Neutrogena Deep Clean invigorating scrub review

So, since I've been wanting to try our some new Neutrogena products, I decided to buy their Deep Clean Invigorating Scrub (on sale :P). I've been using it for 2 days and I'd have to say, I'm pretty disappointed with it. So... review time!

NEUTROGENA DEEP CLEANINVIGORATING SCRUB

Product description: Enliven your senses with Neutrogena Deep Clean® Invigorating Foaming Scrub. It deep cleans and leaves you feeling amazingly refreshed and exhilarated. Energizing microbeads gently exfoliate skin while sweeping away dead skin cells. Light gel formula lathers into bubbly foam removing surface dirt, oil and make-up. Feel the surge of invigoration as the cooling gel cleans down to pores leaving skin feeling fresh, clean and energized.

Ingredients: Water, Methyl Gluceth-20, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl Glucoside, Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate, Polyethylene, PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Panthenol, Dimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate, Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Benzotiazolyl Butylphenol sufonate, Menthol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Synthetic Wax, Ultramarines, Blue 1, Fragrance

Pros: Leaves a tingly, refreshing feeling on skin, instantly smooths and softens skin with exfoliating beads, fresh scent, nice packaging.

Cons: "Invigorating" feeling can be a little unpleasant/strong at first, non-medicated (no acne medication), smell can be a little strong, gel does not foam, dries out skin, MAY cause small breakouts.

What I thought about it: Similarly to another "foaming" Neutrogena face wash I used before, this one did NOT foam. When you rub it together in your palms, it does create a light lather, but not foam. The "invigorating" part of the scrub is quite invigorating indeed, but it was a little strong for me. It does a good job clearing your sinuses though lol.

Since I like any product with exfoliants in it, this was a plus for me. It made my skin softer and smoother, but I first noticed a lot of shine on my forehead after using it. However, my biggest turn-off with this product was that after one night's use, I noticed some small pimples around my nose and chin that weren't there before. I figured it was because I used a little "much" for my first use. So I moisturized, medicated, and went to bed. The next morning, I tried using it again, except a smaller amount. After washing, I noticed my skin was dry and flaking in the same places.

Now, I can't totally attribute my small breakout and dryness ENTIRELY to this scrub, but I'd have to say that I'm pretty sure that's what caused it. I've had little to no skin trouble using my Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle scrub once a week to soften, smooth, and exfoliate my skin. But I only used this scrub for ONE DAY and I got such adverse reactions. This seemed kind of odd to me, since this scrub contains no acne medication such as salicylic acid that would dry out my skin. Even medicated scrubs have been less harsh on my skin :S

However, I'm pretty sure that it was the menthol properties that added to the "invigorating" factor that dried out and irritated my skin (this would explain why the scrub opens your sinuses and makes it instantly easier to breathe... think Vicks vapo rub!). I read the ingredients, and not surprisingly, menthol is included. Menthol is an ingredient that often irritates skin and causes itching and inflammation. You should avoid any skin product that lists menthol as an ingredient.

All in all, although this product smoothed and softened my skin and left it feeling fresh and clean, I think this scrub is a little (or a lot) too strong for me, and I would not reccomend it to people who have sensitive or dry skin. I returned this product the next day. Since I usually love Neutrogena's products, this was really a disappointment. I would not buy this again.