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About Neutrogena
Neutrogena is an American company that formulates cosmetics, skin care, and hair care products. The company started out under the name Natone which was later changed to Netrogena once the Neutrogena soap gained fame and became one and the same with the company image.
Neutrogena further reached peak sales after gaining acceptance from medical practitioners. This inspired the company to focus on designing more products that are mild, safe, and premium quality.
What Are The Best Selling Neutrogena Products?
| Product | Benefit | Cost | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream | Helps to keep skin hydrated and supple. | $23.99 | Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, olive oil |
| Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair | Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. | $31.49 | Retinol, hyaluronic acid, cetearyl alcohol, caprylyl glycol |
| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel | Helps to hydrate dry skin, leaving it feeling smooth and supple. | $23.99 | Glycerin, sorbitan olivate, sodium hyaluronate, dimethiconol |
| Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector | Helps to brighten skin, diminish dark spots, and fades discoloration. | $24.99 | Retinol SA, vitamin C, Myrtus communis leaf extract, caprylyl glycol, ascorbyl glucoside |
| Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment | Helps to clear acne ridden skin without over-drying, burning, or stinging. | $7.12 | Benzoyl peroxide 2.5%, carbomer homopolymer type B, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium hydroxide, Disodium EDTA |
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Pros and Cons of Neutrogena
Pros
- All Neutrogena products are claimed to be dermatologist recommended
- May help solve skin issues such as breakouts, dark spots, and discoloration
- May improve skin radiance, hydration, and suppleness
- Neutrogena sunscreens may provide skin protection throughout the day
- May improve hair health, hair growth, and scalp health through its hair care products
Cons
- While most products are fragrance free, their scent may not be pleasant
- Most consumers that the neutrogena oil free acne wash causes skin drying
- Products may not work for all skin types
How Does It Work? | The Science Behind Neutrogena
Neutrogena skin care and hair care products are formulated with specialized active ingredients that target specific problem areas. Neutrogena moisturizers, for instance, feature ingredients like hyaluronic acid which is known to draw water to itself thus helping the skin stay hydrated longer. As for neutrogena light therapy acne masks, they contain acne-fighting ingredients that soothe, peel, and treat acne, leaving skin clearer and more radiant.
Neutrogena Ingredients – The Evidence
Glycerin
This is a moisturizer used in treating and preventing dryness, itchiness, roughness, and skin irritations.
A review in the British Journal of Dermatology found that glycerol plays a role in skin hydration, cutaneous elasticity, and epidermal barrier repair.
Sodium hyaluronate
This is a salt form of hyaluronic acid. It works to retain moisture in the skin, allowing it to stay hydrated throughout the day or night.
A randomized controlled trial in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology concluded that a formulation containing 0.1% hyaluronic acid improved both skin hydration and elasticity.
Panthenol
Panthenol or vitamin B-5 is derived from plant and animal sources and is known for its skin benefits.
Clinical trials in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found that panthenol-based formulations maintained skin integrity by reducing transepidermal water loss thereby keeping skin moisturized.
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Salicylic acid
This is a beta hydroxy acid found in plants such as the willow bark. In skincare, it is used as an exfoliant.
A 12-week study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that subjects who used salicylic acid pads experienced improvement in inflammatory lesions and open comedones.
Petrolatum
This is mineral oil jelly used in skin care and hair care products to lock in moisture.
In a clinical trial published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, petrolatum was established to have robust antimicrobial and barrier repair abilities.
How Does Brand Rate?
| Feature | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | 7 | Some products were recalled after research confirmed they contained benzene |
| Performance | 7 | Products work differently from user to user |
| Customer Comments | 3.8 stars | Most users loved the product |
Neutrogena – Questions and Answers
Q: Does Neutrogena Test on Animal?
A: Yes, Neutrogena products such as Neutrogena oil free moisturizer is sold in mainland China where animal testing is required by law,
Q: Is Neutrogena Any Good?
A: Yes, this brand may be good as it offers a plethora of products for various skin issues. Some users even hold Neutrogena as their skin savior.
Q: Is Neutrogena Sunscreen safe?
A: While most sunscreens by this brand may be safe, others like the Neutrogena ultra sheer sunscreen contain ingredients such as avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene. The safety of these chemical active ingredients has not yet been clarified.
Q: Is Neutrogena Sunscreen Reef safe?
A: No, not all Neutrogena face sunscreens are reef safe. Those that contain oxybenzone and octocrylene may cause coral bleaching. However, those that contain zinc oxide and titanium oxide such as the Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen are considered reef safe.
Q: Who Owns Neutrogena?
A: Neutrogena is owned by the parent company, Johnson & Johnson.
Q: Is Neutrogena Cruelty-Free?
A: Unfortunately, Neutrogena is not cruelty-free as it sells in countries that require animal testing as a safety procedure.
Q: Which Neutrogena Sunscreen is Recalled?
A: In July 2021, a neutrogena sunscreen recall was conducted in which some of the neutrogena sunscreen sprays were recalled. This was after Valisure, a pharmaceutical testing company, found that lots of sunscreens contained benzene, a carcinogen. Some of the recalled sunscreens include:
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- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer aerosol sunscreen
- Neutrogena Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen
- Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen
- Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense sunscreen
Q: What Is Neutrogena Moneyback Guarantee, Return & Refund Policy?
A: If unsatisfied with your product, you can return it within 30 days of the purchase date for a full refund (less shipping and handling fees). The company will only reimburse shipping and handling fees in the case of product damage or shipping error.
Q: Is Neutrogena Legit?
A: Yes, the company has been in the market for almost a century and has received lots of praise from users.
Neutrogena Alternatives – Compare Brands
| Brand | Price | Benefits | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gle Skincare | $29.99 | Dark Circles repair, eye wrinkles removing, skin support | Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, caffeine |
| NO BS Skincare | $40.00 | Face moisturizer, Healthy skin support, Improves collagen | Coconut oil, collagen, green tea leaf, vitamin E |
| Perricone MD | $22.00 | Helps photo-brightening Moisturizers, Offers vitamin C Ester | Vitamin C Ester, Alpha Lipoic Acid, mineral based sunscreen |
| Drunk Elephant | $74.00 | Improves skin, Raises retinol, Promotes healthy skin | Retinol, caprylic triglyceride, broccoli extract, soybean oil, linoleic acid, safflower seed oil |
| Estee Lauder | $66.00 | Treats skin at night, Skin hydration, Sun protection | Hyaluronic acid, butylene glycol, adansonia digitata seed extract, caprylyl glycol, kola extract |
Is Neutrogena Safe? – Warnings & Complaints
Most neutrogena face wash, netrogena body oils, neutrogena moisturizers, neutrogena foundations, neutrogena hand creams, neutrogena shampoos, and neutrogena body wash are safe as they contain mild but effective ingredients. As for neutrogena face sunscreens, ensure you do not purchase those on the neutrogena recall list.
Neutrogena Customer Reviews & Results – What Users Are Saying
On the official website, most products have 4 and 5-star ratings meaning users loved their experienced. A Neutrogena cleanser such as the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream was praised for its exfoliating property and instant recovery. Consumers on independent sites such as consumeraffairs.com gave Neutrogena an overall rating of 3.6 stars, citing adverse reactions and inability to review on the company’s website.
Neutrogena: Packages, Deals, Prices & Where to Buy It
You can buy Neutrogena products directly from the brand website, retail websites, or department stores at the following prices:
- Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel – $7.87
- Neutrogena Makeup Wipes (compostable) – $6.99
- Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo – $6.99
- Neutrogena Clarifying Shampoo – $8.99
- Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshig Shower/Bath Gel – $5.62
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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
The Bottom Line on Neutrogena
Neutrogena has a wide collection of products such as the Neutrogena t gel, Neutrogena t sal, Neutrogena retinol, Neutrogena toner, Neutrogena bar soap, and Neutrogena acne cleansers and creams. These products address different skin issues, thus there’s something for everyone.
With effective ingredients and backing by dermatologists, this brand may have it all. However, there were some users who experienced adverse effects from some products like the Neutrogena acne face wash. This means that the brand may not cater to all skin types. If this is your case, check out competitor brands like Aquaphor and make a smart purchase.
Is There Anything Else You Should Know About Neutrogena?
Neutrogena began operation in 1930. It was founded by Emanuel Stolaroff who started off with a cosmetic company that supplied products to beauty salons.
Neutrogena Product
5 sources
Health Insiders relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
[1] Fluhr JW, Darlenski R, Surber C. Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions. Br J Dermatol. 2008 Jul;159(1):23-34. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x. Epub 2008 Jul 1. PMID: 18510666.
[2] Pavicic T, Gauglitz GG, Lersch P, Schwach-Abdellaoui K, Malle B, Korting HC, Farwick M. Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. J Drugs Dermatol. 2011 Sep;10(9):990-1000. PMID: 22052267.
[3] Camargo FB Jr, Gaspar LR, Maia Campos PM. Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations. J Cosmet Sci. 2011 Jul-Aug;62(4):361-70. PMID: 21982351.
[4] Decker A, Graber EM. Over-the-counter Acne Treatments: A Review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012 May;5(5):32-40. PMID: 22808307; PMCID: PMC3366450.
[5] Czarnowicki T, Malajian D, Khattri S, Correa da Rosa J, Dutt R, Finney R, Dhingra N, Xiangyu P, Xu H, Estrada YD, Zheng X, Gilleaudeau P, Sullivan-Whalen M, Suaréz-Fariñas M, Shemer A, Krueger JG, Guttman-Yassky E. Petrolatum: Barrier repair and antimicrobial responses underlying this "inert" moisturizer. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2016 Apr;137(4):1091-1102.e7. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2015.08.013. Epub 2015 Oct 1. PMID: 26431582.
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Neutrogena products are so good I replaced my lotion and serum
Read Neutrogena reviews of products and bought Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream. This product moisturizes like a lotion and packs a wrinkle-reducing punch like a serum, all in one package. It’s perfect for my combination skin and I don’t wake up feeling greasy or parched. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair cream has replaced both my more expensive night cream and much more expensive serum/toner. I saw results within several days. Super pleased with Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Cream by Neutrogena results.