About Neutrogena Sunfresh Sunscreen SPF 70
The Neutrogena Sun Fresh lineup offers powerful, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection powered by the brand’s signature Helioplex technology. What truly sets the Sun Fresh range apart from its competitors is its incredibly lightweight and ‘breathable’ texture, making it an ideal choice for those who dislike the heavy, greasy feel of traditional sunscreens. At least, this is what was promised to us by the brand, and this is exactly what we will discuss here.
What is Helioplex XP technology?
The secret behind this iconic formula is Helioplex® XP technology. This advanced system provides high-performance shielding against both aging rays (UVA) and burning rays (UVB). While many sunscreen active ingredients can degrade or lose efficacy when exposed to direct sunlight, Helioplex® XP is designed with photostability in mind. This allows the protective barrier to remain stable and effective on the skin over time, providing consistent protection throughout the day.
You can purchase Neutrogena at your local drugstore or on Amazon. Retail price is $13 per 200 ml (6.7 oz).
Packaging:
Housed in a flat rectangular squeeze tube, the packaging is lightweight and travel-friendly, making it easy to tuck into your bag and dispense on the go. However, while the slim design is convenient, the “classic” wide-mouth opening in the shoulder of the tube can be very cumbersome. I think a thinner needle-nose applicator is better for more precision and hygiene.
Texture and aroma:
Neutrogena claims to have developed an ultra-lightweight sunscreen formula that is more breathable to the skin, but its texture feels quite heavy (which is my preference, of course). It’s quite milky and oily, similar to fresh cream. I believe that uniform consistency is one of the most important criteria for a sunscreen. I don’t notice any tingling or powdery particles in the texture.
It spreads easily on the skin, but it is a little sticky. Naturally, the more you apply it, the heavier it feels.
The scent is quite strong, but I generally like scented makeup and skin care, so it didn’t bother me personally. However, those with sensitive noses may find its heavy scent a bit overwhelming. It has a scent reminiscent of classic vintage face creams with a touch of sweetness.
material:
Neutrogena’s Sun Fresh uses a hybrid formula that combines multiple chemical filters and a physical shield (titanium dioxide) to provide broad-spectrum protection for the skin. Ingredients such as homosalaic acid, octocrylene, avobenzone, and octisalate are core absorbers of the sun’s harmful rays. The mix also includes advanced photostability filters such as Tinosorb M and Tinosorb S, which are considered to be highly effective.
It’s formulated with glycerin and hydroxyacetophenone, along with nourishing ingredients like jojoba esters and vitamin E, to help keep your skin hydrated.
How to use?
- Step 1: Squeeze out a generous amount of cream (about the size of a shot glass) and carefully divide it into portions and spread it onto your skin, blending the texture. Apply to all parts of the body not covered by clothing.
- Step 2: Let it absorb into your skin for 15 minutes before going out.
- Step 3: Reapplying sunscreen is absolutely necessary to maintain its effectiveness. Be sure to reapply the cream after sweating, swimming or bathing, drying with a towel, and after exposure to the sun.
My experience with Neutrogena Sunfresh sunscreen
When something works, it just works! Sun Fresh Sunscreen SPF 70 works great. I apply a lot of it before going to the beach and I’ve never had a burn. To me, that is the most important measure of performance.
If you’re planning to wear your favorite classic black swimsuit to the beach, you might want to pack carefully. Some high-performance sunscreens aren’t very gentle on dark fabrics, leaving behind oily or powdery stains. Neutrogena’s official website also acknowledges this fact, so keep that in mind. And where is that residue, there is a white cast.
Yes, this sunscreen definitely leaves a white cast on your skin. You can’t really tell from the photo with the sample, but it exists.
Final verdict…
Texture: 👍👍👍👎(6/10)
Performance: 👍👍👍👎(8/10)
Overall: 👍👍👍👎 (7/10)
Of course, this is not an everyday product. Too heavy for daily work. If you don’t plan on spending more than 15 minutes in the sun, you don’t need to worry about SPF 70. This is perfect for strong exposures, so I bought it with that purpose in mind. I am happy with the results as it protected my skin even at the beach. However, if we are truly committed to a product or brand, should we be satisfied with just this, or should we set higher standards? I’ll keep this as a rhetorical question.
While the scent and high SPF may be factors to consider depending on your skin sensitivity, its reliability and affordable price point make it a great option that can be easily found at drugstores. I wish the brand was a little more honest about the texture. There is no need to emphasize the lightness of the texture if it is actually not that light.
If you have the opportunity to try a tester on your skin, just to see and feel the texture and scent before actually purchasing, I highly recommend doing so to avoid any surprises.
Source: Lizbreygel: Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle – www.lizbreygel.com
