The Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser Challenge Results and Giveaway Winners

Last week I posted that I was given the opportunity to participate in the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser Challenge.  I went into this challenge looking for a drugstore facial cleanser that would parallel or surpass my current facial cleanser, Philosophy Purity.  As I mentioned previously, I had been using Purity for many years and used it as my gold standard when trying other cleansers. I have tried other products that promised to remove my make-up, leave my skin moisturized and hydrated, all the while being gentle to my skin.  They have all fallen short of my expectations and resulted in my returning to Purity. Neutrogena is a brand well known for its many skin care products; and I will admit, I have tried some Neutrogena products that I liked and some I did not like. So I went into this challenge with no definite expectations.

Neutrogena Claims:

• to remove 99 percent of excess oil, dirt and even makeup,
• preserving the skin’s delicate moisture barrier,
• easily rinses away, leaving behind no residue, for skin that always feels refreshed, never tight or dry,
• perfect prep step for anti-aging and acne treatments,
• Soap-Free, Dye-Free, Hypoallergenic, won't clog pores,
• developed to cleanse sensitive skin,
• no added soaps, dyes, sulphates, and parabens.

 My experience:

• As with all my cleansers, I used the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser with my Clarisonic.
• First impression, the scent is clean and non-offensive.
• I appreciated the clear formulation. I equate this with the non-existence of irritating dyes and other chemicals.
• For a true comparison to my Purity, for my first use of the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, I used it with a full face a make-up. It matched the results I achieved with Purity, the only short-fall was that unlike the Purity, if the Neutrogena got into my eyes, it stung. But I can live with that by keeping my eyes closed.  
• After rinsing my face, there was a little of the waterproof eye make-up left but not a lot. 
• My skin felt clean, soft and hydrated. There were a couple of occasions that my skin felt so hydrated that while applying my make-up I actually forgot to apply my moisturizer.  None of that "skin too tight" feeling. 
• So after a week of using Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, my opinion is I very well may have found the product I was looking for. Remember, I was looking for a drugstore product to replace my higher priced department store cleanser. 
• I will continue to use it for an extended usage review. 
• Also, ounce for ounce, the Neutrogena is the better priced item. 

Now on to the giveaway...Neutrogena was gracious enough to provide for three individuals a full-sized bottle of Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser.  They will each receive a bottle so that they can do their own Challenge and take the Challenge Assessment.  Even if you didn't win, you can still participate in the Challenge. Simply click HERE to get started.  Thanks to everyone that entered. If you didn't win this time, no worries, I look forward to future giveaways.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* These products were provided by the representing PR firm. These however are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by this company.

PREVIEW: Dickinson's Witch Hazel Skin Care Line

There are certain brands that just ring nostalgic...brands like Ivory Soap, Vaseline, Palmers, Johnson & Johnson, Palmolive, and Jergens are just a few.  I can't remember a time as a child (a loooong time ago), that most of these products weren't in my house.  I recently saw a commercial advertising a new product line from one of those brands from long ago...Dickinson's Witch Hazel! Some brands, for me, just based on my experiences with that brand, I will jump at the opportunity to try new products from that brand.  Dickinson's Witch Hazel was what I used as my toner for years...I don't know why I stopped using it. Probably the marketing of other brands that enticed me.  

Anyway, I saw this commercial and saw that Dickinson's has introduced several new products in their skin care line: Gentle Skin Cleanser Lotion, Pore Perfecting Toner, Foaming Facial Wash, Oil Controlling Astringent, Oil Controlling Towelettes.


As someone with combination-oily skin, I am always on the hunt for products that will help control my oil levels. No one wants to walk around looking like an oil slick throughout the day.  So while on a recent trip to Walgreens, I spotted the new Dickinson's Witch Hazel product line and I picked up the Foaming Facial Wash.


Dickinson's Promise:

This foaming facial wash delivers clean without complication. It uses the power of witch hazel to gently remove dirt and impurities from even the most sensitive, reactive complexions while controlling excess oil daily. Its non-drying, non-irritating formula contains mild yet effective ingredients that maintain balance even when used with most treatment regimens.

All skin types

100% all natural, No harsh chemicals

No soaps, fragrances, oil, dyes, parabens, sulfates or reasons to worry  

Dissolves excess oil

Clears pores

Rinses Clean

Maintain balance

No animal testing

The next product I picked up was the Oil Controlling Astringent.  

Dickinson's Promise:


This oil controlling astringent maintains a shine-free complexion throughout the day. Its 100% natural witch hazel formula, infused with refreshing witch hazel flower extract, gently removes excess oil, dirt and bacteria helping to prevent blemishes without dryness or irritation - for beautifully clear and healthy looking skin everyday.

100% all natural,  No harsh chemicals

No fragrances, oils, dyes parabens, sulfates or reasons to worry

Fights blemishes

Cleans deep

Will not overdry

Eliminates shine

Dermatologist recommended

Maintain balance

No animal testing

My initial experience:


As this Dickinson's Foaming Facial Cleanser does not claim to remove make-up, I first used a facial wipe (Aveeno Ultra Calming) to remove my make-up.  I then used the  Dickinson's Foaming Facial Cleanser with my Clarisonic. I did not experience a ton of foam but it did lather.  The cleanser did not leave my face feeling tight or drawn.  I intentionally waited after rinsing to see if I experienced that tightness. We are all familiar with that too tight feeling we have gotten from some cleanser.  I followed up with the Oil Control Astringent.  It wasn't harsh nor did it sting.  I followed up with my eye cream and moisturizer and was set for the evening.  So after my first use of these two products, I am happy with the result and I will be adding them to my skin care regimen and hope for the best.  I still need to see how the "oil controlling" works.


Have you tried any of the Dickinson's Witch Hazel facial products, if so which ones?  Also, what are some of your favorite beauty/cosmetic brands from your childhood?

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* FTC: These products were bought with my own monies. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by and of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.