This Neutrogena Combo Is a Breakout Game Changer

Double cleansing isn’t just a K-beauty ritual reserved for elaborate 10-step routines; it’s become one of the most dermatologist-approved ways to ensure your skin is truly clean at the end of the day. And when it comes to an accessible, no-fuss version of the method, you can pair a good makeup wipe with a traditional cleanser. If you have acne-prone skin, a double cleanse can be especially helpful, ensuring every bit of daily grime is removed so your pores don’t get clogged.

One duo I love when my skin is breaking out is Neutrogena’s Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Micellar Cleansing Wipes ($8) and Evenly Clear Acne Cleanser ($15)—both for less than $25. Here’s my honest review.

The Benefits of Double Cleansing for Acne-Prone Skin

When my skin is breaking out (which is usually tied to my cycle and pretty predictable), cleansing is even more critical. I end up wearing more makeup to hide the bumps and redness, so I have to be more thorough with how I remove it. Neutrogena’s iconic face wipes have evolved into a few different varieties, and I love this version: fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive skin, but still capable of removing makeup, sunscreen and daily debris with ease.

Powered by micellar technology, they attract and dissolve dirt and oil like a magnet, making them especially useful for breaking down waterproof mascara and tinted SPF. Starting with a micellar wipe ensures that your second cleanse is actually cleansing your skin and not just moving product around.

Face wipes sometimes get a bad rep, but they’re convenient and efficient as the first step of a double cleanse, or when you’re traveling and don’t have access to a sink. Worth noting: these are made with 100-percent plant-based, compostable fibers.

Then I follow up with the brand’s Acne Cleanser from its Evenly Clear collection, which contains 2-percent salicylic acid and 2-percent gluconolactone to help clear up pimples and remove 85 percent of excess oil. Neutrogena says the gel-to-foam formula is clinically proven to do this in just one wash, and it helps visibly improve post-acne marks for a clearer, smoother, more even skin tone.

I notice a difference even when I use the cleanser alone—my pores look and feel better—but combined, my skin is squeaky-clean in the best way, primed for a spot treatment or acne patches. For anyone dealing with breakouts, this is a simple, effective entry point into double cleansing, and it won’t set you back more than $25.