Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser Review

Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser
2.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Ingredients

Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser Ingredients

Hover to see details. On mobile? Tap for ingredient stories!

Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Alcohol Denat., Glycolic Acid, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Sodium PCA, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Sodium Lactate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance
Review

Does Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.0 out of 10.
✅ Soothing: Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a moderate humectancy of 3.9 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Sodium PCA (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

📌 Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract (est. ≈3.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract (est. ≈3.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Glycolic Acid

This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Its action works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with glycolic acid, regardless of concentration, may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To counteract this increased sun sensitivity, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin during glycolic acid treatment.

📌 Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the product, either on their website or product label.

Pros & Cons of Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to glycolic acid
   

Summary: Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
Rich in antioxidants, Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation. This product is also formulated with a high concentration of soothing ingredients, offering the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
That said, there are some things about Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser worth noting.
 
This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. However, glycolic acid - regardless of concentration - can increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during glycolic acid treatment.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.9
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.9 10
3.9
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
2.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.9 10
3.9
All humectants
3.9
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
1.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.6
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
1.3
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
1.5
1.3
0.3
All soothing 6.1 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
6.1
3
1.5
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %80
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Glycolic Acid
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractA beneficial extract obtained from Oat groats popular in products aimed at eczema-prone skin. It contains skin healing beta-glucan, anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds, antioxidant flavonoids, various lipids, proteins, and moisturizing amino acids.
Sodium PCA
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sodium PCAOne of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDerived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity.
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf ExtractA fragrant extract obtained from the mature leaves of the Eucalyptus tree. It contains cineole, the main constituent of eucalyptus essential oil.
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf ExtractA fragrant extract derived from the leaves of peppermint. It contains a pleasant-smelling essential oil, as well as plenty of antioxidant flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Sodium Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium LactateA sodium salt of lactic acid. Its main function is as a humectant but it can also serve as a pH adjuster. Additionally, sodium lactate can also be used as a chemical exfoliant due to its close chemical relation to lactic acid.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilA castor oil-derived ingredient often used to incorporate small amounts of oil (such as a fragrance) into a water-based product. PEG-4 HCO is a gold-standard solubilizer and can be used in low amounts due to its ability to solubilize things so well.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.