Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70
Summary
Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 70 scores 10/100 -- the lowest sunscreen on the platform after the legacy chemical-heavy aerosols. Homosalate at 15% (DOUBLE the EU 7.34% cap), Avobenzone 3%, Octisalate 5%, and Octocrylene at 7%. SPF 70+ products exist because consumers misuse SPF (no SPF above ~50 provides meaningfully more protection in real-world application), and the way you achieve SPF 70 on a label is by loading more chemical filters -- which is why this scores below the SPF 55 Ultra Sheer. Preservative includes methylisothiazolinone (the 2013 'Allergen of the Year'). Inactives also feature dimethicone, fragrance, BHT. Owned by Kenvue.
At a glance
Key ingredients 8
AvobenzoneNeutral
Chemical UVA filter -- the only FDA-approved broad-spectrum chemical UVA blocker. Photo-unstable; requires stabilizers. Less hormonal concern than oxybenzone/octinoxate.
See more about Avobenzone →Homosalate (15%)Very Bad
Chemical UV filter present at DOUBLE the EU maximum of 7.34% (capped due to endocrine-disruption concerns). Penetrates skin and detected in blood/breast milk per FDA studies.
See more about Homosalate (15%) →OctisalateBad
Chemical UV filter. Skin penetration and absorption confirmed in FDA studies. Less hormonal concern than oxybenzone but still systemic.
See more about Octisalate →OctocryleneBad
Chemical UV filter. Degrades into benzophenone (a Prop 65 carcinogen) over time. Skin sensitizer and aquatic toxin.
See more about Octocrylene →MethylisothiazolinoneVery Bad
Severe contact allergen. American Contact Dermatitis Society named MI 'Contact Allergen of the Year' in 2013. EU restricts in leave-on cosmetics.
See more about Methylisothiazolinone →DimethiconeBad
Silicone polymer. Non-biodegradable and persistent in the environment.
See more about Dimethicone →Fragrance (Parfum)Very Bad
Undisclosed proprietary blend that can legally contain 1000+ chemicals including phthalate carriers and EU-26 allergens. Top trigger for cosmetic contact dermatitis.
See more about Fragrance (Parfum) →BHTBad
Butylated hydroxytoluene -- synthetic antioxidant. NTP lists as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen' at high doses; flagged as endocrine disruptor by EWG.
See more about BHT →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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