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

Product Rating:

(54 reviews)

Fabulous!
I LOVE this. Doesn't dry out my skin like the Extra Strength, and it's working. Please NEVER discontinue it!
—SMB

it works!!
I don't like how the toner feels (slightly slimy) and the smell of it, but it works really well. I've been getting HUGE cystic pimples on my chin every month for the past year after I stopped taking my birth control. My pimples took a couple days to form and weeks for it to go away. I tried all the pimple creams out there, but it barely made a difference. After I started using this, I stopped getting pimples on my chin!! I know because the only thing I changed with my routine was this. I didn't think it would work so well. I'm so glad I decided to try it. I've been recommeding this product to my friends and family who need it. Thank you Paula!
—nari

Greasy residue
I just received the new CLEAR acne targeted toner and after the first use, it left my skin with an oily and greasy film/residue. I will continue to use, but I thought as a toner, it should leave my skin refreshed and squeaky clean. Customer Care: Thank you for the feedback. We are sorry to hear about your experience with this product. It actually sounds like you may have used the Extra Strength Toner as it can leave a film like the one you mentioned and is considered normal. If it was indeed the Regular Strength Toner, typically, this type of greasy or oily feeling can be indication that too much is being used. You should only need to use about a nickel size amount of product on a cotton round or pad. Paula has found that a "squeaky clean" actually can be damaging to the skin. This means that the skin barrier has affected and can lead to problems if this is a continued practice.
—Nic

Finally!
A salicylic acid product that is light as a feather. I HATE SILICONES AND THIS HAS NONE! It's perfection. Thank you so much! My skin looks great after just one week of nightly use.
—OD

Wonderful exfoliant!
I have used the gel and lotion versions of the BHA as well as the 2% liquid. This version is by far my favorite. It does feel "light as water" as well as keeping my pores clear. I don't need to apply moisturizer over it either as it leaves my skin soft and hydrated but not with a "film". This is my nighttime BHA and I will continue to use this for as long as it is in production! Great formula Paula!
—Katie

Not working
This formula is not strong enough, so I will continue using the original BHA 2% liquid as I better results with it.
—Annette Kesslering

A home-run; hits it out of the ball park.
Occasionally, I'm really thrown off by a perceived lack of enthusiasm for a product, and this one is a case in point. Why is no one screaming from the mountaintops about how amazing this is? (Really: I don't understand!) I've been using the BHA liquid for many years, and it works great. However, it leaves a residue on the skin, as many skincare products do, which doesn't diminish its effectiveness; but at the end of the day, I don't like residues (do you?). But this one? Well, it literally IS like water (just like advertised), and anyone with oily skin like myself is bound to think this is the best thing since sliced bread. In fact, I pretty much bet no one will ever top the texture or effectiveness of this product. Why? Because true perfection cannot be improved upon.
—Dustin

Excellent!
This product is the best one yet! In the past I tried the original 2% BHA liquid, but disliked the almost "greasy" feeling it left behind, and I wasn't a fan of gels either...but this one is lite as water and perfect!
—Melissa

This is a miracle product!!!
I am 43, and have suffered from moderate acne since I was a teen. I've tried all other BHA formulas, but this one is by far the best for my skin. It leaves no residue, just smooth, soft, blemish free skin. I love the light, water-like consistency. I've used this product for two weeks nightly, and I woke up this morning completely blemish free. The added kicker: I started my cycle yesterday, which usually means a breakout. THANK YOU, PAULA!!!
—Becky

Wonderful product!!
Finally an exfoliant that is weightless on the skin. I love that I can apply my make-up directly after applying this with no waiting time or sticky feeling. I can use this toner day and night without irritation or dryness. My skin looks fabulous!!
—Melissa

Soooo pleased!
New acne products always fill me with trepidation. Being a lifelong acne sufferer, I am simultaneously hopeful and skeptical. But this product has been as advertised. I haven't noticed an oily film (and I have oily skin) - only a 'clean' feeling (not dry) upon drying of the product. Love it. I wear copious amts of SPF 55 on my face all summer (I work outdoors) and by fall have payback with some serious acne breakouts. I have had some inevitable breakouts but notice that they don't last as long and don't flare up as badly as years past. This product seems to expedite their passing. Yeah! Thanks for another great product!
—Amie

Great BHA for sensitive skin
First, I can't believe that that there is a review complaining about the product just b/c of the packaging colors. Trust me, if you tried this BHA you wouldn't give a hoot if the packaging was bright cherry red! (Which by the way the color is not bright orange, but a pearlescent copper, and combined with white makes me feel clean and sunny. ;) I liked this product b/c it works, but without the stickiness and mask like feel of the 2% BHA, which yes is the same exact formula as Paula's Choice previous BHA product, which is openly stated in the FAQ's. I would recommend this BHA to those who have extra sensitive acne prone skin and/or those who find the regular 2% BHA too sticky to wear during the day.
—KH

Best Blackhead Treatment Ever
I have tried everything you can think of on the market, including Paula's original toner, lotion, and exfoliating gel, and this is the only formulation that finally got rid of those horrible blackheads on my nose! It is extrememly gentle and has lasted longer than I expected - thanks Paula!
—Sherri

Holy Grail BHA!
This is my holy grail BHA product! It truly feels light as water with no oily residue and has improved the tone and texture of my skin. THANK YOU, PAULA!!!
—Jamie

Fantastic!
This is the BEST BHA exfoliant EVER!!! It is truly weightless and does a brilliant job at keeping my blemished skin clear and red-free. Paula has really excelled herself with this product. I will never be without it. Thank you!
—Happy Customer

My favorite BHA
I've been using the 2% BHA liquid for quite awhile and loved the results but not the sticky feel. This has solved that problem -- it goes on so light, absorbs quickly, and keeps my skin looking fresh and new.
—Leah

Best BHA
This BHA feels like water and doesn't compete with products applied afterward. Superior to gels or lotions because it allows for flexibility in layering products.
—Nicole L.

Best toner or BHA EVER!
My aging, acne-prone FUSSY skin has had problems with clogging and acne even with the other toners and BHA products. (It was better with them than without, but not good enough.) This product is like a skin miracle for me! I'm clearing up more and more every day, and don't need the other products. I need less of the benzoyl-peroxide products, too. Moisturizers always clog my skin, so I "saved" them for special or desperate occasions. Now I don't really need them! Thank you, thank you! (PLEASE don't change this formula ever!)
—Barbara McKay

Customer for life!!!
I have always had normal and acne-free skin. However, due to a hormonal imbalance, my skin in the last 4 months has become oily and very acne prone. I became very frustrated with all the products out there that did not work or worked for a little time and then caused irritation. The CLEAR acne toner is the absolute BEST product I have tried. I have been on it for a few weeks and people have already commented on how great my skin looks. Thank you Paula for creating and providing such a wonderful product! You have a customer for life!!!
—Nina

The BEST BHA product
I LOVE this product. Like others mentioned I love that it feels just like water. It doesn't have that slightly "oily" feel that the other Paulas's BHA products have. I use it in combination with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream and I LOVE this combination. I saw definite difference after using up the samples (after about a week). I have an oily skin, prone to breakouts, blackheads and bumps. This product cleared it up completely!
—Anna

Great Toner, no burn.
I really like this toner. It goes on smoothly and doesn't burn like some I've tried. It also does a great job at controling my minor acne breakouts. I've been suffering with painful cystic acne for 6 years now and using the Targeted Acne Cleanser and Toner together really help keep my acne under control. I still have the occasional breakout but the severity and length of time I have the pimples has greatly diminished. I highly recommend this product!
—Heidi

Finally....
a toner made for acne prone skin that does not contain skin irritating alcohol! I love the texture...it is light and refreshing and does not sting or burn skin like other toners do. Well done!!
—Kim

Fantastic product !
This is a fantastic product ! I don't have, and never suffered from, acne, but I have always had some open pores and blackheads on the nose and chin area of my now mature combination skin (which is thin, delicate and very fussy). I first tried the BHA gel but did not like it and then tried the 2% BHA liquid. The latter leaves quite an oily residue on my skin and I was only using it at night. So I thought I try the new Clear Acne cleanser (I was using the One-Step cleanser previously)and Clear Acne Relief toner and these two products together are just wonderful ! No tight feeling, no oily residue, and I can see an improvement. I use the Clear cleanser twice a day and the Clear lotion only at night (I use the Skin Balancing lotion in the morning). I'm wrapped and so happy I came across Paula's books and products; I've learned a lot. Thank you so much Paula for the huge amount of research and effort you and your team put in so we can make informed choices and only use the best skin care !
—corrie cameron

So happy!
I have been battling cystic acne on my chin for years and decided to give this toner a try since my glycolic/salicylic combo treatment wasn't working. This is gentle but so effective. I haven't had one blemish on my chin in 3 1/2 weeks. I haven't even run out of my bottle yet and I just ordered another. This is a great product for me. Thanks Paula!
—Jill

It works!
I used to use the 2% BHA Liquid, but I'm now a convert to the CLEAR Targeted Acne Relief Toner. The 2% BHA Liquid did a decent enough job of clearing up acne but, like others who have commented here, I found that it left a sticky/shiny residue on my skin. The CLEAR Targeted Acne Relief Toner leaves no discernible residue, and it seems to work better at keeping the acne under control, too. I intend to continue using it faithfully, so please never stop making it.
—Susan P.

Great Product
This toner has really helped clear up my acne and has helped tremendously with blackheads. They're not completely gone; but my pores look the best that they ever have. I was using this every day but since my acne has improved so much I'm going to once a day or every other day to avoid over-drying.
—Jessica

Excellent Product
My skin hasn't looked this clear ever! Thanks a ton for making this product. Please do not change the formula for any reason.
—HEMA

Wonderful product: need bigger bottle
I have already commented previously how I love this product (really fantastic !)but forgot to add the following. The bottle is very small (118 ml) and contents is gone in no time. Can we please have a bigger bottle (preferably all toners should be 237 ml). Great packaging for the CLEAR range of products, too!
—Corrie C

Effective as 2% BHA, but gentler
I normally use the 2% BHA liquid (identical to the Extra Strength Clear Toner), but ordered this thinking it was actually the one that was identical to the liquid. In winter, the 2% liquid is a bit much and makes my skin peel, but nothing else (gels / lotions) are as effective on my acne. I noticed that my skin was not peeling anymore since I started using this, yet it remains clear. I checked the ingredients the other day and found that this is the new formula, not the old one I'm used to. I must say I LOVE IT. It's perfect for my slightly dry skin (along with Paula's other products). Thanks!!
—Caroline

Great product
Excellent product and it really does feel like putting water on your skin. Thank you for the flip top lid!
—Anna

Fantastic
Please always keep this just the way it is. It works incredibly well. I never had any luck with the BHA liquid, but this stuff is fantastic. Great results.
—Kate

Good but skin feels oily but clean
Been using the cleanser & toner for this range and although my skin seems clean, there's almost like a oil residue after. Not too sure since I already have oily skin and don't need anymore!!
—Jen

Poor Package for Travel
Very poor packaging for travel. The cap does not seal in the liquid. Over half of the bottle leaked out during luggage transit. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience with this product. Please contact Customer Service via Email, Live Chat, or Phone for further asisstance in this matter.
—Pat

This one is The One
It's just wonderful. More than I expected from one product. I have smooth skin and those horrible little bumps under my skin that turned into spots, are gone! I use Differin, Bensoylperoxid 5%, and this does so much more. It really prevents the acne more than tries to cure the spots. I have sensitive skin and this is wonderful and never stings nor irritates my skin. If you got a problem with acne (with or without sensitive skin) you have to try this. You won't regret it!
—Sensitivity

nice but...
I liked seeing how much dirt the toner would remove after i washed my face, and it was very light and gentle. I don't know if this is strong enough, however, to be worth the price. I would like to see more results.
—Keira W.

Great Product-Bad package
The toner is great! It works well with the system. I first bought the product around Christmas. When traveling for the holiday, the package did not seal properly. The product leaked all over and quickly evaporated away. The packaging needs to be water- and air-tight to preserve the product and allow for travel. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your feedback. Please know that this will be shared with Paula and her Product Development Team. In the meantime please contact Customer Service for further assistance in this matter.
—Tracey

One of the BEST!
This is the BEST product for acne. Will it prevent all acne, no, unfortunately, there isn't any product that does. But is sure does help to reduce the amount of breakouts. The best part is, it doesn't dry out the skin, but really makes it feel like all the impurities have been removed. I am so happy with this product.
—Jennifer

Amazing!
I decided to give this toner a try after I started dealing with repeated painful cystic acne/whiteheads. Within a week and a half, my skin has completely calmed down and looks great again! I have normal, mildly combination skin and this toner neither leaves my skin feeling too dry or greasy. I haven't noticed any residue and am beyond thrilled with the quick results.
—Miriam

Love it
I am always searching an effective BHA toner that is not irritated. Now, I have found it. I have sensitive, acne prone and combination skin. Have tried everything that you could mention from drug store and department store. I finally discover this; inexpensive and clean, no weired smell. Will buy it again
—smallcheckers

Fabulous!
LOVE this. It doesn't dry my skin out like the other formula, and its liquid texture doesn't feel heavy. Please NEVER discontinue this!
—SMB

Can't live without exfoliating
I don't know why I was ever negative about salicylic acid. This toner works great! I use more than it suggests, and find it more effective. I soak a cotton ball or round, & sometimes I just put a little on my finger and dab it on. After I use the cotton round, I like to swipe it all over my chest, neck, arms, legs. Then, moisturize my body. I also like the extra-strength. It is not harsh.
—Jenna

Disappointing
This product could not control my breakouts!! I'm 45 with combination skin and have used Paula's 2% BHA gel for a year with wonderful results. I expected this toner to yield similar results while cutting my exfoliant/toner steps down to one. But 1 week into using it I had the bigggest breakout I've had in years. I tried again 2 weeks later with similar results. I'm sticking with the gel - please don't stop making it!! Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience with the toner but are please that the BHA gel is working so well for you. Please feel free to return the toner as we offer a 60 day return or exchange policy.
—Beth

Thank You x100
For offering a more gentle effective BHA. Have needed a BHA for years,but avoided do to drying/flaking -- UNTIL NOW. Weightless & no residue...a home run!
—Therese S.

Amazing product!!
HG product! I have been using Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid for a long time and it worked really well on my combination/acne-prone skin. However, it sometimes left my skin a little bit dry when used twice daily. Which is why I bought this one. And it works just as well as the 2% BHA Liquid but without the dryness and it sinks immediately into the skin! I use it during the morning only and during the night I use the 2% BHA Liquid one. This combination has definitely helped with the dryness (as well as my acne)! I love BOTH products, please keep selling them, will keep buying!
—Mimi

Excellent
I've just recently stocked up on this toner during the 15% off sale, because I now cannot live without it. Oh, there are other BHA toners out there that are recommended by Paula, but none at the price I want. It's inexpensive and it works so well! Now that the summer months are here, I've been using her mineral sunscreen (another winner), but the downside is the clogged pores. I use the toner every night and the next morning I wake up with the most gorgeously smooth skin. And the best part, in my view, is that it doesn't contain any fragrance! Hmm, I wonder if they sell any Costco sized bottles, because I'd definitely buy. Any chance selling a select few products at Costco?
—Rose Sinclair

NO, PLEASE! NOT OUT OF STOCK!
The combined Clear/Resist regimen is even better than those you've provided in the past. Combining the BHA into this comfortable toner has made my life several steps easier! I am 56 and still very grateful for your products! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. The CLEAR Targeted Acne Relief Toner will be back in stock soon!
—Beth Betker

Best product!
I have tired all Paula's BHA and AHA products. And this one, regular strength, is the BEST. It exfoliates dead skin cell and disolves blackheads VERY VERY WELL.It is indeed as like as water - this is the most attractive characteristic of this product. All other BHA/AHA products are too thick, too difficult to absorb, for me. This is a wonderful product.
—Y.K.

Yes it does work!
Such a great product that does show results. This has really cleared up my very troublesome complexion and generally improved my skin. I feel I have to say to anyone considering trying this, that of course it's not a miracle product, it may make you break out a bit at first because it's clearing out your pores and you do need to know that consistency is key. You have to use it consistently to see and keep the results, which are great! I have been using this for a little over a month and am almost completely clear. Thanks Paula!
—MJ

Works really well
My new BFF! I thought the 2% BHA lotion was the bomb until I tried this one. I have some stubborn blackheads on my nose, and chin. This takes care of all of those. Of all the BHA products Paula makes, this one is the most water-like and sinks right in. My skin is pretty dry, but I don't find this drying at all. NOT just for those with acne issues.
—Catherine

Targeted Acne Relief Toner
I tried samples of the regular strength and I love the way it dries on my skin. Please get it back in stock soon
—dff

great product
I love the whole acne relief line. It's the only thing that has helped my adult acne. The only problem is that this needs to come in a larger size to match the cleanser.
—LORI

Even my super sensitive skin loves it!
I had to start with the 1% BHA lotion to work up to this toner but now that I'm able to use the toner day and night, I LOVE IT! My skin is SO SMOOTH and my blackheads are almost gone!
—Alexi

Zero residue!!
I am very happy with this product. My sensitive skin tends to get oily during the day and I hate to use BHA products under my makeup. Honestly, this is the only product I have ever found that leaves zero residue. I still use a gel from another company at night, but this is a daytime must!! So nice, light and leaves nothing behind. Thanks for a great product.
—Bythe Bay

cant live without
Ever since going on Retin-A the original BHA liquid, which I loved, has been too strong for me. I tried this stuff and it's perfect! No irritation or residue, just all around goodness. Please don't ever discontinue!
—Chris

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.

Follow once or twice a day with Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular 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, Dipropylene Glycol (slip agent/penetration enhancer), Pentylene Glycol (slip agent), Polysorbate 20 (emulsifier), Butylene Glycol (slip agent), Glycerin (skin-identical ingredient), Sodium Hyaluronate (water-binding agent), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin (anti-irritants), Panthenol (skin-conditioning agent), PEG/PPG-17/6/Copolymer (solvent), Methyl Gluceth-20 (skin-conditioning agent), Glycereth-26 (thickener), Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane (skin-conditioning agent), Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), Sodium Metabisulfite (stabilizer), Tetrasodium EDTA (chelating agent).

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 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.

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