Neutrogena Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion

Neutrogena

6.9/10 (21971 reviews)
sunscreenall skinSPF 706.7 fl oz

Key Benefits

  • Avobenzone for broad-spectrum UVA protection
  • Octocrylene for photostability and UVB protection
  • Jojoba esters for lightweight moisturization
Overall Score: 6.9/10

This sunscreen offers strong UV protection and is generally safe for most users, but those with sensitive or fragrance-allergic skin should use caution. Not the most sustainable option due to some synthetic ingredients.

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Detailed Product Scores

Overall
6.9/10

Weighted average of all factors

Safety
7/10

Allergen and irritation risk assessment

Efficacy
8.2/10

Expected performance and results

Formulation
7.5/10

Ingredient synergy and stability

Sustainability
5.5/10

Environmental and ethical impact

Benefits & Concerns

Key Benefits (3)

  • Avobenzone for broad-spectrum UVA protection
  • Octocrylene for photostability and UVB protection
  • Jojoba esters for lightweight moisturization

Concerns & Limitations (2)

  • Parfum (fragrance) may cause irritation or allergic reactions
  • BHT is a synthetic antioxidant with some environmental and sensitization concerns

Complete Ingredient Analysis

25

Total Ingredients

7

Emollients

1

Fragrances

0

Unsafe

Complete Ingredient Breakdown

Listed in order of concentration with detailed analysis

#1
Avobenzone
Avobenzone
unknownsunscreen
#2
Homosalate
Homosalate
unknownsunscreen
#3
Octisalate
Octisalate
unknownsunscreen
#4
Octocrylene
Octocrylene
unknownsunscreen
#5
Aqua
Aqua
unknownsolvent
#6
Silica
Silica
unknownabsorbent
#7
Potassium cetyl phosphate
Potassium cetyl phosphate
unknownemulsifier
#8
Benzyl alcohol
Benzyl alcohol
unknownpreservative
#9
Butyloctyl salicylate
Butyloctyl salicylate
unknownsolvent
#10
Peg-100 stearate
Peg-100 stearate
unknownsurfactant/emulsifier
#11
Glyceryl stearate
Glyceryl stearate
unknownemollient/emulsifier
#12
Dimethicone
Dimethicone
unknownemollient/emulsifier
#13
Caprylyl glycol
Caprylyl glycol
unknownhumectant/emollient
#14
Synthetic beeswax
Synthetic beeswax
unknownemollient
#15
Acrylates/c12-22 alkyl methacrylate copolymer
Acrylates/c12-22 alkyl methacrylate copolymer
unknownfilm former
#16
Behenyl alcohol
Behenyl alcohol
unknownemollient/viscosity enhancer
#17
Ethylhexyl stearate
Ethylhexyl stearate
unknownemollient
#18
Jojoba esters
Jojoba esters
unknownemollient/humectant
#19
Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer
Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer
unknownemulsifier
#20
Trideceth-6
Trideceth-6
unknownsurfactant/emulsifier
#21
Ethylhexylglycerin
Ethylhexylglycerin
unknownpreservative
#22
Chlorphenesin
Chlorphenesin
unknownantimicrobial/preservative
#23
Disodium edta
Disodium edta
unknownchelating agent
#24
Bht
Bht
unknownantioxidant/preservative
#25
Parfum
Parfum
unknownfragrance

Product Attributes

Vegan
Cruelty-Free
Reef Safe
Alcohol-Free
Paraben-Free
Silicon-Free
Sulfate-Free
Fragrance-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Oil-Free
Fungal Acne Safe

Usage Instructions & Guidelines

Official Usage Instructions

Manufacturer's recommended application

Apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and at least every 2 hours.

Ideal For:

  • Daily skincare routine
  • Sensitive skin types
  • Natural product enthusiasts

Avoid If You Have:

  • Known allergies to listed ingredients
  • Very sensitive or reactive skin
  • Preference for fragrance-free products

Skin Type Compatibility

How well this product works for different skin types

💧Dry Skin
6/10

The formula lacks significant moisturizing ingredients and contains alcohol (benzyl alcohol), which may cause dryness or irritation for dry skin types.

🛢️Oily Skin
8/10

Lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen actives and silica help absorb excess oil; however, some emollients may feel slightly heavy for very oily skin.

🌸Sensitive Skin
5/10

Contains chemical UV filters and benzyl alcohol, both of which can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin; not labeled as fragrance-free.

⚖️Combination Skin
7/10

Balanced for most areas, but may be drying on cheeks (if dry) and slightly heavy on oily zones; overall moderate compatibility.

🔴Acne-Prone Skin
6/10

Contains some potential irritants (benzyl alcohol, chemical filters) and emollients that could clog pores in some users; not specifically oil-free or non-comedogenic.

Normal Skin
8/10

Generally well-tolerated by normal skin, with effective sun protection and minimal risk of irritation for most users.

Seasonal Usage Recommendations

How to use this product throughout the year

Winter

Apply sunscreen to exposed skin, especially on the face and hands, even on cloudy days. Pair with a rich moisturizer to combat dryness from cold air and indoor heating.

Spring

Continue daily use as UV exposure increases. Reapply after outdoor activities, and consider a lightweight moisturizer underneath to address changing humidity and potential irritation from allergies.

Summer

Use generously and reapply frequently during outdoor activities, swimming, or sweating. Opt for lighter skincare underneath to prevent clogged pores in heat and humidity.

Fall

Maintain daily application, focusing on areas exposed during outdoor activities. Start layering with more hydrating products as air becomes cooler and drier to prepare skin for winter.

Enhanced Usage Instructions

Detailed usage guidance for different skin concerns and best practices

Usage by Skin Concern

💧
Dry Skin

Apply sunscreen after a rich, hydrating moisturizer to help prevent dryness, as this formula is not specifically moisturizing. Reapply as directed, and consider layering with a hydrating mist if skin feels tight during the day.

🛢️
Oily Skin

This sunscreen has a lightweight, non-greasy texture suitable for oily skin. Apply to clean, dry skin. If you use mattifying products, allow them to absorb fully before applying sunscreen. Reapply as directed, especially if sweating.

🌸
Sensitive Skin

Patch test on a small area before full use, as chemical filters and benzyl alcohol may cause irritation. Avoid applying to broken or inflamed skin. If stinging occurs, discontinue use and consider a mineral sunscreen alternative.

⚖️
Combination Skin

Apply evenly to all areas, using a lightweight moisturizer on drier zones before sunscreen if needed. Focus on blending well into both oily and dry areas. Reapply as directed.

🔴
Acne-Prone Skin

The formula is non-comedogenic but contains some emollients. Apply to clean skin, avoiding heavy layering of other occlusive products underneath. Remove thoroughly at night to prevent buildup. Monitor for breakouts and discontinue if irritation occurs.

Usage Tips & Best Practices

Daily Use

Use every morning as the final step in your skincare routine, before makeup. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors, and after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.

Night Use

Sunscreen is not needed at night. Cleanse thoroughly in the evening to remove all sunscreen residue.

Frequency

Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours, and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.

Amount

Use approximately 1 ounce (a shot glass full) for full body coverage, or a nickel-sized amount for the face and neck. Ensure even, generous application.

Best Time

Apply as the last step of your morning skincare routine, at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply throughout the day as needed when outdoors.