Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Scrub: What it does and how to use it

What is Neutrogena face scrub?

The product covered here is the US Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub in the 124 mL tube, not every Neutrogena scrub or acne wash. It is a cleanser that you rinse away, despite a name that does most of the tube's reading for you. Alongside salicylic acid, the formula lists glycolic acid, cellulose, glycerin, fragrance and menthol. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, abbreviated AHA. Check the full product name on your tube before using these directions.1

Should you choose a scrub for acne?

This product is intended to treat acne, but that does not make scrubbing the preferred way to wash acne prone skin. A scrub is not a required step in acne care, even if the bathroom shelf has room for one. If your skin is sensitive, already irritated or easily dried out, choose a gentle, nonabrasive cleanser instead. General acne care also favours gentle products over exfoliants, astringents and toners that dry or irritate skin. Washing harder is not a way to make an acne treatment work better.2

How do you use it?

1. 1Wet your face.
2. 2Apply the scrub to your hands and add water.
3. 3Massage your face gently with your fingertips. Do not add a washcloth, sponge or scrubbing tool.
4. 4Rinse thoroughly with warm water, using your fingers.
5. 5Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.

Neutrogena directs twice daily cleansing. General acne care places those washes when you wake up and before bed, with washing after sweating too. That extra wash does not mean you need another application of this scrub; general guidance favours a gentle cleanser. Repeated washing throughout the day can irritate skin and lead to more breakouts.123

What can you use alongside it?

Using another topical acne medication at the same time increases the likelihood of irritation and dryness. If irritation occurs, use only one topical acne medication at a time. If your skin feels dry, apply a moisturizer made for acne prone skin after washing, twice daily. Choose accompanying skincare and sunscreen labelled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. These products do not cause breakouts in most people.13

Do you need sunscreen?

Yes. The AHA in this scrub can increase sun sensitivity and the possibility of sunburn. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure during use and for one week afterwards. For acne prone skin, choose a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and a noncomedogenic label. Apply it to skin not covered by clothing when outdoors. Seek shade and avoid tanning beds; tanning can worsen acne as well as damage skin.12

How long should you wait for improvement?

For acne treatments generally, allow 6 to 8 weeks to see some improvement; complete clearing generally takes 3 to 4 months. These are general acne treatment timelines, not a promised result from this scrub. Switching treatments every week can irritate skin and cause breakouts. If there is no improvement after 6 to 8 weeks, consider a different treatment rather than more forceful washing.3

When should you stop or get help?

If the scrub irritates or dries your skin, do not keep scrubbing through it; switch to gentle cleansing. Avoid eye contact, and rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs. The product is for external use only. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. See a dermatologist for deep or painful acne, or breakouts that persist despite consistent treatment and gentle skincare. Prescription treatment is necessary for some people.123