Neutrogena Ultra Sheer vs Clear Face Sunscreens – Detailed Comparison

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 100+, 3 fl. oz Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen Lotion, Broad Spectrum SPF 55, 3 Fl Oz

 

Choosing the right sunscreen can be really exhausting. Brands like Neutrogena make it even harder by consistently giving us different options to choose from. Because of this, we are comparing different sunscreens, starting with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer vs Clear Face Sunscreens.

It is no longer news that sunscreens are necessary for everyday living. Hence, no matter how much melanin your skin has, a little protection from the sun comes in handy.

Most skincare products contain some amount of SPF, broad-spectrum or not, even though this has been proven not to be very effective. But this goes to show the importance of sunscreen.

 

Table of Contents

Comparison Overview – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer vs Clear Face Sunscreens

First, these sunscreens are dermatologically-tested and developed with Helioplex technology. It is a formulation for wide range protection against the sun’s ultraviolet A and B rays.

Second, they are equipped with high-value SPF.  Consequently, they offer adequate protection against the sun and reduce the likelihood of having skin cancer if applied appropriately. As an example, the Ultra Sheer has an SPF of 100+.

They are fast-absorbing, lightweight, and non-comedogenic so they don’t clog pores or cause break-outs. Also, they are non-greasy with an appreciable matte finish that makes them makeup-friendly. This is also because they don’t leave the white cast often associated with lotions.

In addition, they are water-resistant for a considerable period of time, just in case you sweat a lot or have to deal with water while wearing them.

Nonetheless, there have been a couple of issues with these products. The Ultra Sheer, for instance, has been associated with severe eye burn.

Likewise, there is the possibility of skin irritation on very sensitive skin with both products.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 100+, 3 fl. oz Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen Lotion, Broad Spectrum SPF 55, 3 Fl Oz

 

 

 

Video: A User’s Testimony

This video shows everything and more you need to know about the Ultra Sheer Sunscreen. Due to the fact it is a user’s account, it will help you understand better.

 

 

Price/Value Ratio – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer vs Clear Face Sunscreens

Which of the sunscreen lotions offers more value for money?

The Clear Face sunscreen offers more value for money than the Ultra Sheer sunscreen. This is because it is good for all skin types but especially great for acne-prone skin.

Then, the Clear Face has no fragrance, unlike the Ultra Sheer, so can be worn anywhere, even in the woods. Plus, it is free of oil so does not have the tendency to clog the pores.

The Clear Face lotion has two variants, SPF 30 and SPF 55. The Clear Face SPF 55 is a little bit more expensive than the Clear Face SPF 30 and Ultra Sheer. The Ultra Sheer, in turn, is pricier than the Clear Face SPF 30. So, the Clear Face SPF 30 is the least expensive of them all.

 

Comparison Table – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer vs Clear Face Sunscreens

Ultra Sheer

Clear Face

SPF Value 100+ 30 and 55
Texture Lightweight Lightweight
Skin Type All skin types All skin types
Oil Content Dry-Touch Oil-free
Fragrance Yes No
Finish Matte Matte
Water resistance Yes Yes
Staying power 80 minutes 80 minutes

 

Which Is Better Under What Circumstance – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer vs Clear Face Sunscreens

Ultra Sheer

Clear Face

 

If you need an SPF of very high value, probably due to extreme skin sensitivity, the Ultra Sheer would be an appropriate choice.

Even more, it is budget-friendly yet offers higher protection.

This product is for all skin types.

Finally, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer is the perfect sunscreen for lovers of fragranced products.

Dermatologists recommend an SPF value of 30 to 50 as this has proven to offer sufficient protection against sunburns.

This product is highly recommended for skin vulnerable to acne. Furthermore, it is non-comedogenic and oil-free.

For scent-free product lovers, this product would be a better pick.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 100+, 3 fl. oz Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen Lotion, Broad Spectrum SPF 55, 3 Fl Oz

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Common Features – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer vs Clear Face Sunscreens

Here is a list of similar features of both sunscreen lotions:

  • Active ingredients
  • Texture
  • Water resistance
  • Tested dermatologically
  • Skin suitability
  • Packaging
  • Non-comedogenic properties
  • Absorption
  • Staying power
  • Portability
  • PABA-free

 

Let us discuss each feature in details

 

Active Ingredients

Both sunscreen lotions contain the same active ingredients, in varying percentages. These ingredients are avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone. They are all sunscreen materials. As a result, they offer protection against sunburn.

 

Texture

They are non-greasy with a very light texture. The lightweight, hence, gives the skin a nice matte finish, allowing it to breathe.

 

Water Resistance

Both products are water-resistant for about 80 minutes after application. Hence, they are suitable if you sweat a lot or have to swim during the period of use.

 

Tested Dermatologically

Neutrogena is a brand of skincare products highly recommended by dermatologists. In fact, it is considered the number one. Ultra Sheer and Clear Face sunscreens have been tested and recommended by dermatologists as far as quality and benefits are concerned.

 

Skin Suitability

They are suitable for all types of skin. Additionally, the Clear Face sunscreen has an added formulation for skin prone to acne.

 

Packaging

Both products come in plastic squeeze bottles. Consequently, this makes them very sanitary as there’s no need for finger-dipping.

 

Non-comedogenic Properties

The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer and Clear Face lotions are oil-free. As a result, they don’t clog pores or cause break-outs.

 

Absorption

These products are fast-absorbing, so they don’t drip off when you sweat. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about constant reapplication.

 

Staying Power

Both sunscreen lotions stay for about 80 minutes after application. So, if you need to stay under the sun longer, you will need to reapply the lotion.

 

Portability

3-ounce bottle lotions, that’s just about twice the weight of a typical BIC pen. Hence, they are very easy to carry about.

 

PABA-free

Para-Aminobenzoic acid (PABA), an amino acid in certain B-Complex vitamins is an ingredient in sunscreens.

This is because it acts as a dye that absorbs UVB rays. It has however been associated with severe allergies, skin abnormalities, and other health hazards.

The Ultra Sheer and Clear Face sunscreens certainly do not contain this amino acid.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 100+, 3 fl. oz Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen Lotion, Broad Spectrum SPF 55, 3 Fl Oz

 

 

 

Video: Applying the Clear Face Sunscreen

This video shows us how easy it is to apply this product, how easily absorbable it is and above all, how it looks on the face after application.

 

 

Unique Features – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer vs Clear Face Sunscreens

 

Features Unique to Ultra Sheer Sunscreen

The features unique to the Ultra Sheer sunscreen lotion are:

  • High SPF
  • Many active ingredients

 

The details of each feature are below.

 

High SPF

An obvious feature unique to the Ultra Sheer is the value of its sunblock factor. It has an SPF of 100+. This means that less than 1% of sun radiation enters the skin.

 

Many Active Ingredients

The active ingredients that constitute the sunscreen properties of the Ultra Sheer sunscreen lotion are in considerably large proportions compared to Clear Face.

 

Features Unique to Clear Face Sunscreen

The features unique to the Clear Face are:

  • Two variants
  • No fragrance

 

Now, to the details of each feature.

 

Two Variants

Broad Spectrum SPF 30 and 55 lotions are specially formulated for acne-susceptible skin. It gives an option of either a higher or lower SPF value.

 

No Fragrance

More so, this product is scent-free because no fragrance is involved in the formulation. This is really important for persons who don’t like scents in such products because it encourages face application.

 

Unique Pros – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer vs Clear Face Sunscreens

 

Unique Pro of Ultra Sheer Sunscreen

 

Which of the Sunscreen Lotions Offers a Higher and More Valuable Sunscreen Protection: Ultra Sheer or Clear Face?

The Ultra Sheer offers higher sunscreen protection. Its value is the highest possible: 100+. This offers 99 percent protection from UVB and UVA rays because it is also a broad-spectrum type.

 

 

Unique Pros of Clear Face Sunscreen

 

Which of the Sunscreen Lotions Is More Suitable for Acne-prone Skin: Ultra Sheer or Clear Face?

The Clear Face sunscreen lotion is more suited to acne-prone skin. This is because it is oil-free so does not aggravate acne-prone skin further.

 

Which of the Sunscreen Lotions Is Fragrance-free: Ultra Sheer or Clear Face?

The Clear Face sunscreen has no fragrance, unlike the Ultra Sheer. This means more people can use it, even in the woods, without attracting insects.

 

 

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 100+, 3 fl. oz Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen Lotion, Broad Spectrum SPF 55, 3 Fl Oz

 

 

 

Video: Is the Clear Face SPF 55 Effective?

Watch this video to know if the claims of this product are true and most importantly, the reasons why you should get it.

 

 

Unique Cons – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer vs Clear Face Sunscreens

 

Unique Con of Ultra Sheer Sunscreen

i. The Ultra Sheer lotion causes a great deal of eye burn when it comes in contact with the eyes. As a result, it is difficult to use on the face.

 

Unique Con of Clear Face Sunscreen

i. Depending on the variant best suited for you, it may be difficult to make a choice since SPF 55 is pricier.

 

Common Pros – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer vs Clear Face Sunscreens

Ultra Sheer

 

Clear Face

Easy and Sanitary Application The packaging allows one to dispense the appropriate quantity. Hence, no finger-dipping action is required. The same goes for this product. They both come in plastic squeeze bottles.
High SPF Value Ultra Sheer SPF 100+ guarantees 100% protection. Clear Face Sunscreen offers you SPF 30 and 55.
Matte Finish The Ultra Sheer offers a convenient matte finish. Similarly, the Clear Face lotion does even better.
Texture It is a lightweight sunscreen lotion. The same goes for this product.
Non-Greasy This lotion uses Dry-Touch technology. It is therefore non-greasy. No oil containing ingredient in this formula.
Water Resistance Resists water for about 80 minutes. The same also goes for this.
PABA-Free It is free of this health-threatening amino acid. The Clear Face Sunscreen is also PABA-free
Absorption Absorbs fast and well into the skin, so they don’t drip off with sweat. The same also goes for this product.
Non-comedogenic Doesn’t clog the skin or cause breakouts. Dry-Touch technology ensures this. Likewise, the lack of oil in the formulation of this product makes it non-comedogenic.

 

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Common Cons – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer vs Clear Face Sunscreens

Ultra Sheer

Clear Face

 

Need for Reapplication First, for prolonged outdoor activities, it may need to be reapplied after every 80 minutes or so. The same applies for the Clear Face lotion
Extreme Skin Sensitivity Also, extreme skin sensitivity may be an issue as some users have complained. Although it’s made for all skin types, This is also true for this.

 

General Feeling among Users – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer vs Clear Face Sunscreens

Ultra Sheer

Clear Face

 

Although non-greasy, most users say it does have the feel of a lotion. In spite of that, it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin like most lotions do.

They like the feel of it on their skin furthermore its maximum protection from the sun.

Notwithstanding, most users complained of the inconvenience occasioned by use on the face. This is because of the severe eye burn they experienced.

Much like the Ultra Sheer, this option is well received by users. They like that there are two options. They also like that they are not overly expensive.

Its suitability for all skin types and the absorption rate were also good points for users.

However, the price of the SPF 55 did not sit well with most users, especially since there was a need for re-purchase.

Furthermore, some users with sensitive skin have found it irritating to their skin.

Also, users who tried this product on skin conditions like psoriasis did not find the product helpful.

 

Our Take – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer vs Clear Face Sunscreens

We like that they are lightweight, water-resistant, quick-absorbing, and non-comedogenic. As a result, they don’t leave that white film most lotions tend to leave on the skin.

They blend well with other lotions or makeup products and give a weightless matte finish. We like that.

However, we are really concerned about the eye irritation caused by the Ultra Sheer lotion as some users noted.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 100+, 3 fl. oz Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen Lotion, Broad Spectrum SPF 55, 3 Fl Oz

 

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer vs Clear Face Sunscreens – Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Good?

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen lotion is good if you like dry touch sunscreens. It has a broad-spectrum sun protection factor of 100+, which is the highest you can find. Due to this, it offers 99% protection from the sun, which is more than many other options offer.

The Helioplex technology makes the sunscreen even more effective by adding protection against rays of the sun which emit harmful radiation.

The sunscreen does not leave a residue on the skin and is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog the pores. Plus, it is suitable for all skin types.

 

Does Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Cause Acne?

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer sunscreen does not cause acne. It is dry to the touch so is not greasy and does not leave any residue. This means the sunscreen does not sit on the surface of the skin, blocking the pores and making the skin unable to breathe.

The fact that it is non-comedogenic further strengthens its inability to cause acne.

One of the known causes of acne is oil, dirt, dead skin and other impurities blocking the pores. This forms a good breeding ground for bacteria that cause acne. Hence, the importance of the non-comedogenic properties of this sunscreen.

 

Is It Bad to Wear Sunscreen Everyday?

It is not bad to wear sunscreen every day. In fact, you should wear sunscreen every day. This is because your skin can accumulate sun damage that later shows as cancer or some other skin issue.

The damage does not necessarily have to show immediately but if you consistently expose yourself to sun rays, you leave your skin susceptible to poor health and will even affect other parts of the body.

It is not just wearing sunscreen but you have to wear one that is broad-spectrum and has a high SPF, not less than 30. Then, you will be adequately protected from harmful sun rays.

 

Is Sunscreen with SPF 50 Good for the Face?

Sunscreen with SPF 50 is good for the face. The SPF is not too high for the facial skin so will not cause any damage. If anything, the face needs the most protection because it is the most exposed part of the body and yet, one of the most delicate.

But you should also know that you get about the same protection from SPF 30 as you do with SPF 50. The difference is just 1%; significant if you are checking sun damage.

If you use your sunscreen correctly, you will be protected from the sun. This is is true even if you have the most sensitive skin.

 

How Much Sunscreen Should You Put on Your Face?

Half a teaspoon of sunscreen is enough to put on your face and neck to get the most out of it. Most times, people who use sunscreen don’t measure the right amount. Some use too little while some use too much. Others don’t even know there is the right amount to use.

Using too much will not give you extra protection from the sun. And using too little will leave you as exposed as when you do not use any at all. So to get the best out of the SPF of your sunscreen on your face, measure out the amount you use.

 

Why Is SPF 100 Bad for You?

Sunscreen with SPF 100 is not bad for you. But you will get a sense of security or protection which is false from using sunscreen with such a high SPF. That way, you will be tempted to stay out longer under the sun, believing you are very protected.

It is true that the higher the SPF, the more protection you get. SPF 30 offers 97% protection against sun rays. SPF 100 offers 99% protection. But higher SPF does not equal a longer protection time. You will get the same length of protection time from SPF 30 as you do with SPF 100. If you want longer protection, you have to reapply the sunscreen.