Sheer Hydration SPF 40
Sunscreen
Updated 10 Dec 2025

Sheer Hydration SPF 40

Neostrata
33Ingredients
0EU Banned
5Caution
0.3/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy SafeNo flagged ingredients
0.3/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy SafeNo flagged ingredients
Allergen-freeNo fragrance allergens
61% Natural33% synthetic

Contains Regulated Ingredients

EU Restricted Ingredients

These ingredients are permitted in the EU but subject to concentration limits, usage conditions, or mandatory labelling requirements under Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

Titanium DioxideMax 25.0%
Max concentration:25.0%
Product types:(a) face products in loose powder form(b) hair aerosol spray pro­ducts(c) other products
Conditions:a) (b) Only in the pigmentary form(c) Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation
CyclomethiconeMax 0.1%
Max concentration:0.1%
Product types:All cosmetic products
Conditions:Concentration must not exceed 0.1% by weight in all cosmetic products.
Label warnings: Persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) substance. Restricted due to environmental concerns.
Ammonium HydroxideMax 6.0%
Max concentration:6.0%
Product types:All cosmetic products
Label warnings: Above 2%: Contains ammonia
What does "EU Restricted" mean?

Restricted ingredients are not banned — they are allowed in cosmetic products as long as specific conditions are met:

  • Concentration limits — maximum allowed percentage in the final product
  • Product type restrictions — some ingredients are only allowed in rinse-off or leave-on products
  • pH restrictions — the finished product must stay within a specific pH range
  • Mandatory labelling — certain allergens must be listed on the packaging
  • Usage conditions — must not be combined with certain other ingredients

These limits are based on the EU CosIng database (Annex III) and are updated regularly. Products sold in the EU must comply with all applicable restrictions.

Ingredient Chemistry

pH

pH Efficacy

pH Efficacy

pH 6.7 — Ineffective
6.7
0Neutral 714
pH estimated from category & ingredients: 6.7
Active ingredients: Gluconolactone, Niacinamide
Gluconolactone at pH 6.7: likely ineffective — above 5
Niacinamide at pH 6.7: optimal range (5–7)
Gluconolactone is at pH 6.7, which is too high for optimal efficacy (3.5–4.5).
Detected actives & ideal pH
GluconolactonepH 3.5–4.5
NiacinamidepH 5–7

Microbiome

Composition & Ethics

Product Details

Attributes

Ethics
VeganLikely
No animal-derived ingredients detected
Cruelty-FreeUnknown
No brand statement — contact manufacturer
Safety
Reef-SafeLikely
No reef-harmful ingredients detected
Confirmed Inferred Unknown Not compliant

Composition

61% natural33% synthetic
20 natural 2 unknown 11 synthetic

Based on 33 ingredients analyzed. 61% natural, 6% unknown and 33% synthetic.

UV filters1 filter
TypeMineral
Preservatives1 preservative
Silicones2 silicones

Functions Overview (15)

skin conditioning10:Gluconolactone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cyclomethicone, Biotin, Pyridoxine, Niacinamide, Triundecanoin... +2 more
type of chemical entity5:Glyceryl Stearate, Panthenol, Allantoin, Stearic Acid, Disodium EDTA
hair conditioning5:Cyclomethicone, Biotin, Pyridoxine, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Arginine

Texture & Feel

Texture & Feel

Expected texture
Light silky liquid that dries down to a smooth, non-greasy finish
SpreadabilityVery easy
AbsorptionNormal
Tackiness / ResidueLight
Finish:Soft matte — natural-looking, shine-controlled

Silicones create a smooth, velvety "slip" with a blurring sensory effect. Slight initial tackiness that fades into a hydrated dewy finish.