Neutrogena Ultra Sheer · Sunscreen
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Spf 60 Face Sunscreen Stick
Skip until Neutrogena discloses waterproofing chemistry; silent stance raises concern.
This waterproof stick sunscreen uses durability treatments, but Neutrogena has not publicly disclosed whether its water-resistant coating contains PFAS. Water-resistant cosmetics commonly rely on fluorinated compounds.
The safe swap
Raw Elements
Raw Elements Plastic Free Sunscreen Pack 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 stick sunscreen (likely silica/wax base with unknown water-repellent coating)
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
Stick sunscreens rely on water-repellent binders to survive sweating and water immersion. Neutrogena does not disclose whether fluorinated compounds are used; industry practice suggests they are, but no third-party testing of this specific product is on public record.
Source: ATSDR ↗Sunscreen filter photochemical reactivity (oxybenzone/avobenzone if present)
If this product contains chemical UV filters (likely, given 'ultra sheer' positioning), some filters can generate reactive oxygen under UV exposure. Neutrogena does not publish full ingredient transparency online; confirmed hazard level requires full ingredient list access.
Inhalation risk from stick powder/dust
Powdered and silica-heavy stick formulations can release airborne particles during application or storage. No specific inhalation incidents linked to Ultra Sheer are documented, but silica-based stick cosmetics carry inherent inhalation exposure if applied near face/nose without caution.
Skin irritation or sensitization from fragrance or preservatives
Stick sunscreens often contain fragrance or antimicrobial preservatives to prevent spoilage. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer is lightly scented; no recalls for sensitization are on record, but individuals with fragrance sensitivity should patch-test or choose fragrance-free alternatives.
What’s reassuring
Microplastic or talc contamination (if talc is used as filler)
Neutrogena has not disclosed whether talc is present in this formulation. Talc-free stick sunscreens are now standard in the industry; no talc contamination claims specific to Ultra Sheer sunscreen sticks are documented.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 60 is a solid stick sunscreen using a wax and silica base to deliver UV filters in an anhydrous (water-free) formula. The product's water-resistant claim typically relies on synthetic water-repellent coatings, which in the sunscreen industry often contain PFAS compounds that adhere the UV-blocking ingredients to skin during water exposure. Stick format minimizes hands-on contact compared to lotions, but does not eliminate leaching or inhalation risk if the product degrades or is applied near the face/lips.
The brand's record and disclosure
Neutrogena (Johnson & Johnson subsidiary) has not publicly disclosed the specific waterproofing chemistry used in this product, nor committed to PFAS phase-out in sunscreens. The brand has faced litigation over sunscreen safety claims in other products but has not faced major recalls specific to Ultra Sheer formulations. Lack of transparency on PFAS and water-resistance chemistry is a documented concern across many major sunscreen brands, but Neutrogena's silence is notably less forthcoming than competitors who label PFAS-free or disclose fluorine-based ingredients.
How it compares in its category
Ultra Sheer SPF 60 is a mid-market sunscreen stick competing on portability and sweat resistance against brands like Coppertone, EltaMD, and Blue Lizard. Mineral-based (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) stick alternatives exist but offer lower SPF or greasier application. Chemical sunscreen sticks in this price range typically do not disclose PFAS status, making this product representative of an industry-wide transparency gap rather than an outlier.
If you buy it
Apply to dry skin and reapply every 2 hours or after water exposure, as stick sunscreens can degrade with sweat and friction. Avoid applying directly inside the mouth or inhaling product dust during application. Store in cool, dry conditions (below 25 C / 77 F) to prevent wax separation or leaching of UV filters into skin oils. If seeking equivalent sun protection without PFAS concern, prioritize mineral sunscreens or brands with published PFAS-free claims (e.g., some EltaMD, Badger, or Burt's Bees formulations).
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 42% 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.