Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser Review

I had a dilemma with this product. I love the scent, the fact that it doesn't lather a lot (so therefore seems to be less soapy/drying) and the superfine, softer exfoliating beads that don't feel like they are 'scrubbing' as much as polishing your skin. I feel that (if it works for you) it's fantastic value as you get a huge bottle for your money, and perhaps people with calmer skin than mine would love it.

So where was the dilemma? What didn't I like? My face doesn't feel clean. My pores seem (after 5 days use) to be a bit smaller, but my skin seems oilier and I have had a couple of jaw/cheek/nose breakouts, which I usually only get when I'm being lazy with skincare (or super stressed, which isn't possible when I've been on holiday for the last two weeks!).

So a neutral review. I can see this being a great product. I can see it working for people. It just doesn't seem to like my oilier, slightly fussy skin too much and as such, it's not for me.

I normally use a creamy all in one cleanser as I find many others make my skin feel tight. Neutrogena Pore Exfoliating cleanser was really good, it did what it said it would do. The gentle exfoliating combined with a gentle cleanser left my skin feeling soft and still supple and natural. After 5 days using the product I think my skin looks smoother and more refined with less visible pores. The only thing I didn't like about it was when I accidentally got some in my eyes (from the cloth I was using), and it really stung. I was careful every time not to put the product near my eyes but even after rinsing the cloth it still irritated them

I liked using this product, and made it the last thing I used in the shower before I got out. It put back a lot of moisture my soap took away. I liked that it doesn't have an overpowering scent, and felt it was quite easy for my sensitive skin. I don't know whether it actually reduced my pores (should have done a before and after), but it certainly makes my skin feel cleaner and more moisturised. My fiancé has even tried it a few times, so its a goodie!

I was surprised at the size of the product when it arrived - most cleansers seem to be in small, wide tubes, this one was in a longer thinner tube which actually fitted in both my shower caddy and my hand perfectly (yay!). The tube was easy to open, and squeeze the product from one handed while in the shower - always a good thing. I loved the wee micro beads that were in the cleanser, they were lovely and gentle and left my skin feeling and looking fantastic. I was a little sceptical about the effectiveness of the pore refining but only after a few days I was noticing a difference. My skin was looking clearer and brighter than it has previously, I also noticed that I had less blackheads in the areas where I had experienced larger pores. Unfortunately I also noticed that my skin was feeling a bit tight, so I cut back the use from twice daily to one a day and the tightness went away. Overall loved this product and will definitely keep using it - the shape and size of the bottle is perfect, and it definitely did what it said it would.

When I started using this product 7 days ago I had break outs on my chin which have totally vanished. The pores and oil on my nose have remarkably reduced also. Great to use in the shower just a small amount goes a long way. I am used to using a harsher scrub three times a week and was a little worried that there didn't appear to be many coarse micro-beads to remove dirt and oil, however after using for a week I can see and feel the difference. Certainly haven't felt the need to reach for the other exfoliate. My skin feels very moisturized after use unlike other scrubs that may leave my skin feeling dry or tight. It lathers up nicely (not to soapy) and the micro-beads create a gentle exfoliate that can be used daily. I find it great to use to help remove make up to get the last traces out of your pores. There is also no harsh smell to the product it is very neutral. All over skin tone feel much smoother and will most defiantly continue using this product.

A big thumbs up from me, thanks BR and Neutrogena for the full sized product. It's now part of my morning shower routine. I love that you use it daily it has very fine exfoliating particles a pleasant almost chemical scent which isn't strong by the way. Incredibly my pores on my nose and chin which are obvious to me do look less noticeable, my makeup is sitting better on my skin as a result, and I haven't had any break outs after using this for 6 days solid. My slightly sensitive skin gets a little bit pink after use but this disappears within a few minutes. I also love how it exfoliates my dry lips. I will definitely repurchase this, my old Neutrogena face scrub is now at the back of the shelf.

When I first got this refining exfoliant cleanser I read the back as I am always worried about what is in if, and who has tested it. I liked the fact it has been tested by a dermatologist. I also liked the fact it said wont clog your pours. The smell was very subtle not over powering which I like. I really loved the fact it felt like I was scrubbing the daily dirt away, my make up came off and my face get soft and clean. However I don't think I could use this every day as my skin seems to be getting very dry and is producing more oil which makes me think for me I'm better to use it maybe once or twice a week, I have sensitive skin so don't want to irritate it.

I was surprised the first time when I used this cleanser, it really does what it says, refining and minimizing pores, and also made the blackheads appear less on my nose too. I wasn't expecting such an instant result from a drugstore line cleanser. The micro-beads are the finnest I've tried in the drugstore cleanser range (normally the drugstore ones always have chunky beads and over-exfoliate the skin), so this is definitely a bonus point.

Although after I've used it for about a week I found the product sting my eyes a lot when I rinse the cleanser off my face. I don't use this cleanser directly around my eye area but it just doesn't get rinsed off completely and there's always something goes into my eyes afterwards. I feel like there's still some product left on the face after washing my face.

Overall I think this is a great drugstore refining cleanser for those who wants to minimize their pores. Although I found myself don't like the formula that much due to the leftover still on the face after rinsing. And it's such a pain to have eyes stinging after washing face...

To be honest I rather keep using the Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser instead, it's a lot more gentle, clean my face well and doesn't have any leftover on the face after rinsing.

1st of all, thanks to BR for sending this product! This time was a full size one, so hopefully I'll write another review in a few weeks!

I think that it is watery compared to other exfoliatings I’ve used, but it might be because it is a cleaner as well. Easy to apply, and smells quite nice, a bit sweet, not a strong fragrance. I use it after using the Neutrogena foam cleanser. I only use it with hot water, when having a shower, but when I go out and dry my face, it’s amazing how I don’t have open pores anymore. The package size will last more than a month for me (198ml), for sure, and it also works for the product, although I was expecting something smaller (I might not be using enough hehe but it seems to be working well for me). Price is reasonable if you really find it for $15. My skin now it mist, oily on cheeks, chin and forehead. I would definitely recommend it, as I would any Neutrogena product.

Normally when purchasing an exfoliating cleanser I would opt for something with slightly bigger beads to really work the scrub. This can easily be remedied by using a face scrubber/loofah with the cleanser.

The smell isn't unpleasant - it's faintly chemical/detergent.

As a cleanser it works great and really worked on my oily T zone. My face definitely felt clean after each wash. I can't comment on its pore refining properties yet - it probably needs a few more washes.

Don't get it in your eyes - it stings like hell!