Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55

Common questions

Is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55 healthy?

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55 scores 13/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the lower scores in Scout's catalog. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55 scores 13/100.

How does Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55 compare to other sunscreen?

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55 ranks #54 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 Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Avobenzone, Homosalate (15%), Octisalate 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 Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55

Neutrogena
13 Poor

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 7
Owned by Kenvue (Johnson & Johnson spinoff)
Category Sunscreen
Summary

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55 scores 13/100. The defining issue is Homosalate at 15% -- DOUBLE the EU's 7.34% maximum cap (set in 2022 due to endocrine-disruption concerns). Plus Avobenzone 3% + Octisalate 5% + Octocrylene 2.78%. FDA's 2020 absorption study found Neutrogena formulations with this filter combo produced bloodstream homosalate levels above the FDA's 0.5 ng/mL threshold for triggering safety review after a single application. The 'Helioplex' branding refers to the diethylhexyl 2,6-naphthalate (DEHN) photostabilizer, which extends avobenzone shelf life but is itself a phthalate-related compound. Inactive base includes dimethicone, BHT, ethylhexylglycerin. Owned by Kenvue (Johnson & Johnson spinoff).

Key ingredients 8

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.

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Avobenzone
Bad

Chemical UV filter with systemic absorption — Scout prefers mineral filters.

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Octisalate
Bad

Chemical UV filter. Skin penetration and absorption confirmed in FDA studies. Less hormonal concern than oxybenzone but still systemic.

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Octocrylene
Bad

Chemical UV filter. Degrades into benzophenone (a Prop 65 carcinogen) over time. Skin sensitizer and aquatic toxin.

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Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate (Helioplex)

Avobenzone photostabilizer. Structurally related to phthalates; long-term safety data limited.

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Dimethicone
Bad

Silicone polymer. Non-biodegradable and persistent in the environment.

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BHT
Bad

Butylated hydroxytoluene -- synthetic antioxidant. NTP lists as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen' at high doses; flagged as endocrine disruptor by EWG.

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Ethylhexylglycerin
Bad

Synthetic preservative-booster — CIR-safe and well-tolerated, but a petroleum-derived synthetic that clean brands typically replace with food-grade/natural systems. Minor clean-beauty demerit.

See more about Ethylhexylglycerin →

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