Harsh Product for My Skin
I have combination skin that is prone to breakouts. I purhcased the Clear cleanser and loved it, so thought I would try out another of the products in this line. I used this product twice and both times it burned my skin and left is red, splotchy, and itchy (even days later my skin is still red and itching from the harshness of this product). I wish I could use it as a spot treatment, but am now scared to do so. I will stick with the other Paula's Choice products and avoid this benzoyl peroxide treatment. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear of your experience with this product. It does sound like your skin does not respond well to benzoyl peroxide so you would not want to use it. While the response you have indicated is not typical, we do understand that each customer is uniquely different in how they will respond to products or ingredients. This along with everyday environmental factors can sometimes play a part in how someone will ultimately respond to a product or combination of products. For that reason, we have located your account information and applied a credit for the product. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Stephanie
too harsh therefore causes breakouts, love the 2.5
so i love PC BHA products. this one is too harsh for regular all over face use. i recently switched from 5% to 2.5% and noticed more radiant skin and no breakouts. then i ran out and reverted to the 5% and was breaking out a bit again. this is fine for spot treatment, but it is harsh on my skin. for all over face use i have to use a VERY small amount, like quarter of a pea. whereas, the 2.5 i can use around a quarter and this is more effective. i have combination, sensitive, reactive acne prone skin. the only cleanser that i can use 2x/ day is cetaphil though i use a foamy wash after to get last traces of make up at night. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear of your experience with this product. While the response you have indicated is not typical, we do understand that each customer is uniquely different in how they will respond to products or ingredients. This along with everyday environmental factors can sometimes play a part in how someone will ultimately respond to a product or combination of products. For that reason, we have located your account information and applied a credit for the product. We are happy to hear the regular strength works better for you! Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Stephanie
Lifesaving product for clear skin
This is yet another wonderful product of Paula's that I have tried. I have very oily skin which is prone to consistent but mild breakouts. The Extra Strength Acne Fighting Treatment has significantly reduced the severity of my breakouts. It also has shortened the duration of the occasional breakouts that I do get. I use a thin layer all over the face twice daily after toning, sometimes concentrating the product onto areas with more severe acne. I don't find that this is too drying if I apply a good moisturizer afterwards. Another plus is that this is so much more effective and competitively priced than other over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide treatments.
—J
Very strong
Used this product for almost a year thinking it would work after a long period of time but my acne is still the same. Definitely won't be using the CLEAR system again.
This acne treatment was very strong and dried out my skin a lot but didn't work for my stubborn acne which is still the same as it was before I used this but my skin is a lot drier now because of it. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear of your experience with these products. While the response you have indicated is not typical, we do understand that each customer is uniquely different in how they will respond to products or ingredients. This along with everyday environmental factors can sometimes play a part in how someone will ultimately respond to a product or combination of products. For that reason, we have located your account information and applied a credit for the product. It does sound like it would be best to consult a dermatologist for prescription options to help control your acne. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Elaine
Good product, to strong for me.
I got this as a sample and the first night I used it my pimples had all shrunk and were mostly gone. But it also left my skin feeling tight and very dry. I LOVE PAULA'S PRODUCTS, though. I think I need to try the regular strength. I just have to say my favorite products are Paula's conditioner, foundation, exfoliating toner and mattifying seerum - they are absolutely AMAZING, unlike anything I've ever tried before!!
—Anna
LIKE!!
Can you tell that I like this? I have been fighting acne since my teens (now 50). While I have used benzyl peroxide lotions before, I have never seen it in 5% strength. I am glad I got this as a sample and tried it. It really helps to clear up stubborn blackheads!!
—Carol
TOO STRONG
I had been using 2.5% one for long time but when I sudden suffered server acne due to stress, I decided to switch to 5% but found out it irritated my skin!! My skin is not only peeling, but also itchy and burning and my pimples were still there!!! Then I switched back to 2.5% and it took awhile to clear up my acne. I think I should stick with 2.5%... Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are terribly sorry to hear of your reaction. You certainly want to stick with the regular strength. We have credited you for this product and will track your experience with Paula. Please contact customer care with any questions, we are happy to help.
—Lena
It works!
I have been fighting with blemishes for nearly 30 years and have tried every topical acne medicine out there. Paula's Extra Strength Acne Fighting Treatment works! My blemishes are fewer, and the ones I do get disappear quickly. I finally convinced my teenage son to give it a try (after having him on Proactiv, MaxClarity, and Differin Gel - all with poor results), and he's even seeing a huge improvement in his skin. Thanks for a great product!
—Jennifer
Strong and Effective
This product has worked brilliantly for me. The first time I used it I put it all over my face and was very happy with the way it diminished the redness and severity of my whiteheads. Since I do have a habit of picking at my whiteheads, I always use this now as a spot treatment and anywhere else I see that I may be trying to break out. Usually around my chin, nose and cheek, forehead areas. I feel this product is most effective at making the reddness and inflammation go away on site of the acne. I have fairskin, redhair, stubborn blackheads and some whiteheads, am early 50's with sundamaged skin, especially around eye, cheek,nose and neck areas. It is drying and I have some flakiness with it at times, but I immediatly apply one of my Antioxidant serums or the Resist Barrier lotion and the dryness is gone.
—Suzanne Brinkley
I like the orange color
hey, to each is own? I like the orange packaging color. different strokes for different folks. as for the product....love it! definitely works on clearing up, but, also takes redness out almost immediately. the biggest bonus is it goes on & stays on clear! a big plus. lots of product at a great price. good value.
—Lori
Good Product
I started using this as a spot treatment,but moved to all over face every morning with goods results. No drying. Even though I have gotten a few chin breakouts they cleared up quickly.
—Darlene
Thank you soo much!!
I just want to say a big thank you. I was using prescription benzoil peroxide 10% for years until it lost it's effect last year and I started to break out bad. It was also drying out my skin. This formula is better, the redness doesn't hurt any more almost instantly, it's been a week and all my acne is going away. Plus my skin is not dry anymore (it healed). Better than anything I've seen out there. Thanks!
—Amy
a pleasant surprise
Use this as a spot treatment on stubborn blemishes and it works overnight. I'm thrilled with it.
—Christine
blackheads
I'm a senior citizen and still get blackheads and occasional unsightly pimples/whiteheads.The Extra Strength Acne Fighting Treatment 5%Benzoyl Peroxide is excellent to clear up blackheads/whiteheads. Best product I've tried so far.
—Ruth
Works fast
Combined with Clear extra strength 2%, clears a blemish fast with little to no mark.
—Lisa
Clear extra strength acne fighting treatment
I hated this product. I use many of Paula's products and they work great. This was a major disappointment. Did not dry to a matte finish. Did not clear anything, too much comes out of the tube, too liquidy. Does absolutely nil.
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience with these items. Please contact Customer Service for further assistance with returning these items or selecting alternate ones.
—anna
A godsend
The only product that's ever cured my adult acne. I have clear skin for the first time in 20 years. Bless you forever, Paula.
—Geri Rogers
Best BP product out there
This is the only Benzoyl Peroxide product I have ever used that does not irritate or dry out my skin. This is gentle, but it works, and that is why I will continue to repurchase. My skin looks great!!
—K
Works great
I've been using this product for years, and I think it works great. Just enough Benyzol to work without overdrying your skin, which is a problem I find with typical store brands. My only complaint is it keeps getting more expensive. The actual formula & size hasn't changed in the 4+ years I've been using it, but it's now several dollars more in price.
—Trudy Ann
Amazing product
i have been using this product for the past 3 months. i haven't had such clear skin in years. i had tried various topical and systemic medication but to no avail. i am so pleased with the results. my skin is much smoother and healthier.
i found that using Resist Aging Anti-oxidant serum after the Clear Cream avoids my skin from drying as well as making sure i am nourishing my skin with anti-oxidants to fight off aging!
—Chrissy
Great Customer Service!
Love this product, but had an issue with the packaging...customer service was OUTSTANDING, went above and beyond to make things right.
—Sunni
Patience is needed
First of all, I bought this product to prevent and treat my acne/ and break outs just like anyone else who bought this product. However, it didnt seem like doing its job at first so I didnt use it for a long time. but maybe a few weeks ago, I started to use this product with q tips right before applying my moisturizer. And now I believe in this product. Although I have a few break outs from time to time, I believe that this product helps preventing acne! You just need to use this product patiently and you will see what I mean..!
—Heesu
Amazing
I have had a stubborn milia near my lip for months. After applying this lotion for a few days, the white spot went away beautifully. Great job, Paula!
—Marlene
Great Product Terrible Package
This product has done wonders for my skin but the tube packaging is terrible. Gushes out way more than you need. Paula is always preaching packaging but she really needs to look at this tube. Otherwise, best benzoyl peroxide product I've used. Does wonders for the skin, no bad smell and is not irritating
—ardna k
great so far
This has been great so far, almost 30 days. I switched to this from my 10% benzoyl peroxide because that was drying me out too much. With this I am able to spot treat or spread on entire area (like my chin line where my hormones go crazy) and it does not irritate. I use this in combo with BHA liquid and so far so good. I don't use every day, mostly every other day. It works best if you put under moisturizer.
—Kelly
AWESOME product! :-)
I L-O-V-E this stuff!! :-) :-) I use it for myself, and my hubby uses it also :-) It is AWESOME :-) :-) I have also given it to a few teenagers and a pre-teen that I know, and it has really helped with their acne :-)
—Tara Sketchley
Love this stuff!
This is one of the very few benzoyl peroxide treatments that I am able to use and actually works. The texture is a very lightweight lotion that dries completely matte. It is also not at all sticky or tacky like other brands I have used in the past. Highly recommended!
—Susan
What makes this product unique?
Persistent or stubborn acne has met its match thanks to Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Acne Fighting Treatment. This 5% benzoyl peroxide solution works instantly to eliminate acne-causing bacteria to stop blemishes in their tracks.
Unlike most benzoyl peroxide-based acne products, Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Acne Fighting Treatment contains no harsh or irritating ingredients that can make acne worse, such as alcohol, menthol, or camphor.
Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Acne Fighting Treatment also contains soothing anti-irritants to help skin heal and reduce red marks caused by blemishes. It has a super-light lotion texture that sets to a matte finish, and can be worn under makeup.
This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free.
Who is this product for?
Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Acne Fighting Treatment works great for all skin types struggling with stubborn, persistent acne. It is suitable for men or women, teens and adults alike.
How should this product be used?
After cleansing with Paula's Choice CLEAR Normalizing Cleanser and exfoliating with Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Toner, cover the areas where breakouts occur with a thin layer of Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Acne Fighting Treatment 1 to 2 times per day.
Because some people may experience dryness when they first start using a product with benzoyl peroxide, you can start by applying it once a day or every other day to see how your skin responds.
What Makes Paula's Choice Products Unique?
Created by world renowned skin care expert and author Paula Begoun
Proven effectiveness based on hundreds of published scientific studies
Targeted systems for wrinkles, acne, rosacea, sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin and more
Fragrance-free, color-free, free of harmful skin irritants, and never tested on animals
Sources to support the claims made for CLEAR Extra Strength Acne Fighting Treatment:
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, February 2010, pages 712–718; Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, February 2010, pages 131–136; Dermatologic Clinics, January 2009, pages 33–42; British Journal of Dermatology, August 2008, pages 480–481; and Dermatology Therapy, March-April 2008, pages 86–95; Dermatologic Surgery, July 2005, pages 873–880; Lancet, December 2004, pages 2188–2195; Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, September-October 2000, pages 292–296; and www.naturaldatabase.com.
After cleansing with Paula's Choice CLEAR Normalizing Cleanser and exfoliating with Paula's Choice Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner, apply a thin layer of Paula's Choice Extra Strength Acne Fighting Treatment once or twice a day.
Because some people may experience dryness when they first start using a product with benzoyl peroxide, it may be necessary to reduce application to once every other day or, if twice daily application proves to be too much, reduce application to once daily, morning or evening.
For best results, do not use hydroquinone (the active ingredient in our RESIST Skin Lightening Lotion & Gel) and benzoyl peroxide (the active ingredient in our CLEAR Acne Fighting Treatments) at the same time. A temporary dark staining of the skin may occur. If accidentally used together, wash the skin with soap and water to remove the staining.
Why doesn't Paula's Choice offer a 10% strength benzoyl peroxide product?
Research has shown that 2.5% and 5% strengths of benzoyl peroxide work far better than a 10% solution. With a 10% concentration of benzoyl peroxide, the increased potential of dryness and irritation negates further benefit.
If you find a 2.5% or 5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide doesn't work for you, the next step is to see a dermatologist and explore prescription-only treatments such as BenzaClin or Clindamycin which are topical antibiotics, or Retin-A or Differin which are prescription-strength topical forms of vitamin A. There are also oral medications to discuss with your physician.
What happened to Paula's Choice Extra Strength Blemish Fighting Solution?
Nothing happened except a name change! The same extra strength formula that's worked so well for thousands of Paula's Choice customers struggling with acne has simply been renamed and added to our CLEAR line of anti-acne products.
Paula and her Cosmetics Cop Team wanted to reposition this product as part of the streamlined, 3-step approach for achieving blemish-free, clearer skin. Other than the name, CLEAR Extra Strength Acne Fighting Treatment is identical to our former Extra Strength Blemish Fighting Solution.
I use one of your CLEAR Acne Fighting Treatments and have noticed some of my towels and/or pillowcases have become stained, almost as if they were bleached. Why does this happen?
Because these products contain benzoyl peroxide, they may bleach hair or dyed fabrics. Be sure to apply carefully around your hairline and eyebrows and allow the product to absorb and dry completely before coming in contact with fabrics such as linens, towels, or clothing.
