The constant availability of samples in the dermatologist offices and the fact that Neutrogena is a mass-market brand made me wonder if there were some sort of secret contract in place. But even off-the-record chats with dermatologist friends involved mention of the drugstore giant as one of the best skincare brands.
So what, exactly, makes dermatologists go gaga for Neutrogena products? We decided to find out.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
This Neutrogena face cream is a great example of what the brand does best: affordable, effective products that feel expensive.
The gel-cream is “chock-full of hyaluronic acid, a favorite dermatologist humectant, and has an elegant, lightweight, gel consistency that moisturizes without feeling heavy,” says dermatologist Melissa K. Levin, MD, FAAD, owner of Entière Dermatology in New York City. “As a bonus, this moisturizer has glycerin and dimethicone, both powerhouse moisturizing ingredients, and is non-comedogenic, which is appropriate for acne-prone skin.”
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
When Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen was introduced, derms everywhere hailed it as an innovator for its lightweight formula and non-greasy feel.
“There are other sunscreens that feel more luxurious, are more lightweight, or that do more for anti-aging or have additional benefits,” explains dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, who practices at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, “But for basic sunscreen and sun protection, Neutrogena is wonderful and affordable. And no one is going to be liberal enough with their sunscreen application if they spent too much on it.”
Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 85
Not to be outdone by the cult classic, Ultra Sheer is this Neutrogena sunscreen, designed to be applied on wet or dry skin. We call that a game-changer.
Like all Neutrogena sunscreens, it’s formulated with Helioplex, a breakthrough technology that offers long-lasting, broad-spectrum sun protection. Also, this transparent sunscreen leaves no white cast, making it a fantastic option for those with dark skin.
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
If you’re tired of face washes that obliterate your skin’s moisture barrier with harsh surfactants, you may just love this 10-ingredient gentle cleanser.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil
“Neutrogena retinol products provide proven efficacy,” Zeichner says. “I am a fan of Neutrogena products because they give high-quality, luxury products at affordable prices. I jokingly refer to the brand as being ‘mastige:’ prestige-quality skincare for the masses.”
One of Neutrogena’s swankiest retinol products is this oil-serum with 0.3 percent retinol. The lightweight oil has an indulgent feel that most drugstore skincare products just don’t have.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream
Are Neutrogena’s skincare products better than luxury-brand products? “Not always better; often equal,” Nazarian says. “Sometimes they work just as [well] but are more affordable.”
Take this eye cream, a spin-off of best-selling Hydro Boost Water Gel. This refreshing gel-cream contains hyaluronic acid, known for plumping fine lines in addition to deeply hydrating skin. Sure, this eye cream doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but it’s a great value—plus derms say the best eye creams are pretty simple, anyway.
These are the best products for Neutrogena skincare products to use.
