Neutrogena Stubborn Acne Spot Drying Lotion — 1.0 fl oz Fragrance-Free, 10% Sulfur + 4% Niacinamide for Fast-Acting Spot Treatment

Neutrogena Stubborn Acne Spot Drying Lotion is a targeted, fragrance-free topical treatment that uses 10% sulfur and 4% niacinamide to visibly shrink and dry up individual pimples.

Designed for acne-prone skin, this 1.0 fl oz formula pairs maximum over-the-counter sulfur with niacinamide plus calming ingredients to attack stubborn blemishes overnight. It’s paraben-, oil-, phthalate-, and dye-free and meant for spot application so you can treat isolated breakouts without changing your entire routine. Below are common buyer questions and concise answers to help you decide whether this product fits your needs.

How quickly will this spot treatment reduce the look of a pimple?

Many users report a visible reduction in size and redness after a single evening application, thanks to sulfur’s pore-penetrating drying action and niacinamide’s support for even-looking skin. Results depend on breakout severity and skin type, but overnight improvement is a typical outcome.

• Contains 10% sulfur — the highest OTC concentration to help dry blemishes.
• 4% niacinamide helps address post-acne discoloration over time.
• Clinically shown to deliver fast-acting visible changes for pimples.

How should I apply it without irritating my skin?

Apply only to clean, dry skin using a cotton swab or fingertip and spread a thin layer directly on the blemish; do not rub it in. Allow the lotion to dry completely and use overnight, removing residue with warm water in the morning. Avoid combining with other strong actives on the same spot to minimize irritation.

• Cleanse first and pat skin dry before application.
• Use a clean cotton swab for precise, hygienic spot treatment.
• Leave on overnight; rinse off in the morning with warm water.

Is this safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin?

The fragrance-free, paraben- and oil-free formula aims to reduce unnecessary irritants, making it suitable for many with acne-prone or reactive skin. Because sulfur can be drying, start with limited use on one spot to test tolerance and avoid combining with other exfoliating treatments on the same area.

• Fragrance-, paraben-, phthalate-, dye-, and oil-free to limit irritants.
• Includes calamine and zinc oxide to soothe and reduce redness.
• Patch-test recommended for very sensitive skin before regular use.

How does this fit into a daily skincare routine?

Use this as a focused step in the PM: cleanse, apply a thin layer to blemishes, and let it dry—then follow your usual night creams elsewhere if desired. For round-the-clock care, pair the lotion at night with Stubborn Acne Blemish Patches in the morning for continuous treatment without overloading skin with products.

• Apply at night after cleansing; rinse in the morning.
• Complement with non-comedogenic moisturizers on surrounding areas.
• Combine with patch treatments in the AM for all-day management.

Who is this for: This spot drying lotion suits people dealing with occasional to persistent individual pimples who want a targeted, fast-acting OTC option. It’s a good match for those who prefer fragrance-free, dermatologist-backed products and need a formula that won’t add oils or dyes to their routine. If you have chronic or severe acne, consult a skincare professional for a comprehensive plan before relying solely on spot treatments.