Before she went vegan and cruelty-free, Cassandra surprisingly used to love Neutrogena, But, it’s definitely not right for everyone. So, we’re sharing some K beauty options that Cassandra says are amazing vegan and cruelty-free dupes for Neutrogena.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Cleanser
Let’s start with this one. In the past, Cassandra used this even though it wasn’t truly effective for her acne, and it was super basic. She used it because of the 2% salicylic acid. But, even if a product has good actives, they must be part of an effective formula.
April Skin, a brand from Korea, actually has a salicylic acid body cleanser formula that’s much more effective for rough and bumpy skin. The brand even says it’s specifically for acne-prone skin. And even though it’s an exfoliating body wash, you can still use this on the face just like the Neutrogena one.
Cassandra absolutely loves this because it’s a Korean brand with potent actives. A lot of K-Beauty is known for being soft, gentle, and soothing, and some are even too gentle for Cassandra’s skin. But, there are a couple of K-beauty brands like Medicube and April Skin that are stronger. In particular, this body wash from April Skin has beta-carotene.
Dupe: Aprilskin IPMP Exfoliating Body Wash - $27
This is so amazing. And compared to the Neutrogena product, you get a lot more product for less money. This body wash foams up in your hand very nicely. There is not a big lather, but it foams up and washes off nicely. On the other hand, Neutrogena can have a sticky feel or leave behind a film. But, this does not do that, which Cassandra loves.
In addition to beta carotene, this body wash also has hydrators, making it amazing for acne on your face, chest, or back. Because it’s so hydrating, it also works well for shaving your legs or cleansing before exfoliation.
What is beta carotene?
Beta carotene comes from carrots, and that’s why it’s orange. Beta carotene is a vitamin A, making it related to retinoids. It’s definitely not the same as a prescription retinoid, but it will give your skin a renewing boost along with acne treatments.
Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel
This is a famous product from Neutrogena, but it’s expensive, and it's not revolutionary. Also, this contains fragrance which is not suitable for everyone. Although this gel contains hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, water, dimethicone, and glycerin, there are much more hydrating products out there. In contrast to a serum or essence, the Neutrogena water gel feels more like a primer on your skin.
Dupe: Jumiso Waterfall Hyaluronic Cream
This is much better, and it’s cruelty-free. This has three different forms of hyaluronic acid, and it also has prebiotics and probiotics, which are things that help support your microbiome.
For example, the lactobacillus and saccharomyces help to feed and keep the microbiome in balance.
As for the texture, this has the same texture as the Neutrogena product, but it doesn’t have the same smell. The Jumiso hyaluronic cream actually has a neutral, refreshing smell.
This nicely smooths onto the skin, and it’s way cheaper than the Neutrogena one. Plus, this product feels way better on the skin, and it still has a little bit of tackiness before it dries down. This also works great under sunscreen.
Jumiso All Day Brightening Serum
This is also a great Jumiso product too that works great under sunscreen.
Neutrogena Clear Face Serum Sunscreen with Green Tea
Although this is a decent product, it’s not vegan or cruelty-free. One of the major selling points for this product is the green tea component. Yes, green tea is beneficial, but this product is simply sunscreen with camellia sinensis or “green tea leaf extract.”
Dupe: Round A'Round Greentea Cica Watery Sun Cream
Round Lab is one of the top brands in Korea, and the brand has a great dupe for Neutrogena’s Green Tea serum. This dupe has green tea, but unlike the Neutrogena product, it’s fragrance-free. Moreover, this has soothing cica repair. Cica is better known as “centella asiatica” or “gotu kola.”
People use Neutrogena Makeup WIpes because they seem to remove so much makeup. But, Cassandra feels like these just rub makeup around her face. She also feels like they leave behind a film.
Dupe: Clean Skin Club Makeup Wipes
These are much more effective, and they’re biodegradable and extra large. Cassandra feels like they actually get makeup off, and best of all, they don’t leave behind a film as many makeup wipes do.
However, Cassandra would still go for a micellar wipe or water before she went for a makeup wipe.
These are a few K-beauty dupes for Neutrogena products! Overall, the ingredients are much more gentle, skin-supporting, and they offer more value for less!