Neutrogena Ultra Sheer · Sunscreen
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion
Skip until Neutrogena discloses waterproofing chemistry or commits to PFAS-free.
This water-resistant lotion uses polymer coatings to repel water, a common application for PFAS-based water repellents, though alternatives exist. Neutrogena makes no public PFAS disclosure or certification.
The safe swap
Raw Elements
Raw Elements Eco Formula SPF 30 Sunscreen
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
Lotion base with water-resistant/waterproof polymer treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
PFAS
Water-resistant sunscreens commonly use fluorinated polymers; Neutrogena has not disclosed the waterproofing agent, making PFAS presence probable but unconfirmed. This is the primary non-regulatory concern for this product.
Source: ATSDR ↗Organic UV filter photosensitivity (avobenzone/octinoxate)
Chemical UV absorbers, especially avobenzone, are known to degrade in sunlight and occasionally trigger photoallergic or phototoxic reactions in sensitive skin. Incidence is low but documented. Patch test recommended for first-time users.
Fragrance allergens and irritants
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer lists 'fragrance' as an ingredient but does not itemize components. Fragrance can contain allergens (limonene, linalool) or irritants; unscented or fragrance-free alternatives exist if sensitivity is a concern.
Parabens
Lotion-based sunscreens require preservatives to prevent microbial growth; standard preservatives (methylisothiazolinone, parabens) can trigger contact dermatitis in some users. Product formulation is not disclosed in detail on retail packaging.
Source: FDA ↗Regulatory compliance gaps (transparency)
No major recalls, but the product lacks third-party testing disclosure and safety certifications (EWG, NSF) common among competitors, making independent verification of non-PFAS claims impossible for consumers.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer is a lotion-based sunscreen with organic (chemical) UV filters combined with a water-resistant polymer coating to extend wear during swimming or sweating. The active ingredients typically include avobenzone and octinoxate or similar organic absorbers, which are well-established sunscreen actives. The critical unknown is the composition of the waterproofing treatment: water-resistant claims on sunscreens commonly rely on fluorinated polymers (PFAS) or silicone-based binders, neither of which Neutrogena has publicly disclosed for this product. The lotion base itself (water, glycerin, emulsifiers) carries minimal inherent hazard if formulated to industry standards.
The brand's record and disclosure
Neutrogena (owned by Johnson & Johnson) has not published a commitment to PFAS-free sunscreen formulations and does not disclose waterproofing chemistry on product labels or safety data sheets accessible to consumers. The brand has faced past litigation and settlements on non-sunscreen products (talc, oxybenzone claims) but maintains stable market position by relying on regulatory compliance rather than transparency beyond baseline FDA requirements. No recalls or major safety controversies specific to Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch have been widely reported, though the absence of transparent third-party testing or PFAS testing results is notable in a category where competitors increasingly publish such data.
How it compares in its category
Ultra Sheer sits in the mainstream chemical sunscreen segment; comparable products (Coppertone Sport, Banana Boat, CeraVe Face Lotion SPF) operate under similar ingredient opacity regarding water resistance. Brands with stronger transparency (Badger, Blue Lizard, some Coppertone variants) explicitly state PFAS-free or publish testing, setting a higher standard. UV filter safety (avobenzone/octinoxate) is equivalent across most drugstore sunscreens; the differentiator here is the unknown waterproofing additive, which is harder to assess in budget-tier products than in premium or eco-certified lines.
If you buy it
Apply generously (about 1/4 teaspoon per face, full body coverage proportionally) 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming. Do not heat or store above 25°C (77°F) to avoid polymer separation or reduced efficacy; keep cap tightly sealed. Discontinue if you develop skin irritation, rash, or burning sensation, as organic UV filters occasionally trigger photosensitivity in sensitive individuals. If PFAS exposure concerns you, switch to a brand with published PFAS-free certification (e.g., Badger, Babo Botanicals) or mineral (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) sunscreens, which typically avoid fluorinated waterproofing.
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 Ultra Sheer 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.