Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask: An Epic Fail

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask:

Hello my lovely beauty-readers. What shall I call you guys, my lovelies? I am here with a mini-product review. But, this time it is not a rave, but a "Total Fail" or "Epic Fail" for me. I will always be honest with my readers...and if I try something that doesn't work for me...I will let y'all know. Now, keep in mind that I have *very* sensitive skin. So, mostly, this is a heads-up for all you sensitive ladies (and men?) out there.

Honestly, I should have known better than to try a product that has a "sensitive skin" disclaimer on it. And, when I squeezed out the product into my hand and smelled the strong menthol fragrance...well, hello, that should have been my second warning. But, I went ahead and tried it. I had a very mild "spot" (mini pimple)on my forehead, and really felt like doing some sort of treatment.

Well, here's what happened. I applied the product to my t-zone only. It burned my skin immediately and my eyes started watering from the strong menthol fragrance. OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!! I left it on for not even 30 seconds. When I realized that the burning was continuing...and getting worse; so, I took it off. You know, some products might "tingle" a bit upon application...but, this was no tingle...it was a burning sensation. So, I took a wet/warm washcloth and proceeded to remove it. Luckily, it did not leave me red or anything; so, whew!, on that.

I wish I could tell you more about this product, but that is as far as I got. Maybe some of you out there have tried it and had a positive experience? I do have a friend who has been using this for years and totally loves it. But, she must not have the sensitive skin issues that I have (lucky girl!). So, basically, all I can tell you that it is a menthol scented clay-based mask (smooth, no granules) that burned the cr*p out of my skin upon application.

I am thinking the menthol was the culprit in this mask. Really, why does a company add a skin "irritant" (I believe that menthol is a common skin irritant) to a facial mask? Maybe because a "tingling" sensation makes people think a product is working??? The company describes it as a "cooling intensity that builds as it penetrates your pores". I don't know, for me it was just "ouch"! I think this mask could potentially be excellent for mild breakouts (without the menthol) because it has 3.5% of benzol peroxide in a clay base. So, if anyone from Neutrogena ever reads this...just a thought to make a sensitive-version?

Generally, I think Neutrogena is a great brand. Very "dermatologist's office" friendly. In the past, the Foaming Cleaner from Neutrogena used to be one of my staple items.

Oh well...this product is just not for me. A total and epic fail. Heads-up for you sensitive ladies out there!

My search is on for a good clay mask...Please leave suggestions if you have any! I know I have tried Origins in the past and Queen Helene has some suprisingly good ones.