No Difference
I wonder if Paula will change this product. I have read so many reviews that I can relate to. This product does not fully absorb into the skin and leaves a slimy feel behind. I have not seen any difference in my skin from using this product. Furthermore, when I use the 1% BHA gel, I break out the following day with little pimples ALL over my face. So, I guess I can't win. Customer Care Response: Thank you for contacting us. It sounds like your skin does not respond well to BHA's. It may be best to try an AHA to see how your skin responds. This product is very light and is actually one of the best sellers so Paula is not planning on reformulating it anytime soon. We will leave an in house credit for this product on your account to be used toward a future phone order. Please feel free to contact customer care so that we may discuss more options for your skin type and what would work better.
—Pam
good product bad bottle
This stuff is really clearing up my clogged pores unfortunately the bottle top broke. I must store it carefully to prevent spills & to use I must unscrew the top and pour the product. Please get new packaging! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear this top broke. We will send you a replacement of our Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant which is the same formula only in different packaging to try. We hope you like it. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Esther
Not for me
I have used this before about three years ago. I used the regular strength. My skin has gotten since I had children, so I thought I would try the extra strength. I bought the face wash as well. I have used them both and they made my skin too dry. I started to use the face wash only at night and my skin is still too dry. The toner smells a little like finger nail polish remover and leaves a weird film on my skin. My skin has also not cleared up. So I am sorry to say that they both are going back.
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 encourage you to try the regular strength or the BHA in the lotion form which will be lightly hydrating to see how you like it. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Nicolle
great stuff
I really love this toner, the only complaint is the leaking bottle, but I dealt with it by pouring the toner into another bottle. Leaves my skin very soft and even. I have been using this for several weeks and I have already noticed a decrease in blackheads and acne. Paula's the best. Thank you!
—Elena
Effective but drying
I love how effective this toner is at clearing up acne and diminishing the appearance of blackheads. As an all-over-the-face toner, however, I think this is much too drying. I normally have very oily skin, but using a thin layer over the entire face can cause extremely dry spots with flaking around the mouth and chin area. Best used for spot treatment in my opinion. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We suggest the lotion form of the BHA to try instead which will be lightly hydrating if this was too light for you. We will send you samples to try and please contact customer care with any questions in the meantime.
—J
Doesn't work!
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.
Also, DON'T use this anywhere around your eyes!! Will DRY OUT your eye area. 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. We don't suggest applying this product too close to the eye area but the BHA lotion form would work better around the eye area since it would be lightly hydrating and not as light. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Elaine
Not happy
I first started out with the Paula's choice 2% hydroxy acid gel and though I liked the feel of the gel I was not getting the results I was hoping for which is reducing the appearence of the pores on my nose and helping the blackheads due to my oily t-zone. So I was advised by the "experts" to try the Clear Extra Strength targeted acne relief toner and still after weeks of use I not only see no results but if anything my nose is as oily as it was before using both products and the whiteheads/blackheads returned with a vengeance......not too happy. 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. It does sound like it would be best to consult a dermatologist for prescription options to help control clogged pores to be used along with this product for the best results and keep the pores as clear as possible. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Joyce
Really amazing - So grateful to have this!
I am so grateful to have found this! I love Paula's products! I just wish I cold have found this 15 years ago! Your team really NNEDS TO ADVERTISE MORE, AND ON TV, so more people can be helped by this. I have suffered with super sensitive and fair, blemish prone skin, ever since I started having babies. So I'm pretty sure my pimples (which leave my skin red and scarred) are hormonal. I tried mostly everything, even Proactiv. This laeves my skin feeling clean and really cuts down on the amount of pimples. What I like best is that it doesn't dry my skin out. I really like all the products I have tried. I love the reasonable price, and the SUPER FAST SHIPPING! I find myself excited to wash my face at night because I know it will make my skin feel so good! It did make my skin sting a little at first, but I just put on a lighter application and that is helping. YOU HAVE TO TRY THIS!
—Anna
Love, but bad packaging
I love the formula of this product, but am annoyed with the packaging, I got this and I packed it in a bag and half of it spilled out all over my makeup, and I had never opened it! So no I am going to have to buy it again because about a month in...I am almost out :( However.....I LOVE ALL THE PAULAS PRODUCTS! even bought some for my mom for christmas. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review! We understand how annoying this experience was for you and have mailed out the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant to try which is the same formula only in different packaging. We do track all problems with packaging so yours will certainly be noted. Please contact customer care with any questions, we are happy to help!
—karlee
Greasy texture
I am not crazy about the very greasy texture. It feels very gross when putting it on. So far it has not helped my acne but I am still going to give it some time to work. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We may send you samples of the CLEAR Targeted Acne Relief Toner in the regular strength which has a weightless feel on the skin to try instead. In the meantime we have processed a refund for the CLEAR Toner in the extra strength. We do suggest continuing to use the product in order to help prevent acne and clogged pores as it does take some time. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Jaime
Did not travel well:(
I have been using PC products for over ten years now, and have always been more than satisfied with the wonderful results. This is no exception, but I had one major problem with it. I travelled across the country with it, and was so dismayed to find that it had leaked all over my cosmetic bag. I have never had problems in the past with the 'old' 2% BHA leaking, so I was very suprised. Anyhow, it was a complete waste of half of a bottle. I will not repurchase. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We understand how frustrating this experience was for you and have credited you for the product on your account which you may use towards a future phone order by calling: 1-800-831-4088. We have also mailed out the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant out to you which is the same formula only in different packaging. We do track all problems with packaging so yours will be noted. Please contact customer care with any questions, we are happy to help!
—Rose
Great product, awful packaging
I have been a loyal fan of Paula's products for several years now, and this product is among the best. My skin has nevet been more smooth or blemish-free. This goes on easy, feels great, and leaves my skin feeling very clean.
My only complaint is that the packaging is AWFUL! Somehow it leaks just standing up. I will open my vanity to find a puddle under the bottle; everytime I travel with it, it leaks all over my makeup bag. This last time I flew across the country (higher altitude than a short hop) and upon landing the bottle was empty. A brand new bottle, totally wasted. Every other product in my bag survived but this one. I'm hesitant to discontinue use because I love it; I'm going to try decanting it into another bottle as soon as it arrives. Customer Care Response: We definitely understand how frustrating and annoying this experience was for you. We will pass along your comments and feedback to Paula and her Packaging team to look into this bottle. We do have the same wonderful formula in different packaging which should not give you any problems. We will have the 2% BHA Liquid mailed out for you to try. Please don't hesitate to contact customer care with any concerns or questions.
—Alison
The best for 3 generations
For years I had tiny white bumps on my forehead. They never went away. After 1 day, I saw a difference. Over a year later, and my skin is better than it has been since before I hit puberty. My mom (age 70) and my daughter (and 12) now use it for their acne, too.
—Lyn
Works great
This product works great to exfoliate and tone skin. Because it is rather harsh with 2% salicylic acid, I use it only at night and use a different toner in the morning. Only problem is that when I apply moisturizer after using this toner, it burns. It's better not to use any other products after this.
—jtnd
A little disappointed
I have been using this toner for almost 1 month & I am still breaking out. Before, I used Neutrogena 3-in-1 BHA every day & had no problems, dryness, etc. I cannot use this toner everyday as it dries out my skin. However, it does seem that my acne is clearing up more quickly.
—Carey
Getting rid of my blackheads
First off, I have oily skin. Paula recommended using this at night to get rid of stubborn blackheads. Even though the texture of this is a bit oily, I like it and use it during the day too. I use a small amount, and I find that it absorbs into my skin quickly and moisturizes it also. There is no stinging, burning, or irritation with this product. As a sidenote, I have found that since I have started using Paula's Choice products and other brands she recommends, my skin has become less oily. I guess now that I'm not applying ingredients that are irritating to my skin, it's not as oily. Thank you Paula!
—Arya
Great Stuff
I just bought the entire CLEAR Extra Strength kit for my grandson. Within 4 days his skin has cleared. The large pimples and white heads are gone & the entire tone of his skin is 90% improved - and that is not even in one week. Imagine what a month of using it will be like. Thank you.
—Joan
Miracle Product!
I've used this for over three years now (since back when it was just called "2% BHA Liquid"). This paired with PC's Hydralight Cleanser, CLEAR Blemish Treatment, and Resist Moisturizer made my skin go from terrible acne that Proactiv wouldn't even clear, to skin so clear I don't even have to wear makeup. If I run out of this product for a few weeks, I notice a significant increase in blackheads and pimples until I can order this and start using it again. I will use it for life. Please never stop making it!
—Eden
Great for Blackheads
Awesome. I have blackheads on my entire nose and chin and this is the only topical treatment I've tried that works and doesn't irritate my skin. I use it morning and night, sometimes with Paula's antioxidant serum. Half my blackheads are gone and the ones still hanging on are significantly smaller.
—Jamie
So far, so good!
I've been using this BHA toner for a few days now, and I am very pleased with the results. My pores looked smaller and tighter almost immediately. The effect didn't last all day, but I'm hoping with continued use my pores will look better and better. I've been using Retin-A to clear my blemishes and for anti-aging, but I still had large, clogged pores. I did have a good bit of whiteheads sprout up after the first day, but since then it has been clear. I'm using it morning and night. I use Retin-A on top of it every other night, and on off nights I use a moisturizer on top of it.
—Dr. Higgins
Works great!!
Thank you so much for this Clear Acne line!!! This toner with the acne extra strenght benzoil peroxide cream are amazing. I had so much acne around my mouth and this has been able to control it. It's been a month since I've used this and almost all my blemishes are going away. (I had stubborn acne) I am forever your customer for this and other great products your line has created. By the way the lipsticks and lip care lines are great too. Thanks!!!
—Amy
Cleared up my stubborn blackheads
Used Paula's 2% salicylic acid liquid & had good results eliminating blackheads. This toner is even better! I started 1x every other day & now 2x daily. My skin is flawless. For years I had clogged pores/bumps around my left temple that wouldn't go away. After using this for 2 months now they are finally subsiding. Helps control shine as well. It is NOT the least bit drying for my extremely oily skin.
—Caroline
I like this better than the regular strength
I use moisturizer after toner dries which eliminates residue. Still using a scrub 2x/week to remove built-up sunless tanner, but skin is now clear!
—Kimberly D
This Works, But
I love that this toner keeps my skin clear, but it feels like it never absorbs into my skin. There is always a filmy, greasy feeling. Also, the cap/opening is too big and the toner just pours out and my last bottle was empty before I knew it. Cusomer Care Response: 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.
—Lindsay
Ended up liking it
I ordered this stuff cuz the regular strength was out of stock and I needed something to clear up my breakout FAST! It worked! I couldn't use it everyday or two times a day because it was too drying even with heavy lotions over it so next time I will order regular strength. This one is a little harsh and would be better for oilier skin, not dry skin like mine.
—Sandy
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.
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
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
Too dried for my skin
I have moderate to severe acne skin. I tried Paula's CLEAR extra strength kit for about 2 months, love the cleanser, but the CLEAR extra strength toner is way too drying for my skin even with starting just 1-2x/wk. Each time after use it makes my skin peel, takes at least 1-2 wks to recover. Also after each use, even after 30min, my skin still has a greasy film feeling to it, and it stings my skin. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear this product did not respond well with your skin. It is designed to be very gentle but know that each consumer may have a different experience. We will credit you for this product and send you the 2% BHA Lotion samples instead to try and see how your skin resonds. The other option is trying the regular strength CLEAR toner to see how your skin responds. Please contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—Jade
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
For best results, use twice daily. After cleansing with Paula's Choice CLEAR Normalizing Cleanser, soak a large cotton ball or pad with Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular 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 skin, reduce application to once per day or once every other day. On days or times you don't use the CLEAR Regular Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner use either Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Toner or Healthy Skin Refreshing 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.
