Fresh Foaming Cleanser
Fresh Foaming Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, all-in-one foaming facial cleanser and makeup remover that creates a rich lather to wash away dirt, oil, and even waterproof makeup without over-drying skin. Dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, and ophthalmologist-tested for sensitive eyes.
All-in-One Formula
Combines makeup remover and facial cleanser in one step, removing even waterproof mascara and eyeliner without separate products.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAll-in-One Formula
Combines makeup remover and facial cleanser in one step, removing even waterproof mascara and eyeliner without separate products.
Eye-Safe Formula
Ophthalmologist-tested and safe for sensitive eyes, won't sting or irritate the delicate eye area during makeup removal.
Glycerin-Enriched
Contains glycerin as the second ingredient to help maintain skin hydration while cleansing, preventing that tight, stripped feeling.
Rich Foaming Lather
Creates a satisfying foam that thoroughly cleanses pores and removes impurities without leaving residue behind.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. While generally considered safe in rinse-off products, some prefer to avoid during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider.
Contains Glycol Stearate, a fatty acid ester that can potentially feed malassezia yeast. Not recommended for those prone to fungal acne.
Formulated to rinse completely clean without leaving pore-clogging residue. Suitable for acne-prone skin (non-fungal).
Contains added fragrance which may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities. Not fragrance-free.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin #2Proven
A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin, helping to maintain hydration levels even in a cleansing product. Prevents the tight, dry feeling often associated with foaming cleansers.
- Function: Humectant and skin-conditioning agent
- Research: Studies show glycerin is more effective than hyaluronic acid at retaining moisture in the skin
Lauryl Glucoside & Decyl Glucoside #3-4Proven
Gentle, vegetable-derived surfactants made from coconut or palm kernel oil and glucose. Known for being mild to the skin while providing effective cleansing and moderate foam.
- Function: Gentle cleansing agents (surfactants)
- Source: 100% vegetable origin, biodegradable
- Benefit: Milder than traditional sulfates
Cocamidopropyl Betaine #5Proven
A widely-used, mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. Excellent at stabilizing foam and balancing the formula to prevent over-cleansing while effectively removing dirt and makeup.
- Function: Foam booster and mild cleanser
- Research: 2012 study showed pure, high-grade versions do not cause allergic reactions
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate #8Promising
A mild, amino acid-based surfactant derived from sarcosine and coconut fatty acids. Known for improving the mildness of cleansing formulas while boosting foam.
- Function: Mild surfactant and foam booster
- Benefit: Gentler than traditional sulfates
DMDM Hydantoin #13Controversial
A preservative that works by slowly releasing small amounts of formaldehyde to prevent microbial growth. While FDA-approved and effective, it remains controversial among some consumers.
- Function: Preservative with antimicrobial and antifungal properties
- Regulation: EU allows up to 0.6% in cosmetics
- CIR Review: Concluded "safe as used in cosmetics" in 1988 and 2008
15 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Lauryl Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycereth-7, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Glycol Stearate, Cocamide MEA, Fragrance, DMDM Hydantoin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your first and only cleansing step. For heavy makeup, consider double cleansing with an oil cleanser first.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water on your face and hands to prepare the skin for cleansing.
Pump & Lather
Pump 1-2 pumps of cleanser into your hands and work into a foamy lather.
Massage Gently
Apply the lather to your face using gentle, circular motions. Massage around eyes several times to remove all eye makeup.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft, clean towel.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You wear makeup daily (including waterproof)
- You have normal to oily skin
- You want an all-in-one cleansing solution
- You prefer drugstore-priced products
- You have sensitive eyes that react to other cleansers
- You want a rinse-off cleanser (not micellar)
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne or are prone to it
- You are pregnant and avoiding formaldehyde releasers
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin
- You are sensitive to fragrances
- You prefer completely natural ingredients
- You want a fragrance-free formula
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESEffectively removes excess oil and leaves skin feeling clean without residue. Ideal for oily and combination skin types.
Balances oily T-zone while glycerin helps maintain hydration in drier areas. Great all-around choice.
Perfect daily cleanser that maintains skin's natural balance. Works well for those with few skin concerns.
May feel slightly drying for very dry skin types. Follow with a hydrating toner and rich moisturizer.
Hypoallergenic formula, but contains fragrance. Patch test first if highly reactive to scented products.
Non-comedogenic formula that won't clog pores. Note: Not suitable for fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis).
Results timeline
1 MONTH+Makeup-Free, Fresh Skin
Skin feels clean and refreshed. All traces of makeup, including waterproof mascara, are effectively removed.
95% noticed immediate cleansingClearer, Less Congested Pores
With consistent use, pores appear less congested as daily buildup is effectively removed. Skin texture feels smoother.
80% noticed improved textureBalanced, Healthy-Looking Skin
Continued use maintains clean, balanced skin. Many long-term users report using this product for years without switching.
85% continued long-term useRatings by platform
16K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Effectively removes all makeup including waterproof mascara
- Gentle on eyes - no stinging or irritation
- Non-comedogenic, won't clog pores
- Affordable drugstore price point
- Rinses completely clean with no residue
- Beloved by loyal users for 10-25+ years
- All-in-one formula saves time
- Large bottle size offers good value
Criticized
- Contains DMDM Hydantoin (formaldehyde releaser)
- Not fragrance-free
- Can be slightly drying for dry skin types
- Not fungal acne safe
- Doesn't foam as much as some expect
- Occasionally difficult to find in stores
- Pump mechanism occasionally fails
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESContains ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid for added skin barrier support. Fragrance-free and fungal acne safe. Better for those avoiding formaldehyde releasers.
Similar gentle cleansing action with niacinamide and vitamin B5. Contains fragrance but different preservative system. Not as effective at removing heavy makeup.
Formulated for sensitive skin with thermal spring water. Fragrance-free option available. May not remove waterproof makeup as effectively as Neutrogena.
Free of common chemical irritants, ideal for extremely sensitive skin. Very gentle formula but less effective at removing heavy or waterproof makeup.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Pump bottle with leak-proof clip. Remove clip by sliding sideways, then twist pump to open.
6.7 fl oz size not TSA-approved for carry-on. Decant into smaller container or pack in checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThis cleanser contains DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative that some experts recommend avoiding during pregnancy out of an abundance of caution. While the FDA considers it safe in rinse-off products at approved concentrations, and it's been reviewed as "safe as used" by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board, pregnant individuals who prefer to avoid formaldehyde releasers may want to choose alternatives like CeraVe or Cetaphil cleansers. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
No, this cleanser is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Glycol Stearate, a fatty acid ester that can potentially feed malassezia yeast and worsen fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis). If you're prone to fungal acne, consider alternatives like CeraVe Foaming Cleanser or Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Foaming Cleanser (fragrance-free version), which are fungal acne safe.
Yes! This is a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that works well with active ingredients. Since it rinses completely clean without leaving residue, it won't interfere with the absorption or effectiveness of your retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs. Just ensure you're not over-cleansing (once or twice daily is sufficient) to maintain your skin barrier when using actives.
This cleanser is best suited for normal to oily skin types. It's excellent for combination skin, effectively cleansing oily areas while glycerin helps maintain some hydration. Those with very dry or dehydrated skin may find it slightly drying and should follow with hydrating products. It's hypoallergenic but contains fragrance, so those with fragrance sensitivities should patch test first.
As a cleanser, results are immediate—your skin will feel clean and makeup-free right after use. With consistent daily use over 1-2 weeks, you may notice clearer, less congested pores as daily buildup is effectively removed. Long-term users (many report using this for 10-25+ years) appreciate how it maintains balanced, healthy-looking skin over time.
This cleanser should be the first step in your skincare routine, both morning and evening. It's an all-in-one formula that removes makeup and cleanses in one step. If you wear very heavy makeup or sunscreen, you may want to double cleanse by using an oil-based cleanser first, followed by this foaming cleanser. After cleansing, follow with toner, serums, moisturizer, and SPF (morning only).
No, this cleanser is non-comedogenic and has a comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it has a very low likelihood of clogging pores. It's specifically formulated to rinse completely clean without leaving pore-clogging residue behind. It's suitable for acne-prone skin (bacterial acne) but is NOT recommended for fungal acne due to the Glycol Stearate content.
This cleanser has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal freshness and effectiveness. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. The pump bottle design helps protect the formula from contamination during use.
Verdict: Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser is a reliable, affordable drugstore classic that has earned its loyal following over decades. It excels at removing makeup—even stubborn waterproof formulas—while remaining gentle enough for sensitive eyes. The glycerin-enriched formula prevents excessive drying, and the non-comedogenic formula works well for normal to oily skin types. However, it's not the perfect choice for everyone: the presence of DMDM Hydantoin makes it questionable for pregnancy, Glycol Stearate makes it unsuitable for fungal acne, and the added fragrance won't suit those with sensitivities. For those without these concerns, it remains an excellent value that delivers exactly what it promises—clean, fresh, makeup-free skin.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Lauryl Glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Decyl Glucoside
Surfactant, Emulsion Stabilising, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Glycereth-7
Solvent, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling
|
|








