Neutrogena

Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System

Name: Neutrogena - Complete Acne Therapy System
Brand: Neutrogena

SPF 15Efficacy66/100IrritancyHigh·4 UV filters

See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection

SPF 15 · 4 UV filters · Broad spectrum

Weak protectionSPF under 30

SPF 15Broad spectrumChemical filtersNo white cast

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

UV spectrum

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Octisalate

Octocrylene

Oxybenzone

Avobenzone

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

OctisalateEthylhexyl SalicylateUVBOctisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen5%

OctocryleneUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen3%

OxybenzoneBenzophenone-3UVBUVA2Same as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorption4%

AvobenzoneButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneUVA1Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.1.5%

Exfoliation

Glycolic acid

Works well

What the product description says

“Meanwhile, glycolic acid polishes by helping to sweep away roughness and dead skin.”

Source: Neutrogena

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.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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~4–4.9%

Anti-blemish

Glycolic acid

Not delivered

What the product description says

“Treats acne and helps prevent future breakouts for clearer, healthier-looking skin.”

Source: Neutrogena

This product contains ingredients (glycolic acid) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Glycolic acidEffect: MediumAn 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~4–4.9%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Glycolic acid

Works well

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.

Moisturizing

Side benefit · Panthenol, Cetyl alcohol + 6 more

Works well

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. 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. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, caprylyl glycol.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, octyldodecyl neopentanoate.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.35–0.65%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~5.8–7.1%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~0.4–0.65%

Octyldodecyl neopentanoateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Often used to stabilize other ingredients, for example, sunscreen~0.35–0.6%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.3–0.6%

Ppg-15 stearyl ether· EmollientEffect: LowHelp soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~5.4–6.6%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.4–0.6%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.35–0.65%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Glycolic acid

Works well

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic 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.

This product can also help with skin tone because it offers sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations. This is why sun protection is the best strategy for maintaining an even skin tone. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Benzophenone-3, Menthol + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 15 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Benzophenone-3Same as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorptionHigh4%

Glycolic acidAn 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 acidHigh~4–4.9%est.

Menthol—High~0.45–0.65%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.45–0.65%est.

Benzalkonium chlorideHelps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent (detergent). Also used as a preservative. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

Ethylene brassylateA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.Medium1.5%

OctocryleneA weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreenMedium3%

Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~2.2–2.7%est.

Steareth-21Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.7–2.1%est.

Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1–1.2%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.3–0.5%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer With Soy

Higher efficacy · 100/10058% match

$20.52

Hawaiian Tropic Sensitive Skin Face Lotion SPF 50

Higher efficacy · 100/10058% match

$32.97

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane1.5%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.

More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane

Ethylhexyl salicylate5%

UV filter

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Ethylhexyl salicylate

Octocrylene3%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Octocrylene

Benzophenone-34%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Sun protection

Same as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorption

More about Benzophenone-3

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Cetyl alcohol~5.8–7.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Ppg-15 stearyl ether~5.4–6.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Help soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency

More about Ppg-15 stearyl ether

Glycolic acid~4–4.9%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-blemish

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 acid

Glycerin~3.1–3.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Glycerin

Polysorbate 60~2.2–2.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60

Steareth-21~1.7–2.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Steareth-21

C12-15 alkyl lactate~1.5–1.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about C12-15 alkyl lactate

Cetyl lactate~1.3–1.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cetyl lactate

Potassium cetyl phosphate~1–1.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate

Sodium hydroxide~0.7–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Xanthan gum~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Cocamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate~0.55–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cocamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate

Disodium edta~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Menthol~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Menthol

Parfum~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Benzalkonium chloride~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent (detergent). Also used as a preservative. Can be irritating

More about Benzalkonium chloride

Panthenol~0.35–0.65%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Water~0.35–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Octyldodecyl neopentanoate~0.45–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. Often used to stabilize other ingredients, for example, sunscreen

More about Octyldodecyl neopentanoate

Glycerin~0.35–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Glycerin

Emulsifying wax

Not recognized

Glyceryl stearate~0.4–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Peg-100 stearate~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate

Dimethicone~0.4–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone

Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Carbomer~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Triethanolamine~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine

Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben

Disodium edta~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Ethylene brassylate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Ethylene brassylate

Dipropylene glycol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Dimethyl heptenal~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Dimethyl heptenal

Water~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Octyldodecyl neopentanoate~0.35–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. Often used to stabilize other ingredients, for example, sunscreen

More about Octyldodecyl neopentanoate

Glycerin~0.3–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Glycerin

Emulsifying wax nf

Not recognized

Glyceryl stearate~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Peg-100 stearate~0.4–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate

Dimethicone~0.4–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone

Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Caprylyl glycol~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Carbomer~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Triethanolamine~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine

Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben

Disodium edta~0.25–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Ethylene brassylate~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Ethylene brassylate

Dipropylene glycol~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Dimethyl heptenal~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Dimethyl heptenal

Ingredient list view

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Benzophenone-3, Water, Cetyl alcohol, Ppg-15 stearyl ether, Glycolic acid, Glycerin, Polysorbate 60, Steareth-21, C12-15 alkyl lactate, Cetyl lactate, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Sodium hydroxide, Xanthan gum, Cocamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate, Disodium edta, Menthol, Parfum, Benzalkonium chloride, Panthenol, Water, Octyldodecyl neopentanoate, Glycerin, Unknown, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl glycol, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Methylparaben, Disodium edta, Ethylene brassylate, Dipropylene glycol, Dimethyl heptenal, Water, Octyldodecyl neopentanoate, Glycerin, Unknown, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl glycol, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Methylparaben, Disodium edta, Ethylene brassylate, Dipropylene glycol, Dimethyl heptenal

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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	NeutrogenaComplete Acne Therapy SystemYOUR PRODUCT	AveenoPositively Radiant Daily Moisturizer With Soy	Hawaiian TropicSensitive Skin Face Lotion SPF 50	La Roche-PosayAnthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen for Face & Body SPF 100
Match	—	58%	58%	57%
Price	—	$20.52	$32.97	$20.99
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 8	6 of 8	5 of 8
Key difference	—	Homosalate	Polymethylsilsesquioxane	Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Low
SPF	SPF 15	SPF 30	SPF 50	SPF 100
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Neutrogena - Complete Acne Therapy System" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of this product is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.

This product should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).

Sunscreen filters

This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: oxybenzone 4.00% (declared), avobenzone 1.50% (declared), octisalate 5.00% (declared) and octocrylene 3.00% (declared).

Irritation risk

We assess the overall irritancy of this product to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.