Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Spf Sunscreen
Waterproof sunscreen likely contains water-resistant additives; PFAS status unclear.
Waterproof cosmetics commonly use fluorinated compounds or silicones for water resistance. Neutrogena provides no PFAS disclosure for this product. No independent verification available.
The safe swap
Raw Elements
Raw Elements Face & Body Sunscreen Tin SPF 30
100/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
water-resistant cosmetic emulsion, likely silicone or polymer-based
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Fragrance allergens
Ultra Sheer formulations typically contain fragrance to mask silicone scent; ingredient list should be checked for specific fragrance allergens (limonene, linalool), though major allergic reactions are not commonly reported for this product.
Silicone or polymer skin sensitivity
Cyclopentasiloxane and acrylate polymers used for dry-touch feel may cause comedogenicity or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; not universal but documented in dermatology literature for silicone-heavy cosmetics.
1,4-Dioxane (process contaminant)
Water-in-silicone emulsions may contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct of ethoxylated ingredients (polysorbates, PEG compounds); no specific testing on this product is publicly available, but typical for emulsified cosmetics.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
Non-tinted Ultra Sheer formulations contain no added pigments; tinted variants may include iron oxides or titanium dioxide, which are regulated but warrant ingredient verification for lead or cadmium if used.
Source: FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
No formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) are listed in widely available ingredient databases for this product, though preservatives should be verified on packaging.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch is a silicone or polymer-based emulsion designed to feel lightweight and non-greasy while providing UVA/UVB protection. Water-resistant formulations typically rely on film-forming agents (silicones, acrylates, or other polymers) to maintain efficacy after water exposure; Neutrogena does not publicly disclose whether fluorinated compounds are used for water resistance. The "dry touch" finish suggests volatile silicone or cyclopentasiloxane, which evaporates quickly but leaves a polymer matrix on skin.
The brand's record and disclosure
Neutrogena (Johnson & Johnson subsidiary) has faced scrutiny over talc-related contamination in some powder products but maintains strong FDA compliance for sunscreens. The brand does not publish detailed ingredient sourcing or PFAS avoidance policies, and does not appear on lists of sunscreen manufacturers committing to PFAS-free formulations. No major cosmetic safety recalls specific to this product line are on record, but the lack of transparency on water-resistance chemistry is notable.
How it compares in its category
This product is mid-tier in terms of transparency compared to mineral sunscreen alternatives (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) which avoid complex polymer chemistry entirely. Chemical sunscreen emulsions are standard industry practice and generally considered safe at regulatory levels. Brands like Badger and Goddess Garden publish PFAS-free certifications, while Neutrogena does not, placing it lower on disclosure standards despite similar safety track records.
If you buy it
Apply generously (1/4 teaspoon for face) and reapply every two hours or after swimming, as advertised. Store below 77°F (25°C) and avoid leaving open containers in heat, as volatile silicones can evaporate and change texture. Do not ingest; discontinue if skin irritation occurs. If concerned about cumulative polymer or unknown additives, consider rotating to mineral sunscreens or requesting PFAS certification from the manufacturer.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Neutrogena has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Sunscreen
Goddess Garden
Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 6 oz
mineral-based UV filters, plant-derived waxes
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
Limited concern
Skin irritation or photosensitivity from plant oils
Limited concern
Lower-concern mineral sunscreen backed by credible PFAS-exclusion certification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Eco Formula SPF 30 Sunscreen
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide in sunlight
Limited concern
Skin irritation or sensitivity to mineral film
Limited concern
Low risk. Mineral sunscreen backed by third-party verification, no fluorochemical history.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Face & Body Sunscreen Tin SPF 30
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), tin packaging
Epoxy resin coating in tin lining
Limited concern
Fragrance allergens
Limited concern
Nano particle inhalation from loose powder form
Limited concern
Low risk. Mineral formula plus explicit PFAS-free stance and certs lower concern.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More sunscreen grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.