Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ Review

What it claims: Neutrogena Ultra sheer dry touch sunblock SPF 50+  (PA +++) is a breakthrough in sun protection. 

Stabilized withHelioplex™ Technology it provides superior balanced broad spectrum protection against skin aging UVA and burning UVB rays and combines it with Dry Touch Technology for an ultra light, non shiny finish. This light weight sun block has a light fresh scent and is gentle enough even for sensitive skin. broad spectrum uva - uvb PA+++ (uva protection rating)

•   Micronized silica powder absorbs extra sunscreen oils  

•   Waterproof, sweat-proof, resists rub-off, non-comedogenic  

•   Light fresh scent, oil-free, PABA-free  

How and When To Use It:  
Apply liberally on face and body 15 - 30 minutes before sun exposure.   For added protection, reapply after swimming,  excessive perspiration, towel drying or extended sun exposure. 

Warning: For external use only. 

Use before 24 months from date of manufacture

Price: Rs. 150 for 30 ml tube

Ingredient list: (not given on the pack - the pack only says contains Iodine): 
Active: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone. 

Inactive: Water, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Diethylhexyl 2, 6 - Napthalate, Beeswax, Caprylyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, BHT, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG - 100 Stearate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Acrylates/C12 - 22 Alkylmethacrylate Copolymer, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Trideceth - 6, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Disodium EDTA, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance.

Pros: 
1. Provides high levels of both UVA (PA +++) and UVB protection due to the patented Helioplex technology: The main challenge in providing effective protection from UVA rays is that traditional chemicals used in sunscreens that absorb UVA light degrade quickly and become ineffective.Helioplex combines two existing sunscreens, avobenzone and oxybenzone, which block UVA  and UVB  rays. But the avobenzone is in a more stable form, so it doesn't lose its effectiveness with exposure to sunlight. Neutrogena® developed the Helioplex™ technology in 2005. Helioplex® helps protect skin by chemically absorbing harmful UV photos and converting the UV energy to make Avobenzone photostable. This allows sunscreens with Helioplex® to deliver high, broad-spectrum and photostable protection after 5 hours of sun exposure. 

2. Is not greasy like other sunscreens I have tried in the past. It absorbs instantly and gives a very dry, smooth  finish, but it also did not dry out my skin. It also spreads easily like a lotion, I have had problems with other brand sunblocks in the past and found that they were difficult to spread and required a lot of rubbing in. 

3. Despite being a sunblock it does not leave a whitish cast on the face. I prefer sunblocks to sunscreens, simply because I like their method of sun protection of staying as a barrier on the skin instead of getting absorbed. - just a personal preference. Below is a comparison of the two from Wikipedia: 

Sunblock
Although some believe that sunblock and sunscreen are both the same, they are not. Although they have similar properties Sunblock is opaque and is stronger than sunscreen since it is able to block majority of the UVA/UVB rays and radiation from the sun, thus not having to be reapplied several times a day. Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are two of the important ingredients in sunblock.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is more transparent once applied to the skin and also has the ability to protect against UVA/UVB rays as well. Although the sunscreen's ingredients  break down at a faster rate once exposed to sunlight, and some of the radiation is able to penetrate to the skin. In order for sunscreen to be more effective you'll have to consistently reapply and use a higher spf 

4. Smells ok to me, mild fragrance that dissipates quickly

5. Because it is made with Helioplex technology it is more stable and re-application is needed only once every 4 hours

6. Small tube - easy to carry on the go. 

7. Did not cause any breakouts - again a concern for me as sunscreens tend to make me breakout

8. Did not ball up during re-application, it went on smoothly even then, and was absorbed instantly. 

Cons
1. Apply this to absolutely dry skin or else it will not be absorbed and will leave a whitish cast

2. Does not seem to suit all.  Sunscreens/sunblocks tend to highly potent cocktails of chemicals as compared to your average moisturizer - hence it is essential to do a patch test first on the arm if you know you have a tendency to react. 

3. Does give a slightly shiny look to the face. It only looks a little shiny, but does not feel oily or greasy

4. I have not tried this under make up or over moisturiser - so frankly I have no idea how it would fare. I don't feel like wearing any make up, frankly, in Mumbai's hot humid summers - I generally just wear sunscreen and a lip balm or lipstick. 

5. Tends to stain white collars a very very light yellow. But that comes off with washing. 

6. Ingredient listing is not given on the pack - in fact it only says a cryptic contains Iodine. 

7. Abroad this product seems to have been discontinued and replaced with SPF 55, in addition to 70+ and 100+ SPF range formulated with the same Helioplex. Sadly we have only a single SPF to choose from.  

Will I repurchase: Yes. This is probably the first sunblock/sunscreen I have liked in a long long time - that my skin seemed to like it as well. . I was earlier using Biotique Aloe Vera SPF 75 - but it would make me break into a sweat the moment I would step out of the house and get all washed off - so I stopped using that and relied on make up with SPF for the protection. But hot long summer days call for extra protection and I will be using this. 

Comments

  1. Thanks for putting up the ingredient list on this one. I wonder why so many companies don't put up the lists on the pack. I wanted to try this, and this reviewed helped.

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  2. Hmm I wonder why I never bought any sunscreen. Now I don't need it as I stay at home 24/5 :p
    Great review :)

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  3. Hey Tanveer!!!

    I guess you has a long great week end.You just vanished after friday..I have never tried neutrogena product probably because i never came across any store of it in Delhi..

    will try this if i come across in future.

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  4. Have never tried Neutrogena. I have the tendency to get lots of tiny sweat drops if I apply any sunscreen. As of now, loving the Cucumber one from AromaMagic.

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  5. I use a tiny amount of this over my moisturiser. Otherwise, I do tend to feel oddly shiny. I like this sunblock a lot though! :)

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  6. I was in fact xpecting some fragrance from this :) LOL

    why do these ppl discontinue products which tend to become staples? to somebody at least? SPF 100 sounds scorching :)

    non-greasy? BINGO :) I AM IN...i have to finish my biotique red sandalwood first :) hope u had a great weekend, love :)

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  7. I have always appreciated the fact that Neutrogena lists its full ingredients. Lovely and detailed review. :)

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  8. Perfect timing for me! Was checking out this product at the store a few days ago.

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  9. Hey T,Thanks for the info.. i have really improved on my knowledge on sunscreens and sunblocks..I didnt know the diff..

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  10. Nice review...have been using it after your recommendation...Its a perfect for me...I use to use it after moisturiser but it would make my face all shiny for some time so now I dont ude moisturiser just this...

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  11. Hi Tanveer

    I have used this sunscreen for almost 6 months along with Neutrogena Healthy Moisturizer with SPF 45 and the dry touch one with SPF 70. I loved it when I was using it. It was non greasy and has very high spf. However after six months of use i got horrible skin reaction. Evrytime I would put this and go out in the sun my skin would turn red and very very itchy. I went to the dermatologist ...spent a mini fortune there ..the redness went after like 2 weeks. But as soon as i put the Sunscreen again I got this itchy red patches on my face.Just wanted to let you know..

    Btw i love your blog :)

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  12. @Rads: Hey! Glad to know that the review helped. i totally agree with you - I too like prdts that provide the complete ingredient list - they just seem less fishy.

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  13. @Sarah: So cool! U get to chill out at home :).

    @Anamika: Yup. I had an off on Friday and so I took a break from the online world - just read up on my other hobbies of mythology and stuff.

    @Poornima: I have the same problem of sweat drops.. Didn't have it with this though. Waiting for your review of Aromamagic :)

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  14. @Ki: Glad to know tht u like this too..

    @Divs: I had a very nice weekend. Managed to pick up Vogue Make up & Bobbi Brown Living Beauty for 40% discount :)... I think the SPF 100+ is like gr8 for ppl in India who spend long hours outside :)

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  15. @Gurpreet: Yr welcome :)

    @Shweta: Glad u liked it :).. I too use it w/o moisturizer.

    @Anon: Thks for the update :)... Glad u like the blog & too bad this thing didn't work out for you.. maybe some other sunscreen will..

    Btw, just to clarify, you say "I used this sunscreen for almost 6 months along with Neutrogena Healthy Moisturizer with SPF 45 and the dry touch one with SPF 70" - so you were like using all 3 products together?...

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  16. Hey Tanveer

    Nope not together...I got the Healthy Moisturizer and the dry touch with SPF 70 from US. Initially I was using for 2-3 months which almost got over. Then I was using the SPF 70 one.FOr like a month then my mom liked it so much she flicked it..lol
    Then I bought the spf 55 from India and used it for like 3- months before my skin started reacting so badly.

    Hope to see many more wonderful posts from u .

    xoxo :)

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  17. @Anon: I hope your skin is better now :)... Thks for your encouragement! :D

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  18. Wow!!I thght dat sunsreen n sunblock were same!!Noe evn I wld prefer using a block!!Evn my current sunscreen makes me break into sweat as soon as I take half a step out- I thght its 2 be expected in Bombay!

    Good review!!Gr8 info!!

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  19. @Simran: Even I had this problem of sweating in sunscreen, even I thought it was because of the humidity here but it didn't happen with this one. Maybe u cld also try the one poornima has suggested - the AromaMagic one. It is herbal and doesn't break her out in a sweat.

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  20. Great review T. Good that u listed the diff betwn sunscreen n sunblock. I never thought much about that. I've been thinkin about trying this...still not sure though

    ♥xx♥

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  21. Hi..I use this product and it is amazing. One sunscreen in years to suit my oily skin. The tube lasts really long as people with oily skin need just a wee bit.

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  22. This sunblock works well on my sensitive + dry skin. It doesn't feel thick and has a nice soft scent. My skin looks fairer too. =)

    http://eissejs.blogspot.com/2010/08/review-neutrogena-ultrasheer-dry-touch.html

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  23. hey,could u plz tell me where can i buy neutrogena products in kolkata? is it better than lotus sunblock or the biotique red sandalwood one??i am confused..i have to buy one..

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  24. @Michelle: I know, I quite like this one too :)

    @Eisse J: Glad u like it too :)

    @Bulbul: I think, u shd get it at most malls. I don't know for sure as I havn't been to Cal.. I can't tell you, between Lotus & Biotique Red Sandalwood - as I have used neither.

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  25. this is the only sunscreen I have liked and loved til date though it is very expensive :(

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    Replies
    1. Yup, it is a bit expensive - but then think of all the money you'll save on damage reversing products :)

      Delete
  26. oh I ♥ this sunblock..works great!! it actually removed my tan..& as its not too matte I get a dewy finish :))

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  27. I don't know but I got some rashes on my face after applying this sunblock on my face :(

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    Replies
    1. Annie - too bad! Not all products suit everyone. In fact that is why I put up the complete list of ingredients so that as consumers you can choose & select only those products that suit you. It is imp. to know our skin as well & what suits it.

      Delete
  28. i got rashes all over my face after applying this..i dont recommend this

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    Replies
    1. Awww! Too bad Varsha, seems like you have sensitive skin that reacts to chemical sunscreens.

      Delete
  29. any side effect on putting some powder above the sunscreen on face

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    Replies
    1. Hi Nikhil,
      I hv used this sunscreen & I apply loose powder or compact over my sunscreen as a practice to give my skin a dry finish to avoid dirt & pollutants from sticking to my skin. I hv not had any problems doing this so far, no acnes or pimples due to it or any other reactions (even on other sunscreens).
      So I guess it is safe to use powder over ur sunscreen. :)

      Delete
  30. any side effect on putting some powder above the sunscreen on face?
    pls i need a reply.. anybody know?

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  31. is this sunscreen suit in my oily skin?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. u'll hv to try it. It is a thick cream type sunscreen, which might seem slightly heavy to anyone but it suits my combi/dry skin,& it is non-comedogenic, ie it never gave me any acnes or pimples.
      But since u hv oily skin, u might feel it to be heavy or it may make u sweat more. So u'll hv to patch test it.

      Delete
  32. Hi Tanveer,
    Thanx so much for such a nice & detailed review. I totally agree with all ur points. I hv used this sunscreen & hv had a very gud experience with it.
    Even though it is thick cream type formula, but it doesnt make me sweat much or look too oily. Rather it gives a nice glow to the skin & brightens up my face. It gives that dewy look for which ppl use highlighters :).
    It never broke me out & also is a right moisturizer 4 my combi/dry skin.

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  33. which sunsceen is better lakme or neutrogena????n which wil giv betr effect for oily skin???

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  34. which sunscreen is better lakme or neutrogena???n which wil giv betr effct for my oily skin???

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    Replies
    1. Hi Miss Varsha,
      Neutrogena is better, especially the one with SPF 100 :)
      xo,
      ~Pauline @neutrogena philippines

      Delete

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