It really works!!
This product REALLY WORKS!!! I have had moderate acne since the 7th grade and I am now 24. I used Proactive for years, but it was extremely drying and didn't control my acne very consistently. I would still get acne in "waves," especially around the time of my cycle. I've also tried other products/systems to no avail. After trying the CLEAR system from Paula, I can truly say that my face is now clear!!! My skin is much more smooth and even. I still get the occasional pimple, but not like before. I do not experience excessive drying, but I also use one of Paula's moisturizers. The only complaint is that the extra strength version of the toner and treatment cream is a little harsh and makes my skin burn. I try to use the last two steps at night only, while I use the cleanser morning and night. I may try the regular strength next time, but I'm worried that it won't clear my skin like the extra strength. Regardless, I will never stop using this product. THANK YOU PAULA!!!! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are happy to hear the products work well with your skin! You certainly don't want to use any product that causes stinging or burning every time you apply it so we suggest the regular strength versions to try and see how your skin responds. If these are also a bit too much we suggest the Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Gel Exfoliant instead of the CLEAR Toner and you would not want to use the benzoyl peroxide product within the CLEAR line. Please contact customer care with any questions, we are happy to help.
—Jennie
OMG! No more oily skin!
I read the review from Jackie about no more oily skin and I just had to try the system. I would give it 10+ stars! In one day, my skin was no longer shiny and much less red from rosacea. I cannot believe the thousands of dollars I have spent on skin care, including FotoFacial laser treatments. I will never be without this system!
—Joy
No more oily skin
Within two days of using the 3 products in the set, I was thrilled to see that my skin is not oily anymore. The first tell-tale sign was when I woke in the morning and my skin had no oily look to it, I was shocked. When I bought the set, the special price includes oil blotting paper and shine stopper but I honestly have not needed to use either of these! I have been using the first two steps religiously morning and night and every other day using the third, I do not want my skin to overdry. I will definitely reorder and probably get the regular strength next time, though I have not had a problem with overdrying. So happy to have clear, dry skin finally!
—Jackie
It Works!
Thank you for creating these wonderful products! I'm not normally one to write product reviews, but I'm truly in love with this stuff. I suffered from adult acne for about 8 years before trying this skincare line. I started with the Regular Strength set and noticed improvement within days. My face felt calmer and the texture improved almost immediately. When my toner ran out I switched to the Extra Strength set and that's when the magic really started to happen. It's been about 5 months now and I am thrilled with the results. I'd estimate that I'm about 99% clear right now and my face hasn't felt this smooth and soft since I was 11 years old. The trick is to be patient and stick with the routine. Rejoice in the small milestones and maintain realistic expectations.
—Maggie
Kimberly
This system has been a miracle for me. These are the first anti-acne products I've used that don't dry up my skin. I'm 35 and have been battling acne for 20 years. My pores are greatly diminished and my skin is so smooth and clear. I don't know why bigger companies don't have products as good as these! Thank you Paula for your wonderful products!
—Kim
Effective product
My son suffered from acne and blackheads on his face and chest. I use Paula's Choice products exclusively and thought we should try this line, even though he wanted to try a different, extensively advertised product. Using Beautypedia, I researched the products he wanted to buy, and determined that, as always, Paula's Choice would be more appropriate. Even though he started out using this system every other day for a couple of weeks (made his skin too dry to use daily) he saw improvement within a week. Now he uses these products daily and the skin on his face and chest is completely clear! He's very happy I insisted on these products.
—Maria
Ordered for my teen as a
Having enjoyed many of paula's choice products myself, I decided to give the extra strength system a try as a "last resort" for my teen daughter before paying to see a dermatologist. The reviews and paula's guarantee helped in the decision. WOW! It worked! After using it for a couple of weeks daughters skin transformed. She now has really great skin with only the normal hormonal break-outs that many of us have each month. She has been using this system for over a year now. Thank you for developing this product!
—Michelle C
my skin looks worse
I tried this and the regular strength system, and I'm breaking out more, not less. My skin looks worse now than it did before I started using these products.
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience with these items. Please contact our Customer Care team for further assistance in selecting alternate items. Please note: we do offer a 60 day return/exchange policy.
—Cate
About to try something different
I used the Clear system and by the time I ran out, I finally began to see a little difference in my skin. I am either going to try the extra strength or try something entirely different. I love Paula's Choice overall, but I may have tougher acne than the regular strength Clear System can help.
—Dana
Love this product
This product is amazing. I developed acne after going of birth control and have not found a product to clear it until now. I found the system a tad drying at first, but my skin got used to it very soon. This product has made my skin not only clear, but glowing. I have only used the system for one month and I am addicted. If you are struggling at all with acne, give this a try. It WILL work for you!
—Danielle
Beyond Amazed
Despite two rounds of Accutane, four chemical peels, and usage of every acne product under the sun (OTC and prescription), my acne was still a problem....and then I started using the CLEAR products. I am in the Navy and I just deployed to a ship for 3 months (meaning: I spent 3 months stewing in a steel box of other people's hygiene) and I thought FOR SURE I was going to get off that ship with my acne as bad as it was before the Accutane....but using the CLEAR products twice a day, my face looked better than ever. I have genetic cystic acne and live in the desert (in the Middle East now) and was on a ship. My face *should* be worse than ever right now. Instead, thanks to Paula's products, I wake up to skin every morning that I literally dreamed about as a child.
—Janelle
Too harsh and drying for me
I got the sample kit and tried the regular and extra strength. LOVE the regular, but this dried out my skin and made me break out more. I'm sticking with the regular!
—Linda
Not for me
After trying products from Paula's books, I hoped for something different from her own line only to be disappointed again. I chatted live with one of their experts and chose to buy the full size instead of the trials. My mistake. Based on her recommendation I got the extra strength. I don't have sensative skin, I have used just about everything with no adverse reaction. Just have the problem of keeping my skin clear. I can't even fully review the products since after the second use I could no longer use it. After the first use I noticed that my face burned. The next day I used it again. Once the burning sensation stopped I put my powder on only to find it made it burn again. One thing I have found with any acne line is to give it a little time to work, but it should never hurt or hinder the make-up application. This is probably just a case of to strong a product for my needs, but it would be a first. Everyone will have different reactions and might not have the same problem. But me, I am returning it and starting over with something else.
—cheli
It's DEFINITELY worth it.
I've had acne since I was in gr4. It's genetic. I also see a dermatologist and am on the "pill" because of it. Every product i tried worked only for a while, but it seemed as if my skin got immune to it shortly after and i would start getting acne again. I've tried blue light therapy, minced radish massages, topical medicines, salt water, and almost every product out there. With this product my skin just gets better literally EVERY SINGLE DAY. I am also using Avene's spring water. That's it. No facial lotion or anything else for my face at all.
—Ruth Kim
The best acne treatment ever!!!
I bought this for my son because he was having a problem with acne in high school. I know what he was going through since I battled acne my whole life. My sister recommended it and within one week his face was cleared within two weeks the red spots were lighter. You would never think he had a problem in the first place. Good bye weekly facials $60each. I use it now and cant believe the results. AMAZING!!! Don't give up, at least give it two weeks and you will see results.
—Pauline Greene
Great stuff.
I am almost 40 and have always had acne, despite using skin care products and makeup that aren't supposed to cause acne. This is the best skin care system I've ever used. It does a much better job of controlling acne than other stuff I've tried (including Proactiv and Avon Clearskin).
—Courtney
Not pleased
I've used Paula's choice for 6 years and have always been very pleased with all the products. I recently purchased these products and was extremely displeased with them. My skin began to break out more frequently and worse than it ever has before.
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience with these products and will share your feedback with Paula and her team. Please contact Customer Service via phone, Live Chat or email for return assistance.
—Leigh Matchett
Somewhat average, for me.
I ordered Paula's Choice 3-step system after my friend ordered it and said it worked great. She generally has less acne prone skin than I do, so I was a little skeptical. However, I purchased the product and decided to give it a try. Personally, I don't like gel cleansers because they don't exfoliate very well for me, and the toner didn't work well either. However, the spot treatement is sensational! I use St. Ives apricot scrub, witch hazel toner, and this spot treatment for an amazing combination!
—Elizabeth
Very pleased!!!
I am very pleased. I have had VERY little breakouts since I have been using this product (for a month now). I have very sensitive skin all my life and nothing has ever work except this!
—Britt
Perfect for Teens
I have always been a fan of Paula's products and bought this for my 14 year old son who is getting acne.
It doesn't sting his face and is starting to clear up his acne.
I have two other teens and will start them on the program as well.
Thank you Paula for making products that work!
—Esther
Not that much of a difference...
I really did not see that much of a difference form this acne system as opposed to other acne treatment system. As well-formulated this system may be, I however did not see any results by using it over a 4-8 week span of time. Customers only want to see "results" more than anything though. As much as I love Paula Begoun, this line just falls slightly flat for me.
—Guillermo
another success story
I am beyond pleased with this line. I have moderate break-outs at that time of the month. I have used Paula's products for years, but there is something in this line that just brings this to a new level of productivity. I have tried the other major acne lines (I am 30) and nothing worked for me like this. It is worth a try. I had results within the first couple days.
—AMANDA
Amazing!
I'm not kidding.
It really works.
I got SEVERE acne just this summer only on my cheeks and got really stressed about it. I even took subscripted medicine and got treatments from dermatologists but nothing worked. I got this product not really expecting much as my last trial for cosmetics. Because of the medicine I have been taking, my face was totally flaky because of side effects and the product seemed little too strong for my skin so I just used it once a day at night. I've actually used it less than a week and I'm literally seeing my face getting so much better. I guess that because this product is pretty storng, you've just gotta be flexible and find the way that would suit you. I've stopped taking medicin ever since I began using this product and side effects are going away so I'm really happy. I've never really seen cosmetic products that actually worked. It really does work!
—Alex
CLEAR Normalizing Cleanser:
What makes this product unique?
Get ready to take your first step toward clear skin! Unlike other anti-acne cleansers on the market, CLEAR Normalizing Cleanser is completely free of drying, irritating ingredients that make acne worse. This gentle, refreshing cleansing gel is tough on blemishes but gentle on your skin, working quickly to remove makeup and pore-clogging, built-up skin cells. It contains an antibacterial agent to begin the fight against acne plus soothing agents to help reduce redness.
This cleanser is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free.
Who is this product for?
CLEAR Normalizing Cleanser is recommended for all skin types suffering with acne. It is suitable for men or women, teens and adults alike.
How should this product be used?
CLEAR Normalizing Cleanser can be used twice daily and should be followed with either the CLEAR Regular Strength or Extra Strength products that comprise the CLEAR 3-Step System.
Splash the face and eyes generously with tepid to slightly warm water (hot water can irritate and inflame skin, making acne worse). Spread a nickel- to quarter-sized amount of the cleanser over your fingers and then apply to your face with gentle but vigorous circular motions. Rinse well. Repeat or use with a clean washcloth to remove heavy makeup.
To remove eye makeup, including waterproof mascara, use Paula's Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover.
CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Toner:
What makes this product unique?
CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner provides an almost immediate reduction in blackheads, white bumps, and acne by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation with 2% salicylic acid.
Unlike most toners designed for acne-prone skin, CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner doesn't use harsh, irritating ingredients such as alcohol, menthol, peppermint, or camphor that can make acne worse.
CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner is designed to penetrate deeper into the pore lining than our Regular Strength CLEAR Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner for fast, concentrated results on stubborn, more serious breakouts.
Ongoing use can guarantee significantly clearer, smoother, even-toned skin and can significantly reduce redness from acne lesions.
This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free with a pH range of 3.2-3.6.
Who is this product for?
This product is recommended for all skin types experiencing mild to moderate acne, stubborn blackheads, or white bumps. It is suitable for men or women, teens and adults alike.
How should this product be used?
Use twice daily. After cleansing with Paula's Choice CLEAR Normalizing Cleanser, soak a large cotton ball or pad with CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Toner and gently stroke over your face. Pay special attention to acne- and blackhead-prone areas. Do not rinse. Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, and mucous membranes.
If excessive dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once per day or once every other day, or use with Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Toner or Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner. Follow with CLEAR Extra Strength Acne Fighting Treatment.
CLEAR Extra Strength Acne Fighting Treatment:
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 Normalizing Cleanser:
Biochemistry and Pharmacology, June 2007, pages 1,786-1,795; Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2007, pages 124-135; Contact Dermatitis, June 2006, pages 303-312; British Journal of Dermatology, July 2005, pages 124-131; Skin Research and Technology, February 2005, pages 53–60; Dermatologic Therapy, January 2004, pages 16–25; European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, November 2003, pages 407-412; Cutis, December 2001, Supplemental, pages 12–19; and Skin Research and Technology, July 2001, pages 49–55.
Sources to support the claims made for CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Toner:
International Immunopharmacology, August 2009, pages 1,126–1,130; Cutis, July 2009, pages 48–55; Chemical Research in Toxicology, January 2008, pages 53–69; Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2007, pages 124-135; Journal of Cosmetic Science, November-December 2004, pages 519-531; Archives of Internal Medicine, July 2002, pages 1531–1532; Annals of Dermatology and Venereology, January 2002, pages 137–142; Archives of Dermatology, November 2000, pages 1390–1395; Dermatology, 1999, volume 199, number 1, pages 50–53; and Pain, January 1996, pages 71–82; Seminars in Dermatology, December 1990, pages 305–308.
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.
CLEAR Normalizing Cleanser: DIRECTIONS:Splash the face and eyes generously with tepid to slightly warm water (hot water can irritate and inflame skin, making acne worse). Spread a nickel- to quarter-sized amount of cleanser over your fingers and apply to your face with gentle but vigorous circular motions. Rinse well. Repeat or use with a clean washcloth to remove heavy makeup.
CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner DIRECTIONS:Use once or twice a day. After cleansing with Paula's Choice CLEAR Normalizing Cleanser, soak a large cotton ball or pad with CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner and gently stroke over your face. Pay special attention to acne- and blackhead-prone areas. Do not rinse. Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, and lips.
If you experience dryness or flaking, reduce application to once per day or once every other day. During those times when you aren't using the CLEAR Exfoliating Toner use Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Toner or Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner instead.
CLEAR Extra Strength Acne Fighting Treatment DIRECTIONS: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.
The CLEAR Normalizing Cleanser contains triclosan, an ingredient Paula has mentioned isn't a good option for acne. Why did she include it?
Paula has said that triclosan as an antibacterial ingredient is not enough to fight acne, it takes other products to really make a difference. Aside from a cleanser with triclosan, a product containing salicylic acid and another containing benzoyl peroxide are the perfect combination for treating acne, which is exactly what Paula's Choice CLEAR 3-Step System offers.
Recent research indicates that triclosan may play a stronger role than originally thought when it comes to anti-acne skin care. We have used triclosan in an amount that is effective as a first line of defense against acne-causing bacteria.
CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Toner:
How does CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner differ from Paula's regular BHA products?
CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner is actually identical to our longstanding, best-selling 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Liquid. The original product is so effective at keeping acne under control that Paula decided to add this formula to her CLEAR line so it is a distinct part of this 3-step routine for those struggling with blemishes.
If you're already using our 2% BHA Liquid, you don't need to switch to this product; either way, you're getting an exceptional product to help combat acne, blackheads, and white bumps while creating smooth, healthy skin.
Why does CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner feel tacky and/or greasy on my face?
Most likely you're having this experience from using too much product. The average amount necessary for facial application is less than the size of a nickel. The product is best applied in a thin layer, and has great spreading properties.
For some, even using the recommended amount leaves a "slippery" feel on the skin. This can be attributed to the high level of glycol this toner contains. Glycol helps the BHA more effectively penetrate the surface layers of skin and also works as a moisturizing agent. To eliminate the tacky feeling, gently press a tissue onto skin after the toner has been absorbed. This removes any residual product while not affecting efficacy. However, most of our customers have told us how silky-soft their skin is as a result of Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner, and that is directly the result of the unique formulation.
CLEAR Extra Strength Acne Fighting Treatment:
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.
