Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser

Bottom Line

Although Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser uses ingredients that are derived from natural sources, it does contain synthetic fragrance chemicals that may be irritating to sensitive skin. However, the formula effectively cleanses all other skin types. It's also produced with eco-friendly principles. If you prefer more gentle option for sensitive or rosacea-affected skin, Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash (*Est. $5.50 for 6 oz.) gets excellent reviews.

Performance

Eco-friendly but not entirely natural. Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser is a water-soluble formula with a short ingredients list. Several users at Amazon.com and TotalBeauty.com are impressed with Neutrogena's use of natural ingredients, but Paula Begoun warns that the ingredients aren't all that natural. Although they come from natural sources, the processing they go through changes their composition making them anything but natural. Still, she says the cleanser is an excellent option for all but those with sensitive skin (due to the fragrance it contains).

Begoun says the formula is gentle, cleanses thoroughly with no residue and removes makeup with ease (except for waterproof formulas which may require a separate remover). Users at MakeupAlley.com have mixed opinions about the effectiveness of the cleanser, however. While many say Neutrogena Naturals does a good job of cleansing skin without stripping it of moisture, several say the opposite: It doesn't remove makeup well, dries out skin and causes rashes and breakouts. Some of the ingredients -- including fragrance and salicylic acid -- can cause reactions for those with sensitivities.

Aside from using ingredients from natural sources, Neutrogena also receives kudos from Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) for its eco-friendly manufacturing processes and packaging. The cleanser is produced in a facility powered by solar energy and certified to reduce water waste and electricity consumption. Furthermore, the cleanser is formulated without common fossil-fuel derived materials such as paraffin and mineral oil.

Feel and Smell

Gel-like texture with mild scent. One dermatologist tells InStyle magazine that Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser has a mildly foaming gel-like texture. One user at Amazon.com says, "It foams very nicely without feeling like soap, has a very pleasant scent and rinses away without leaving a filmy residue." Some users wish that it didn't have any fragrance at all, however.