When you think of the OG beauty brands that many of us have grown up knowing and loving, most likely, a few come to mind. A major one that’s been lining drugstore shelves for decades and is loved by dermatologists and shoppers alike is Neutrogena. Since the beginning, the brand has held onto its mission of making some of the best dermatologist-tested products.
“Neutrogena has been a well-known name brand for many years,” says Jeannette Graf, MD, dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. “It’s known for its quality and a broad line of products for all ages and skin types.” Per Dr. Graf, the brand’s affordability, as well as the scientific research and technology put into its development, make it a very popular one among consumers.
Meet our experts: Jeannette Graf, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Marisa Garshick, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine, Karan Lal, MD, a dermatologist in New York and New Jersey, Hope Mitchell, MD, FAAD, founder and CEO of Mitchell Dermatology, Bertha Baum, MD, a dermatologist in Hallandale, FL
Ahead, see the best Neutrogena products that our dermatologists recommend and love.
1
Best For Brightening
Rapid Tone Repair Cream
- Contains three powerful ingredients in one
- Moisturizing for dry skin
- Can be irritating on very sensitive skin
“[This cream] has vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid, all of which brighten skin and also reduce the appearance of fine lines,” Dr. Lal says.
2
Best With Retinol
Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Cream
Neutrogena
- Excellent value
- Good for beginning retinol users
- May cause redness and irritation if overused
Dr. Garshick recommends this wrinkle repair cream because it “combines retinol with hyaluronic acid, making it a particularly great option for those just starting out with a retinol or those with dry or sensitive skin, since the hyaluronic acid helps to boost moisture and reduce irritation.” She also notes that together the retinol and hyaluronic acid smooths fine lines and wrinkles.
3
Best With Hyaluronic Acid
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel Moisturizer
Neutrogena
- Helps to moisturize
- Lightweight, non-greasy formula
This water-based moisturizer is one of Dr. Graf’s favorites. “The hyaluronic acid allows your skin to better absorb the product and keep your skin hydrated,” she says. “With consistent use, it can help repair your moisture barrier.”
4
Best Makeup Product
Retinol Healthy Skin Enhancer
Neutrogena
- Multi-tasking product
- Helps to cover blemishes and imperfections
Dr. Lal suggests snagging this multitasking foundation, which contains the fine line-fighting hero, retinol, to help reduce signs of aging. “This is a great cover-up for patients after applying their base sunscreen (at least SPF 30),” he says.
5
Best SPF
Hydro Boost Moisturizer with SPF 50
Neutrogena
- Moisturizes and protects skin in one step
- Lightweight formula leaves no white cast
- May not be appropriate for very oily skin
No skincare routine is complete without a daily SPF. This one “provides hydration and sun protection from UVA +UVB in one formulation,” says Hope Mitchell, MD, FAADl, founder and CEO of Mitchell Dermatology. It’s also free of fragrance, dye, and oxybenzone, and includes antioxidant protection for environmental stressors.
6
Best Single Dose Capsules
Rapid Tone Repair Vitamin C Serum Capsules
Neutrogena
- High concentration of vitamin C
- Evens tone and smoothes wrinkles
Board-certified dermatologist, Bertha Baum, MD, says that these capsules are one of her favorite over-the-counter products because they have “such a high concentration (20 percent vitamin C), which is a great antioxidant for evening tone, correcting hyperpigmentation, and anti-aging.”
7
Best Acne Spot Treatment
Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Medicine Spot Treatment Gel
Neutrogena
- Lightweight and won’t clog pores
- Uses ingredients proven to work
- Benzoyl peroxide may stain clothing
“This spot treatment uses 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide to help fight breakouts by eliminating acne-causing bacteria without being too harsh or irritating on the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. “It’s lightweight and non-comedogenic, so it won’t irritate the skin.”
8
Best Cleanser
Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Facial Cleanser
Neutrogena
- Cleanses skin without overstepping
- Fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types
- May require a second cleanse if wearing makeup
“Everyone needs a gentle daily cleanser,” Dr. Graf explains. The fragrance-free cleanser removes dirt and grime without stripping the skin of natural oils.
9
Best For Nighttime Use
Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Night Moisturizer
- Fast-acting retinol
- Tackles multiple signs of skin aging
- Scent may be off-putting to some
Dr. Mitchell recommends this night cream for reducing fine lines, tightening the skin, and evening skin tone. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and smooth, along with retinol that reduces fine lines and diminishes dark spots. It also includes a glucose complex that “works hand-in-hand with retinol to boost its effectiveness while strengthening the skin barrier,” she says.
10
Best Face Scrub
Bright Boost Resurfacing Micro Face Polish
- Gently sloughs away dead skin cells
- Brightens and adds glow
- May be too harsh for sensitive skin
Dr. Lal says that this face polish is “my go-to for all patients. It gently exfoliates and brightens skin without causing excess irritation.”
11
Best Eye Cream
Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream for Dark Circles, Daily Eye Wrinkle Cream with Hyaluronic Acid & Retinol, Paraben-Free, 0.5 fl. oz
- Lightweight and non-comedogenic
- Contains retinol
- May be irritating if it gets into eyes
“This lightweight eye cream is good for daily use,” Dr. Graf explains. “The retinol, glucose complex, and hyaluronic acid work together to reduce the appearance of fine lines and plump the under-eye area.”
12
Best Body Product
Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream
Neutrogena
- Excellent value
- Non-greasy formula
- May not be suitable for extremely dry skin
Don’t forget to show your body some TLC too. This body gel—a non-greasy formula that includes hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin—is Dr. Lal’s all-time favorite Neutrogena product.
“I keep mine in the fridge and apply it every night after my shower,” he says. “It is so hydrating and pure—it’s great for patients with even the most sensitive skin.”
13
Best Hair Product
Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo
Neutrogena
- Removes product buildup
- Fights dandruff
- May be too strong for all hair types
According to Dr. Garshick, “this is a particularly good option for someone with an oily scalp as well as a significant buildup or flaking as it contains three percent salicylic acid to reduce flaking and oil.” She explains that the shampoo can help reduce itchiness and dryness, and can reduce symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and dandruff.
14
Best Sunscreen Mist
Ultra Sheer Lightweight Sunscreen Spray, SPF 55
Neutrogena
- Easy to apply for on-the-go use
- High SPF value
- May leave oily skin feeling greasy
For quick SPF reapplications, Dr. Baum recommends stocking up on this face mist. It works wonders even when you have makeup on.
15
Best For Body Breakouts
Body Clear Acne Body Wash with Glycerin
Neutrogena
- Fights acne on the body
- Won’t irritate skin
- Scent can be off-putting to some
This body wash is great for keeping body breakouts at bay in the summertime. The two percent salicylic acid is just enough to unclog pores and leave skin looking healthy and radiant.
Taylor Lane
Taylor Lane is a former New Yorker, now based out of Baltimore, where she writes about beauty and wellness.
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