Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55
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).
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 →Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate (Helioplex)
Avobenzone photostabilizer. Structurally related to phthalates; long-term safety data limited.
See more about Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate (Helioplex) →DimethiconeBad
Silicone polymer. Non-biodegradable and persistent in the environment.
See more about Dimethicone →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 →EthylhexylglycerinBad
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 →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.
Download on theApp Store