Great!
I have adult acne, and at 30....I would have done ANYTHING to get rid of it. This is the best product I have ever used. I will buy anything Paula makes because she has worked wonders for my skin.
—Shannon
It really works!
My son was having problems with his acne and none of the other products he tried worked that great. I bought this for him and within 6 weeks he noticed a difference. He went away to school and when he came home 2 months later, his acne was almost completely cleared. He told if he slacked off on using it, he would start to get break outs again but once he used Paula's Choice on a regular basis, he skin looked great! Highly recommend it!
—Lee
The Best!
I am 21 years old and have been dealing with pretty bad acne since I was 13. I have tried everything from pro active to getting on the birth control pill and even antibiotics. It helped but I started using this product about 2 months ago and my skin has never looked better! Thank you Paula!
—J
Disappointed
I tried this product after it was recommended by a family member. It did nothing for my skin, I was breaking out worse but assumed it was old oils still coming out of the pores, however I completed the entire system and saw no improvements. I am only giving it 3 stars because I believe Paula does sell quality products, I just didn't feel like mine lived up to the discription. I contacted costumer service but because I did compete the system I was told nothing could be done, which is understandable. I will just remember if I ever order PC again to decide in the allotted time of return it the product was worth the cost. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear about 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 may credit you for the kit. We suggest trying the extra strength version and possibly including a prescription from a dermatologist to use along with the CLEAR products for the best results. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Jami
Clear System
I did not start experiencing break-outs until the age of 30. This system was my last effort before seeing a doctor. I've been using this for 3 weeks and my skin has completely cleared! I use the Hydralight lotion over the complete system, and my skin looks better than when I was a teenager...Thanks Paula!
—Sunny
the absolute best!
Started breaking out in my late 20s, tried many drug store products without any improvement. Started the Clear system and noticed improvement in my skin almost immediately and after appx 2 weeks of use, my face had completely healed. This product stopped both the larger, deeper breakouts on my chin and the tiny bumps on my forehead. My skin would get very dried out with other products but I now use the Clear system and the Resist toner which keeps my skin clear and hydrated at the same time. PLUS - this company has the absolute best customer service that will take care of any problems. Love the product!!!!
—courtney
Just try it!
I am 25 and have been struggling with moderate acne along with cystic acne since the onset of puberty (about age 10). I have tried the infomercial acne kit, the over the counter acne kit, an all-natural acne kit, and almost every drugstore brand out there. Nothing worked! I continued to have cystic acne with every hormonal cycle and some of the harsh products actually cause allergic reations that resulted in loss of my eyebrows. For fear of having more hives and hair loss I simply struggled along and dealt with each new breakout on a daily basis.
That being said, this set is everything that it claimed. I have been using it for almost a month and have experienced NO NEW PIMPLES. I also recently stopped taking hormonal contraceptives and this kit keeps my skin clear through the typical rollercoaster of hormone changes that this normally entails. I am recommending this to everyone I know that suffers from acne and sensitive skin. This is phenomenal and I am grateful!!!
—Vicki
Great Acne Line!
I have dry, sensitive skin that is blemish prone. I live in Central MN and due to the long winter's my skin gets incredibly dry, to add to the mix, in my late 20's, I developed severe enviromental allergies causing my sking to be uber-sensative and blemish prone. I've tried a number acne products and was reluctant to try this set, as I've been told by my allergist and doctor to stay away from gel cleansers due to their drying properties. However, this product line has been wonderful! I've tried lots and lots of prescription and otc acne products and most products are too hard on my skin, causing additional breakouts or rashes. Since using the CLEAR system, I no longer have breakouts, just the random, occational zit. Thank you so much Paula and her team for making such great products and bringing some stability back into my life since I'm no longer constantly woring about my face and my next break-out!
—J-style
The best!
I have tried about every acne/blemish product out there (Proactive, Murad, Clearasil, Serious Skin Care, etc, etc.), changing my diet, taking vitamins, and nothing compares to this. The products are gentle - other acne products were so harsh they made my skin irriated - but very effective. I went from having at least 1-5 larger breakouts all the time to having none most of the time. When I do get an occasional one, it's usually because I forgot and skipped my routine. Try this FIRST before wasting time and money on other solutions.
—sm
AMAZING!
Being in my teens, I get a lot of breakouts, and I started using more and more products that promised to get rid of my acne, not caring what they were doing to my skin. My mom caught on to my stress and got me this, promising that it would help. I was doubtful until I woke up the morning after first using this, discovering that all of my acne had gotten smaller and less red! Now, my skin is clearer than ever! Thanks, Paula, for giving me my confidence back! :)
—Maddy
Great Products!
Wow, this stuff is great. I've been struggling with minor acne since adolescence (I'm 42) and have tried a lot of stuff over the years (Accutane, RetinA, plenty of other over the counter and prescription products) but they were either over-drying or ineffective. I have to say I'd never bought anything in a kit form before (maybe that was the problem). But this was easy because I had all the products and step by step instructions and this made me actually use them as I need to. My skin is SO soft. There's no dryness and my breakouts have cleared up (and so have blackheads on my nose!). I'm really really pleased with the results (and a little embarrassed I didn't do this a lot sooner)!
—Laird
No words can explain how great this is.
This stuff works AMAZING on my skin. My pimples fade away and all the little bumps (white heads, closed comedomes) vanish within a few weeks. I was really skeptical about this product, but honestly you just have to try it. The gel dries quick on your face and isn't that bad to put on compared to other BH gels. I only wish the face wash had some type of hard physical exfoliant to rub all the dead skin off. That's not really an issue though because I can just use my own. Btw, the toner/exfoliant works, but sometimes you just have to physically take off the dead skin rather than wait for it to fall off. Anyways AWESOME PRODUCT and it has really boosted up my self esteem.
—patrick
Disappointed
I consulted Paula's choice prior to purchasing this product and described my skin type and issues. After much consultation the advisors recommended this system.
After trying the system for about a month now, I feel pretty disappointed. At first I thought it was clearing my acne up but now I am sure that it feels over drying and is causing more acne than i has ever had before.
I am feeling yet again very frusrated as I have tried many brands and was truly hoping this would be the solution to my problems. unfortunately i guess this is not the case. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear that this product did not work out for you. Please contact our Customer Service Team for assistance selecting an alternate item or processing a refund.
—Christina
Great product!
I have always had breakout-prone skin, and on my Mom's suggestion, tried the PC Clear system. I noticed a difference in the texture of my skin right away, but it took 3-4 months for it to really start working on my acne. I can now say that my 'breakouts' happen very rarely, and when they do, they are nothing compared to what they used to be! Money well spent - I feel so much more confident now!
—Erin
So Glad I Bought This!
I'm a redhead with very fair, very dry skin and a tendency to breakout on my chin and forehead. I've spent more than I care to think about on everything from drugstore products to dermatologist trips and medicated creams with little result. I took a chance on the CLEAR regular strength system and am so glad I did. I've been using these 3 products, along with Moisture Boost, for almost a month now and my skin is looking better than it ever has before. Thanks Paula, for saving me ongoing headaches and frustration with dry, breakout prone skin!
—Sara
Such a great product!
I received this 3 step system as a gift and it has worked wonders. It is so gentle to my sensitive skin but it clears up a breakout as soon as it appears! I love it and am giving it my friends for Christmas! I recommend this product!
—Lauren
Awesome and effective
Works really well and fast with minimal irritation. Cleared completely my acne and stubborn blackheads. I finally have the glowy and smooth skin I had when I used accutane, whithout the rednesses.
—Max
I look like I was born with perfect skin now!
My huge oily pores have finally been put under control! I have an even skin tone and no flakes/oily patches for the first time since 4th grade. I love using the Benzoyl Peroxide right before bed after washing to wake up significantly improved acne areas. Especially my stubborn under the skin ones! Please never discontinue this product line it has changed my life and people have noticed the difference!
—Katie J.
Amazing, Paula! Thank you!
Three to four months ago, I stopped taking birth control pills after 11 years of usage. My skin freaked out, and I had the worst acne on my chin, nose and cheek area. It seemed like my pores were getting bigger and bigger, especially on my nose, and I already had big pores. Also, I stopped using the foundation that I had been using for 2 years b/c the company stopped selling it so they could reformulate it. I had to shop around, and every foundation I used only exacerbated the acne problem. I found PC after doing research online and decided to give it a shot. I ordered the Clear system samples, plus the basic serum, SPF 15 moisturizer, the evening moisturizer and the best face forward samples. I used the Extra Strength for the first week, then I moved on to the Regular Strength. Within 3-4 days of Paula's products, my skin looked like brand new! The acne was clearing up and my pores started shrinking. I will be using her products forever! I recommend them to anyone struggling with unhealthy skin! Thanks so much, Paula!
—Nikki
Seeing improvement after 3 days
I have had mild acne since I was 11 and I really didn't think anything would help. After three days of using the regular strength Clear products I see a difference: pores shrinking, skin brighter. I'm hopeful for the first time in decades.
—Cheryl
WOW!!!!
i LOVE this system. It works so amazing for truly all ages. My skin got a little irritated by it but it is going away and i can finally say GOOD RIDENCE ACNE!!!
—Julie
Totally Satisfied Customer
Am anxious for others to try these three products! At 52 with thin, hormonal, combination, sensitive, blemished skin, I feel I've really hit the jackpot! Not only do they work well, they "agree" with my skin. This is a first for me. Thank you so much Paula!
—Jeannine Pinnt
Really works without drying, I'm thrilled!
Wonderful system! My skin is clear, soft, and the redness is gone. If you are struggling with acne, buy this now, you won't be sorry!
—Erin
really works!!
Wow this really works! Whiteheads and blackheads I have had for years were cleared up within 1 week. Removes all my makeup, no harsh perfume smell, just love it! Please make a CLEAR moisturizer too!
—becky
My skin looks amazing.
Where to start? I use this system at night and the Skin Balancing during the day. My skin is calm, super clear and healthy looking. I experienced no irritation with the BHA toner and the 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide product which I use at night. Paula, your products are the best.
—Katie
IT WORKS!!!
TRUST ME! I suffered from severe severe acne for a long time and this I didn't even expect to happen. I can confidently say that it makes a dramatic difference. Thank you so much!!!!
—Alex
Finally... an acne solution after 13 years!!!
I have been struggling with acne since I was 12 and have tried nearly everything on the market to no avail. With Paula's CLEAR system, my skin looks better than it has in over a decade. Thank you Paula for changing my life and giving me back my confidence!!!
—Amanda
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.
What makes this product unique?
CLEAR Regular Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner brings about an 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 Regular Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner doesn't use harsh, irritating ingredients such as alcohol, menthol, peppermint, or camphor that can make acne worse.
This toner has a light-as-water texture that leaves skin feeling like there is nothing on your face, yet powerful anti-acne benefits will be delivered all day long.
Ongoing use can guarantee significantly clearer, smoother, even-toned skin and can eliminate redness from acne lesions.
This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free with an effective pH range of 3.7-4.0.
Who is this product for?
This product is recommended for all skin types experiencing mild to moderate acne, blackheads, or white bumps. It is suitable for men or women, teens and adults alike.
How should this product be used?
Use once or twice a day. After cleansing with Paula's Choice CLEAR Normalizing Cleanser, soak a large cotton ball or pad with CLEAR 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 either of the CLEAR Exfoliating Toners use Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Toner or Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner instead.
What makes this product unique?
CLEAR Regular Strength Acne Fighting Treatment contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide which is considered the gold-standard for preventing acne breakouts. It works immediately to start eliminating acne-causing bacteria and reduce redness.
Unlike most benzoyl peroxide-based acne products, Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular 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 Regular Strength Acne Fighting Treatment also contains soothing anti-irritants to help skin heal and reduce red marks caused by blemishes. Its super-light lotion texture sets to a matte finish, and can be worn under makeup.
This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free.
Who is this product for?
CLEAR Regular Strength Acne Fighting Treatment is recommended for all skin types struggling with mild to moderate 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 Regular Strength Targeted Acne Relief Toner, cover the areas where breakouts occur with a thin layer of Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular 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 Targeted Acne Relief Toner
Cutis, July 2009, pages 48–55; Biochemistry and Pharmacology, June 2007, pages 1,786-1,795; Contact Dermatitis, June 2006, pages 303-312; British Journal of Dermatology, July 2005, pages 124-131;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 Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, volume 175, issue 1, pages 76–82.
Sources to support the claims made for CLEAR Acne Fighting Treatment:
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, October 2009, pages 2,555–2,562; 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 Regular Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner: DIRECTIONS:
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.
CLEAR Regular Strength Acne Fighting Treatment: DIRECTIONS:
After cleansing with Paula's Choice CLEAR Normalizing Cleanser and exfoliating with Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner, apply a thin layer of Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular 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.
How does CLEAR Regular Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner differ from Paula's regular BHA products?
Regular Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner contains salicylic acid just like all of Paula's other BHA products. The difference is that this version has a nearly weightless, watery texture making it an excellent choice for people who want to feel like they have absolutely nothing on their skin.
Why didn't Paula formulate a 1% salicylic acid toner for the CLEAR line?
The CLEAR line was designed to be an over-the-counter acne routine that's as effective as possible for those struggling with acne and 2% salicylic acid is more effective for mild to moderate acne and blackheads than a 1% concentration.
CLEAR Regular Strength Acne Fighting Treatment:
Why doesn't Paula's Choice offer a 10% strength benzoyl peroxide?
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 your Blemish Fighting Solution?
Nothing happened except a name change! The same 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 Regular Strength Acne Fighting Treatment is identical to our former 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.
