Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 Review

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
0.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
30
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 has to offer:
 
  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 0.4 out of 10.
  • Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities

Key Benefits of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray SPF 30

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray SPF 30:
 

Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 0.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product is purely occlusive, but with a low Occlusivity of 0.8 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.

Moderate to High Sun Protection for Daily Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 30, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray 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 Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray SPF 30

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 to your skincare routine:
 

As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray 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 Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray SPF 30

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray 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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
40
22
11
8
8
5
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Isobutane
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Polyester-7
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.5
1.5
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.5 20
0.8
1.5
Moisturizing rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.5
All occlusives 1.5 20
0.8
All occlusives
1.5
1.5
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
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Alcohol Denat.
Est. %40
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Isobutane
Est. %22
Function
Origin
IsobutaneA compressed gas used in aerosol cans to help expel and foam skin care products.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Homosalate
Est. %8
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Octocrylene
Est. %8
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.
Polyester-7
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Polyester-7
Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Neopentyl Glycol DiheptanoateAn emollient ester with an exceptionally lightweight feel. It absorbs quickly and produces a silky feel with excellent spreadability. It also serves as an excellent solvent and is commonly used to suspend sunscreen actives.
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.
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.