Product Review: Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunscreen with Helioplex

Helioplex is the latest development in sunscreen for the US, which lags slightly behind Europe and other countries because of the FDA approval process. Neutrogena sunscreens with Helioplex cover the complete UVA/UVB spectrum by harnessing the full power of two sunscreens, Avobenzone and Oxybenzone, that have long been recognized by the FDA as safe and effective. Avobenzone is one of the best UVA absorbers, while Oxybenzone is a very good UVB absorber with some UVA absorbency. Together with the patented Helioplex stabilizing technology, these two sunscreen ingredients complement each other for high, broad spectrum and photostable coverage. As a result, Helioplex helps screen out UVB burning rays and helps stop damaging UVA rays from penetrating surface layers, offering exceptional deep cellular protection.

I purchased this product to use on my face last summer, because I wanted the best protection possible on my face. I am a fan of other Neutrogena skin products. I was also hopeful that "dry touch" implied that this product would not cause my oily skin to be greasy and break out.

I finally got a chance to really test this product during a recent vacation, when I was applying sunscreen liberally, several times a day. I am happy to report that my skin did not break out. I was still very shiney looking, but I do not think that can be avoided. I cleansed my face with facial wipes occasionally during the day, before applying more sunscreen, in an effort to keep my skin clear. I think this was an important step in preventing so much sunscreen from causing break-outs.

Although I burned slightly in other areas, even with SPF 50, I did not burn on my face. Not only did my face not break out, but the slight pimples threatening to erupt on my chin disappeared. So I am very pleased with this product and will purchase it again. My usual product for the rest of my body is Coppertone Sport, but that causes stinging on my face. I had no unpleasant reaction to Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunscreen on my face.

For all sunscreen bottles, it is a good idea to mark the date of purchase with a permanent marker somewhere on the bottle. Sunscreen will begin to loose it's effectiveness with time. So after about two years, it is recommended that you toss the old bottle, and purchase a new product.