Neutrogena Naturals Acne Foaming Scrub

SUMMARY: With so many acne products on the market it can be difficult to know what to use for management of recurring breakouts. Neutrogena's new Naturals line offers a 1% salicylic acid acne foaming scrub with no harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, petroleum, dyes or phthalates that is designed to both treat and prevent breakouts.

"Clinically proven acne medicine treats and helps prevent breakouts. Fortified with an acne fighting bionutrient from the wintergreen leaf for clear, healthy looking skin. Powerful natural salicylic acid powerfully penetrates down into pores to treat breakouts and help prevent new ones from forming. Exfoliating microbeads sweep away excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells to soften skin." Neutrogena.com

BeautyAlmanac product page: Neutrogena Naturals Acne Foaming Scrub

THE BRAND: Neutrogena is the #1 Dermatologist Recommended skincare brand and offers a wide range of skin and hair care products. Originally established in 1930, the company is now owned by Johnson & Johnson.

BeautyAlmanac brand page: Neutrogena

USE: "Use daily. Wet face. Apply to hands, add water and work into a lather. Massage face gently. Rinse thoroughly." Neutrogena.com

I have tried MANY different acne foaming scrubs and find that many of them either dry out my skin (especially my t-zone) or contain questionable ingredients. Neutrogena's Acne Foaming Scrub from their new Naturals line is 93% naturally derived and has turned out to be my favorite affordable acne scrub. I did try the Neutrogena Men's Acne Wash but with 2% salicylic acid found it to be too drying and without the scrubbing crystals that help remove excess dirt and dead skin.

Because I keep a bald head, it is also important that I can use the product on my scalp, especially after shaving. This product helps reduce and prevent bumps and pimples from shaving.

I don't use the product every day and rotate on non-shaving days with Neutrogena Men's Invigorating Face Wash.

AROMA & TEXTURE: The first thing I noticed is the almost neutral aroma; there is a slight sweetness that reminds me of a green apple. The aroma is more like a haircare product than the typical facial scrub or any of the Neutrogena Men's products.

The scrubbing crystals are very fine and more like a salt than other products that offer microbeads or apricot kernel, for example.

INGREDIENTS: "Salicylic Acid (1%), Water, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Jojoba Esters, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Xanthan Gum, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Oleate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance." Neutrogena.com

PROS & CONS: Wonderful, fresh aroma; non-drying; exfoliating; not tested on animals, and locally produced in the USA.

At $8.50 USD for about 4 ozs, the price is typical of competitive brands though slightly more than other acne washes that don't describe themselves as "Natural".

Via Neutrogena.com: "I've tried sooo many face cleansers, from Proactiv, cetaphil, Mario badescu, to many, many others...even other Neutrogena ones like the blue one. This is the only one that really works. My boyfriend uses it now and won't use anything else. I've noticed a huge difference in my skin as far as pores and I hardly ever get pimples and if I do, this stuff clears them up asap."

Via Neutrogena.com: "I love the smell of the product and was happy that there was a product that wouldn't be over drying but still help with my acne prone skin. However, my biggest issue was that I was having an allergic reaction after using the product. I usually don't have sensitive skin but with this product my face would get puffy and my cheeks would be super red."

WHERE CAN I BUY IT? Neutrogena.com $8.49 USD for 4.2 ozs.

Products mentioned in article

Neutrogena Men Invigorating Face Wash

Neutrogena Naturals Acne Foaming Scrub

Marlen Elliot Harrison

Dr. Marlen Elliot Harrison’s journalism in the fragrance industry has appeared in international print and online publications such as Playboy...(more)