Quick Summary:
Date Tested: 06/12/2022
As I become more acquainted with sunscreen brands, there are a few brands I tend to trust more. Neutrogena is one of those companies where I now expect a high level of performance, and this particular sunscreen from Neutrogena is no exception.
The Beach Defense SPF70 is a chemical based sunscreen which contains 5 active chemical UV blockers (this one contains Oxybenzone – there is another version which does not contain it). The formulation reduced the UVI by 92.06%, reduced UVA by 92.29%, and reduced UVB intensity by 88.09%.
Given this many active ingredients, I was skeptical of its performance (I find the more the active ingredients, the worse the sunscreen tends to perform) and given the high SPF rating of 70, I would have expected it to reduce at least around 98% of the UVI. However, testing found the UV blocking concoction worked well enough.
Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection SPF 70 ingredients
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5 %), Octocrylene (4.5%), Oxybenzone (4%)
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Dimethicone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Benzyl Alcohol, Silica, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Trisiloxane, Cetyl Dimethicone, Beeswax, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Polyacrylate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Trideceth-6, Disodium EDTA, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Fragrance.
Manufacturers Website: www.neutrogena.com
Neutrogena sunscreen characteristics at a glance:
- Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB
- Water resistant (80 minutes)
- Oil free
- PABA free
- Lightweight, fast absorbing
- Viscosity is good for an active sunscreen.
Prepared slide ready for testing
The Beach Defense formulation looks fantastic when applied to the testing slide. It spread even and consistent with very little thinning (it is slightly thicker).
Below are the results from 2 hours of testing in my UV testing station.
Beach Defense SPF70 UV blocking test results
Ultraviolet light quick reference:
UVA: The Ultraviolet wavelength from 315nm – 400nm. The “Aging UV light” – Causes wrinkles.
UVB: The Ultraviolet wavelength from 280nm – 315nm. The “Bad UV light” – Causes skin cancer.
UVI: The global sun UV index. The more a sunscreen can reduce the level of UVI, the better.
Neutrogena SPF 70 UV test results:
Ultraviolet sensor readings:
| Before Sunscreen | After Sunscreen | % UV Blocked | |
| TEMP | 86.41 | 85.7 | |
| UVA | 25283 | 1948.7 | 92.29% |
| UVB | 1270 | 151.25 | 88.09% |
| UVI | 14.83 | 1.18 | 92.06% |
Want to know more about how I test sunscreen? Head here to read about the details.
Testing notes:
The Neutrogena SPF 70 is meant to be worn out in full sun in harsher environments, such as at a pool or beach. It protects well, and would be a good choice for summer sun protection when employed in an active use case environment.
I recommend it.
Want to try the Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF70?
Strong protection for a day out at the beach or pool. Remember to reapply every 2 hours!
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