Neutrogena Firming Face & Neck Cream, SPF 15
Works for
1 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 15 · 5 UV filters · Broad spectrumWeak protectionSPF under 30
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
MoisturizingDimethicone, Pantothenic acid + 8 moreGood evidence
“Firming Face & Neck Cream, SPF 15”
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: dimethicone, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
Anti-agingAscorbic acid, Retinyl palmitateLimited evidence
“This hypoallergenic face cream visibly helps firm and improve skin's elasticity and texture, for younger-looking skin in just four weeks.”
This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.
The biggest anti-aging effect in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing early signs of skin aging. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Parfum, Retinyl palmitate + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Butylene glycol~5.5–6.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolC12-15 alkyl benzoate~4.4–5.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateTetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine~3.2–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Silica~2.5–3.1%
Cetearyl alcohol~2–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholCyclopentasiloxane~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneBenzyl alcohol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholDimethicone~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeSteareth-2~0.7–1%
Glyceryl stearate~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateSteareth-21~0.55–0.8%
Phenoxyethanol~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCitric acid~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPolyacrylamide~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamideAluminum starch octenylsuccinate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product's consistency
More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateCetearyl glucoside~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
More about Cetearyl glucosideDimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerParfum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumArachidyl alcohol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Arachidyl alcoholPeg-100 stearate~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateC13-14 isoparaffin~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinDisodium edta~0.15–0.3%
Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Ethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Behenyl alcohol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerPropylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to increase stability of product formulations
More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamateArachidyl glucoside~0.2–0.35%
Laureth-7~0.2–0.35%
Polymethyl methacrylate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to enhance product texture and can help to optically mask skin imperfections
More about Polymethyl methacrylateTocopheryl acetate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetatePantothenic acid~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and may help reduce inflammation in skin
More about Pantothenic acidRetinyl palmitate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect
More about Retinyl palmitateAscorbic acid~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneHomosalate12%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation
More about HomosalateEthylhexyl salicylate5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateOctocrylene5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about OctocryleneBenzophenone-33%
- Irritation risk
- High
Same as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorption
More about Benzophenone-3Water~0.2–0.35%
Butylene glycol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolC12-15 alkyl benzoate~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateTetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Silica~0.3–0.6%
Cetearyl alcohol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholCyclopentasiloxane~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneBenzyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholDimethicone~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeSteareth-2~0.25–0.45%
Glyceryl stearate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateSteareth-21~0.3–0.6%
Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCitric acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPolyacrylamide~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamideAluminum starch octenylsuccinate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product's consistency
More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateCetearyl glucoside~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
More about Cetearyl glucosideDimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerParfum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumArachidyl alcohol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Arachidyl alcoholPeg-100 stearate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateC13-14 isoparaffin~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinDisodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Ethylparaben~0.2–0.4%
Behenyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerPropylparaben~0.2–0.35%
Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to increase stability of product formulations
More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamateArachidyl glucoside~0.2–0.4%
Laureth-7~0.2–0.35%
Polymethyl methacrylate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to enhance product texture and can help to optically mask skin imperfections
More about Polymethyl methacrylateTocopheryl acetate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetatePantothenic acid~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and may help reduce inflammation in skin
More about Pantothenic acidRetinyl palmitate~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect
More about Retinyl palmitateAscorbic acid~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidIngredient list view
Water, Butylene glycol, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine, Silica, Cetearyl alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Benzyl alcohol, Dimethicone, Steareth-2, Glyceryl stearate, Steareth-21, Phenoxyethanol, Citric acid, Polyacrylamide, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Cetearyl glucoside, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Parfum, Arachidyl alcohol, Peg-100 stearate, C13-14 isoparaffin, Disodium edta, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Behenyl alcohol, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Propylparaben, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Arachidyl glucoside, Laureth-7, Polymethyl methacrylate, Tocopheryl acetate, Pantothenic acid, Retinyl palmitate, Ascorbic acid, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Benzophenone-3, Water, Butylene glycol, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine, Silica, Cetearyl alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Benzyl alcohol, Dimethicone, Steareth-2, Glyceryl stearate, Steareth-21, Phenoxyethanol, Citric acid, Polyacrylamide, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Cetearyl glucoside, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Parfum, Arachidyl alcohol, Peg-100 stearate, C13-14 isoparaffin, Disodium edta, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Behenyl alcohol, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Propylparaben, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Arachidyl glucoside, Laureth-7, Polymethyl methacrylate, Tocopheryl acetate, Pantothenic acid, Retinyl palmitate, Ascorbic acid
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Product summary
"Neutrogena - Firming Face & Neck Cream, SPF 15" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of this moisturizer is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
This moisturizer should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day.
Sunscreen filters
This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: oxybenzone 3.00% (declared), avobenzone 3.00% (declared), octisalate 5.00% (declared), homosalate 12.00% (declared) and octocrylene 5.00% (declared).
Irritation risk
We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails from 12.47$ up to 13.99$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 9 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 3
- 4Safety Assessment of Isoparaffins as Used in Cosmeticsjournals.sagepub.com
- 5
- 6
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