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

Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
0.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ has to offer:
 
  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 0.2 out of 10.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Key Benefits of Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+:
 

Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 0.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product is purely occlusive, but with a low Occlusivity of 0.4 out of 10. It has zero Humectancy as we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list.

This type of product provides relatively light occlusive moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Very High Sun Protection for Prolonged Sun Exposure, All Skin Types, and High-risk Conditions

With an SPF of 50, Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ provides very high sun protection, suitable for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, beach vacations, or high-altitude environments.

This level of SPF blocks 98% or more of UVB rays, offering the highest level of defense against sunburn. Broad-spectrum formulations also provide strong protection against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging, pigmentation, and DNA damage.

For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF is ideal for all skin types, particularly fair, sensitive, or post-treatment skin (e.g., after laser or chemical procedures). It is also highly recommended for individuals at greater risk of skin cancer.

For extended outdoor activities or water exposure, choose a water-resistant formula and reapply every two hours for maximum effectiveness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ to your skincare routine:
 

As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
  • Provides very high sun protection, ideal for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude environments, and beach vacations, suitable for all skin types

Cons: 

  • Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
35
22
15
10
5
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Polyethylene
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Ozokerite
Function:
Origin:
Paraffin
Function:
Origin:
Synthetic Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
VP/Eicosene Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Neopentyl Glycol Diisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
Function:
Origin:
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
0.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
0.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Est. %35
Function
Origin
Neopentyl Glycol DiethylhexanoateNeopentyl glycol diethylhexanoate is a blend of neopentyl glycol, an organic chemical compound used in production of lubricants, and hexanoic fatty acid. The ingredient has similar properties to its brother - Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate. It also serves as an emollient or a formula thickness adjuster.
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Octyldodecyl NeopentanoateA synthetic emollient ester. This clear, colorless liquid has a unique sensorial profile that is light and silky, with good lubricity.
Homosalate
Est. %15
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Octocrylene
Est. %10
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Octisalate
Est. %5
Function
Origin
OctisalateA UVB sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl salicylate. It is normally paired with UVA sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection. Octisalate also protects other ingredients, like colorants and antioxidants, from deterioration due to exposure to UV light.
Avobenzone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
AvobenzoneA popular sunscreen that protects against UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin cancer. Avobenzone degrades after about 30 minutes of sun exposure and becomes ineffective. It is therefore often paired with UV-filter stabilizers such as octocrylene.
Polyethylene
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PolyethyleneCommonly used in dense plastic packaging, its primary function in skincare is as a film-forming agent, which protects the product from being easily rinsed away by water or sweat. It also controls viscosity by increasing the thickness of oily products.
Isohexadecane
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Butyloctyl SalicylateA synthetic emollient and solvent. It is primarily used as a carrier oil to disperse minerals in, including pigments and sunscreen minerals. It can also absorb UV light, thus boosting the SPF of sunscreen products.
Ozokerite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
OzokeriteA petroleum based wax that comes in a variety of forms, all with different melting points and therefore different performance and feel. Overall ozokerite is often used for solid products like lipsticks.
Paraffin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ParaffinParaffin is a petroleum-based, very oily, emollient and extremely occlusive mixture of purified hydrocarbons, also known as mineral oil. Depending on the molecule's size, it can either be a liquid, a solid, or anything in between. To learn more about liquid paraffin and its effects on our skin, read here.
Synthetic Beeswax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Synthetic BeeswaxA synthetic blend of fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and other ingredients that are combined to mimic natural beeswax.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
VP/Eicosene Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
VP/Eicosene Copolymer
Neopentyl Glycol Diisostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Neopentyl Glycol Diisostearate
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.