Neutrogena Ultra Sheer · Sunscreen
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Gel Face Sunscreen SPF 40
Sunscreen with no fluorinated ingredient on record, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer has no PFAS statement on record for this sunscreen. Our record does not include an ingredient-level check, so look for fluorinated ingredients such as Teflon-type coating on the label.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
gel sunscreen with water-resistant silicone polymers
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
You may also be interested in
Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
What Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen SPF is made of, ingredients and materials
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Gel is a gel-based sunscreen formulated with silicone polymers (not fluorinated) as the base vehicle for UV filters. The gel matrix is designed for quick absorption and minimal white cast on skin. Chemical UV filters (typically avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, or similar) are dissolved into this silicone polymer base to absorb and dissipate UV radiation. Gel vehicles are less likely to contain talc or mineral particulates than powder or stick formulations, which reduces some inhalation and contamination risks.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Fragrance allergens and skin sensitizers
Fragrance is listed in many Neutrogena sunscreen formulations but not always disclosed by individual chemical name on consumer labels. Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergy should verify the ingredient list; gel sunscreens with fragrance are more likely to trigger irritation on open or compromised skin barriers than unscented variants.
Chemical UV filter allergenicity (avobenzone, homosalate, etc.)
Oxybenzone and avobenzone are known photoreactive agents that can cause contact or photocontact dermatitis in a small subset of users. Without independent disclosure of exact filter formulation in this specific product, individual sensitivity testing is the only reliable method to rule out reaction. Reactions are not common but occur in approximately 1-2% of sunscreen users.
Eye irritation from gel formula residue
Silicone polymers in gel sunscreens can accumulate on eyelids or migrate into eyes during sweating or physical activity, causing temporary irritation or discomfort. This is a use-pattern issue rather than a material toxicity hazard; careful application technique and frequent handwashing mitigate this.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Talc or mineral particulate contamination
Gel formulations do not typically contain talc or mineral powders; no recall or contamination record exists for this product. This is a lower concern category compared to powder or spray sunscreens.
Heavy metals
This is a clear or tinted gel sunscreen without cosmetic pigments or colorants on record; heavy metal contamination in colorants is not a relevant hazard class for this product type.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Neutrogena (Johnson & Johnson subsidiary) does not publish a fluorochemical-free stance or PFAS policy, but this product carries no fluorinated ingredient on its label or published formulation records. The brand has a long history of dermatologist recommendation and does not appear on public lists of sunscreens with confirmed PFAS detection. Neutrogena products have generally good transparency in ingredient listing, though the brand does not independently certify PFAS absence.
How it compares in its category
This gel sunscreen sits in the mainstream market segment, offering chemical-filter UV protection without mineral (zinc/titanium) alternatives. Compared to spray or powder sunscreens, gel formulations carry lower risk of inhalation hazards and talc contamination. SPF 40 is mid-range protection; it is below the SPF 50+ commonly recommended by dermatologists but adequate for incidental or moderate daily exposure. The silicone-based gel is less occlusive than cream sunscreens and appeals to oily or acne-prone skin types.
If you buy it
Apply generously (at least one quarter teaspoon for face) and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating, as the 'water-resistant' claim is limited. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; heat does not degrade gel sunscreens as rapidly as aerosol sprays, but UV exposure over time can reduce filter efficacy. Discontinue use if rash, irritation, or eye sensitivity develops. Replace the bottle annually or when formula separates or discolors.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- 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.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Gel Face Sunscreen SPF 40?
- Mineral sunscreen, zinc oxide base
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- 1,4-dioxane (non-intentional contaminant from surfactants/emulsifiers)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide base)
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Synthetic fragrance allergens
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.