Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Kids Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Spf 50+
70/100 overall score
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About this sunscreen
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Kids Mineral Sunscreen is a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ formula built on zinc oxide, so it is a fully mineral sunscreen aimed at sensitive and younger skin. The finish is balanced with a medium feel and a medium chance of visible white cast, which is common for zinc-based formulas. It does not tend to sting and is generally low risk for clogging pores, though it is not a strong choice to wear under makeup. With a score of 70.4 and moderate measured protection, it is a solid everyday mineral option, just temper expectations on the highest-protection end.
Ingredient & SPF scores
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UV protection
Moderate
43
- +41 Zinc Oxide at #1, UV filter (UVA1 +18)
- +2 Label claims (SPF 50)
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White cast
Medium
41
- +100 Starting score
- β55 Zinc Oxide at #1
- β15 Pure mineral formula
- +7 PHSA dispersant, fights agglomeration
- +4.4 Coated minerals (Triethoxycaprylylsilane)
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Fungal acne
Low
91
- +100 Starting score
- β9 1 long-chain (C12+) esters that feed Malassezia (Glyceryl Behenate)
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Fabric stains
Low
85
- +100 Starting score
- β15 Zinc Oxide at #1, white marks, worst on dark fabric (washable)
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Moisture
Balanced
LightNourishing
- β 3 1 sebum-absorbing powders (Silica)
- β 5 Zinc Oxide at #1, mild sebum absorbent
- β 4 Glycerin at #9, the anchor humectant
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Finish
Balanced
MatteDewy
- β 3 1 sebum-absorbing powders (Silica)
- β 9 1 emollient lipids (C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate)
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Makeup base
Poor
PillsPrimer
- β 1 Primer-style base, volatile silicones and dimethicone slip
- β 3 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
- +16 2 film-forming polymers that lock the formula on for water resistance
Full ingredient list (23)
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 (Zinc Oxide), high in the list, a primary filter
- β 41 UV protection, incl. long-UVA (UVA1)
- β 15 white marks, worst on dark fabric (washable)
- light β 5 mild sebum absorbent
- pills β 15 High mineral load greys under foundation
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2 Water
Solvent base, the water phase
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
- 9 β dewy emollient lipid
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Thickener and texture, structures the gel or cream
- β 13 film former
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Supporting ingredient
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
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9 Glycerin
Humectant, pulls water into the skin
- 4 β nourishing the anchor humectant
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
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12 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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Supporting ingredient
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Preservative, keeps the formula from spoiling
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Emulsifier, keeps oil and water blended
- β 9 feeds malassezia
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Thickener and texture, structures the gel or cream
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Thickener and texture, structures the gel or cream
- β 3 film former
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Preservative, keeps the formula from spoiling
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Preservative, keeps the formula from spoiling
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Preservative, keeps the formula from spoiling
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Emollient, softens and smooths skin
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Botanical extract
Does Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Kids leave a white cast?
It has a medium chance of a visible white cast, which is common for zinc oxide sunscreens. Spreading it thinly and blending well usually helps reduce any cast.
Is the Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Kids Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Spf 50+ mineral or chemical?
It is a fully mineral sunscreen, built on zinc oxide with no chemical UV filters. That generally suits sensitive and younger skin.
Is it good for oily or acne-prone skin?
Breakout risk is rated low and the finish is balanced, so it is generally acne-friendly. It is not a strong choice to wear under makeup, however.