Neutrogena Pure & Free Liquid Spf 50
79/100 overall score
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About this sunscreen
Neutrogena Pure & Free Liquid SPF 50 is a pure mineral sunscreen built on titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It has a balanced finish and does not sting, though as a mineral formula it can leave a medium white cast and feels moderately rich. Mineral filters are commonly chosen for sensitive or reactive skin. With good protection at SPF 50 and a strong overall rating, it is a dependable mineral pick for everyday face use.
Ingredient & SPF scores
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UV protection
Good
75
- +33 Titanium Dioxide at #1, UV filter (UVA1 +5)
- +41 Zinc Oxide at #2, UV filter (UVA1 +18)
- β1 UVA2 coverage saturated
- +2 Label claims (SPF 50)
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Allergens
Low
92
- +100 Starting score
- β8 Sensitizing preservatives (DMDM Hydantoin)
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White cast
Medium
36
- +100 Starting score
- β6 Zinc Oxide, 3% declared
- β50 Titanium Dioxide at #1
- β10 Zinc Oxide + Titanium Dioxide together
- β3 Pure mineral formula (3% total declared)
- +4.8 Coated minerals (Triethoxycaprylylsilane)
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Heavy feel
Medium
52
- +100 Starting score
- β8 Zinc Oxide, 3% declared
- β30 Titanium Dioxide at #1
- β10 Both minerals in the top 3, dual mineral paste
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Fungal acne
Low
86
- +100 Starting score
- β14 1 long-chain (C12+) esters that feed Malassezia (Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate)
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Fabric stains
Low
80
- +100 Starting score
- β15 Titanium Dioxide at #1, white marks, worst on dark fabric (washable)
- β5 Both minerals present, heavier deposit
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Moisture
Light
LightNourishing
- β 3 1 sebum-absorbing powders (Silica)
- β 5 Zinc Oxide at #2, mild sebum absorbent
- β 2 Titanium Dioxide at #1, mild sebum absorbent
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Finish
Balanced
MatteDewy
- β 3 1 sebum-absorbing powders (Silica)
- β 6 1 emollient lipids (C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate)
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Makeup base
Okay
PillsPrimer
- β 8 Primer-style base, volatile silicones and dimethicone slip
- β 2 Dry-touch esters, smooth fast-absorbing base
- β 8 Powder overload over a film former, some pilling risk
- β 15 High mineral load at #1 greys under foundation
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Water resistance
Resistant
Non-water-resistantWater-resistant
- +13 1 film-forming polymers that lock the formula on for water resistance
Skincare extras
Beneficial actives this formula contains. Informational only, not part of the rating: their effect depends on a concentration the label does not disclose.
- β¨ Bisabolol
Full ingredient list (17)
What each ingredient does and how it moves each rating: green helps, red hurts, β / β give the direction, and β / β shift a slider toward its ends (finish, moisture, makeup base). Auto-derived from our scoring rules and the ingredient's position.
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Mineral UV filter (Titanium Dioxide), high in the list, a primary filter
- β 33 UV protection, incl. long-UVA (UVA1)
- β 15 white marks, worst on dark fabric (washable)
- light β 2 mild sebum absorbent
- pills β 15 High mineral load greys under foundation
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Mineral UV filter (Zinc Oxide), high in the list, a primary filter
- β 41 UV protection, incl. long-UVA (UVA1)
- β 6 3% declared
- β 8 3% declared
- light β 5 mild sebum absorbent
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3 Water
Solvent base, the water phase
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
- 6 β dewy emollient lipid
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
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Thickener and texture, structures the gel or cream
- β 13 film former
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8 Silica
Mattifying powder, absorbs oil and blurs the finish
- light β 3 sebum-absorbing powder
- matte β 3 sebum-absorbing powder
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
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Emulsifier, keeps oil and water blended
- β 14 feeds malassezia
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Supporting ingredient
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12 Bisabolol
Soothing, skin-conditioning active
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Thickener and texture, structures the gel or cream
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Preservative, keeps the formula from spoiling
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Preservative, keeps the formula from spoiling
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Supporting ingredient
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17 BHT
Antioxidant, protects the formula and skin
Is the Neutrogena Pure & Free Liquid SPF 50 mineral or chemical?
It is a pure mineral sunscreen using titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, with no chemical filters. Mineral formulas are commonly chosen for sensitive or reactive skin.
Does the Neutrogena Pure & Free Liquid Spf 50 leave a white cast?
It can leave a medium white cast, which is typical of mineral sunscreens. Blending it in well helps minimize it.
Is it good?
It earns a strong overall rating. It offers good protection at SPF 50 with a balanced finish and a low sting profile, making it a dependable mineral pick.