Below is every ingredient in Neutrogena Ultrasheer Dry Touch Sunblock Spf 50 explained, its standout actives, and the side effects reported in research for those actives — analysed for Indian skin.
Flags derived from the ingredient list using dermatology reference data (fungal-acne substrate, comedogenicity, EU allergens). General guidance, not a diagnosis.
Answers are derived from the printed ingredient list and dermatology reference data — general guidance, not a diagnosis or a therapeutic claim.
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is a water-soluble salt derived from licorice root (glycyrrhizic acid) used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly added to formulations to calm irritation, redness, and sensitivity.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin dryness or barrier disruption with excessive contact | Uncommon | Frequent or prolonged exposure to water, especially hot or hard water, can disrupt the skin barrier and contribute to transepidermal water loss. |
| Irritation from impurities or hard water minerals | Rare | Reactions are attributed to contaminants, chlorine, or mineral content rather than water itself. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild irritation possible, generally in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Uncommonly reported; acrylate polymers are generally low-sensitizing compared to residual acrylate monomers. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible if products migrate into the eye area. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Mild irritation reported in sensitive individuals. |
| Comedogenic reactions/clogged pores | Rare | Occlusive nature may contribute to breakouts in acne-prone skin. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Immediate hypersensitivity reactions are very seldom reported. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Occasional redness or stinging, typically at higher concentrations. |
| Contact allergy / sensitization | Very rare | Silicones are considered low-allergenic; documented reactions are exceptional. |
| Acne or comedone formation | Rare | Generally regarded as non-comedogenic, but isolated breakouts may occur depending on formulation. |
| Pore-clogging / comedogenic concerns | Rare | Generally considered low risk, but heavy occlusive films may contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals. |
| Mild irritation or redness | Very rare | Silicones are largely inert; transient irritation is uncommon and usually linked to other formula components. |
| Comedogenicity / pore congestion | Rare | Potential in acne-prone skin due to its oily nature, though generally well tolerated. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Water Solvent/vehicle | Water is the most common base ingredient in cosmetic formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves other ingredients and forms the bulk of emulsions and aqueous solutions. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. |
| Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer Film former / rheology modifier | Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer is a synthetic copolymer used in cosmetics as a film-forming agent and to modify texture and viscosity. It helps improve water resistance, spreadability, and the longevity of products such as sunscreens and color cosmetics. |
| Beeswax Emollient/Occlusive thickener | Beeswax is a natural wax derived from honeycomb used in skincare as an emollient, thickening agent, and occlusive that helps stabilize emulsions and form a protective barrier on the skin. It is primarily a formulation/base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| BHT Antioxidant/preservative | BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant used in small amounts to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils, fragrances, and other unstable components, helping maintain product stability and shelf life. |
| Caprylyl Methicone Emollient / spreading agent | Caprylyl Methicone is a volatile silicone fluid used in cosmetic formulations to provide a light, non-greasy, smooth skin feel and to enhance the spreadability of products. It also acts as a solvent and carrier for other ingredients, particularly in sunscreens and color cosmetics. |
| Cetyl Dimethicone Emollient / Silicone | Cetyl Dimethicone is a silicone-based emollient and skin-conditioning agent used to provide a smooth, non-greasy feel and to improve spreadability in creams, lotions, and color cosmetics. It also acts as a water-repellent film former and can serve as an emulsifier component in water-in-oil formulations. |
| Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate Emollient / solvent (UV filter solubilizer) | Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate is an oily ester used in cosmetic formulations primarily as an emollient and as a solvent to dissolve and stabilize organic UV filters in sunscreens. It improves spreadability and skin feel while enhancing the photostability and efficacy of sunscreen actives. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Key active Anti-inflammatory/soothing agent | Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is a water-soluble salt derived from licorice root (glycyrrhizic acid) used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly added to formulations to calm irritation, redness, and sensitivity. |
| Disodium EDTA Chelating agent | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preventing rancidity, and enhancing the efficacy of preservatives. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Ethylhexyl Stearate Emollient | Ethylhexyl Stearate is an ester of 2-ethylhexanol and stearic acid used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It imparts a smooth, lightweight feel and helps soften skin and improve product spreadability. |
| Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative booster / skin-conditioning agent | Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional glyceryl ether used in cosmetics primarily as a preservative-enhancing agent and emollient, often paired with phenoxyethanol to broaden antimicrobial efficacy. It also acts as a deodorizing agent and humectant in skincare formulations. |
| Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | Fragrance refers to a blend of natural or synthetic aromatic compounds added to skincare products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory and formulation purpose rather than a therapeutic one. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Emulsifier/emollient | Glyceryl Stearate is a glycerol ester of stearic acid widely used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Methylisothiazolinone Preservative | Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a synthetic isothiazolinone preservative used in cosmetics and personal care products to prevent microbial growth. It is effective at low concentrations but is recognized as a significant contact allergen. |
| PEG-100 Stearate Emulsifier/surfactant | PEG-100 Stearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid used as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a formulation base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Polyaminopropyl Biguanide Preservative/antimicrobial | Polyaminopropyl biguanide (PHMB) is a synthetic broad-spectrum antimicrobial used as a preservative in cosmetics and as a disinfectant in contact lens solutions. It works by disrupting microbial cell membranes to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in formulations. |
| Silica Absorbent/texturizer | Silica is a mineral-derived ingredient (silicon dioxide) used in cosmetics to absorb oil and sebum, improve texture, and act as a bulking, anti-caking, or matting agent. It is generally inert and well tolerated on skin. |
| Sodium Polyacrylate Thickener / absorbent | Sodium polyacrylate is a superabsorbent acrylic-acid polymer used in skincare as a thickening, stabilizing, and water-binding agent that can hold large amounts of liquid to create gel-like textures. It functions as a formulation and texture-enhancing ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment. |
| Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer Opacifying/film-forming agent | Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics primarily as an opacifying agent and film former, often supplied as a dispersion of small colored or white beads that add opacity, texture, and a smooth finish to products. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| Trideceth-6 Surfactant/emulsifier | Trideceth-6 is a polyethylene glycol ether of tridecyl alcohol used as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps blend oil and water phases and disperse fragrances or other oily components in water-based products. |
| Trimethylsiloxysilicate Film-former/silicone resin | Trimethylsiloxysilicate is a silicone-based film-forming resin used in cosmetics to impart water resistance, transfer resistance, and long-wear properties to products like sunscreens, foundations, and lip products. It forms a flexible, breathable film on the skin surface. |
| Xanthan Gum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves product texture and suspension of ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
Key active = does the main work. Ingredient explanations are drawn from public databases & literature.
Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.