Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Review

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
2.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.9 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
30
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.2 out of 10.
✅ Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities.

  

Key Benefits of Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.2 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 2.9 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 30, Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 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 AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to your skincare routine:
 

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

If you use Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 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 Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 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 Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With an SPF of 30, Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 offers moderate to high sun protection, appropriate for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates.
 
That said, there are some things about Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 worth noting.
 
If you use Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 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.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
18.2
6
4
3
2.5
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Behenate
Function:
Origin:
Phenethyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.6
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.8
3.0
2.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.6 10
1.6
1.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.8 20
2.9
3.0
2.5
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.2
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
3
2.5
0.3
All occlusives 5.8 20
2.9
All occlusives
5.8
3.0
2.5
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
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
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. %55
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.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %18.2
Function
Origin
Zinc OxideA white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %6
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.
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Dimethicone
Est. %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.
Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeA silicone-based powerful emulsifier that helps to create lightweight and pleasant feeling lotions and creams.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Polyhydroxystearic AcidA soft and malleable amber wax naturally derived from vegetable sources. It allows minerals to be very finely dispersed, which can improve SPF, decrease the white cast in sunscreens, and increase the color expression in pigmented products.
Glycerin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Cetyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl DimethiconeA silicone-based emollient and occlusive ingredient that provides slip and adds shine to formulas.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Glyceryl Behenate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl BehenateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced emollient that can help create oil gels. It provides a soft feeling to the skin, improving product spread and reducing tackiness.
Phenethyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenethyl AlcoholA multifunctional ingredient that primarily serves as a preservative. Derived from the Chinese cinnamon tree, it provides broad-spectrum protection for skincare products through its antimicrobial efficacy.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/Dimethicone CopolymerA synthetic polymer that produces protective films across the skin and prevents caking in powdered products.
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.