What's In My Jar
Neutrogena Deep Clean Brightening Foaming Cleanser
Neutrogena

Neutrogena Deep Clean Brightening Foaming Cleanser

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Cleansing
Stearic acid, Myristic acid + 4 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Deep Clean Brightening Foaming Cleanser”
Source: Yesstyle

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (glyceryl stearate, lauric acid, myristic acid, peg-100 stearate, peg-8 beeswax, stearic acid) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Stearic acidEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~7.9–9.7%
Myristic acidEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic~2–2.4%
Lauric acidEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes~1.5–1.9%
Peg-8 beeswaxEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be an allergen (beeswax)~1.2–1.5%
Glyceryl stearateEffect: HighAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~1–1.3%
Peg-100 stearateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture~0.9–1.1%
Anti-blemish
Pantothenic acid, Lauric acid + 2 more
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Scientific tests have confirmed that only one use can significantly reduce pore occlusion and blackheads, thereby unclogging the pores and restoring them to fineness, leaving cleansed skin with a translucent and healthy glow.”
Source: Yesstyle

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

Pantothenic acidEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and may help reduce inflammation in skin~0.15–0.25%
Lauric acidEffect: LowHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes~1.5–1.9%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.3–0.55%
Retinyl palmitateUnder-dosedThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect~0.1–0.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Parfum, Methylisothiazolinone + 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
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~2.4–2.9%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.6–0.9%est.
MethylisothiazolinoneA preservative. Is a frequent allergenHigh~0.00075–0.0015%est.
Ascorbic acidThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of agingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
Retinyl palmitateThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effectHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
Peg-8Used to create a nice product consistencyMedium~3.1–3.8%est.
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~2–2.4%est.
Potassium hydroxideUsed to adjust the pH level of productsMedium~1.7–2.1%est.
Lauric acidHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishesMedium~1.5–1.9%est.
Peg-8 beeswaxHelps water and oil mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be an allergen (beeswax)Medium~1.2–1.5%est.
Ascorbyl glucosideA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in productsMedium~0.6–0.85%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.45–0.7%est.
Ci 17200A red colorantMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.05–0.15%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic3/5~2–2.4%est.
Lauric acidHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes3/5~1.5–1.9%est.

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Stearic acid~7.9–9.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Glycerin~4–4.8%
Formula
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
Peg-8~3.1–3.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Peg-8
Propylene glycol~2.4–2.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Myristic acid~2–2.4%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic

More about Myristic acid
Potassium hydroxide~1.7–2.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to adjust the pH level of products

More about Potassium hydroxide
Lauric acid~1.5–1.9%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
CleansingAnti-blemishAntibacterial

Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes

More about Lauric acid
Peg-8 beeswax~1.2–1.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps water and oil mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be an allergen (beeswax)

More about Peg-8 beeswax
Glyceryl stearate~1–1.3%
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~0.9–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

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

More about Peg-100 stearate
Parfum~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ascorbyl glucoside~0.6–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin tone

A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products

More about Ascorbyl glucoside
Polymethyl methacrylate~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Is used to enhance product texture and can help to optically mask skin imperfections

More about Polymethyl methacrylate
Methylisothiazolinone~0.00075–0.0015%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Is a frequent allergen

More about Methylisothiazolinone
Butylene glycol~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 glycol
Tocopheryl acetate~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Ci 47005~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 47005
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Ci 17200~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A red colorant

More about Ci 17200
Morus alba root extract~0.25–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Morus alba root extract
Ascorbic acid~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging

More about Ascorbic acid
Pantothenic acid~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-blemishReduces redness

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and may help reduce inflammation in skin

More about Pantothenic acid
Retinyl palmitate~0.1–0.2%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-agingExfoliation

Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect

More about Retinyl palmitate
Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Lactic acid~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid
Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Ingredient list view

Water, Stearic acid, Glycerin, Peg-8, Propylene glycol, Myristic acid, Potassium hydroxide, Lauric acid, Peg-8 beeswax, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Parfum, Ascorbyl glucoside, Polymethyl methacrylate, Methylisothiazolinone, Butylene glycol, Tocopheryl acetate, Ci 47005, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Ci 17200, Morus alba root extract, Ascorbic acid, Pantothenic acid, Retinyl palmitate, Sodium benzoate, Lactic acid, Potassium sorbate

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Yesstyle
$11.40
Buy

Affiliate links

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
NeutrogenaDeep Clean Brightening Foaming CleanserYOUR PRODUCTDiorCapture Totale Super Potent CleanserFarm StayCeramide Moisture Cleansing FoamPretty skinHyaluronic Cream Foam
Match—47%46%44%
Price$11.40—$13.00+$1.60$10.70−$0.70
Shared key ingredients—7 of 116 of 116 of 11
Key difference—NiacinamideCeramide NpPanthenol
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop
  • matches yours
  • differs
  • cheaper

More alternatives: MISSHA Time Revolution Brightening Care Whipping Foam CleanserThe Saem Healing Tea Garden Green Tea Cleansing Foam

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 10 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    The fatty acid profile of the skin surface lipid layer in papulopustular rosaceancbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Healthncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Neutrogena Deep Clean Brightening Foaming Cleanser
NeutrogenaDeep Clean Brightening Foaming Cleanser
Buy at Yesstyle$11.40Amazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Yesstyle$11.40Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.