Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Exfoliation2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“1 fl oz (150 mL) contains salicylic acid and microfine beads to effectively deep clean and gently exfoliate pore-clogging skin cells.”
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid, salicylic acid.
Anti-blemish2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Complete Acne Therapy System”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycolic acid
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid, salicylic acid
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · 10 ingredients credited for this claimGood support
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, sarcosine.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Parfum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Salicylic acid0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
More about Salicylic acidWater~45–55%
Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate~9.1–11.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agent
More about Sodium methyl cocoyl taurateCocamidopropyl betaine~6.6–8.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen
More about Cocamidopropyl betaineSodium cocoamphoacetate~4.5–5.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Creates foam
More about Sodium cocoamphoacetateGlycol distearate~2.6–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glycol distearatePolyethylene~2.4–2.9%
Glycolic acid~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- High
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
More about Glycolic acidSodium lactate~1.4–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
More about Sodium lactateCocamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate~1.3–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polyquaternium-11~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish
More about Polyquaternium-11Disodium edta~0.5–1%
Parfum~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate7.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateZinc oxide2.94%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant
More about Zinc oxideWater~0.6–0.9%
Glycerin~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinPentylene glycol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolCetearyl alcohol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholPortulaca oleracea extract~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Portulaca oleracea extractButylene glycol~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolCapryloyl glycine~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together, preserve cosmetic products, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Capryloyl glycineDicetyl phosphate~0.45–0.7%
Glyceryl stearate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearatePeg-100 stearate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateCaprylyl methicone~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin
More about Caprylyl methiconeSarcosine~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to enhance the penetration of other ingredients and attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about SarcosineCinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Hexylene glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolCedrus atlantica bark extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Propylene glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolTriethoxycaprylylsilane~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation
More about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneCeteth-10 phosphate~0.4–0.6%
Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Propylparaben~0.2–0.35%
Ethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Isopropylparaben~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Isobutylparaben~0.15–0.25%
Butylparaben~0.1–0.2%
Disodium edta~0.1–0.15%
Xanthan gum~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumParfum~0.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Salicylic acid, Water, Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Sodium cocoamphoacetate, Glycol distearate, Polyethylene, Glycolic acid, Sodium lactate, Cocamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate, Polyquaternium-11, Disodium edta, Parfum, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Zinc oxide, Water, Glycerin, Pentylene glycol, Cetearyl alcohol, Portulaca oleracea extract, Butylene glycol, Capryloyl glycine, Dicetyl phosphate, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Caprylyl methicone, Sarcosine, Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract, Hexylene glycol, Cedrus atlantica bark extract, Propylene glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ceteth-10 phosphate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Disodium edta, Xanthan gum, Parfum
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| NeutrogenaComplete Acne Therapy SystemYOUR PRODUCT | Jan MariniBioclear Cream | Allies of SkinMulti Acids & Retinoid Brightening Sleeping Facial | Skin ControlPeel Pads | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 84% | 82% | 82% |
| Price | $24.99 | $101.14+$76.15 | — | $14.65−$10.34 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 7 | 4 of 7 | 3 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Azelaic Acid | Niacinamide | Gluconolactone |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 3A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
- 4
- 5
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