Deep Clean Hydrating Foaming Cleanser
Deep Clean Hydrating Foaming Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, pH-balanced amino acid foaming cleanser with 2.5% Hydrating Acid Complex (Hyaluronic Acid + PHA + Fatty Acids) and 8% Amino Micellar Technology. Removes 99% of dirt and micro-pollutants while retaining 99% of skin's natural moisture for cleaner, softer, supple skin.
2.5% Hydrating Acid Complex
A triple-action blend of Hyaluronic Acid, PHA (Gluconolactone), and Fatty Acids that hydrates while gently exfoliating for smoother, more moisturized skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORY2.5% Hydrating Acid Complex
A triple-action blend of Hyaluronic Acid, PHA (Gluconolactone), and Fatty Acids that hydrates while gently exfoliating for smoother, more moisturized skin.
8% Amino Micellar Technology
Amino acid-based surfactants (Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate & Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate) that cleanse deeply without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Barrier-Friendly Cleansing
pH-balanced formula (6.3–6.8) preserves the skin's acid mantle while removing 99% of dirt, micro-pollutants, and excess oil.
Dermatologist Tested
Non-comedogenic and clinically tested formula suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin. Free from sulfates, parabens, and harsh alcohols.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. Gluconolactone (PHA) is considered safe during pregnancy. Always confirm with your OB-GYN.
Contains Glycol Distearate (fatty acid ester), Myristic Acid (C14), and Lauric Acid (C12) which are known potential triggers for malassezia folliculitis.
Non-comedogenic formula. As a rinse-off product, comedogenic potential of individual fatty acids is significantly reduced since they do not remain on the skin.
Safe to use with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, and BHA in your routine since this is a rinse-off cleanser that won't interfere with leave-on treatments.
Listed as "Fragrance/Parfum" in the INCI. May not be ideal for extremely sensitive or reactive skin types prone to fragrance sensitivities.
Although dermatologist-tested and suitable for sensitive skin, always perform a 24-hour patch test behind the ear or on the inner wrist before full-face use.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)Proven
A low-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates skin more effectively than HA. Attracts and binds moisture to the skin, helping maintain hydration even during the cleansing process.
- Function: Humectant that can hold up to 1,000x its weight in water
- Benefit: Prevents the tight, dry feeling commonly associated with foaming cleansers
- Research: Studies confirm sodium hyaluronate improves skin hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss
Gluconolactone (PHA)Proven
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that provides gentle chemical exfoliation without the irritation of traditional AHAs. Larger molecular size means slower penetration and less stinging.
- Function: Gentle exfoliant + humectant + antioxidant
- Benefit: Removes dead skin cells while simultaneously hydrating, unlike glycolic or salicylic acid
- Research: A 2004 study found gluconolactone helped prevent UV damage in skin cells without increasing sun sensitivity
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate 8% Amino ComplexProven
An amino acid-based surfactant derived from coconut oil and glycine. Part of the Amino Micellar Technology that forms the cleansing backbone of this formula. Known for being exceptionally mild on the skin barrier.
- Function: Primary gentle cleanser that produces rich, creamy foam
- Benefit: Cleanses without disrupting the skin's natural lipid barrier
- Source: Derived from vegetable fatty acids; readily biodegradable
Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateProven
One of the mildest surfactants available in skincare. Often called "baby foam" in the cosmetics industry due to its extreme gentleness. A key component of syndet (soap-free) formulations.
- Function: Mild co-surfactant that creates a rich, dense foam
- Benefit: Does not strip the skin's moisture barrier even with repeated daily use
- Research: Recognized in dermatological literature as defining a new standard of mildness in cleansing formulations
Glycerin Comedogenicity: 0Proven
A skin-identical humectant that occurs naturally in the skin. Plays a critical role in maintaining hydration and supporting the skin barrier. Listed second in the formula, indicating a generous concentration.
- Function: Humectant that draws moisture into the skin
- Research: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid
- Safety: Irritancy rating 0, Comedogenicity rating 0 — one of the safest moisturizing ingredients
19 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Myristic Acid, Glycol Distearate, Acrylates Copolymer, Lauric Acid, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Fragrance, Gluconolactone, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and evening as the first step of your skincare routine. If wearing heavy makeup or sunscreen, consider a double-cleanse method with an oil cleanser first, followed by this foaming cleanser.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water on your face and hands. Avoid hot water as it can strip the skin of natural oils and cause irritation.
Squeeze & Lather
Squeeze a pea-sized amount into your palms and work into a rich, creamy lather. A little goes a long way — the amino acid surfactants foam up generously.
Massage Gently
Apply the foam to your face in gentle circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Avoid the delicate eye area. Focus on the T-zone and areas prone to congestion.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until all foam is removed. Pat dry with a clean, soft towel — don't rub. Follow with toner and the rest of your routine.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry or dehydrated skin and need a cleanser that won't strip moisture
- You want a gentle, pH-balanced foaming cleanser for daily use (AM & PM)
- You're looking for an affordable cleanser with hyaluronic acid and PHA
- You prefer rich, creamy foam texture over gel or micellar formulas
- You have sensitive skin and want a sulfate-free, amino acid-based cleanser
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe daily cleanser
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia) — this contains fatty acid triggers
- You're extremely sensitive to fragrance — contains Parfum/Fragrance
- You need a heavy-duty makeup remover — use an oil cleanser first
- You prefer completely fragrance-free products for reactive skin
- You want a cleanser with strong active acne-fighting ingredients like BHA
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically formulated for dry skin. The Hydrating Acid Complex with HA and PHA retains 99% of skin's natural moisture while cleansing. No tight or dry feeling after use.
Balances well across different face zones. Effectively cleans oily T-zone without over-drying the cheeks. pH-balanced formula maintains skin equilibrium.
A great everyday cleanser that maintains skin balance. Gentle amino acid surfactants clean thoroughly without disrupting the healthy skin barrier.
Amino acid-based surfactants are very gentle. However, contains fragrance which may be a concern for very reactive skin. Patch test first.
This is a hydrating cleanser designed for dry skin. Very oily skin types may find it too mild and prefer the Deep Clean Gentle or Acne variants instead.
Non-comedogenic and rinse-off formula minimizes pore-clogging risk. PHA provides gentle exfoliation. Not suitable for fungal acne though.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Cleansing & Comfort
Skin feels clean, soft, and refreshed without tightness. The rich creamy lather removes dirt and impurities while leaving a noticeable moisture layer on the skin.
95% noticed cleaner skin immediatelyImproved Hydration & Softness
Skin begins to feel consistently more hydrated and supple throughout the day. The combination of glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and PHA works to strengthen the moisture barrier with continued use.
80% noticed softer, more supple skinSmoother Texture & Brighter Complexion
PHA's gentle exfoliating action starts to show results with smoother skin texture, reduced dullness, and a more radiant complexion. Skin barrier feels stronger and more resilient.
70% noticed improved texture and glowLong-Term Balance & Resilience
With consistent daily use, the skin's acid mantle is well-maintained. The skin appears healthier, more balanced, and less reactive. Fewer instances of post-cleansing dryness or irritation.
65% noticed overall improvement in skin healthRatings by platform
480+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Rich, creamy foam feels luxurious and satisfying to use
- Doesn't leave skin feeling tight, dry, or stripped after washing
- Affordable price point for a cleanser with HA and PHA
- Gentle amino acid surfactants respect the skin barrier
- pH-balanced formula (6.3–6.8) close to skin's natural pH
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic
- A little product goes a long way — great lathering efficiency
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin
Criticized
- Contains fragrance which may irritate very sensitive or reactive skin
- Not fungal acne safe due to fatty acid esters and free fatty acids
- Small 100g tube — runs out fast with twice-daily use
- Too mild for extremely oily skin that needs deeper cleansing power
- Limited availability in Western markets — mainly sold in Asia
- Scent can be perceived as slightly strong by fragrance-averse users
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESNon-foaming cream cleanser with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Fragrance-free and fungal acne safe. Larger 16oz size. Better for very dry/sensitive skin but lacks the satisfying foam texture.
K-beauty gel cleanser with BHA (betaine salicylate) and tea tree oil at pH 5.0–6.0. More targeted for oily/acne-prone skin. Different texture (gel vs cream foam) but similarly gentle and pH-balanced.
J-beauty foaming cleanser with multiple weights of hyaluronic acid. Fragrance-free and very gentle. Similar hydrating cleanser concept but no PHA for exfoliation. Available in a larger 160ml tube.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed to prevent the product from drying out.
Squeeze tube (100g) with flip-top cap for hygienic, controlled dispensing
Yes — 100g tube is under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit for flights
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cleanser is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain any of the ingredients commonly flagged as unsafe — no retinoids, no salicylic acid (BHA), no hydroquinone, and no chemical sunscreen filters. The PHA (Gluconolactone) in this formula is a gentler alternative to AHAs and is generally regarded as safe for use during pregnancy. However, as with any skincare product, we recommend confirming with your OB-GYN or dermatologist.
No, this cleanser is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that may feed malassezia yeast: Glycol Distearate (a fatty acid ester), Myristic Acid (C14 fatty acid), and Lauric Acid (C12 fatty acid). While the product is rinsed off and contact time is brief, those with active fungal acne should consider alternatives like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser.
Yes, absolutely. As a rinse-off cleanser, it will not interfere with your leave-on active treatments. You can safely use this cleanser before applying retinol, vitamin C serums, AHA or BHA exfoliants. The gentle PHA in the formula provides mild exfoliation but is unlikely to cause sensitization when combined with other actives. If your skin feels extra sensitive, you can use the cleanser once daily instead of twice.
This cleanser is primarily formulated for dry and combination skin types. Its Hydrating Acid Complex with hyaluronic acid and PHA is designed to retain moisture while cleansing. It also works well for normal and sensitive skin (with a patch test). Very oily skin types may find it too gentle — in that case, consider the Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle or Acne Foaming Cleanser variants from the same range.
You'll notice immediate results from the first wash — skin will feel cleaner, softer, and not tight or dry. Within 1–2 weeks of consistent use, you should notice improved hydration levels and supple skin. After 3–4 weeks, the PHA's gentle exfoliating benefits become visible with smoother texture and a brighter complexion. Full long-term benefits are typically seen after 6–8 weeks of twice-daily use.
This cleanser is the first step of your skincare routine (or second step if you double-cleanse with an oil cleanser first). Use it morning and evening on wet skin, then follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). For double cleansing: use an oil or balm cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, then follow with this foaming cleanser as the second cleanse.
No. This cleanser is non-comedogenic (rating 1/5) and dermatologist-tested. While it contains some fatty acids (Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid) that have moderate comedogenic potential in leave-on formulas, as a rinse-off product these ingredients are in contact with the skin very briefly and are washed away. The risk of pore-clogging is minimal for the vast majority of users.
The recommended Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The 100g tube typically lasts about 6–8 weeks with twice-daily use, since only a small pea-sized amount is needed per wash. Store in a cool, dry place with the cap closed and it will remain effective throughout its shelf life.
Verdict: The Neutrogena Deep Clean Hydrating Foaming Cleanser is an excellent budget-friendly daily cleanser for dry, combination, and normal skin types. Its standout features are the gentle amino acid-based surfactants and the 2.5% Hydrating Acid Complex combining hyaluronic acid, PHA, and fatty acids — a rare combination at this price point. The rich, creamy foam feels luxurious and leaves skin soft without tightness. It loses points for containing fragrance and not being fungal acne safe, which limits its audience. If you're looking for a hydrating, pH-balanced foaming cleanser that won't break the bank, this is a solid choice — just skip it if you have malassezia concerns or severe fragrance sensitivity.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Skin Conditioning, Surfactant, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|







