Written by: Tahseen Afgani
Neutrogena’s Clear Pore Oil-Eliminating Astringent offers an inexpensive way to tone and cleanse your face while combating acne and acne-causing bacteria. The product contains strong active ingredients, making the product ideal with individuals with oily and acne-prone skin who are also under a budget.
The Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Eliminating Astringent comes in a simple bottle as a translucent blue liquid. The main feature of the astringent is the addition of salicylic acid (2%) to its solution. Salicylic acid is used to help clear and prevent acne pimples. It also contains other strong ingredients such as alcohol and witch hazel that are especially useful in clearing facial oil. Neutrogena alleges that this product “penetrates deep into pores to help remove dirt, oil, and makeup that can clog pores and cause breakouts. It also instantly eliminates and controls excess surface oil.” It is intended to be an acne combatant and inhibitor. After using the product, I found that the product does indeed help in removing excess dirt and oil that a facial wash may miss. After applying the liquid to a cotton ball and applying the product to my face, I discovered that the astringent caught a lot of dirt and dead skin in the cotton ball. The toner has powerful cleansing properties, and assists in combating some of my superficial acne. However, it did not perform miracles on all my blemishes, especially those that are much deeper within my skin.
The active ingredients of Neutrogena’s Clear Pore Oil-Eliminating Astringent are definitely the most important aspect of this product, as they work together do eliminate as much dirt and oil as possible that is left behind in my skin. Furthermore, cotton balls or pads are an absolute must when using this product, since they collect the leftover dirt. While I question if the solution needs to be blue, I certainly enjoy its coloration!
Ultimately, I enjoy using the product because it is a toner that is specially formulated for acne and aids immensely in removing dirt and oil, which I can really see for myself when I use it with a cotton ball! I can also feel that is a strong medication when I apply it to my face, because my skin feels refreshed and tight afterwards. I don’t think my skin could be as clean without it. Most of all, it’s cheap! It costs me anywhere from $5-$8. The astringent aids in reducing pimple size and count, but it doesn’t get rid of all of my acne. However, that may vary from person to person. The astringent also may sting at times if there is an open cut or scratch on your face (especially after shaving!), so it is important to use the astringent with care. If this toner proves to be too strong, Neutrogena offers several other toners that do not contain as many harsh ingredients for those with sensitive or dry skin.
In the end, It’s hard to complain about a product that visibly gets rid of dirt and oil on your face, even after you wash. Neutrogena’s Clear Pore Oil-Eliminating Astringent may not get rid of all my acne, but for its cheap price, it’s definitely worth buying to clean my face from excess grime that accumulates throughout the day. This product is a great addition to any skincare regimen that is designed to fight acne. And for it’s price, it’s definitely worth a shot!