Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Review, Is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Non-Toxic?
PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.
Across 7 graded products, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer averages Poor (49/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 3 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Worth buying from Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Good or better, safest first
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
Face Liquid Mineral Sunscreen
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide)
Fragrance allergens and sensitivizers
Sunscreen formulations often include fragrance to mask mineral odor or improve user…
Parabens
Liquid sunscreens require preservatives to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in…
Silicone accumulation in sensitive or compromised skin
Liquid mineral formulations commonly use cyclopentasiloxane or dimethicone for…
Lower concern; mineral sunscreens typically avoid PFAS, but brand makes no disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
Face Serum SPF 60+
Water-based emulsion with mineral sunscreen (presumed zinc oxide/titanium dioxide)
Heavy metals
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are inherently safer than chemical absorbers, but both…
Fragrance allergens
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum contains fragrance in the formula, which can trigger…
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles and inhalation
If the serum contains nano-scale titanium dioxide particles (not specified by…
Lower concern; Neutrogena has not disclosed PFAS use in this serum.
⚠Risky category by default
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
Body Mist Sunscreen Spray SPF
Water-based spray emulsion (propellant aerosol)
PFAS
Neutrogena has not disclosed whether Ultra Sheer uses hydrocarbon, HFC, or HFO…
UV filter skin penetration and bioaccumulation (oxybenzone/octinoxate)
Conventional chemical UV absorbers in Neutrogena formulations have been detected in blood…
Inhalation exposure to aerosolized particles and propellants
Spray application creates an inhalation risk for both emulsion particles and propellant…
Lower concern; sunscreen sprays rarely require PFAS, but propellants warrant confirmation.
⚠Risky category by default
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
Invisible Gel Face Sunscreen SPF 40
gel sunscreen with water-resistant silicone polymers
1,4-dioxane (likely impurity)
Gel sunscreens with silicone polymers and ethoxylated ingredients may contain trace…
Fragrance allergens
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Gel contains fragrance (listed in ingredient deck).…
Homosalate and other organic UV filters (systemic absorption)
If this formula contains homosalate or octinoxate (common in older Neutrogena SPF…
Silicone polymer bioaccumulation concerns
Silicone polymers in waterproof gels are designed to remain on skin and resist water…
Waterproof sunscreen formulas carry PFAS risk; Neutrogena makes no disclosure.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion
Lotion base with water-resistant/waterproof polymer treatment
PFAS
Water-resistant sunscreens commonly use fluorinated polymers; Neutrogena has not…
Organic UV filter photosensitivity (avobenzone/octinoxate)
Chemical UV absorbers, especially avobenzone, are known to degrade in sunlight and…
Fragrance allergens and irritants
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer lists 'fragrance' as an ingredient but does not itemize…
Parabens
Lotion-based sunscreens require preservatives to prevent microbial growth; standard…
Skip until Neutrogena discloses waterproofing chemistry or commits to PFAS-free.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 45 Value Pack
Water-resistant sunscreen lotion (organic/mineral UV filters, waterproofing agents unspecified)
Fragrance allergens and irritants
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer is fragrance-containing; fragrance mixes can trigger contact…
Parabens
Lotion sunscreens require broad-spectrum preservatives; Neutrogena's exact preservative…
Undisclosed inert ingredient hazards (silicones, PEGs, or fluorochemicals in water-resista
The waterproofing mechanism is proprietary and unlabeled; water-resistant sunscreens…
Skin occlusion and heat retention in high-humidity or exercise settings
Lotion-based sunscreens, especially water-resistant formulas with high emollient content…
Skip until Neutrogena discloses waterproofing chemistry or third-party verification.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
Spf 60 Face Sunscreen Stick
water-resistant stick sunscreen (likely silica/wax base with unknown water-repellent coating)
PFAS
Stick sunscreens rely on water-repellent binders to survive sweating and water immersion.…
Sunscreen filter photochemical reactivity (oxybenzone/avobenzone if present)
If this product contains chemical UV filters (likely, given 'ultra sheer' positioning)…
Inhalation risk from stick powder/dust
Powdered and silica-heavy stick formulations can release airborne particles during…
Skin irritation or sensitization from fragrance or preservatives
Stick sunscreens often contain fragrance or antimicrobial preservatives to prevent…
Skip until Neutrogena discloses waterproofing chemistry; silent stance raises concern.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →