Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser
Works for
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Glycolic acidWorks well
“Daily acne cream face wash with 2% salicylic acid for acne-prone skin treats and helps prevent breakouts.”
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
CleansingCetyl alcohol, Steareth-21 + 4 moreCan be harsh
“Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin.
It contains the following cleansing agents that tend to be harsh on the skin: benzalkonium chloride.
Keep in mind that cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.
ExfoliationNot advertised by the brand · Glycolic acid, Salicylic acidWorks well
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Parfum, MentholMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
1 of 1 community members would buy it again.
I like the thick creamy texture and smell of this product. It does have a lot of glycolic acid and glycerin it in, which helps with exfoliating and moisturizing my dry skin. But I can't use it daily, it's just too strong. It leaves my skin red if I use it too often. I've become a face cleanser horder so it's in the rotation lol.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Salicylic acid2%
- 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~40–60%
Cetyl alcohol~7.1–10.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholPpg-15 stearyl ether~4.7–7.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Help soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Ppg-15 stearyl etherGlycolic acid~3–4.5%
- 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 acidGlycerin~2.1–3.2%
- 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 GlycerinSteareth-21~1.6–2.4%
Polysorbate 60~1.3–2%
C12-15 alkyl lactate~1.3–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cetyl lactate~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.6–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphateSodium hydroxide~0.45–1.05%
Cocamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Xanthan gum~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumParfum~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumDisodium edta~0.1–0.4%
Menthol~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
Benzalkonium chloride~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent (detergent). Also used as a preservative. Can be irritating
More about Benzalkonium chloridePanthenol~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolIngredient list view
Salicylic acid, Water, Cetyl alcohol, Ppg-15 stearyl ether, Glycolic acid, Glycerin, Steareth-21, Polysorbate 60, C12-15 alkyl lactate, Cetyl lactate, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Sodium hydroxide, Cocamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate, Xanthan gum, Parfum, Disodium edta, Menthol, Benzalkonium chloride, Panthenol
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| NeutrogenaOil-Free Acne Wash Cream CleanserYOUR PRODUCT | CeraVeGel Moussant Anti-Imperfections | Clean & ClearCream Facial Cleanser Oil-Free | YEOUTHVitamin C Facial Cleanser Day/Night Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 82% | 81% | 78% |
| Price | $9.49 | — | $3.10−$6.39 | $41.90+$32.41 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 10 | 5 of 10 | 2 of 10 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | — | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Uriage Hyseac Anti-Blemish Cleansing GelOlay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Cream Cleanser
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 12 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
- 6
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