Review: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub
Updated September 05, 2012.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub:
This is an over-the-counter acne wash/scrub that contains salicylic acid. Its non-foaming base has exfoliating beads that help smooth the skin and, ideally, keep pores clear.
Active Ingredient:
Salicylic acid 2%
Inactive Ingredients:
Water, cetyl alcohol, PPG-15 stearyl ether, polyethylene, steareth-21, glycerin, polysorbate 60, C12-15 alkyl lactate, glycolic acid, cetyl lactate, potassium cetyl phosphate, xanthan gum, sodium hydroxide, cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, disodium EDTA, menthol, fragrance, benzalkonium chloride, neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, BHT, sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate, titanium dioxide, Red 30 Lake, iron oxide, mica, Yellow 5, Red 40.
Price:
About $5.99 for a 4.2 ounce tube
Where To Buy:
Since Neutrogena is sold at most drug and big box stores, this product is fairly easy to find (I got mine at Target). But you can also buy it online direct from Neutrogena's website.
Pros:
Cons:
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub:
I have to admit, I was initially a bit confused by the name on this product. Is it an acne wash? A scrub? Both?
After trying it, I'd say it's definitely much more of a scrub, but you could use it as your regular facial wash if you wanted.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub isn't your typical facial wash -- it doesn't foam up and you definitely can't use it to remove eye makeup.
But for an exfoliating cleanser option, it's an inexpensive choice.
After using it, there's no denying that my face felt clean, super smooth and soft. Salicylic acid, the active ingredient in this product, is a very common addition to OTC acne treatments. I also like that it contains a bit of glycolic acid, too. Both of these ingredients are used to smooth the skin and keep pores clear.
This scrub also contains just the right amount of menthol. I hate those products that are so mentholated they burn the eyes and sting the skin. This one is perfect -- slightly cooling but not overwhelming.
Apparently, this scrub has a "love-it-or-hate-it" kind of scent. I tended to like it. To me, the light fragrance was sweet and slightly floral. One of my testers, though, disagreed. Not one to mince words, she said "it reeks." She explained the scent reminded her of sunscreen.
Irregardless, I think this scrub just looks pretty. Its a pale orange with brighter orange beads.
Those beads might be a problem, though. They can be a tad harsh, especially if your skin tends to be more sensitive. I can use this scrub a few times a week with no problems, but any more and my skin started to feel irritated. There's absolutely no way my skin could tolerate a twice daily use (as directed by the package). A few of my testers said those beads hurt even after just one use.
As far as OTC acne treatment products go, this scrub is one of the least drying I've found. My skin didn't feel tight after use, and I didn't have to go running for the moisturizer. But again, if I used daily I did start noticing a touch of dryness.
Probably the best thing this scrub has going for it is the price -- at just about $6 for a big 4.2 ounce tube. And it's easy to find, too.
For mild acne breakouts and blackheads, this might be a good scrub to add to your skin care routine. But, as always, if your acne is moderate to severe, or if your acne isn't getting better with your OTC products, give your dermatologist a call.
Read More Scrub and Exfoliant Reviews
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub:
This is an over-the-counter acne wash/scrub that contains salicylic acid. Its non-foaming base has exfoliating beads that help smooth the skin and, ideally, keep pores clear.
Active Ingredient:
Salicylic acid 2%
Inactive Ingredients:
Water, cetyl alcohol, PPG-15 stearyl ether, polyethylene, steareth-21, glycerin, polysorbate 60, C12-15 alkyl lactate, glycolic acid, cetyl lactate, potassium cetyl phosphate, xanthan gum, sodium hydroxide, cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, disodium EDTA, menthol, fragrance, benzalkonium chloride, neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, BHT, sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate, titanium dioxide, Red 30 Lake, iron oxide, mica, Yellow 5, Red 40.
Price:
About $5.99 for a 4.2 ounce tube
Where To Buy:
Since Neutrogena is sold at most drug and big box stores, this product is fairly easy to find (I got mine at Target). But you can also buy it online direct from Neutrogena's website.
Pros:
- It's inexpensive and easy to find.
- After use, your skin feels super soft and smooth.
- It has a slight cooling sensation that feels just right.
Cons:
- The exfoliating beads may feel a bit harsh if you have sensitive skin.
- Some people may find it too drying for daily use.
- It will probably work OK for blackheads and minor pimples, but don't expect this product alone to clear up a case of acne.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub:
I have to admit, I was initially a bit confused by the name on this product. Is it an acne wash? A scrub? Both?
After trying it, I'd say it's definitely much more of a scrub, but you could use it as your regular facial wash if you wanted.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub isn't your typical facial wash -- it doesn't foam up and you definitely can't use it to remove eye makeup.
But for an exfoliating cleanser option, it's an inexpensive choice.
After using it, there's no denying that my face felt clean, super smooth and soft. Salicylic acid, the active ingredient in this product, is a very common addition to OTC acne treatments. I also like that it contains a bit of glycolic acid, too. Both of these ingredients are used to smooth the skin and keep pores clear.
This scrub also contains just the right amount of menthol. I hate those products that are so mentholated they burn the eyes and sting the skin. This one is perfect -- slightly cooling but not overwhelming.
Apparently, this scrub has a "love-it-or-hate-it" kind of scent. I tended to like it. To me, the light fragrance was sweet and slightly floral. One of my testers, though, disagreed. Not one to mince words, she said "it reeks." She explained the scent reminded her of sunscreen.
Irregardless, I think this scrub just looks pretty. Its a pale orange with brighter orange beads.
Those beads might be a problem, though. They can be a tad harsh, especially if your skin tends to be more sensitive. I can use this scrub a few times a week with no problems, but any more and my skin started to feel irritated. There's absolutely no way my skin could tolerate a twice daily use (as directed by the package). A few of my testers said those beads hurt even after just one use.
As far as OTC acne treatment products go, this scrub is one of the least drying I've found. My skin didn't feel tight after use, and I didn't have to go running for the moisturizer. But again, if I used daily I did start noticing a touch of dryness.
Probably the best thing this scrub has going for it is the price -- at just about $6 for a big 4.2 ounce tube. And it's easy to find, too.
For mild acne breakouts and blackheads, this might be a good scrub to add to your skin care routine. But, as always, if your acne is moderate to severe, or if your acne isn't getting better with your OTC products, give your dermatologist a call.
Read More Scrub and Exfoliant Reviews