🧼 The Cleanser I Use Instead of Neutrogena’s Acne Wash.
It’s organic, smells like cherry + mint, and actually works—without drying me out.
Most people start their clean journey in the kitchen—swapping oils, ditching Diet Coke, reading food labels.
But what about your skincare?
Your skin absorbs what you put on it.
That means everything you apply—cleanser, toner, SPF, moisturizer—is either helping your body detox or adding to its toxic load.
Let’s take a look at one of the most popular skincare brands in America: Neutrogena.
🧪 What’s Really Inside Neutrogena?
Yes, it’s affordable.
Yes, it’s everywhere.
But here’s what you’ll find in their acne and “gentle” lines:
Benzoyl Peroxide – effective, but dries out your skin and can trigger irritation
Salicylic Acid – fine in moderation, but overuse can damage your skin barrier
Synthetic Fragrance – a common endocrine disruptor and allergen
Preservatives and fillers – linked to long-term inflammation
Benzene contamination – yep, that’s a carcinogen found in some of their acne products
Sure, it may “clear” your skin temporarily. But it often comes at the cost of redness, dryness, breakouts, or worse.
💧 So what do I use instead?
Enter Skincando. Use code: WAKEUP for 20% off
A clean, minimalist skincare line that actually works.
I’ve tried dozens of “clean” skincare products over the years, and most are either too oily, too strong, or smell like a candle aisle.
Skincando is different. It’s effective, gentle, non-toxic, and made with real ingredients.
Here’s my full clean routine (yes, this is all I use):
1. Cherry + Spearmint Cleansing Oil
→ Replaces: Neutrogena cleanser, makeup remover, double cleanse
Gently removes dirt, makeup, sunscreen—even waterproof mascara
Made with cherry seed, peach kernel, lavender + spearmint oils
No sulfates. No synthetic fragrance. No dryness.
How to use: Massage onto dry skin, rinse with warm water. Done. If you have to start with one, this is IT for me ;)
2. Lavender + Spearmint Toner
→ Replaces: Harsh alcohol-based toners
Hydrates and calms without stripping
Made with organic witch hazel, aloe, essential oils
Perfect after cleansing or spritzed mid-day for a refresh
How to use: Mist onto clean skin or apply with a cotton round.
3. SPF 30 Zinc Cream
→ Replaces: Drugstore SPF packed with chemical filters
Mineral-based (non-nano zinc oxide)
Moisturizing without being greasy
No white cast, no endocrine-disrupting ingredients
Bonus: Doubles as a primer before makeup.
4. Combat Balm + Green Balm (Face & Body)
→ Replaces: Lotions, body butters, eczema creams
Combat Balm: Deep moisture, skin healing, and barrier support
Green Balm: Gentle, hydrating, anti-inflammatory
Both are made with nourishing oils, beeswax, and essential oils
How to use: Apply to face or body. A little goes a long way.
Why This Matters
Clean eating is powerful. But if you’re applying parabens, perfumes, and preservatives daily, your body stays in detox mode.
This is one of the only skincare lines I trust enough to use daily—and recommend publicly.
It’s food-grade clean. Minimalist. And actually feels luxurious.
👉 Shop Skincando here
and use code WAKEUP for 20% off your order.
Start with the cleansing oil. Or go all in with the full set.
Your skin will feel the difference—and your hormones will too.
No more burning toners.
No more endocrine-disrupting SPF.
No more “gentle” products that secretly wreck your barrier.
Just real skincare for real people.
xo,
Jen Smiley