Overview
Neutrogena first gained famed for its extensive line of acne treatment products. Today, Neutrogena offers more than 35 such formulas, including spot treatments, cleansers, facial masks, soaps and more. In fact, at first glance many consumers may feel overwhelmed by the number of product choices and not be able to find the one that is right for them. Although we prefer companies that present a handful of products, and thus spend their time making sure that their acne formulas perform as promised, we did not want to judge Neutrogena until we looked closer at its formulas.

Featured Ingredients
Fortunately, Neutrogena products avoid using Benzoyl Peroxide, which is quickly becoming replaced as an acne treatment medication. The company does a good job of presenting some of the problems with using Benzoyl Peroxide, including excessive drying and possible oxidation (which can lead to long-term damage of the skin). In addition, many (but not all) Neutrogena products include Salicylic Acid, which is one of the most effective acne treatment ingredients available. Even though we would prefer to see it in more of its products, and although some Neutrogena products contain less than the optimum 2.0% concentration, at least the company had the wisdom to include this effective ingredient in some of its formulas.

The focus of many Neutrogena’s products is on its patented MicroClear technology, which is supposed to far outperform Benzoyl Peroxide and other typical acne treatment ingredients. The company does make a convincing case, using clinical data to back up the claims that MicroClear does seem to have a profound effect on acne. Even though the research is impressive, Neutrogena does not reveal the actual ingredients included within the MicroClear combination, making us wonder what they are trying to hide. In addition, this prevents us from conducting independent research on the individual ingredients to verify their effects. 

In addition, Neutrogena does not include other known acne fighting ingredients, such as QuSomes, Silicol Dioxide or Inflacin. For a full description of these powerful ingredients, as well as a listing of what products include them, use the search feature on this site.

Web Site at a Glance
The web site for Neutrogena is extensive, almost to the point that the average consumer may have difficulty finding the correct information necessary to select the right acne product among the more than 35 offered. The company does have an online questionnaire, which will help guide most visitors to select the correct products, but it may not be easy to find and may take some time to fill out and get an answer back.

Pros
- Some products do include Salicylic Acid

- MicroClear technology does seem to have scientific support

Cons
- Does not include Silicol Dioxide, Inflacin or QuSomes

- No free trial is offered

- Lack of customer testimonials

Summary
In the crowded world of acne fighting treatments, Neutrogena does seem like one of the more effective treatments available. But due to the large number of products available, and the lack of some other known anti-acne ingredients, we cannot yet fully endorse these formulas.