Science: Neutrogena Reviews by NvWah_Neutrogena Skin ID Personalized Acne Solution-Light acnes

This light acne regimen has a cream cleanser #14, anti-acne treatment #32, same as the heavy acne regimen, and pads #38.

The active ingredients include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. These are commonly known anti-acne ingredients and used in many other products. Nothing ground-breaking nor improved.

Benzoyl peroxide, the active ingredient in this anti-acne treatment, has been extensively studied and considered the most effective non-prescription antibacterial treatment for blemishes and acnes. It is the exact same active ingredient used in the popular brand Proactive. And the concentration in Proactive and this Neutrogena product are the same 2.5%. 2.5% benzoyl peroxidewhich is considered effective and low-irritation.

The other active ingreident salicylic acid used in the cleanser and hydrator is also known as beta hydroxy acid, BHA. It is a multifunctional acne-fighting ingredient. Salicylic acid is an effective exfoliant and also an anti-irritant. In concentrations of 2%, it gently exfoliates the surface of skin and penetrates into the pore, and thus can exfoliate inside the pore as well as on the surface of the skin, which makes it effective for reducing blemishes, including blackheads and whiteheads.It also treats acnes due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

The heavy regimen has a hydrator #72, and this light regimen has pads #38. But both of them has the same active ingredient, 2% salicylic acid. There is no significant difference.

Warning: The cleanser contains methol that is a very irritating kind of alcohol. The anti-acne treatment has a significant amount of sodium hydroxide, a strong chemical that is irritating and sensitizing to skin, even causes a burning sensation. The pads contain 40% denatured alcohol which is not only extremely drying but also generates free radical damage. This product can be very irritating.

Safety alert: Elevated
review based on scientific information of the product ingredients.

1st ingredient		cleanser 14: water acne treatment 32: water pads 38: water
2nd ingredient		cleanser 14: cetyl alcohol is fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and carrying agent for other ingredients. It is considered non irritant type of alcohol. acne treatment 32: carbomer is a group of thickening agents used primarily to create gel-like formulations. pads 38: denatured alcohol together with ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and sd alcohol are not only extremely drying and irritating to skin, but also can generate free-radical damage.
3rd ingredient		cleanser 14: PPG-15 stearyl ether has lubricating properties that leaves skin soft and smooth. acne treatment 32: sodium hydroxide is a inorganic base. Also known as lye, it is a highly alkaline ingredient used in small amounts in cosmetics as pH adjuster. It is also used as a cleansing agent in some cleansers. In higher concentrations it is a significant skin irritant. pads 38: butylene glycol is a humectant or humidifying and delivery ingredient used in cosmetics.
4th ingredient		cleanser 14: glycolic acid are AHAs that exfoliate the surface skin by breaking up cell-connecting materials. As a result fresh and smoother skin is revealed. AHAs, including glycolic and lactic acid, are widely used to treat aged skin by normalizing thickened skin and increasing skin water content. But the exfoliating properties may also irritate skin. Overdose of AHAs may make users more sensitive to UV radiation. Always wear sunscreen when using AHA products. acne treatment 32: benzyl alcohol is alcohol. pads 38: PPG-5 ceteth 20 is an emulsifying agent and surfactant.

Alcohol	Fragrance	Preservative	Allergy	Price	Color Additive	Sun Protection	Suitable Skin Type

Yes in all 3 products	Yes in cleanser and pads	Yes	Low-Mid	Unknown	No	No	Oily

Anti-acne		Salicylic acid, Benzoyl peroxide
Smoothing		Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone
Moisturizing		Glycerin, Panthenol (pre-vitamin B5)

Skin irritation		The cleanser contains menthol. Menthol is an alcohol that can be isolated from peppermint or other mint oils. It is used as a denaturant, flavoring agent and fragrance ingredient. Menthol can have irritating effect as peppermint on skin. Both cleanser and acne treatment contains sodium hydroxide, especially in acne treatment, it is the third abundant ingredient. Sodium hydroxide is a inorganic base. Also known as lye, it is a highly alkaline ingredient used in small amounts in cosmetics as pH adjuster. It is also used as a cleansing agent in some cleansers. In higher concentrations it is a significant skin irritant. The pads contains 40% denatured alcohol. It is extremely drying and irritating to skin, but also can generate free-radical damage. If listed as the first few ingredients which means the concentration is significantly high, it will be problematic for all skin types.
Fragrance		Both cleanser and pads contain fragrance. Should be avoided by people who are allergic to fragrance.

Emollients		C12 15 alkyl lactate, Cetyl lactate, Glyceryl stearate
Preservatives		Benzalkonium chloride
Thickening agents		Isopropyl myristate, Carbomer, Xanthan gum, Ceteareth-20, Sclerotium gum
Antistatic agents		Cocamidopropyl PG dimonium chloride phosphate
Emulsifiers		(oil/water mixer) Steareth 21, Polysorbates, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
Detergent cleansing agents		Potassium cetyl phosphate
Chelating agents		(metal-binding agents) Disodium EDTA, Laureth 4
pH adjusters		Sodium citrate

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Oil/Blemish controls

Neutrogena Skin ID Personalized Acne Solution - Light Acne