Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub – Calming Cucumber and Green Tea Cleanser for an Evening Self-Care Reset, 2% Salicylic Acid
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub – Calming Cucumber and Green Tea Cleanser for an Evening Self-Care Reset, 2% Salicylic Acid
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Why you'll love it
- MicroClear Technology delivers 2% salicylic acid deep into pores for proactive breakout prevention, not just surface treatment
- non-over-drying formula with cucumber and green tea soothes skin while still being tough on acne
- microbead-free exfoliating beads make it suitable for daily use without harsh plastic pollution
- dermatologist-recommended active ingredient gives clinical credibility over generic scrubs
- oil-free creamy texture fits easily into a twice-daily routine for visible clarity and softness
Perfect for
- daily morning and evening exfoliating cleanse to prevent breakouts
- treating and unclogging pores on acne-prone, oily, or combination skin
- reducing visible pimple redness and calming stressed-out skin after a long day
- improving uneven skin tone and texture as part of an ongoing skincare routine
- sweeping away excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells without over-drying
Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Power-Clear Scrub instantly clears oil, fights breakouts, and exfoliates. With green tea, cucumber and skin soothers, this creamy formula softens while exfoliating. Its breakthrough MicroClear Technology is scientifically shown to dissolve oil and help boost delivery of salicylic acid to the source of breakouts. With skin soothers, green tea and cucumber, sensitive acne-prone skin is left feeling soft and smooth instead of over-drying.
MAXIMUM-STRENGTH SALICYLIC ACID
Maximum-strength salicylic acid formula for acne-prone skin.
EXFOLIATORS AND SKIN CONDITIONERS
Face scrub contains exfoliators and skin conditioners to help smooth away roughness for clearer, healthy-looking skin.
#1 DERMATOLOGIST RECOMMENDED ACNE BRAND
Formulated from the #1 Dermatologist Recommended Acne Brand.
CLEANSE
Try cleansing your skin of makeup, dirt and oil with Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub.
TREAT
Toner and serum can help prep and treat your skin.
MOISTURIZE
Apply your favorite moisturizer to hydrate your skin.
PROTECT
If you're prepping for the day, don't forget to apply sunscreen! We recommend using a minimum of SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays.
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Product Information
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub with 2% salicylic acid gently exfoliates and clears oil and dirt to help prevent breakouts and visibly improve skin texture, tone, and smoothness
Formulated with MicroClear technology that helps deliver salicylic acid deep into pores where breakouts begin, this exfoliating scrub is clinically shown to unclog pores and treat acne before it even appears on the surface
Infused with cooling cucumber, green tea, and skin conditioners, this daily face scrub helps minimize visible pimple redness while gently softening and refreshing acne-prone, oily, or stressed-out skin
This oil-free facial scrub is tough on breakouts but gentle on skin, and works daily to reduce acne, visibly smooth uneven skin tone, and help prevent clogged pores without over-drying
Use this gentle face scrub every morning and evening as part of your skincare routine for visibly clearer, softer skin. Neutrogena face scrub is made with dermatologist-recommended salicylic acid for treating acne-prone skin effectively
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub clears breakouts and fights acne at the source before it starts. This creamy face scrub is formulated with 2% salicylic acid, a proven acne treatment, along with soothing green tea and cucumber to soften skin and prevent over-drying. The scrub features MicroClear Technology, which boosts delivery of acne medication deep into pores where breakouts begin. Exfoliating microbead-free beads sweep away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells to unclog pores, reduce excess shine, and visibly improve skin texture. Ideal for daily use, this oil-free and dermatologist-tested face scrub leaves acne-prone skin soft, smooth, and refreshed—no matter what kind of day you’ve had.
Features & Specs
Item Form: Oil
Skin Type: acne prone
Product Benefits: Softening,Soothing,Exfoliating
Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, glycolic_acid, salicylic_acid
Additional Features: Exfoliating
Container Type: Tube
Scent Name: Green Tea
Target Use Body Part: Face
Special Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, MicroClear Technology
Skin Tone: Multiple skin tones
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this scrub actually feel calming during a wind-down routine, or is it just another harsh acne wash?
The formula is designed to feel soothing rather than stripping. It blends 2% salicylic acid with cooling cucumber and green tea extracts, so while the active ingredient works to clear pores, the cucumber and green tea help calm visible redness and leave skin feeling soft and balanced after rinsing.
Can I use this as part of a nightly mindfulness or self-care ritual without drying out my skin?
Yes. The oil-free, non-over-drying creamy texture was built for daily use, including evening routines. It sweeps away oil, dirt, and dead skin while keeping skin comfortable, so it pairs well with a calming pre-bed skincare ritual.
Will the scent and texture interfere with a relaxing bath or aromatherapy moment?
The scent is light and clean, not overpowering, so it generally plays well alongside candles, essential oils, or bath products. The creamy lather rinses cleanly and does not leave a heavy residue that would compete with other relaxing products.
How does this support stress-related breakouts versus just treating pimples after they appear?
Stress-related breakouts often start with congestion and excess oil. The 2% salicylic acid combined with MicroClear Technology helps dissolve that buildup inside the pores proactively, while cucumber and green tea help calm the visible irritation that comes with stressed-out skin.
Is this gentle enough to use every day as part of a long-term self-care routine?
Yes. The microbead-free exfoliating beads and non-over-drying formula make it appropriate for daily morning and evening use, which is exactly what the brand recommends for ongoing clarity and smoother texture.
I want a skincare ritual that actually helps me unwind after a long day. Is this the right product?
If your main stress signal is oily, breakout-prone, or uneven-toned skin, this is a strong fit. It transforms a basic cleanse into a deliberate two-minute step that visibly clears pores and calms skin, which can make the rest of your routine feel more rewarding.
Does the cucumber and green tea infusion really make a difference in how my skin feels afterward?
Customers frequently mention that skin feels softer and less tight after rinsing compared to typical acne scrubs. The cucumber and green tea are there specifically to soothe and soften, balancing the stronger active ingredient.
Can I build a full calming nighttime routine around this scrub?
Absolutely. A common pairing is this scrub as the cleansing step, followed by a gentle toner, a hydrating serum, and a night moisturizer. Because the formula is non-over-drying, it leaves a clean base for the rest of a soothing routine.
How does this compare to using a regular foaming cleanser for my evening ritual?
A standard foaming cleanser removes surface oil but does not exfoliate inside the pores. This scrub adds gentle physical exfoliation plus 2% salicylic acid, so you get a deeper cleanse in the same time it takes to wash your face, with added soothing botanicals.
Is this better than a high-end spa facial scrub for at-home self-care?
For acne-prone and oily skin, this is often a more targeted choice than a luxury spa scrub. It carries the same clinical credibility with 2% salicylic acid and MicroClear Technology, but is priced for regular daily use at home.
Will the exfoliating beads scratch or irritate my skin during a gentle self-care session?
The beads are microbead-free and designed to sweep away dead skin without the harsh plastic feel of traditional microbeads. Most users find them effective but comfortable for daily use.
I'm worried this will make my skin feel tight and ruin the relaxed feeling after washing. Will it?
That is a common concern with acne washes, and it is exactly why this formula includes cucumber, green tea, and a creamy non-over-drying base. Most users report their skin feels clean and soft rather than stripped.
How do I use this scrub in my daily routine?
Wet your face, apply a small amount to your fingertips, and gently massage onto the skin for about 30 to 60 seconds. Rinse thoroughly. The brand recommends using it twice daily, morning and evening, followed by a moisturizer.
Can I use this scrub on my body, not just my face?
It is formulated and marketed as a facial scrub. Some customers use it on breakout-prone areas like the back or shoulders, but if you want a full-body acne product, a dedicated body wash is usually the more efficient choice.
Should I use this before or after a face mask, and can I use it with other actives?
Use it as the cleansing step in your routine, before serums, treatments, or masks. It pairs well with most routines, but if you also use stronger exfoliants, alternate them on different days to avoid over-exfoliation.
Is this scrub compatible with retinol, vitamin C, or niacinamide?
Yes, with smart layering. Many users apply this scrub in the morning, use vitamin C or niacinamide, then apply retinol at night. If you have sensitive skin, introduce one active at a time and space them out.
Will this work with my moisturizer and sunscreen, or will it cause pilling?
The formula rinses clean, so it should not interfere with the products layered on top. Apply your moisturizer and sunscreen after rinsing and patting the skin dry, and you should not see pilling.
What is included in the box when I order this product?
You receive one 4.2 fl. oz tube of Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub. There are no extra accessories, applicators, or refills included. You may want to purchase a separate gentle moisturizer and daily sunscreen separately if you do not already have them.
Is it normal to feel a mild tingle the first few times I use this?
A light tingle can happen when salicylic acid first contacts the skin, especially if you are new to chemical exfoliants. It should fade quickly after rinsing. If you experience persistent stinging, burning, or visible irritation, stop use and consult a dermatologist.
How should I store the tube, and what is the shelf life?
Store the tube at room temperature away from direct heat and sunlight, with the cap closed. As an over-the-counter acne product, it is typically marked with an expiration date on the crimp of the tube; do not use it past that date.
What is the difference between a salicylic acid scrub and a benzoyl peroxide wash?
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that works inside the pore to dissolve oil and dead skin, which makes it well-suited for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily skin. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent better suited for inflamed, red pimples. The right choice depends on the type of acne you are treating.
How does this product differ from other Neutrogena acne washes like the Pink Grapefruit or Oil-Free Acne Wash?
This scrub adds microbead-free physical exfoliation and MicroClear Technology to a 2% salicylic acid base, along with cucumber and green tea for soothing. The Pink Grapefruit wash is more about morning energizing, and the standard Oil-Free Acne Wash is a creamy cleanser without the physical exfoliant. Choose based on whether you want exfoliation and a calming profile.
