Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser for dry sensitive skin
Glycerin
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Lauryl Glucoside
Decyl Glucoside
Low
- AverageDry Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- Low RiskSafety
A weak match for dry sensitive skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.
- International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers moderate suitability for your dry skin due to the presence of glycerin for humectant action, but lacks sufficient emollient ingredients for optimal results.
- The cleansing agents decyl glucoside and cocamidopropyl betaine effectively remove impurities, providing general skincare benefits that are mostly supportive for your dry or flaky skin.
How to apply
- Use your cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your face fresh. Start slowly once a day if your dry skin feels sensitive at first.
- Apply your cleanser first thing in your routine before any toner or moisturizer. Follow the usual steps for your AM or PM daily routine.
- Gently massage the cleanser onto your face using soft circular motions. Avoid harsh rubbing to protect your dry skin.
- Apply the cleanser to slightly damp skin to help it clean gently without stripping moisture. This method is very safe for sensitive and dry skin types.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and avoid the delicate eye area. Always do a patch test before using the product for the first time.
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 3.2k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this 2-in-1 cleanser is highly regarded by users with normal to oily skin for its effective makeup removal and one-step cleansing without eye irritation. Some users with dry or sensitive skin report that the formula can be drying, leaving their skin feeling tight and stripped, and a small number of users experienced breakouts or disliked the scent.
Highlights
Effective makeup removal Mostly Mentioned
- “removes waterproof mascara”
- “takes off foundation”
- “cleans in one step”
- “melts away makeup”
Gentle on eyes Often Mentioned
- “doesn't sting eyes”
- “safe for contacts”
- “no eye irritation”
- “gentle on lashes”
Fresh clean scent Sometimes Noted
- “smells very fresh”
- “mild pleasant fragrance”
- “clean soap smell”
- “scent not overpowering”
Pleasant foaming texture Sometimes Noted
- “foams up nicely”
- “creamy rich lather”
- “rinses completely clean”
- “little goes long way”
Drying and stripping Sometimes Noted
- “leaves face tight”
- “skin felt stripped”
- “too drying daily”
- “dry patches appeared”
Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
- “caused cystic acne”
- “broke me out”
- “pimples appeared overnight”
- “clogged my pores”
Ineffective on waterproof Rarely Noted
- “didn't remove mascara”
- “raccoon eyes left”
- “needed second cleanse”
- “struggled with eyeliner”
Scent dislike Rarely Noted
- “smells like chemicals”
- “strong perfume smell”
- “scent is overpowering”
- “smells like dish soap”
Sources: lovi.care, walmart.com, target.com, influenster.com, hometesterclub.com, kroger.com, and more
Questions and answers
Why is Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser a weak match for dry sensitive skin?
This cleanser is a weak match for your dry sensitive skin because it lacks sufficient soft, smoothing ingredients to keep the skin comfortable. A cleanser for this skin needs to include effective moisturizing oils and ingredients that provide deep hydration and soothing benefits without any risk of irritation.
Which ingredients make this cleanser a poor fit for dry sensitive skin?
This cleanser is a weak match for your dry sensitive skin because its cleansing agents may strip moisture, and it lacks enough softening ingredients to lock in hydration. Cleansers for this skin type need rich moisturizing oils and soothing hydrators that cleanse without stripping natural moisture.
What does Glycerin do for dry sensitive skin?
Glycerin helps dry sensitive skin by drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it there, making the skin soft and smooth. It is very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation while improving how well the skin holds onto water. This type of skin needs ingredients that boost hydration and repair the barrier without causing stinging.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008
What does Ammonium Laureth Sulfate do for dry sensitive skin?
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate is a strong cleanser that is likely to dry out and irritate sensitive skin by disrupting its protective barrier. A product of this type needs gentle cleansers and soothing, moisturizing ingredients to keep dry skin calm and soft.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1994International Journal of Toxicology, 2010
Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?
This cleanser goes in the morning and evening routine for dry sensitive skin, but it is a weak match because it lacks enough softening and smoothing ingredients. A cleanser for this skin needs plenty of gentle softening oils and rich moisture-locking ingredients to keep dry skin comfortable.
Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this cleanser in your routine, but a product of this type needs more softening and smoothing ingredients like nourishing oils or rich butters to keep dry sensitive skin comfortable alongside retinol. Use the cleanser first to wash your face, and follow with your retinol treatment and a good moisturizer.
How often should I use this cleanser?
This cleanser is usually used twice a day in morning and evening routines, but it is a weak match for your dry sensitive skin because it lacks sufficient softening and smoothing ingredients. A cleanser for this skin needs rich hydrating ingredients and nourishing oils to keep it comfortable and protected.
Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?
This cleanser is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores for dry sensitive skin, as reviewers rarely report this issue. However, because it is a weak match for your skin, a cleanser of this type needs extra soothing and softening ingredients to keep dry skin calm and smooth.
Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?
You can use this cleanser on your body and around the eyes, though it is a weak match for your dry sensitive skin. A cleanser for this skin needs plenty of softening ingredients to keep it comfortable.
Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012The cytotoxic effect of sodium lauryl sulphate on normal human keratinocytes was significantly decreased when combined with cocamidopropyl betaine, Tween 20, and Tween 80 at concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration.
Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2003Formulating sodium laureth sulphate with sodium laureth carboxylate and lauryl glucoside prevented significant decreases in cutaneous capacitance and reduced erythema and dryness in healthy volunteers compared to unsupplemented sodium laureth sulphate.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2014
Why other cleansers fit dry sensitive skin better
Transgenic cucumber expressing poly-γ-glutamic acid synthesis genes increased water content by 6-14%, reduced water loss by 11-12%, decreased facial wrinkles and roughness by 19.58% and 24.97%, decreased skin melanin by 5.27%, and improved facial elasticity in human skin and zebrafish compared to controls.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Lauryl Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide Mea, Glycereth-7, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Glycol Stearate, Dmdm Hydantoin, Tetrasodium Edta, Citric Acid
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
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Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
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Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
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