Neutrogena

Neutrogena Stubborn Blackhead Daily Acne Facial Serum

Name: Neutrogena - Stubborn Blackhead Daily Acne Facial Serum
Brand: Neutrogena

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow

See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation

Glycolic acid, Mandelic acid + 2 more

Works well

What the product description says

“5% Glycolic Acid (AHA) helps loosen and shed excess dead surface 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: gluconolactone, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic 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~5–7.6%

Mandelic acidKey activeEffect: HighHelps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid~2.1–3.2%

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~1.6–2.4%

Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: HighUsed 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)0.5%

Anti-blemish

Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid + 2 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Stubborn Blackhead Daily Acne Facial Serum”

From product name

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: gluconolactone, glycolic acid, mandelic acid

Salicylic acidHeroEffect: HighUsed 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)0.5%

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: 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~5–7.6%

Mandelic acidKey activeEffect: MediumHelps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid~2.1–3.2%

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: MediumA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~1.6–2.4%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Glycolic acid, Gluconolactone

Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains gluconolactone, 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 tone

Side benefit · Glycolic acid, Mandelic acid + 2 more

Works well

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

Salicylic acidEffect: LowUsed 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)0.5%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Gluconolactone

May help

This product contains antioxidants (gluconolactone) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Moisturizing

Side benefit · Dimethicone, Gluconolactone + 3 more

Works

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: dimethicone, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

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~3.4–5.2%

Dimethicone crosspolymerKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface~0.1–0.35%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~8.5–12.8%

Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~1.2–1.8%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

7 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 7 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Salicylic acidUsed 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)High0.5%

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~8.5–12.8%est.

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~5–7.6%est.

Mandelic acidHelps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acidHigh~2.1–3.2%est.

GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~1.6–2.4%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.4–0.95%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.1%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Be Minimalist AHA PHA BHA 32%

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Salicylic acid0.5%

Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-blemishExfoliationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialEvens skin tone

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 acid

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Propylene glycol~8.5–12.8%

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

Glycolic acid~5–7.6%

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

Dimethicone~3.4–5.2%

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

Mandelic acid~2.1–3.2%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-blemishAntibacterial

Helps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid

More about Mandelic acid

Gluconolactone~1.6–2.4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationMoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone

Sodium hydroxide~1–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate~1.2–1.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.4–0.95%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.2–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6

Dimethicone crosspolymer~0.1–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface

More about Dimethicone crosspolymer

Disodium edta~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Ingredient list view

Salicylic acid, Water, Propylene glycol, Glycolic acid, Dimethicone, Mandelic acid, Gluconolactone, Sodium hydroxide, Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Disodium edta

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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
	NeutrogenaStubborn Blackhead Daily Acne Facial SerumYOUR PRODUCT	Deviant SkincareGentle Resurfacing Liquid	Be MinimalistAHA PHA BHA 32%	TOUN28AHA + BHA + PHA Serum
Match	—	91%	88%	84%
Price	$18.73	$52.00+$33.27	$15.65−$3.08	$37.90+$19.17
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 5	4 of 5	3 of 5
Key difference	—	Lactic Acid	Lactic Acid	Niacinamide
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Neutrogena - Stubborn Blackhead Daily Acne Facial Serum" is effective for: Exfoliation, Anti-blemish, Anti-aging and Evens skin tone

This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

Exfoliating acids (mandelic acid 2.10% - 3.20% and glycolic acid 5.00% - 7.60%). In this concentration, they will have a noticeable exfoliating effect. They can also have an anti-aging effect and stimulate collagen production in a long-run. PHAs (gluconolactone 1.60% - 2.40%) in this product also work for improving skin hydration. They might be even able to stimulate the production of skin's natural humectants and support the healthy skin microbiome.