The Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System contains one 5.1-ounce bottle of salicylic acid acne fix cleanser; one 1.7-ounce bottle of SPF-15 lotion; and one 1.4-ounce bottle of benzoyl peroxide lotion (8.2 total ounces).
These products are developed for controlling acne breakouts and providing lasting results. But is Neutrogena Acne System really helpful? Let’s check every detail about these products.
This therapy system should be used twice daily (morning and evening) consistently in order to maintain blemish-free skin. That is a two-month supply. The anti-acne set is sold together, so it is not possible to buy individual products.
- Acne treatment system, containing one 5.1-ounce bottle of salicylic acid acne treatment cleanser;...
- Everything you need to help stop the acne cycle and get consistently clear skin; breakthrough...
- Contains the dermatologist's choice of acne medicines without a prescription, including salicylic...
Here are the pros and cons of Neutrogena Therapy
Pros
- You get total of 3 products, which are considered enough for the fix of acne; all of the ingredients containing in the Neutrogena Acne System have proven positive effect in eliminating acne
- One of the products, the Skin Polishing Acne Cleanser – for the fix of acne, which is salicylic acid-based
- The second product, Sun Shield Day Lotion, will help prevent eventual sunburns
- The third product is the Overnight Acne Control Lotion, which is Benzoyl Peroxide-based (2.5%), an ingredient with proven anti-acne properties
- The products significantly decrease skin oiliness and excessive sebum production
Cons
- Most of the active ingredients available in Neutrogena Acne System may provoke severe skin dryness
- Side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid fix is often related to skin irritations (including redness, increased sensitivity, additional acne breakouts)
IS Neutrogena Therapy good?
The therapy systems contain one 5.1-ounce bottle of salicylic acid acne fix cleanser; one 1.7-ounce bottle of SPF-15 lotion; and one 1.4-ounce bottle of benzoyl peroxide lotion (8.2 total ounces) at a very reasonable price. It is Benzoyl peroxide and salicyl acid
-based fix and is considered effective according to more than 50% of all users. Unfortunately, loads of people find the products very aggressive and not suitable for sensitive skin:
“The products are very harsh, even though my skin isn’t normally sensitive to skin care products.”
There are loads of comments informing that only one of the 3 product containing in the Neutrogena Acne System has a positive effect on the skin.
The cleanser is okay but the acne control lotion really helps keep the breakouts at bay. The moisturizer is good for daily sunblock under my makeup. I pretty much just get it for the acne control lotion.
Ingredients and their effects on your skin
Let’s start with the Acne Control Lotion. As mentioned above, the active ingredient in this formula is Benzoyl peroxide 2.5%
This ingredient, which is often is used to treat mild to moderate acne, is widely-used for acne fix, it rapidly kills bacteria and helps prevent future breakouts. However, as like other ingredients with strong anti-inflammatory properties, this one also has side effects. They include skin redness, which affects almost everyone who uses benzoyl peroxide – based products for the first time; skin redness, which lasts for about 2-3 days and appears after the topical application of the product.
There is no need to take any measures. It usually resolves by itself when skin gets used to the product. However, if the discomfort does not stop, you should reduce the application use.
The list of Inactive ingredients includes:
- Water,
- Carbomer (or GRAS Thickening Agent; compound giving the texture to various cosmetic products)
- Homopolymer Type B (a compound used commonly in the cosmetic industry; may provoke skin irritation)
- Ethlhexylglycerin (skin-conditioning agent to make skin soft and smooth; may provoke skin irritation)
- Sodium Hydroxide (or GRAS pH Adjuster – may cause severe burns with deep ulcerations)
- Chlorphenesin (a preservative and cosmetic biocide that helps prevent the growth of microorganisms; it has been reported to cause irritation and contact dermatitis in many, particularly those with sensitive and dry skin)
- Disodium EDTA (a chelating agent, used to sequester and decrease the reactivity of metal ions that may be present in a product; there are studies that demonstrate it is toxic)
- Laureth-4 (a surfactant – emulsifying agent)
- Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (a lubricant, foam enhancer and stabilizer, thickener, emulsion stabilizer and film former for hair and skin care products)
Next is the Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15, which has Avobenzone (1.5%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (3%), Oxybenzone (4%) as active ingredients.
- Avobenzone is an ingredient used in sunscreen products to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays
- Octocrylene is a common sunscreen ingredient. It may cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin
- Octisalate is a common sunscreen agent, ultraviolet light absorber
- Oxybenzone absorbs UVB and short UVA rays but is a relatively weak chemical UV absorber. May cause allergic skin reactions
Other (inactive) ingredients containing in the formula include:
- Water,
- Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate (an emollient used in skin care products, studies have shown no harmful effects on the skin)
- Glycerin (attracts moisture onto your skin which is why it is considered a humectant)
- Emulsifying Wax NF (a cosmetic emulsifying ingredient, which some eczema/psoriasis users consider irritating)
- Glyceryl Stearate (emulsifying agent in cosmetics and personal care products; a very mild irritant and can cause allergic reactions)
- PEG-100 Stearate (moisturizing agent; increases the hydration of skin cells)
- Dimethicone (a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations; may provoke dryness or slight irritation)
- Phenoxyethanol (common cosmetic preservative, linked to reactions ranging from eczema outbreaks to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions)
- Ethylhexylglycerin (an alternative to parabens; may provoke skin reactions; not appropriate for sensitive skin)
- Caprylyl Glycol (a humectant and skin issueing agent)
- Carbomer (or GRAS Thickening Agent; compound giving the texture to various cosmetic products)
- Triethanolamine (pH adjuster, surfactant; there are concerns about the toxic effect of the ingredient)
- Methylparaben (widely used as a preservative; in cosmetics and personal care products; prevents the growth of bacteria and fungus, may provoke skin irritation and allergy)
- Disodium EDTA (chelating agent, preservative; considered safe in OTC personal care products)
- Ethylene Brassylate (fragrant agent; may provoke reactions in eczema and psoriasis consumers)
- Dipropylene Glycol (solvent, may provoke skin irritation)
- Dimethyl Heptenal (fragrant agent, classified as not expected to be potentially toxic or harmful)
The third product, available in Neutrogena Acne System is the Skin Polishing Acne Cleanser. It is a Salicylic Acid-based product developed for the fix of acne.
Salicylic Acid is a peeling agent causing shedding of the outer layer of skin. Negative effects of the application of Salicylic Acid-based products include skin irritation and skin dryness.
The list of inactive ingredients includes:
- Water
- Cetyl Alcohol (common emulsifier and emollient in cosmetics, which is indicated to provoke allergic reactions in some users with very sensitive skin)
- PPG-15 Stearyl Ether (moisturizing agent, classified as not expected to be potentially toxic or harmful)
- Glycolic Acid (powerful anti-aging skin care ingredient, exfoliating agent; may provoke skin irritation)
- Glycerin (attracts moisture onto your skin which is why it is considered a humectant)
- Polysorbate 60 (an emulsifier which binds ingredients together in beauty and cosmetics)
- Steareth-21 (a surfactant cleansing Agent; not considered to be hazard in cosmetics or personal care products)
- C12-15 Alkyl Lactate (an emollient and solvent; not considered to be toxic)
- Cetyl Lactate (emollient, not recommended for people with sensitive skin)
- Potassium Cetyl Phosphate (a common surfactant and emulsifying agent; considered a safe ingredient)
- Sodium Hydroxide (may cause severe burns with deep ulcerations)
- Xanthan Gum (a viscosity agent in personal care products)
- Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate (moisturizing agent; not considered to be a hazard in cosmetics or personal care products)
- Disodium EDTA (chelating agent, preservative; considered safe in OTC personal care products)
- Menthol (provokes cooling sensation when applied topically; may provoke skin irritation)
- Fragrance (or parfum – may provoke various reactions, including allergies)
- Benzalkonium Chloride (a surfactant, may provoke skin irritation)
- Panthenol (or Vitamin B5 – has a beneficial effect to moisturize, soothe, heal and regenerate the skin)
How to apply the products in Neutrogena Therapy?
- STEP 1 – Skin Polishing Acne Cleanser: Use the product to clean your skin thoroughly. When using this product avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, flush thoroughly with water right away.
- STEP 2 – Apply Sun Shield Day Lotion in order to prevent potential sunburns. Reapply if necessary.
- STEP 3 – Use again the Skin Polishing Acne Cleanser and apply the Overnight Acne Control Lotion in order to prevent further acne breakouts.
Before the application of any cosmetic product, it is highly recommended to test a small amount on skincare skin to avoid potential allergies and sensitivities. If any adverse reaction develops, discontinue the application. For external use only.
Does Neutrogena Therapy really work?
About half of all customers found this therapy system very effective and report about their positive experience:
- A woman with mixed skin type and severe acne breakouts claims that she can successfully control her skin issue thanks to Neutrogena Acne System:
I have combination oily/dry skin and break out in cystic acne periodically. Following this system keeps my acne controlled and clears it almost completely.
- A mother of a teenage daughter says that these are the only products she finds effective. Unfortunately, she can rarely find them in her local store
- Another satisfied customer considers the Neutrogena Acne System very effective and also shares his positive thoughts regarding the price of the set
- There’s a customer who has been using Neutrogena Acne System for 8 years reports about her impressive results. However, she decided to try another anti-acne therapy but her skin was getting worse and worse. After she started again using the Neutrogena therapy, her skin improved again in a very short period of time.
Unfortunately, the other half of all comments available are significantly negative.
- Multiple comments inform about severe acne breakouts provoked by Neutrogena Acne System
This product dries out your skin, it actually made my skin worse and I don’t have acne;
Burns your face so much, I kept feeling like I was scratching my skin off!;
It makes my face feel extremely dry. And I got terrible pimples and took one week to recover.
- There are comments informing about allergic reactions after the application of the products:
she had what appeared to be an allergic reaction to it
- Multiple reviews claim that this is a new formula, which is not well received by most customers:
I used the old formula and loved it. This new formula (7/2017) is a complete waste of money.
In-depth analysis of Neutrogena Therapy reviews
The report below shows the trustworthiness of Amazon reviews, according to Fakespot computer systems:
How much does Neutrogena Therapy cost?
Customers are genuinely satisfied with the price of the product. According to lots of comments, Neutrogena Acne System is quite affordable, having that you will receive the 3 products together for a little more than $15. There are single anti-acne products costing more than that.
Depending on where you buy the Neutrogena Acne System, the price will vary. You can also check for coupons or discounts available Online.
- Acne treatment system, containing one 5.1-ounce bottle of salicylic acid acne treatment cleanser;...
- Everything you need to help stop the acne cycle and get consistently clear skin; breakthrough...
- Contains the dermatologist's choice of acne medicines without a prescription, including salicylic...
Important
Everyone's skin is unique, and even if you have chosen the best product for your skin issue, the containing ingredients may still cause some irritation, burning sensation, rash or allergy.
To avoid potential skin reactions, we highly recommend performing a patch test before using the product (you can download printable PDF version here)
Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
