Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Review

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35
1.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
35
SPF icon
SPF
Ingredients

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Homosalate, Oxybenzone, Octisalate, Avobenzone, Octocrylene, Dimethicone, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Glycerin, Trisiloxane, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Methicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylparaben, Cetearyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Methylisothiazolinone
Review

Does Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35 has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.4 out of 10.
✅ Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities.

  

Key Benefits of Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35 is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 1.6 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 1.2 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light 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.

☀️☀️ Moderate to High Sun Protection for Daily Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 35, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35 provides moderate to high sun protection, making it suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure, such as commuting or light outdoor activities.

This level of SPF offers excellent defense against UVB rays, blocking up to 97% of harmful radiation. When labeled as broad-spectrum, these products also protect against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation.

📌 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 works well for skin types mildly prone to sunburn. It is particularly suitable for low-to-moderate UV index environments and non-tropical climates. However, it is not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure or intense UV conditions. Reapplication every two hours is essential to maintain effectiveness.

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

Things to Be Aware Of: Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35 to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35 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 Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35 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 moderate to high sun protection, suitable for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates
 

⭕ Cons: 

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

Summary: Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With an SPF of 35, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35 offers moderate to high sun protection, appropriate for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates.
 
That said, there are some things about Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35 worth noting.
 
If you use Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35 as your primary moisturizer, please keep in mind that it provides only light hydration, which isn’t actually ideal for any skin type. While its low occlusivity may work for oily and combination skin, it lacks sufficient humectants, which are vital for effective hydration of any skin type. Therefore, for optimal moisturizing results, it should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
12
6
5
3
2.35
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Oxybenzone
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Trisiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Propylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Methylisothiazolinone
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.6
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.3
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.6 10
1.6
1.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.3 20
1.2
2.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.3
0.3
All humectants 1.6 10
1.6
All humectants
1.6
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2
0.3
All occlusives 2.3 20
1.2
All occlusives
2.3
2.0
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

Water
Est. %60
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Homosalate
Est. %12
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Oxybenzone
Est. %6
Function
Origin
OxybenzoneA chemical sunscreen that protects against burning caused by UVB radiation.
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.
Octocrylene
Est. %2.35
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Dimethicone
Est. %2
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. %1.5
Function
Origin
Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
Glycerin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Trisiloxane
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Trisiloxane
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Caprylyl Methicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl MethiconeA liquid silicone with occlusive moisturizing properties. Being compatible with natural oils is a challenge for most silicones, but caprylyl methicone plays well with all types of oils.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Methylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Cetearyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl GlucosideAn emulsifier that creates stable mixtures of oil in water that feel soft and spread easily. Cetearyl glucoside is sold with cetearyl alcohol as an emulsifier blend and also provides some body to the formula.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Propylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
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.
Methylisothiazolinone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylisothiazolinoneA synthetic preservative often paired with methylchloroisothiazolinone. It has been reported to cause some irritation, which is why it is mostly used in wash-off products.