Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 Untinted
Works for
0 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 5 UV filters · Partial spectrumWeak protection
This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.
Anti-agingTocopherolLimited evidence
“SPF 30 sunscreen provides broad spectrum daily protection against sun's damaging UV-burning and UV-aging rays.”
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).
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · Calcium pantothenate, Sodium hyaluronate + 10 moreGood evidence
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
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Ingredients
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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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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
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- 6
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