutrogena sunscreen products are formulated specifically to provide you with great protection that will last a long time. Each of these is a different type of active sunscreen, which are combined to optimize protection. Each formula will have one or more of these ingredients to help ensure your skin is protected.

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• The Difference & Reviews

| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50

($9.97/88ml, up to 4% cashback Walmart)

Details: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizing Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF delivers superior broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and hydration with a water-light, refreshing feel. This water-resistant sunscreen lotion for face & body leaves skin looking healthy and moisturized for up to eight hours without any greasy residue or white marks. The non-greasy sunscreen has a light, clean feel and layers invisibly under makeup.

Type of protection: Chemical

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%), Oxybenzone (5%).

Right for: All skin types except sensitive skin.

Review: Water-gel, as everyone knows, is the most fun product texture in the skin-care world. The lotion is lightweight and spreads easily, so this drugstore-priced tube lasts for a long time. Once it's applied, the non-greasy formula dries down quickly. The gel itself has a slight blue tint. Fortunately, it goes away once you start rubbing it in. There is a scent, but it's not a typical sunscreen smell. If you've ever used any of Neutrogena's other Hydro Boost products, it's the same fragrance. 

Also, while Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 50 has a high level of protection, is quite affordable, and has a great texture and formula, there are quite a few issues with the formula that aren’t easily overlooked. It contains oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is common in chemical sunscreens and also stabilizes the avobenzone and blocks UVB and UVA wavelengths, but oxybenzone is considered an 8 on the EWG toxicity scale which is pretty high. There is research that suggests that it is linked to skin cancers and it has been proven to contribute to coral bleaching.

So if you are concerned about the negative effects of oxybenzone bleaching coral reefs though. You can continue to use the Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen in your daily life, but when you go to the beach, choose other sunscreens without oxybenzone.

| Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55

($11.99, up to 2% cashback at CVS)

Details: Help give your skin superior protection from harsh outdoor elements with Neutrogena Beach Defense Body Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 50. Featuring an oxybenzone-free formula and with Helioplex Technology, it offers superior broad- spectrum protection from skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays. This body sunscreen lotion is lightweight, oil-free, PABA-free, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. 

Type of protection: Chemical

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%).

Right for: Great for all skin types.

Review: Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer is a bestseller for a reason. Unlike most sunblock lotions, the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55 does not have a runny consistency. Instead, it is thick and creamy. But, again, unlike most other sunblocks, it is easily absorbed into your skin with quick massage, without leaving behind a film of grease. The product also has a very light lotion-like fragrance, making it perfect for those who prefer products that do not have a strong fragrance. It is also water-resistant to help protect in the pool and at the beach or lake.

However, it do feel oily post 4hrs though Neutrogena product complies best tested. It should be said not for very oily skin type if living in high humid area.

| Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen SPF 50

($10.99/59ml, up to 6% cashback Walgreens)

Details: Formulated specifically for facial skin, this facial sunscreen lotion contains antioxidants and layers invisibly under makeup. It features a naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide active ingredient sunscreen formula that offers superior broad spectrum SPF 50 protection against burning UVB and aging UVA rays. Purescreen Technology helps absorb, reflect, and scatter dangerous sunrays, while Dry-Touch technology helps ensure that the sheer sunscreen dries with a non-greasy, lightweight finish. Free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, dyes, and irritating chemicals, this gentle water-resistant face sunscreen won't sting eyes. 

Type of protection: Physical

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide (21.6%).

Right for: Those with sensitive and acne-prone skin, as well as those who have rosacea and dark spots.

Review: Neutrogena sheer zinc sunscreen is a nice one to have adequate protection. It has a medium thick consistency and is also slightly sticky that does not spread very easily over skin. It leaves white cast, therefore, it will be suitable for fairer skin tones. If you have dry skin, Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Sunscreen SPF 50 will exacerbate the flakiness of your skin. Make sure you've properly moisturized your skin before applying this sunscreen if you don't want it to accentuate your face dandruff.

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