source: Neutrogena.com

One of the items on my Project Pan/Empties list for 2013 included Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne Wash in Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser. I've pretty much been using Neutrogena skincare products since I started using skincare products, and it's never really done me wrong. Some I've liked better than others ... and the only reason (or two) I wanted to get rid of the Pink Grapefruit cleanser  are that a) it's about 4 or 5 years old, and b) I hate the Pink Grapefruit scent.

A lot of people like the "grapefruit" scent, but to me, it kind of smells like (for lack of a better way to phrase this) vomit. Something about it is really off-putting to me, although over time I've gotten used to it. I just wouldn't repurchase the product for that one reason.

These are the product's claims:

The #1 dermatologist recommended acne-fighting cleanser-Neutrogena® Oil-Free Acne Wash now comes with an uplifting blast of pink grapefruit! With maximum strength Salicylic Acid acne medicine boosted by MicroClear® technology, Neutrogena® Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash powerfully treats and helps prevent breakouts—even blackheads. This unique formula contains 100% naturally derived grapefruit extract plus vitamin C. It eliminates oil and dirt, and rinses clean without over-drying.

It also claims to be oil-free and non-comedogenic. As an acne wash, it's been fantastic to me. When I get zits, I apply the acne wash to those specific areas and let it sit for about 5 minutes before washing. This routine seriously reduces the size of my pimples within a day or two, along with application of spot cream.

source: Neutrogena.com

As such, the acne wash is quite drying with its 2% salicylic acid, and I wouldn't recommend the Pink Grapefruit or "normal" (orange) version as an everyday face wash unless you are particularly acne-prone or have oily skin. To replace the Pink Grapefruit acne wash, I bought Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing (light green), which is a different formulation for sensitive skin and contains aloe and chamomile alongside the salicylic acid. It's a much more pleasant scent -- the classic "chamomile scent," which is less chamomile and more light green apple. The Redness Soothing formula is suitable as an everyday face wash, as it's not so drying ... which makes it not-so-great an option in terms of zapping zits. Ah, such is life. I think I will return to the "normal" scent if I decide to continue using the Oil-Free Acne Wash Facial Cleanser line, or maybe look into repurchasing Liquid Neutrogena, which I really liked when I was a teenager.

In terms of ingredients, nothing jumps out at me between the Pink Grapefruit and Redness Soothing formulas. Both are paraben and sulfate-free, which potentially renders Neutrogena's new-ish Naturals line futile.

The Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Facial Cleansers retail for about $7.49 for 6 ounces/177 mL ...

Ingredients (Pink Grapefruit): 2% Salicylic Acid, Water, Sodium C14 16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Linoleamidopropyl, PG Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Polysorbate 20, Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, C12 15 Alkyl Lactate, Cocamidopropyl PG Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Polyquaternium 7, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Propylene Glycol, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, PEG 120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, PEG 80 Sorbitan Laurate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Chloride, Benzalkonium Chloride Solution, Red 40, Violet 2, Fragrance.

Ingredients (Redness Soothing): 2% Salicylic Acid, Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Sodium Lactate, Menthyl Lactate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Betaine, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Benzalkonium Chloride, DMDM Hydantoin, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Fragrance.