Versus

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash With Salicylic Acid - Fragrance Versus Acne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1%

Face Cleanser
Facial Treatment
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on September 15, 2024

Overview

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

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What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

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Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.

This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.

Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.

Learn more about Propylene Glycol
Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide

When to use

377 Routines
47% use in am
53% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
118 Routines
6% use in am
93% use in pm
78% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash With Salicylic Acid 19 ingredients

2.9 /5
from 9 ratings
Doesn't Work (4) Drying (3) Works Well (3)
jello's avatar

Jello

9 months ago
Review

I used this in 2023 and didnt change my facial cleanser to Cetaphil until March of 2024, but this one did nothing for my acne at all.
Only silver lining is that my acne didn't get worse from using it. Only after changing to Cetaphil did my acne clear up, now all i have left is some red spots here and there and a bit of hyperpigmentation.

I'd only recommend this to people that already have Show more

#doesn't work
angel13's avatar

Angel

8 months ago
Review

used this as a little itty bitty person with no research into skincare! what did it do? well… nothing! this does nothing at all. i later switched to a cetaphil cleanser (which wasn’t any better.)

#no scent
#doesn't work

Acne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1% 7 ingredients

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