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Neutrogena Evenly Clear Acne Cleanser Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives

From 3 Reddit threads · Updated November 5, 2026

Salicylic-acid cleanser Redditors repeat morning and evening; simple, low-fuss routine step. The catch: menthyl lactate adds a cooling feel reactive skin may dislike. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.

The short answer

  1. Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
    Best Overall Alternative

    Rinse-off BHA for oily pores · $9.80 · 150 ml

  2. Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser
    Best Cheaper Alternative

    Blackheads visibly improve for some users · $9.97 · 236.6 ml vs $14.97 for the original

#1

Best Overall Alternative

  • Size: 150 ml
  • Price per ml: $0.07/ml (original $0.06/ml)

The why

A foaming salicylic-acid cleanser for oily, acne-prone skin dealing with clogged pores and sebaceous filaments. It can work as an occasional nighttime wash, but dry cheeks, tretinoin users, and anyone cleansing twice daily may find it stripping or irritating.

One minus

Can leave dry cheeks tight, grey-looking, or stripped

Good forSensitive Skin

The original, at a glance

Why people love it
Salicylic-acid cleanser for repeatable morning-and-evening routines
Price
$14.97 · 269.1 ml · $0.06/ml

#2

Best Cheaper Alternative

  • Size: 236.6 ml
  • Price per ml: $0.04/ml (original $0.06/ml)

The why

A rinse-off salicylic acid cleanser with gluconolactone and mandelic acid, aimed at oily skin, blackheads, and rough texture. It fits people wanting a few-times-weekly exfoliating wash, but retinoid users and reactive skin can run into stinging or barrier trouble.

One minus

Can sting and irritate alongside retinoids

Good forSensitive Skin

Other alternatives worth a look

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Reddit's best cleansers by ingredient list

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