Paula’s Choice Clear Review: Does It Really Work?

If you are prone to mild to moderate acne breakouts and looking for routine to stop the cycle, this acne treatment kit offers a possible solution.

The company states that its acne¹ kit can quickly get mild to moderate acne under control.

We reviewed Paula’s Choice Clear Regular Strength Acne Kit to assess the effectiveness of their claims.

See below for our findings.

Paula’s Choice Clear is a 3-step routine using a cleanser, exfoliant and blemish treatment product to reduce the frequency and intensity of breakouts.

It is manufactured in the USA by a company called Paula’s Choice in Seattle.

The Paula’s Choice Clear has three different products, each with a different function.

Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser

Salicylic Acid 0.5%

Salicylic Acid² is a beta hydroxy acid that occurs naturally in plants.

It is pH dependent, needing a pH of 4 or lower to work most efficiently.

If it is included in a formula with a pH above 7, it becomes ineffective.

Paula’s Choice AntiRedness Exfoliating Solution

Salicylic Acid 2%

The pH of this formula is between 3.5 – 4.

It is in the range required for maximum effectiveness.

Paula’s Choice Daily Skin Clearing Treatment

Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%

One of the most powerful acne treatments available³.

It is antibacterial, unclogs pores and promotes cellular turnover.

It is also highly irritating.

Known to cause contact dermatitis, redness and increased sun sensitivity.

Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser

• Dissolves dirt and unclogs pores.
• Cleans without drying or irritation.
• Calms skin.

Paula’s Choice AntiRedness Exfoliating Solution

• Clears up breakouts.
• Minimizing pores.
• Fades marks.

Paula’s Choice Daily Skin Clearing Treatment

• Fights acne.
• Prevents breakouts.
• Reduces redness.

• Cleanse morning and evening.
• Exfoliate and apply treatment 1 – 2 times a day in the morning and/or evening.
• Use daily.

Most customer complaints were skin irritation and dryness.

The kit contains traditional, long-established ingredients backed by evidence-based science that are highly effective.

So NO, it is not a scam.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0pncJpw_NI

There are hundreds of reviews for this product.

Of 62 reviews on Amazon, 71% are 4 and above giving it a 3.7 rating overall.

Here are some samples of reviews that may be helpful.

Some customers were very satisfied.

Dvmdvm123 says:

The regular Clear system, in conjunction with the Hydralight moisturizer, has been a lifesaver for my tween daughter, who’s been experiencing some breakouts and a few blackheads.

The system’s very simple. PC will send stickers you can put on the bottles stating if the product should be used in the morning or at nighttime.

She has fairly sensitive skin and so far hasn’t had any negative results. She is sure to use the moisturizer after applying the toner and the BP treatment, so no dryness. I have also used the toner and enjoy it more than the BHA toner, which I found a little sticky.

We started with the small travel pack, then purchased the full sized. I find the prices fair and their customer service is pretty great. Plus there are always coupon codes for discounts.

Many customers were satisfied but experienced irritation.

Teago wrote:

Out of alllllll the 3 Step Acne routines I have tried this has to be my favourite.

I first purchased the regular strength trial kit and used for only 5 days and I knew I wanted to purchase the full size set.

My least favourite product of the three would have to be the cleanser which really surprised me. After about a week of use I noticed that the skin on my eye lids and eye brows was red and peeling and Ive actually never had a reaction like that.

I knew it was the cleanser as I do not use the BHA or BP treatments around my eyes. I have never even used the cleanser around my eyes…it would just be residual running over from what was on my forehead during rinsing off the cleanser.

The BHA solution and BP treatment have started clearing my skin from day 1 and I havent experienced any dryness at all. Every other Acne 3 step system Ive used Ive become unbearably dry in 2 or 3 uses of the products so Im REALLY glad my skin hasnt had any adverse reactions to step 1 and 2.

I will definitely continue to purchase as long as it continues to keep my skin clear.

A few customers were not happy with their results.

Alannah D. Aldrich wrote:

I have very sensitive skin and unfortunately have been breaking out a lot since working the night shift. I bought this product because I thought it would be the perfect fit.

It advertised that it was non irritating and gentle and for acne. Initially, it was only the blemish treatment portion that my skin reacted terrible too.

I developed large red and itchy rashes all over my face so I did not use it again.

More recently and after about a month of using the cleanser and exfoliant, my face has again developed red rashes (although not as intense as from the blemish treatment) and extremely dry patches.

This has been so embarrassing for me to deal with on top of the acne I’ve been dealing with.

For anyone with sensitive skin, please take caution in using this product. On a positive note, they do not test on animals.

If you are not absolutely satisfied with your purchase for any reason, they will issue a full refund or credit (including tax where applicable) for merchandise returned within 60 days of your purchase date, issued in the original form of payment.

You may also return products for store credit between 60 – 180 days.

They do not accept empty bottles.

Partially returned kits are reimbursed as an in-house credit.

In order to receive a refund on a kit, all products in the kit must be returned.

If an item is purchased with a store credit, and returned, it will be reimbursed as store credit.

If a Visa/MasterCard gift card was used, we would only be able to process it as a store credit.

Refer-A-Friend Credits are non-refundable. These are a discount and have no monetary value.

Please note that you are responsible for shipping costs and the safe return of merchandise.

Most returns are processed within 3-5 business days of receipt.

You will receive an email confirmation once your return or exchange has been processed.

Paula’s Choice Clear Regular Strength Acne Kit is a well-established, popular and effective product.

Side effects of irritation and dryness are common with this type of product.

We laid out the facts, will you buy Paula’s Choice Clear Regular Strength? Comment below and tell us what you think!