As the summer heat reaches its peak, the scorching sun can feel like a relentless microwave! But fear not, we’ve got you covered with the perfect solution: sunscreen! And if you’re looking for a reliable option like the Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch Sunscreen, here’s a comprehensive review just for you.
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I have been using this sunscreen for more than 4 months, exploring the world under the sunlight without a worry because my face was properly protected.
So how is it in terms of sun protection, texture, day-to-day use, etc? Let’s find out everything about Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch sunscreen in this long-term review.
Neutrogena’s Claims and Ingredients
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc dry touch is a mineral or physical sunscreen with SPF 50+ formulation and PA+++ which makes it a competent and strong sunscreen.
If you are confused about what mineral sunscreens are or why they might be better for you, read this article.
Here are some of the key things that the brand claims:
- Water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes
- PABA-Free (which is a common allergen for many people)
- Oil-free
- Non-Comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
Coming to the active ingredients, the Sheer Zinc sunscreen has only zinc oxide as the active compound to offer sun protection. Usually, a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is preferred for better sun protection.
The sunscreen is manufactured in South Korea
Ingredients
Water, Zinc Oxide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Glycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Silica, Cetyl Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Glyceryl Behenate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chrysanthemum Parthenium
Physical Impression
I ordered the 80ml bottle and the packaging was impressive. I was expecting to get impressed as the cost of the sunscreen is on the higher side. It comes in a plastic box, and the material of both the box and the tube is good.
Coming to the physical impression of the sunscreen itself, the cream is white in color and very thick. It is closer to a paste than cream in consistency and texture. Very dense and thick.
As mentioned by the company, there is no added fragrance in the sunscreen but you can smell the ingredients and it smells so industrial. Not only does the texture feel like paint, it smells like it too.
Coming to consistency, this sunscreen is thick. If you put a dollop of the cream on the back of your hand and rub it once or twice, it will look exactly like white acrylic paint.
Application Impression
When it comes to the application impression, I was not impressed at all. If you are a person who wants to have a smooth experience while applying facial creams, then forget about getting this sunscreen.
Since the cream is very thick and dense, it just refuses to blend with the skin. Adding a moisturizer before does help to a certain extent. But be ready to have an arm workout while trying to blend this sunscreen.
Since this is a physical sunscreen, it does not get absorbed in the skin but rather forms a thick layer on the skin to reflect the sun’s rays.
I did not experience any itching or burning sensation at all when I used it regularly. There was no allergic reaction and neither did I experience any breakouts. I have dry, sensitive skin.
After applying the cream, it does feel a bit heavy on the skin. You feel that something is covering your face and you can also feel the cream whenever you touch your face.
This method is a good way to test if the sunscreen is still present or if it is time for reapplication. But if you do not like the sensation of a thick cream on your face, you would hate it.
Results and Review
I used Neutrogena Sheer Zinc sunscreen for more than four months and I am glad to say that it works perfectly. Even when I had to run in the harshest sunlight to get something, it protected my skin very well.
So with its SPF 50+ and PA+++, the sunscreen is well-equipped to manage the Indian summer. If nothing else is more important to you than sun protection, then order it right away. It is a great sunscreen.
But…there were some issues. Not with the quality or performance of the sunscreen. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc is like paint, and it is not an exaggeration. Even after you apply it properly, there is a glaring white cast on your face.
I have a light complexion and it is clearly visible on my face. So if your skin complexion is dark or even light brown, and you do not want any white cast on your face, then skip this sunscreen.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc leaves the most prominent white cast out of all the mineral sunscreens I have used. I have had many instances when people pointed out the white remnants on my face.
But since it offers excellent protection against the sun, I am fine with the white cast.
Pros and Cons of Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen
Let’s summarize the article and list all the pros and cons of sunscreen so that you can easily make your decision.
Pros
- Mineral sunscreen
- High quality
- Highly effective against the sun
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergen
- Paraben free
- SPF 50+
- Water and Sweatproof
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Leaves white cast
- Almost impossible to blend
- Lacks titanium dioxide as active ingredient
- Thick and heavy in texture
- Could have been PA++++
Final Verdict
Now that we have mentioned all that we found out about the Neutrogena Sheer Zinc sunscreen review, it is time for you to make the decision.
If sun protection is your main concern then go for this sunscreen. Since it is made in South Korea, there is no compromise on the quality of the product.
But since it is made in South Korea, it is suitable for South Korean people with their porcelain skin. Expect a white cast no matter how much you try to blend it in. Remember to wear sunscreen and take care of your skin.
Here is an Amazon Link to buy the Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch Sunscreen.
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