Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Common questions

Is Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50 healthy?

Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50 scores 9/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the lower scores in Scout's catalog.

How does Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50 compare to other sunscreen?

Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ranks #56 of 58 sunscreen in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is KORUA Tallow Sunscreen Grass-Fed Organic SPF 50 at 100/100.

Which ingredients drive Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Tocopheryl Acetate counts in its favor; Isobutane, Homosalate, Avobenzone are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Neutrogena
9 Poor

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 6
Owned by Johnson & Johnson
Category Sunscreen
Summary

⚠ Contamination Alert Specific lots of this product were recalled in 2021 after independent lab testing detected benzene — a known human carcinogen — at levels exceeding the FDA's limit. The recall was confirmed by the FDA. J&J has since settled class action lawsuits and a wrongful death claim related to the contamination. No independent lab has publicly confirmed whether current formulations are free of benzene. Source: Valisure independent testing, 2021; FDA recall notice; Hux v. Neutrogena, settled 2024 Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 scores 9/100. Four chemical UV filters including 15% homosalate, synthetic fragrance, and aerosol delivery.

Key ingredients 8

Isobutane
Very Bad

Isobutane is an aerosol propellant that delivers fine mist particles easily inhaled during application. Aerosol sunscreens were central to the 2021 benzene contamination recalls, and inhalation exposure to propellant-carried chemical filters is a serious concern.

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Homosalate
Very Bad

Homosalate is a chemical UV filter present at 15%, among the highest concentrations allowed. It is absorbed through skin and has been linked to hormone disruption and is flagged by EWG as a high-concern filter.

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Fragrance
Very Bad

Synthetic fragrance is an undisclosed mix of chemicals that can trigger allergies and skin sensitization, especially problematic in a product applied over large body areas.

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Avobenzone
Bad

Avobenzone is a chemical UVA filter that absorbs into the bloodstream. While oxybenzone-free, it still carries concerns around skin sensitization and systemic absorption with regular use.

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Octocrylene
Bad

Octocrylene is a chemical UVB filter at 10% that can accumulate in the body and has been associated with skin irritation and potential endocrine activity.

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Octisalate
Bad

Octisalate (ethylhexyl salicylate) is a chemical UV filter that enhances absorption of other filters and has moderate concerns around hormone disruption with repeated exposure.

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Alcohol Denat.
Neutral

Denatured alcohol helps the spray dry quickly but can be drying and irritating to skin with repeated use, especially on sensitive areas.

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Tocopheryl Acetate
Good

Vitamin E acetate is an antioxidant that helps protect skin from oxidative stress caused by UV exposure. It is generally safe for topical use.

See more about Tocopheryl Acetate →

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