Neutrogena 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment

I have spent years searching for an acne treatment that does the following: 1) gets rids of nasty pimples in under 72 hours, 2) does it without making my skin dry and red and 3) goes on clear, stays clear and works under makeup.

And unfortunately, that quest is continuing because the latest product I’ve tried, Neutrogena’s 3-in-I Hydrating Acne Treatment, can only meet two of those three requirements (which, to be fair, is better than most products).

As its name suggests, this product has its own three aspects. It: “Treats acne pimples and allows skin to heal, helps prevent new acne pimples even before they emerge, and hydrates and softens.”

I wish 3-in-1 did all of that.


It definitely didn’t prevent future pimples. When I started using this treatment over a week ago, I had one big pimple. Since then, several other pimples have popped up in spots that were/are getting covered by this product so there goes that claim.

And as for fighting existing pimples, well, it could better there too. This product does contain 2% salicylic acid and is packaged in a squeeze tube, which should minimize air getting in there and deteriorating the product. But despite these two positive elements, it didn’t effectively treat my pimples. At best, it kept them from getting huge (in case you’re wondering, the original blemish that inspired this purchase is still on my forehead, albeit smaller).  

But while it didn’t meet its first two claims (and thus didn’t meet my first requirement), 3-in-1 did leave my skin feeling hydrating and soft, instead of dry and red like most other acne treatment, so it does meet my second requirement.

And it also meets my third requirement. The packaging for this product talks about something called “Microclear technology” and Neutrogena boosts that, “This silky, non pore-clogging formula is so light it absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue on your face.”

And you know what, all of that is true. This stuff actually feels quite nice on your face and even better, it really does go on clear and matte, no matter how much you pile on, and it doesn’t ball up or do anything weird under makeup.

So yes, it could be worse and yes, it is better than a lot of other acne products I’ve tried. But it didn’t actually get rid of my pimples and isn’t that the whole point of an acne treatment?

Would I buy this again: No.
Should you buy it: Because skin care product results vary so much by person, you could give it a try. But don’t be surprised if it doesn’t actually get rid of your pimples.