Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 Untinted
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 4 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.
Anti-agingTocopherolWorks well
“SPF 30 sunscreen provides broad spectrum daily protection against sun's damaging UV-burning and UV-aging rays.”
This product can help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.
Evens skin toneSide benefit · No ingredient credited for this claimWorks well
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane + 11 moreWorks
“Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 Untinted”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy9 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Ensulizole. A UV filter that is effective against UVB rays. Does not protect against UVA light. It is photostable and can be used to help stabilize other sunscreen ingredients. It is water-soluble meaning that it can help create lighter sunscreen formulations
More about Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acidEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate7.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctocrylene7.5%
- 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 OctocryleneZinc oxide1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant
More about Zinc oxideWater~45–55%
Glycerin~5.5–6.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinIsohexadecane~4.6–5.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent
More about IsohexadecaneButyloctyl salicylate~4.7–5.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own
More about Butyloctyl salicylateCyclopentasiloxane~3.6–4.4%
- 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 CyclopentasiloxanePeg-100 stearate~2.6–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateGlyceryl stearate~2.1–2.6%
- 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 stearateCetearyl alcohol~1.8–2.2%
- 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 alcoholTriethoxycaprylylsilane~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation
More about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneTriethanolamine~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolamineBehenyl alcohol~0.8–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholSodium hyaluronate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateCyclohexasiloxane~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxaneCodium tomentosum extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Bht~0.4–0.65%
Tocopherol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolCalcium pantothenate~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps support skin barrier function improving skin hydration and reducing sensitivity
More about Calcium pantothenateBisabolol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololDicetyl phosphate~0.4–0.6%
Ceteth-10 phosphate~0.45–0.65%
Propylene glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolButylene glycol~0.3–0.55%
- 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 glycolTrimethylolpropane triethylhexanoate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideSodium acrylates copolymer~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylates copolymerXanthan gum~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPhenoxyethanol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolMethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Ethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Propylparaben~0.15–0.25%
Isobutylparaben~0.05–0.1%
Butylparaben~0.05%
Ingredient list view
Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Zinc oxide, Water, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Butyloctyl salicylate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Peg-100 stearate, Glyceryl stearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Triethanolamine, Behenyl alcohol, Sodium hyaluronate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Codium tomentosum extract, Bht, Tocopherol, Calcium pantothenate, Bisabolol, Dicetyl phosphate, Ceteth-10 phosphate, Propylene glycol, Butylene glycol, Trimethylolpropane triethylhexanoate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Sodium acrylates copolymer, Xanthan gum, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| NeutrogenaHealthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 UntintedYOUR PRODUCT | Up&UpMorning Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen SPF 30 | ObagiSun Shield Matte SPF50 Cream | CeraVeAM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 38% | 36% | 36% |
| Price | — | $25.69 | $59.00 | $19.99 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 11 | 4 of 11 | 5 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Dimethicone | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: DHC Suncut Q10 Perfect Milk SPF 50+ PA++++SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 50+
Product summary
"Neutrogena - Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 Untinted" does not provide enough UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage the skin, leading to early signs of aging and pigmentation issues.
It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: butyloctyl salicylate 4.70% - 5.70%, octinoxate 7.50% (declared), octocrylene 7.50% (declared) and ensulizole 2.00% (declared).
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be low. 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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 20 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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