Growing up, when it comes to acne, there\u2019s lots of talk about bacterial and fungal breakouts, hormonal acne and how pimples are a normal part of teenage life. Less discussed though is that acne doesn\u2019t just disappear at a certain age, never to return again. In fact, adult acne is much more common than many realize, affecting more than 25 percent of women and 12 percent of men in their 40s.<\/p>\n
\u201cTreating adult acne is fundamentally different from treating teen acne because the skin itself is different,\u201d says New York dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD. \u201cIn teenagers, acne is primarily fueled by puberty-related oil production. In adults, especially women, breakouts are often more hormonally driven and tied to menstrual cycles and stress. Adult acne also tends to appear along the jawline and chin and is more likely to present as deeper, cystic, inflammatory lesions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite such large numbers of adults dealing with it, there has been much less focus on skin care created especially for adult acne until now. Neutrogena has launched its newest collection called Evenly Clear, which is the brand\u2019s first-ever acne product line created for adults<\/strong> and its first-ever time co-designing the line with dermatologists.<\/p>\n \u201cWe thought about the types of patients we see in the offices and the gaps in what was available,\u201d says Neutrogena Global Innovation Partner and New York City dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD. \u201cFrom there, we took unique ingredient profiles and deliveries and helped create the six\u2011product collection. We utilized some of our favorites like salicylic acid, polyhydroxy acids, N-acetyl glucosamine, benzoyl peroxide, hypochlorous acid and other gentle, yet effective, ingredients and built formulas to support the overall efficacy of the products.\u201d<\/p>\n Evenly Clear features a six-product lineup and is the brand\u2019s first dual-benefit portfolio, meaning that the products aren\u2019t designed just to treat adult acne, but they also are meant to visibly fade the look of post-acne marks like scars and hyperpigmentation and address other common skin care concerns that come with acne-prone skin. This makes it the only mass market acne range to simultaneously target breakouts and fade the look of post-acne marks.<\/p>\n \u201cAdult skin is known to produce less collagen, have slower cell turnover, and is more prone to dryness and sensitivity,\u201d says Dr. Graf. \u201cThat means aggressive, oil-stripping treatments commonly used for teen acne can compromise the skin barrier and worsen inflammation in adults. Treatment strategies need to balance efficacy with barrier support.\u201d<\/p>\n While non-comedogenic moisturizers paired with acne-fighting actives are key, they also need to address signs of aging since adults are often managing both. \u201cIngredients like retinoids are particularly valuable because they address breakouts while also improving texture, tone, and fine lines,\u201d says Dr. Graf. Neutrogena kept all this in mind in creating the line, collaborating with its board-certified dermatologist partners Dr. Bhanusali and Muneeb Shah, DO as well as a broader community of other leading dermatologists.<\/p>\n The six products range from a cleanser and moisturizer to a retinoid treatment and clarifying spray. Per the brand, they\u2019re clinically proven to deliver acne-fighting results while keeping the skin barrier intact. With the entirety of the line, users can cleanse, even, renew and moisturize skin.<\/p>\n \u201cAdult patients often want results without irritation, and products that fit seamlessly into busy, real-life routines,\u201d says Dr. Bhanusali. \u201cOur goal with Neutrogena Evenly Clear was to translate what we see in our practices every day into advanced formulas that are effective, gentle and designed to meet those real-life needs.\u201d<\/p>\n Neutrogena\u2019s Evenly Clear Acne Cleanser ($17) is a gel-to-foam formula with both 2 percent salicylic acid and 2 percent PHA (polyhydroxy acid) in addition to the brand\u2019s proprietary MicroClear technology. Meanwhile, Evenly Clear Gel Moisturizer ($17) is a lightweight, non-greasy formula that features salicylic acid and 2 percent n-acetyl glucosamine to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce acne-causing bacteria and prevent future breakouts.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Neutrogena](\"https:\/\/cdn-cjhgk.nitrocdn.com\/CXxGixRVyChwAxySbAyltuCiQXRKaWDN\/assets\/images\/optimized\/rev-9dad235\/www.newbeauty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Global-NTG-Acne-EvenlyClear-Product-FullRange-HeroProductVisual-Still_RGB-copy.jpg\")
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