I Tried Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash to Help Fight Body Acne

We put the Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

I once thought breakouts were associated with teenage angst and not drinking enough water. However, aging has taught me that breakouts don't simply disappear as you age or up your water intake. I never had issues with acne in my teens and early 20s, and it wasn't until my mid-20s that pesky, sometimes painful breakouts started to take up space on my face and body, including on my chest, jawline, neck, and back. Working out also tends to exacerbate my breakouts, so having a strict acne-fighting skin and body care regimen in place helps heal the pimples as they pop up.

Because my skin is sensitive, I try to keep my use of acne products to a minimum, as they tend to dry out my skin and make matters worse. Still, I thought adding an "acne-fighting" body wash to my shower routine for use only on my back, chest, and shoulders would be worth a try. Enter Neutrogena's Body Clear Body Wash: The iconic body wash I grew up seeing in television commercials, best known for banishing body breakouts.

Ahead, read my honest review of how this beloved body wash worked for my skin.

About My Skin: Sensitive and acne-prone

My skin is both sensitive and prone to breakouts, which means I have to treat my breakouts with care because harsh treatments make matters worse. During my shower routine, I typically use fragrance-free or hypoallergenic formulas that prevent irritation. Even though I have breakouts on my chest and back, I still try to keep harsh products to a minimum—even when the breakouts make me feel self-conscious—because to me, flaky, irritated skin isn't a better alternative.

The Feel and Scent: A gel-like formula with a familiar scent

This citrus-scented wash smells like my childhood—or my teenage years, to be specific. It has a gel-like consistency that emulsifies nicely with water, making a little go a long way. I enjoyed using it with both a sea sponge and a towel to cleanse my back, shoulders, and chest. I found I got a better lather with my sea sponge.

Ingredients: A tried-and-true acne fighter

There is one ingredient that is often used across the board in any acne-fighting treatment: salicylic acid. If you're wondering why salicylic acid is an ingredient used in most acne treatments, the oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid penetrates the pores and cuts through oil while fighting bacteria. This formula contains a 2 percent concentration.

Packaging: A recyclable bottle with an airtight cap

The clear bottle features an airtight cap that makes it easy to squeeze the product onto your sponge or towel. The white-square flap snaps back in place, keeping the gel securely in the bottle.

I did a little digging to find out if this body wash's packaging is recyclable. The Neutrogena website claims that nearly 75 percent of Neutrogena bottles are recyclable, and to look for the How2Recycle label on your bottle. The label explains how to either properly recycle or dispose of the packaging.

The back of my body wash bottle says, "Empty & Replace Cap." This means, before recycling, you should remove as much product as possible (you don't have to rinse) and put the cap back on.

The Results: Breakouts slowly faded without dryness

Using this body wash didn't give me overnight results, but by the fourth day, I felt a difference in the texture of my back and saw an improvement in the breakouts on my chest.

It's worth noting that I only used this body wash on areas where I was breaking out to prevent irritating other areas of my body where I've been experiencing itchy patches.

The Value: Unbeatable

I am pro-drugstore brands because they are accessible, budget-friendly, and in this case, tried and true. At around $9 a bottle, I think that a product that has been helping people clear up acne for decades is something to celebrate.

Similar Products: Other options at a range of price points

Curology Acne Body Wash ($18): Made with 2 percent salicylic acid, Curology’s Acne Body Wash formula encourages exfoliation without irritating the skin. 

Murad Acne Body Wash ($46): Formulated with salicylic and glycolic acids, green tea, and licorice root, Murad’s Acne Body Wash treats and prevents body breakouts on the back, chest, and shoulders without over-drying skin.