CLEAR by Paula's Choice | Acne Treatment, Acne Skin Care, Acne Medication, Acne Wash

Product Rating:

(12 reviews)

Not for my face BUT...
This one is too greasy and pore-clogging for my face. I use it on elbows, knees, and heels instead, under a body lotion, just once every couple of days, and they are now flawlessly soft and smooth. Glad I found a use for this since the base is too heavy for my facial skin. Thanks again!
—OD

Great, but has some effects on the face
After using this toner, I did notice a slight residue. So the next time I used it I used a little less. Not as much residue so that was an improvement. Also, I noticed a slight stinging. Once again, used less, not as much stinging, but it did happen. It didn't hurt but I prayed it wouldn't hurt my skin.
—Nina

I am never going to stop ordering this...
This is an amazing formula. I began using Paula's 2% BHA liquid a year ago (same formula) and my skin has gotten so much clearer. Instead of using a cotton ball, I put this directly on my fingers, and then rub it on my face, which works just as well.
—Nini Tin

Too strong?
I've been using it for 5 days straight now only at night. My forehead has broken out pretty badly and I don't see much of a difference in my cheeks yet but my pores do look like they're shrinking. I am having a major problem though...it leaves my skin VERY, VERY dry. I gave myself a steam facial tonight and I was able to scrub off tons of dead skin with my washcloth. I'm thinking this product is too strong to start with. Also thinking I should buy the regular Toner instead of the Extra Strength. Hmm... Customer Care: Please call our Customer Service for assistance with finding a product that will work for you. Also, please note that we have a 60-day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy.
—Joe

momof4
I rely on this stuff-- I have oily skin, and it keeps me from breaking out. Everyone admires my great, 57 year old skin! Every time I think I'll skip it, I always end up breaking out. As soon as I resume using t, my skin settles back down. Warning! Highly Addictive!
—cari

Wonderful for Mature Skin
Absolutely love this toner, the way it feels on my skin. I am 60 and have nice skin except for some stubborn blackheads on the nasal area. Gone! I use this toner in the A.M. and Retin-A micro in the P.M. Thank you for your advice and fabulous products!
—Mo

top and still a favourite!
I have very very sensitive skin, hormonal problems make my skin too dry for my age, but yet I keep breaking out. This product really helps dealing with even those blemishes that get swollen under skin (come and go with the cycle). the redness calms down and are reabsorved faster when I use this product. To avoid dryness I just apply the serum (antiox concentrate) or Resist. Now I have one bottle at home and one at my boyfriend's, so I use it absolutely every night! (sorry for any spelling mistakes:-)
—marina

At Last, my love has come along
I have had acne all my life and have tried everything that was recommended by the experts. I used products that you can buy at a department store, only order online, and even ordered from several infomercials. Nothing, and I mean nothing worked. Then one day I ordered Paula's Choice. After using it for a few days, my skin started to improve. At last!
—Kesha

Can't live without it....
PERIOD! My skin responds well to all of her BHA products, but if I go a few days not using some I notice a huge difference. I have yet to find other BHAs that give me the same results - AND I HAVE LOOKED! I'm an esthetician & have been following Paula for 7 years & I always recommend Paula's BHA treatments for my clients - if nothing else. Her BHAs will always be "ol faithful"!
—M Smith

Don't hesitate to try the CLEAR system!
I've been using this toner for a month now and my skin is CLEAR for the first time in ages. Sometimes I yell "Thank you Paula!" when I look in the mirror because it's so exciting to see a blemish-free reflection. I also must commend the Paula's Choice team for providing skin care that does not ask me to compromise my ideals as an environmentalist. Paula's CLEAR system is truly the best.
—Francie

Really fantastic products!
It took me a while to get the perfect balance of no acne and no flaky dry skin. Here's what worked for me: cleanser with Sonicare brush, Clear extra-strength targeted acne relief toner, followed by 2.5% benzoyl peroxide lotion (night.) Morning same, only instead of toner I use the AHA lotion. The extra strength toner does have an oily feel to it (unlike the regular strength) but I think it does penetrate pores better. Anyhow, good luck to anyone battling acne!
—Jennifer

Good product with quick results
I ordered your Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Toner and love it. I noticed a difference the next morning (if that is possible). My skin seems less oily and red. The pores appear smaller. I was using Aveda's Outer Peace toner and not having good results with that.
—J.G.

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.

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

100% customer satisfaction guaranteed

Unequalled customer service

Active: Salicylic Acid 2%; Inactive: Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol (slip agents/penetration enhancers), Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Extract (anti-irritant/antioxidant), Polysorbate-20 (solubolizing agent), Sodium Hydroxide (pH balancer), Disodium EDTA (chelating agent).

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.

Follow once or twice a day with Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Acne Fighting Treatment.

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.

Sources to support the claims made for CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Toner