I have been using this cleanser since I was probably 16 years old. It's the only cleanser that actually works for my acne. The reason I didn't give it a five is because it doesn't completely get rid of acne, but it is the only cleanser I have found that keeps it under control really well. I have tried other variations of it, like the grapefruit one, and the redness soothing one, but this original one seems to work the best for some reason. I stopped using it for a while and was trying some other cleanser, which wasn't very effective, and I went to stay at my sister's house for a week and she had this original cleanser, so I just used it, and within a day, my breakouts were dried up and nearly gone. I think I have learned my lesson to not use any other cleanser except this one!

I used to break out very badly, and I bought this product hoping it would help clear my skin without drying it out. It did nothing to help clear my skin, and it left my face very red and dry. Several hours after use, I noticed my skin was even oilier than usual. This face wash stripped my skin of all its natural oils and sent oil production into overdrive. I tried using it several more times to see if it got better, and it did not. I will not purchase this product again.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Oil-Free Acne Wash is the #1 dermatologist recommended acne-fighting cleanser. This oil-free formula gently cleanses deep down into pores for clear skin. It contains salicylic acid to get rid of acne you have now and help prevent future breakouts. Special skin soothers help prevent irritation and overdrying. Skin is left clean, resiue-free and never oily (non-comedogenic).

Directions: Cleanse twice daily. Wet face. Lather. Massage gently. Rinse thoroughly.

Warnings: For external use only. Using other topical acne products at the same time or immediately following use of this product may increase skin dryness/irritation. If this occurs, use only one product unless otherwise directed by doctor. Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, flush eyes with water. Discontinue use if excessive skin irritation develops/increases. If irritation persists, consult doctor. Do not use if seal is broken.

MY THOUGHTS: While looking for a cleaner to meet the needs of my boyfriend's oily, blemish prone skin type, I read about Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne Wash, recommended by dermatologist Leslie Baumann in her book "The Skin Type Solution." However, had I read MakeupAlley and Paula Begoun's review, I would have noted that the drying, irritating detergent cleansing agent sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate as a major ingredient, not to mention the fact that salicylic acid is wasted in a cleanser because it is just rinsed down the drain before it can be effective. Nevertheless, prior to doing my research, I purchased a 177 mL bottle at Real Canadian Superstore for $8.96 CAD.

The packaging consists of a transparent bottle with a white, opaque pump that does not lock. The product itself is a thick, clear, fulvous gel that contains a mild detergent smell. I find that even using a small amount (1/4 of my pinky nail), my skin still feels taut. Even the bristles on my Shiseido cleansing brush is beginning to feel dry. I did notice that my face was not as oily hours later; however, it did continue to feel taut. So make sure you follow this product with a moisturizer. Note: even my boyfriend with Baumann skin type ORPW experienced dryness after using this cleanser. Formerly my boyfriend suffered from severe acne as a teen; however, after being placed on Accutane temporarily by his dermatologist, the acne is not as severe in his older years (i.e., 2-3 nodules bi-weekly).

Once the bottle is empty I plan to reuse it by refilling it with a cream based cleanser which is gentler on the skin compared to gel based cleansers.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Salicylic Acid 2.0%.

OTHER INGREDIENTS: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Benzalkonium Chloride, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Propylene Glycol, PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Red 40, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Hydroxide, Water/Eau, Yellow 5.

MYSELF: I'm an Euro-Canadian with combination and sensitive skin that is prone to clogged pores (Baumann skin type: OSPW). continued >>

It took about 2 or 3 weeks for the product to work. It did make my skin clear and I break out quite a bit, especially during my periods.

Pros:
>Got rid of my acne
>Smell gentle enough for me (I have allergies to perfumes)
>Cheap

Cons:
>Made my skin super dry (I have combination)
>Made my skin irritated after a while of using it (red patches on my cheek that burned) continued >>

This product is CRAP!!!!! If you want to burn your skin you can try. I used it only once and ended up with a chemical peel on my face. It is such a strong and harmful liquid. It is like pouring strong acid on your face.

After using it once I could not sleep the whole night because of itching and my skin was dry and tight. Moisturizer creams did not help. The only thing that worked was to apply special doctor prescribed creams for a doctor that does laser peelings.

PS If you have a similar reaction, my dermatologist suggested polysporon but I haven't tried it yet.

This didn't do much for me. It didn't give me that squeaky clean feel, which is what I normally prefer because I have acne prone skin. It didn't break me out, but I always felt like I had to wash my face with a different cleanser afterwards, b/c it didn't give me that "clean" feel. But it is very mild, which is a plus. Won't repurchase however, because there are many superior alternatives out there.

I'm currently on the hunt for a gentle and envir friendly facial cleanser so def will be considering it. I tried out a little sample of this and it is amazing! It's a super soft and gentle wash and it didn't break out my face. It has no scent, at least nothing strong and makes me skin feel clean. It's an orange almost light orange gel to liquid consistancy. Def give it a try for a clean face!

okay, i purchased this product only yesterday and used it twice. Today morning i woke up with tight uncomfortable skin but dint really attribute it to the face wash. Big mistake. Went about with my morning routine as regular and then used this wash. Skin felt tingly immediately and i rinsed it off. And then i step into the dressing room and the sight in the mirror is ghastly! My face has swollen a bit,is blotchy and red and rough with tiny bumps all over my forehead,cheeks,chin and jaw line. Oh my god. Iv no idea what to do now. Im really hoping its temporary. My face has been through really strong ingredients and is not sensitive. Im not allergic to salicylic acid either. I have no idea what caused this reaction. This is the first time this is happening. I implore you to not make the same mistake i did. Back to lrp effaclar gel.
Will edit if the allergy symptoms disperse soon.

OMG, This product broke me out after only 2 uses. I wash my face twice a day, once in the shower in the morning and in the evening to take off my makeup. This is the second time I am using this product and I realised that I am developing small pimples all over my forehead. I am very disappointed with this product.

Hate this!! It make me break out more!!! I end up having more white head and acne after using it!