Neutrogena mineral sunscreen for the face

What should you check on the bottle?

• Look for broad spectrum protection, which covers ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays, usually shortened to UVA and UVB.
• Choose SPF 30 or higher. SPF describes protection against sunburn, primarily from UVB; it does not replace the broad spectrum check.
• Check the active ingredients for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide rather than identifying the filters from the brand name.
• Choose a water resistant sunscreen and check its stated swimming or sweating limit.
• Read the directions on the product sold in your country, especially if you bought it abroad.

Sunscreen directions differ between formats, so the brand name can find you the bottle but cannot read the label for you.3

How do you apply it to your face?

1. 1Read your bottle's application directions before using it. Never spray sunscreen directly onto your face.
2. 2Apply before going outdoors. General sunscreen guidance is to apply 15 minutes before sun exposure; follow your product's stated timing.
3. 3Use at least 1 teaspoon for your face, the American Academy of Dermatology's general facial amount, and rub it in thoroughly.
4. 4Cover exposed areas beyond your face, including your ears, neck and hairline. Avoid getting sunscreen in your eyes or mouth, and use SPF 30 or higher lip balm on your lips.
5. 5Reapply every two hours while outdoors, and immediately after swimming or sweating. Follow any additional reapplication directions on the label.

Use sunscreen every day you go outdoors, including short trips, cloudy days and winter outings. Too little sunscreen, missed reapplication and expired sunscreen are common reasons people still get sunburned. A higher SPF is not permission to extend your time in the sun.145

What will mineral sunscreen feel and look like?

Mineral sunscreens generally have a thicker, heavier texture than chemical sunscreens and can take more effort to spread. They can leave a white cast, especially on darker skin tones. A mineral sunscreen can leave a visible white cast, which is a fairly literal interpretation of visible protection. Some formulations reduce that residue, but do not assume every Neutrogena mineral formula has the same finish.2

Mineral sunscreen is not simply a reflective shield. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide protect against UV rays primarily by absorbing them. Sunscreen helps prevent sunburn and sun damage; it is not a treatment that needs several weeks to start delivering protection.136

Does it suit sensitive or acne prone skin?

Mineral sunscreen can be a good choice for sensitive skin. As a category, mineral sunscreens are generally well tolerated and less likely than chemical sunscreens to cause irritation or allergic reactions. They are also generally less likely to clog pores, making them an option for oily or acne prone skin. Those are general characteristics, not a prediction of how one Neutrogena formula will behave on your face.27

If your skin is sensitive, try a small amount on your arm and check for a reaction for up to 48 hours before facial use. Read the full ingredient list if you have a known sensitivity: preservatives and fragrances can cause reactions, and reactions to them are more common than reactions to sunscreen filters.5

Can Neutrogena mineral sunscreen be used on the face?

Yes, when the particular product's directions permit facial use. Sunscreen should cover exposed facial skin, including the nose and ears. The important format exception is spray sunscreen: never spray it directly onto your face. Use the facial application method printed on its label instead.34

Is Neutrogena sunscreen good?

Judge the individual sunscreen by its protection and whether you will use enough of it regularly, not by the brand alone. Broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher and water resistance are useful selection criteria. Neither mineral nor chemical sunscreen is automatically the better choice for everyone; a texture you are willing to apply matters.12

Water resistant does not mean waterproof. A water resistant sunscreen label specifies either 40 or 80 minutes of protection while swimming or sweating. Read the stated limit rather than assuming mineral filters determine how long the whole formula stays effective in water.3

What else keeps your face protected?

Combine sunscreen with shade, sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat. A baseball cap does not shade your ears or the sides of your face. Limit exposure around midday rather than relying on sunscreen alone. If you think you have developed sun damaged skin, a dermatologist can examine it.145

Keep the bottle away from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Discard sunscreen past its expiration date. If there is no expiration date, discard it three years after purchase; if you do not know its age, replace it.3