Quick Summary:

Date Tested: 09/07/2022

In this Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Oil-Free (breakout free) SPF 50 Sunscreen lotion review, Neutrogena does it again with another great performing sunblock. Obviously marketed towards acne-prone skin use, the marketing team definitely incorporated all the relevant keyword phrases such as “clear,” “face,” “oil-free,” and “break-out free,” onto the sunscreen package. This is important because honestly, if I was young and pimple-faced, I would want something that screams to me “I AM WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR!” while browsing the aisles at Target.

*Flashback* During the lovely years of 2019-2021 when the world was held in collective hostage from Covid, my son and I did an online puberty class from Stanford via zoom. I learned a lot about how much my body would change undergoing puberty and it put my mind at ease. I think my son also got something out of it too. Anyways, one section of the class was about acne and pimples. I mention this because this sunscreen lotion contains none of the active ingredients recommended by that class for treating pimples. Obviously this sunscreen isn’t meant to treat pimples, but provide sun protection without aggravating an existing condition.

The Neutrogena Clear Face Breakout-free SPF 50 Liquid lotion is a chemical (organic) based formula which contains Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), and Octocrylene (10%). Neutrogena states on the product webpage that it contains Helioplex® Technology which provides superior broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, without causing breakouts. They also mention that this formulation is “perfect for the face and body and has a water-light texture that leaves a weightless, matte finish so skin can breathe.”

Despite being from a trusted brand with a no frills tube design, the Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Oil-Free SPF 50 Sunscreen lotion reduced UVI by 99.62%, filtered UVA by 99.71%, and blocked UVB by 98.13%. Incredible scores for a lightweight formulation. I’m impressed.

Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Oil-Free SPF 50 Sunscreen lotion characteristics at a glance:

• Formulated with Helioplex® Technology. It provides superior broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, without causing breakouts.
• Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
• Fragrance-free sunscreen
• Water resistant (80 minutes)
• Broad Spectrum 50 UVA/UVB
• Oil-free

• Viscosity is slightly good (not too runny or thick)

---

Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Oil-Free Sunscreen lotion 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.

---

UV test results:

Ultraviolet sensor readings:

Want to know more about how I test sunscreen? Head here to read about the details.

Testing notes:

I can see why Neutrogena has built such a following for their skin care products. I haven’t tested their entire sunscreen line-up but the ones I do test, do a good job. The Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free however is actually one of the best performing sunscreens I have tested to date. I strongly recommend this product just based off its ability to block ultraviolet radiation while being sensitive to the skin. It also appears to be the right consistency for what I would want in a daily facial sunscreen lotion.

While I can’t vouch for if it is gentle on acne-prone skin, I do recommend it for use as a sunscreen.