Neutrogena, Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 50, 3 fl oz (88 ml)
This is a baby / child-friendly sunscreen lotion from Neutrogena, designed especially for delicate skin and for use on both face and body.
It’s a mineral (physical) sunscreen — the active filter is zinc oxide (around 21.6 %) which works by reflecting / scattering UV rays rather than absorbing them.
The formula is labelled broad spectrum (UVA + UVB) SPF 50 — for high protection.
It is marketed as tear-free (i.e. less likely to sting eyes) and gentle.
It is free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, dyes — so formulated to reduce potential irritants.
It uses a technology referred to as PURESCREEN® (in Neutrogena’s materials) to help absorb, reflect, and scatter sun rays.
HOW TO USE
Apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply:
after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating
immediately after towel drying
at least every 2 hours
Sun Protection Measures: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. To decrease this risk, regularly use a sunscreen with a Broad Spectrum SPF value of 15 or higher and other sun protection measures including:
limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses
children under 6 months of age: Ask a doctor
INGREDIENTS
Zinc Oxide 21.6%
Click or tap on an ingredient to learn what it does.
Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glycerin, Ethyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Silica, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice, Glyceryl Behenate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Key Features
Here’s a breakdown of its notable features:
Feature Detail
Mineral / Physical Filter Uses zinc oxide as the sole active sunscreen ingredient (~21.6 %) — does not rely on chemical UV filters.
Broad Spectrum Protection Shields against both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays).
Tear-Free & Gentle Designed to minimize stinging or burning if it gets near the eyes (important for use on infants / toddlers).
Free of Common Irritants No added fragrance, parabens, phthalates, or dyes — lowering risk of irritation, especially on sensitive baby skin.
Water / Sweat Resistance The formula offers water resistance (i.e. some resilience to swimming / sweating).
Hypoallergenic Marketed as hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive / delicate skin.
Cosmetic Feel / Spreadability Though mineral formulas often are thicker, Neutrogena’s version is designed to be spreadable and comfortable enough for baby skin.
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Benefits
Putting those features into practical benefits, here’s what this sunscreen offers in everyday use:
1. Strong Photoprotection
Helps prevent sunburn, UVA / UVB induced damage including premature aging and pigmentation.
Using a mineral filter reduces the chance of chemical UV filter–related irritation in sensitive skin.
2. Gentle on Sensitive Skin
With its “tear-free” design and absence of fragrance / dyes / parabens, it’s better tolerated on delicate, baby / child skin.
Hypoallergenic nature lowers the chance of allergic reactions.
3. Better Eye Comfort
If accidentally rubbed near or into eyes (common with active babies), the tear-free design reduces stinging.
4. Water / Activity Tolerance
Because it is water-resistant, it holds protection better during swimming, sweating, or outdoor play (though reapplication is still necessary).
5. Better Compliance / Use
Because it avoids strong odors or irritating additives, it’s more likely caregivers will apply it generously and reapply as needed.
Mineral filters are often preferred by parents concerned about “chemical” sunscreen agents.
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Considerations / Limitations
Mineral formulas tend to be thicker / leave slight white cast: Because zinc oxide is a physical barrier, some residual white or chalky appearance might be noticeable, especially on darker skin tones. (This is a common trait of mineral sunscreens.)
Reapplication is essential: Water resistance does not equal “indestructible” — after swimming, toweling, or heavy sweating, you must reapply.
Coverage matters: You need to apply sufficient quantity to achieve labeled SPF. Thin layers drastically reduce effectiveness.
Patch test recommended: Even though it’s gentle, babies with very reactive skin or eczema should have a patch test before full use.
Sun protection beyond sunscreen: Use hats, clothing, shade, and avoid peak sun hours — sunscreen is a tool, not a guarantee.
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