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Overview

What they are

These products are both face cleansers. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain BHA and Vitamin C

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

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

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash
Salicylic Acid Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
BHA  •  Preservative  •  5 Benefits  •  4 Concerns

Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Cleansing, Foaming
May cause irritation

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a cleansing agent made from a mixture of long chain sulfonate salts. It can also help produce foam.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Cocamidopropyl Betaine Cleansing
May worsen Eczema

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine. Dimethylaminopropylamine is a diamine, an amine with two amino groups.

Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Chloride Masking
3 Concerns

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate Emulsifying
0 / 0
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is used to improve texture and stability of a product. It is sugar based and helps thicken a product.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Polysorbate 20 Emulsifying
0 / 0
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate

We don't have a description for Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate.

Unknown Full details ->
Propylene Glycol Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
0 / 0
May worsen Eczema

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

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate isn't fungal acne safe.

Unknown Full details ->
Parfum Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance  •  2 Concerns

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Disodium EDTA

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

Disliked Full details ->
Benzalkonium Chloride Antimicrobial, Preservative
Preservative  •  2 Concerns

Benzalkonium Chloride is a preservative. It can cause irritation and worsen eczema.

Very Disliked Full details ->
C12-15 Alkyl Lactate Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for C12-15 Alkyl Lactate.

Unknown Full details ->
Polyquaternium-7

Polyquaternium-7 is a light to clear colored liquid. It is commonly found in haircare products for its film-forming and anti-static properties.

Unknown Full details ->
Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate UV Absorber

We don't have a description for Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate.

Unknown Full details ->
Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate

We don't have a description for Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate.

Unknown Full details ->
Ascorbyl Palmitate Antioxidant, Masking
2 / 0
Vitamin C  •  Antioxidant  •  6 Benefits  •  Not safe for Fungal Acne

Ascorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.

2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract is from the Roman Chamomile flower.

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Masking, Skin Conditioning
2 Benefits

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.

Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract Astringent, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance

Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract is a fragrance.

Unknown Full details ->
Citric Acid Buffering, Masking
AHA  •  4 Benefits  •  2 Concerns

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Hydroxide 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.

CI 16035 Cosmetic Colorant
2 / 2

Ci 16035 is a synthetic dark-red dye. This dye is created from an acid called Allura red AC, an azo dye.

2 Com. / 2 Irr.
Unknown Full details ->
Hc Violet No. 2

We don't have a description for Hc Violet No. 2.

Unknown Full details ->
ACNES Clear and Whitening Wash (For Oily & Troubled Skin)
Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Palmitic Acid Emollient, Emulsifying
2 / 0
2 Concerns

Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid found in our skin. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It is a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.

2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Peg-2 Stearate Se Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Peg-2 Stearate Se.

Unknown Full details ->
Myristic Acid Cleansing, Emulsifying
3 / 0
2 Concerns

Myristic Acid is a saturated fatty acid. It is naturally found in milk fat. Other sources include palm oil, coconut oil, and butter fat.

3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Lauric Acid Cleansing, Emulsifying
4 / 1
3 Concerns

Lauric Acid is a fatty acid or lipid. About half of fatty acids in coconut oil is lauric acid.

4 Com. / 1 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Potassium Hydroxide Buffering

Potassium hydroxide is commonly known as caustic potash. It is used to fix the pH of a product or as a cleaning agent in soap. In cleansers, it is used for the saponification of oils.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate Cleansing

We don't have a description for Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate.

Olea Europaea Fruit Oil Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
0-2 / 0
Fragrance  •  Oil  •  Not safe for Fungal Acne

Olea Europaea Fruit Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of the Olive. In other words - olive oil.

0-2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Lauramide Dea

We don't have a description for Lauramide Dea.

Unknown Full details ->
Alcohol Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking
Alcohol  •  5 Concerns

Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Lauryl Hydroxysultaine Cleansing, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Lauryl Hydroxysultaine.

Unknown Full details ->
Potassium Chloride
2 Concerns

Potassium Chloride can be bad for oily skin and be bad for acne prone skin.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Hydroxide 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.

Salicylic Acid Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
BHA  •  Preservative  •  5 Benefits  •  4 Concerns

Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Parfum Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance  •  2 Concerns

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Titanium Dioxide Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter
0 / 0
Mineral UV Filter  •  Non-Reef-Safe

Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
O-Cymen-5-Ol Antimicrobial, Preservative
Preservative

O-Cymen-5-Ol is a preservative.

Unknown Full details ->
Disodium EDTA

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

Disliked Full details ->
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
3 Benefits

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Vitamin C  •  Antioxidant  •  5 Benefits

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) is a form of Vitamin C and is an antioxidant. It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.

Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
Vitamin E  •  Antioxidant  •  Helps brighten skin

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Butyl Avocadate Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Butyl Avocadate isn't fungal acne safe.

Disliked Full details ->

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Liked

Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.

Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.

Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.

It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.

In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.

While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.

If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.

Learn more about Salicylic Acid
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Masking, Perfuming
Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum
Disliked

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
Buffering
Mixed

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

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash
4
2
11
9
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
ACNES Clear and Whitening Wash (For Oily & Troubled Skin)
6
4
10
4
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

65 Routines
45% use in am
55% use in pm
91% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
13 Routines
46% use in am
54% use in pm
100% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash 26 ingredients

2.2 /5
from 5 ratings
marissa2sensitive's avatar

marissa2sensitive

2 years ago · Oily Skin
Review

DRIED OUT MY SKIN SO BAD ( and im an oily skin person?! )
it greatly damaged my skin barrier.

LilaGrantzLila_885's avatar

LilaGrantzLila_885

1 year ago · Combination Skin
Review

Was ok but irritated my skin
.

Rohto Mentholatum ACNES Clear and Whitening Wash (For Oily & Troubled Skin) 24 ingredients

ACNES Clear and Whitening Wash (For Oily & Troubled Skin) hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now