Neutrogena Healthy Defense Sensitive Moisturizer, SPF 50 Fragrance-Free
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 2 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
It is a mineral sunscreen. In other words, it contains non-organic UV filters. It will probably not sting your eyes but might leave a white cast.
This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.
Anti-agingNo ingredient credited for this claimWorks well
“From a dermatologist recommended brand, it helps prevent the signs of premature aging”
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 · C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Dimethicone + 8 moreWorks
“Sensitive Moisturizer, SPF 50 Fragrance-Free”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
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. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, caprylyl glycol.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy13 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Titanium dioxide5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideZinc oxide3%
- 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%
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~6.4–7.9%
- 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 benzoateEthylhexyl isononanoate~6.6–8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product consistency
More about Ethylhexyl isononanoateStyrene/acrylates copolymer~4.4–5.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create an even product consistency. Can help boost efficiency of sunscreen filters
More about Styrene/acrylates copolymerDimethicone~3.9–4.7%
- 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 DimethiconeSilica~3.2–3.9%
Ethylhexyl hydroxystearate~2.9–3.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss from it
More about Ethylhexyl hydroxystearateGlycerin~2.2–2.7%
- 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 GlycerinGlyceryl stearate~1.7–2.1%
- 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 stearateCetyl alcohol~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholPeg-100 stearate~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateEthylhexylglycerin~1–1.2%
Polyhydroxystearic acid~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidPhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolAlumina~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products
More about AluminaHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerPeg-75 stearate~0.7–1.05%
Pentylene glycol~0.7–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolBisabolol~0.55–0.85%
- 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 BisabololCaprylyl glycol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolIsohexadecane~0.6–0.95%
- 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 IsohexadecaneChlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Aluminum stearate~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to help evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in a formulation
More about Aluminum stearateDisodium edta~0.35–0.65%
Ppg-12/smdi copolymer~0.5–0.8%
Ceteth-20~0.5–0.75%
Steareth-20~0.35–0.65%
Dipropylene glycol dibenzoate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.2–0.4%
- 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilanePolysorbate 60~0.15–0.3%
Ppg-15 stearyl ether benzoate~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Bht~0.1–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Water, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Ethylhexyl isononanoate, Styrene/acrylates copolymer, Dimethicone, Silica, Ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, Glycerin, Glyceryl stearate, Cetyl alcohol, Peg-100 stearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Alumina, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Peg-75 stearate, Pentylene glycol, Bisabolol, Caprylyl glycol, Isohexadecane, Chlorphenesin, Aluminum stearate, Disodium edta, Ppg-12/smdi copolymer, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polysorbate 60, Ppg-15 stearyl ether benzoate, Bht
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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.
| Neutrogena Healthy DefenseSensitive Moisturizer, SPF 50 Fragrance-FreeYOUR PRODUCT | NeutrogenaHealthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50-Sensitive Skin | CeraVeHydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion | DRMTLGYChemical Free and Water Resistant SPF 49. Zinc Oxide Sunscreen that Protects Against UVA and UVB Radiation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 53% | 43% | 42% |
| Price | — | — | $15.99 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 4 of 6 |
| Key difference | — | — | Niacinamide | Cyclopentasiloxane |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 49 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Paula's choice Calm Redness Relief Daytime Moisturizer with SPF 30 - Oily SkinGlo Skin Beauty Solar Shade SPF 50
Product summary
We believe that "Neutrogena Healthy Defense - Sensitive Moisturizer, SPF 50 Fragrance-Free" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
This product should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
Sunscreen filters
This product is a mineral sunscreen. It uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for sun protection. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide almost never irritate even the most sensitive skin and eyes, but can leave a white cast.
Irritation risk
This product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be low. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails from 15.49$ up to 29.94$ 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 13 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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