Neutrogena

Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 50+

Exceptional broad spectrum UV protection.

Hybrid Chemical DominantCream
62
ModerateOverall Rating
Based on formula analysis

Skin Type Match

35%

Matte · Drying · Protective

Pros
  • High SPF protection
  • No drying alcohols
  • Safe with exfoliants
Cons
  • Exacerbates dry texture
  • Lacks deep moisture
  • High irritation risk
View other sunscreens for Textured Dry Skin

Performance Scores

SPF Level

Excellent

The active ingredient list prominently features strong UVB filters such as Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, and Ethylhexyl Triazone to ensure extreme exposure protection.

Broad Spectrum

Excellent

Avobenzone (peak 357 nm), Bisoctrizole (peak 360 nm), and Bemotrizinol (peak 345 nm) provide redundant and continuous coverage across the critical 340-400 nm UVA I range.

Sweat Resistance

Poor

The presence of Triacontanyl PVP and Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer provides strong water-proofing capabilities, but without a formal label claim, verified durability remains unconfirmed.

Photo Stability

Excellent

Cosmetic science literature confirms that the high concentration of Octocrylene (position 3) acts as an effective triplet-state quencher to stabilize Avobenzone.

Visible Light

Poor

Absence of any iron oxide color indices (e.g., CI 77491) or non-nano mineral pigments in the ingredient list; the included Titanium Dioxide is explicitly nano-sized and transparent.

Irritation Risk

High Risk

Dermatological literature identifies octocrylene and avobenzone as common chemical culprits for subjective stinging, particularly in patients with rosacea or compromised skin barriers.

Pore Clogging

Medium Risk

Clinical comedogenicity scales typically rate cetyl alcohol, ceteth-20, and steareth-20 at 2/5, indicating mild potential to induce follicular hyperkeratosis.

White Cast

Medium Risk

Bisoctrizole is a microfine organic particulate that scatters UV and visible light, frequently causing a visible white cast on Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin (Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed).


Ingredients Analysis

Active Filters

Homosalate ChemicalUVB

Laboratory studies indicate homosalate may act as an endocrine disruptor by interfering with hormone systems [1.1].

Octocrylene ChemicalUVB / UVA II

Banned in several jurisdictions due to evidence of coral toxicity and accumulation in marine life.

Avobenzone ChemicalUVA I / UVA II

Rapidly degrades under UV exposure losing significant UVA protection capacity unless stabilized by other filters.

Octisalate ChemicalUVB

Clinical trials demonstrate systemic absorption into the bloodstream exceeding the FDA threshold requiring further safety testing.

Bisoctrizole HybridBroad Spectrum UV
Ethylhexyl Triazone ChemicalUVB

Currently not approved by the United States FDA for use in sunscreens though it is widely approved in the EU and other global markets.

Bemotrizinol ChemicalBroad Spectrum UV

Identified in recent dermatological literature as a rare but emerging cause of allergic contact dermatitis.

Titanium Dioxide MineralUVB / UVA II

Classified as a possible human carcinogen if inhaled making spray and powder formulations a potential risk while dermal application remains safe

Key Inactive Ingredients

Water WaterSolvent
Glycerin GlycerinHumectant
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate Mattifying AgentSensory Modifier

May contain trace heavy metal impurities like arsenic and lead but cosmetic grade material is strictly regulated to remain within safe food grade limits [2.8].

Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate PowderSensory Modifier
Diisopropyl Adipate Oil BasedSolvent
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate AnionicEmulsifier
Phenoxyethanol PhenoxyethanolPreservative

Generally well tolerated but can cause contact dermatitis or skin irritation in rare cases, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Triacontanyl PVP Synthetic PolymerFilm Former
Cetyl Alcohol WaxThickener
Glyceryl Stearate NonionicEmulsifier
Hydroxyacetophenone SyntheticAntioxidant

Whilewidelyconsideredsafeandnon-sensitizingbytheCIR, rarecasereportsofallergiccontactdermatitisfromcosmeticproductshavebeendocumented[1.1].

Silica Mattifying AgentSensory Modifier
Vitamin E Acetate VitaminAntioxidant
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters Fatty Acid EsterEmollient
PEG-75 Stearate NonionicEmulsifier

PEG compounds may contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, which are probable carcinogens created as byproducts during the ethoxylation manufacturing process [1.7].

Dimethicone SiliconeEmollient
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer PolymericThickener
Ceteth-20 NonionicEmulsifier

May contain trace amounts of dioxane and ethylene oxide which are probable carcinogens as byproducts of the ethoxylation manufacturing process [1.10].

Fragrance SyntheticFragrance

Undisclosedfragranceblendsareamongthemostcommoncausesofcontactdermatitisandskinsensitizationincosmeticproducts[1.6].

Steareth-20 NonionicEmulsifier

As an ethoxylated compound it may be contaminated with trace amounts of dioxane and ethylene oxide which are probable human carcinogens formed during the manufacturing process [2.1].

Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer SiliconeFilm Former

As a silicone based copolymer it may contain trace amounts of cyclic siloxanes such as D4 and D5 from the manufacturing process which are monitored due to environmental persistence and toxicity concerns [2.1].

Disodium EDTA EDTAChelating Agent

Poorly biodegradable in the environment and can accumulate in aquatic ecosystems where it may mobilize heavy metals.

Jojoba Esters Fatty Acid EsterEmollient
Sodium Hydroxide BasepH Adjuster