Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Review

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
1.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
45
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.0 out of 10.
✅ High sun protection for extended outdoor activities and exposure.

  

Key Benefits of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 0.6 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 1.5 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.

☀️☀️☀️ High Sun Protection for Extended Outdoor Activities and Exposure

With an SPF of 45, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 provides high sun protection, making it ideal for prolonged outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, sports, or spending time at the beach.

This level of SPF blocks up to 98% of UVB rays, significantly reducing the risk of sunburn. When formulated as broad-spectrum, it also protects against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and long-term damage.

This level of SPF is recommended for most skin types, including those with moderate sun sensitivity. For individuals with fair or very sensitive skin, or under intense sun exposure, a higher SPF of 50+ is advised.

❗️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.

It's important to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating 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 Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 to your skincare routine:
 

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

If you use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 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 Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 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 high sun protection, ideal for prolonged outdoor activities such as hiking or beach outings, and suitable for most skin types
 

⭕ Cons: 

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

Summary: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With an SPF of 45, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 delivers high sun protection, well-suited for extended outdoor activities such as hiking or beach outings, and compatible with most skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 worth noting.
 
If you use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 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
60
10
10
5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Trideceth-6
Function:
Origin:
Jojoba Esters
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.6 10
0.6
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.0 20
1.5
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.6 10
0.6
All humectants
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 3.0 20
1.5
All occlusives
3.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
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
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
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. %10
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.
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Silica
Est. %2
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
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.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %1.3
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.
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.

Beeswax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BeeswaxA waxy substance made by bees while they are building their honeycombs. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient with wound healing and antimicrobial properties similar to those of honey. Its bleached, purified form is called Cera alba.
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.
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.
Cetyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl DimethiconeA silicone-based emollient and occlusive ingredient that provides slip and adds shine to formulas.
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.
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.
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum Starch OctenylsuccinateAn absorbent that takes in oils from the skin to reduce the oily sheen. It can also absorb oils from the skincare product itself, resulting in a softer, less greasy product, normally with better spreadability and less tack.
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.
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.
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.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 CrosspolymerA self-emulsifying surfactant, which means that it can help facilitate the formation of water-in-silicone emulsions. This results in lightweight formulas with a soft finish. It can also act as a film-former and thickener.
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Jojoba EstersAn occlusive moisturizing mixture of fatty acids and fatty alcohols obtained from jojoba oil. It is also used as a formula helper.
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.
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.
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl StearateA palm-derived emollient ester with good lubricity that leaves a smooth after-feel on the skin.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

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.
Trideceth-6
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trideceth-6
Jojoba Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Jojoba EstersA mixture of various wax esters from jojoba oil. It is used in skincare products as a fantastic emollient, soothing, and occlusive moisturizing agent that won't leave a sticky, oily feeling on the skin.