Is Neutrogena face wash good for acne?

Which face wash should you choose?

The answer depends on the exact bottle, not simply the Neutrogena name. Use the following as general acne cleansing guidance, and follow the directions on your exact product.3

• Salicylic acid helps unclog pores and is most useful for mild acne, including small bumps that are not inflamed. It does not kill acne bacteria.
• Benzoyl peroxide kills acne bacteria and helps clear pores. A wash containing it is an option for mild breakouts, although dryness and peeling can occur.
• A mild cleanser without an acne ingredient is useful when your priority is washing without adding irritation. Look for a fragrance free formula, especially if your skin is sensitive.

Sensitive skin needs particular care with acid cleansers because they can irritate. For dry skin, a lower strength benzoyl peroxide cleanser, such as 4% or 5%, is a general starting option. Do not assume those strengths describe your Neutrogena bottle; read its label.34

How should you use it?

Wash morning and evening with a gentle cleanser rather than repeatedly washing throughout the day. More frequent washing can irritate skin and make acne worse. If salicylic acid causes dryness or irritation, use a mild cleanser in the morning and the salicylic acid wash before bed instead.25

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can increase dryness and irritation.
2. 2Gently massage the cleanser over your face with your fingers. Avoid scrubbing brushes and rough washcloths.
3. 3Follow your bottle's directions for contact time. General guidance for medicated cleansers is to leave them on for one to two minutes before rinsing.
4. 4Rinse away all cleanser residue with lukewarm water, then pat dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing.
5. 5Apply moisturizer after washing. Choose a fragrance free, noncomedogenic moisturizer, meaning one formulated to be less likely to clog pores.

If breakouts are beneath a beard, gently wash the skin underneath as well as the beard itself. Dermatologists recommend a gentle salicylic acid or glycolic acid facial cleanser for beard acne, rather than soap or shampoo that irritates the skin.6

What if the face wash is not enough?

Acne treatment can take several months to improve symptoms. That is a general treatment timeline, not a reason to expect a particular face wash to clear acne by a fixed date.35

If washing alone leaves you with ongoing breakouts, a pharmacist can help you choose an acne treatment. Products designed to stay on the skin can be more powerful than cleansers, but also more drying. If you already use prescription treatment, follow its directions rather than replacing it with face wash.47

Avoid a product that makes your acne worse, even if its label says noncomedogenic. Introduce one new product at a time so you can identify problems. Before using a new cleanser across your face, try it on a small facial area for a week and watch for itching, burning or new breakouts.14

See a doctor for deep or painful spots, scarring, worsening acne or acne affecting your mental health. Get medical advice for hot, swollen or red skin that could signal infection. If self care and pharmacy treatments have not helped after several months, seek treatment rather than continuing to change cleansers.17