REVIEW: Paula's Choice CLEAR Acne Trial Kit

by - June 26, 2017


I tend to avoid products for acne for a couple of reasons. The first is that, while I am prone to breakouts, I don't actually have acneic skin so I always figured that I could deal with my breakouts without using acne products. The second is that reason why I wanted to deal with my breakouts another way, and that's that a lot of acne products I've used in the past damaged my moisture barrier and left my skin dry, irritated and sensitive with the texture of alligator skin. Anyone else?

Anyway, I was eager to try out the Paula's Choice CLEAR Acne Trial Kit* for a few reasons. The first was that the season change was having an effect on my skin and I was finding myself with more small breakouts than usual. The second was that I heard some good reviews about a couple of these products from people that I trust about skin care. And finally, I just love Paula's Choice and haven't found many products from the brand that I haven't enjoyed. 

Anyway, for my thoughts on this line of products, keep reading.


I really enjoy these trial kits from Paula's Choice because it gives an opportunity to try out multiple products from the brand in sizes that can give you a solid test period but aren't going to feel like you wasted your money if they don't all work out for you. I've actually tried a couple of these sets in the past and every single one of them has given me a product that I really ended up enjoying. This set in particular is really affordable and I think it could be a great idea for people who are struggling with acne and want to try a system for a few weeks before investing. 


Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser*
This gentle, acne-fighting cleanser removes excess oil, dead skin and makeup without drying skin or causing redness.

I think this is definitely the product I was most afraid to try, since the last time I used an acne cleanser it basically destroyed my skin. I needn't have worried. While this isn't nearly as hydrating as the creamier cleansers that I tend to go for, it's not overly drying and I don't have any concerns that this is going to damage my moisture barrier. I've been using this as my morning cleanse as well as my second cleanse at night while I've  been testing this and I haven't noticed an irritation or dryness developing while I've been using it. In fact, when used in conjunction with the rest of my routine, my skin continues to feel plump and hydrated. I would definitely recommend this for people who have been looking for a cleanser for blemishes, but haven't had luck with the really harsh options that are out there.


Paula's Choice CLEAR Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution*
This gentle leave-on exfoliant with salicylic acid clears breakouts, unclogs and minimizes pores and fades red marks from past breakouts.

For me, Paula's Choice has always shined for me with their liquid exfoliants, so I was eager to test this one out and see how it did with my skin. My skin definitely has a tendency towards congestion and BHA exfoliants have always really helped me with that. Initially, a couple of days after use, I did experience a little bit of a purge with some small pimples appearing on the lower part of my face, which I felt was pretty common since I haven't used a BHA exfoliant in a while. This wasn't a situation of massive breakouts or pimples that were anything other than tiny and quick to disappear, which I chalk up to things being pushed out of my clogged pores rather than any kind of irritation or adverse reaction to the product itself. Overall, I really, really like this. I find that it's effective, but definitely holds up to the claim of being gentle. I don't even find that I get any kind of sting when I use this. For someone who's just dipping into hydroxy acids and is looking to deal with breakouts and clogged pores, I think this is a phenomenal option. 


Paula's Choice CLEAR Daily Skin Clearing Treatment*
An effective acne treatment that works immediately to fight acne, prevent future breakouts, and reduce redness.

I admit, it has been a very long time since I've actually used an acne treatment. In fact, other than the very rare spot treatment that I've tried as an adult, I don't think I've actually used an acne treatment since I was a teenager. This product is intended to be used as a part of your daily skin care routine and they recommend it for use as a part of your morning and evening skin care routines. I've used it both morning and night, but I find that for me personally it's something that I really only need to use once a day so it has become a part of my evening routine. What I love about this is that I haven't had any issues with dryness or flaking on my skin since I've been using it. Because acne treatments can be harsh, dealing with the side effects can be a pain, but this one hasn't had any issues for me. I do find that there's a slight tingling sting when I use it immediately after the exfoliant, but it goes away fairly quickly - and leaves me feeling like it is actually doing something. This product has definitely impressed me as well.


Since I've been using this, I've seen good results, I think. With these types of products, I do think you need to allow at least 4-6 weeks to see the full effects, and since this is a trial size I won't  be able to do that, but I've still been happy with the results. Like I said, there has been a bit of a purge, with small, quick to disappear breakouts appearing as things get pushes out of my pores, but other than that I really haven't seen any of the side effects that I've traditionally come to expect with acne treatments. 

I would definitely recommend giving this set a try if you have mild to moderate acne and are looking for a system that isn't going to dry you out and leave your moisture barrier ravaged. Also, if you're someone who has occasional breakouts and you've been thinking about trying a BHA to deal with them, I definitely think that the CLEAR Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution is a really, really great option! If you have more severe acne, the Paula's Choice CLEAR range also has Extra Strength options that might be more up your alley.

As always, Paula's Choice products are available on their website and there are often really great sales - so keep an eye out!

Thanks for reading!


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