Clearasil Review

Clearasil was the first cosmetic product designed specifically to treat acne. It gained popularity when the brand was purchased by Proctor and Gamble in the 1980?s. While still well-known, newer acne products on the market today have displaced its top spot. Today Clearasil offers a wide array of products--face washes, spot treatments, and masks.

How Does Clearasil Work?

The various Clearasil products do have different ingredients, but some of the most commonly used are as follows: Benzoyl Peroxide, Resorcinol, Triclosan, and Salicylic Acid. The Benzoyl Peroxide chemical peeling agent effectively removes dead skin and helps to clear your pores. It can be rather harsh and usually causes the skin to dry out, peel, and itch.

Resorcinol was developed for people with skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis. However, it does not seem to have much effect on acne. Triclosan is designed to target acne-causing bacteria. There has been some scientific concern that it can actually lead to antibiotic resistance. It also causes itching and dryness in the skin.

Salicylic acid is the one positive ingredient in Clearasil. It has been proven to clean pores and encourage natural skin cell replacement. It?s best used at its maximum concentration, 2.0%. Since not all Clearasil products use this concentration, it's always a good idea to check the label.

The Clearasil 3-step StayClear daily regimen includes a face wash, toner, and lotion. An additional treatment cream can be added for optimum results. These steps are to be followed every morning and evening. The treatment cream should only be used at night and just on blemishes.

Advantages

The Clearasil website is very clear and informative. However, it does lack much in the way of scientific research to back up the company's claims. The use of Salicylic acid is a positive ingredient in acne treatments. However, the other ingredients used are counterproductive. On the plus side, there is a 30-day, money-back guarantee on Clearasil products, depending on the retailer.

Disadvantages

Because of the use of Benzoyl Peroxide and Triclosan, there is a good chance that using Clearasil products will dry out your skin, leave it flaky, peeling, and itchy. This is not going to help your complexion any more than having acne! The company still has the mistaken assumption that all acne is caused by excess oil in the skin. Drying up your face is not the answer to curing all acne problems.

The Bottom Line

While Clearasil products have been around a long time and have withstood the test of time, it does not automatically make them the best on the market. Frankly, the ingredients used are outdated. There are many more newer acne treatments available today that are far more effective treatments for your acne.