Paula's Choice CLEAR Salicylic Acid Face Cleanser 6 oz — Fragrance-Free Gel for Clogged Pores & Gentle Daily Acne Care

Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Facial Cleanser is a gentle salicylic-acid face wash formulated to clear pore-clogging debris, reduce oil and calm acne-prone skin without over-drying.

This fragrance-free, gel cleanser uses salicylic acid (a BHA) to loosen impurities inside pores while rinsing away surface oil and makeup. It’s designed to be mild enough for daily use and to integrate smoothly into morning and evening routines alongside toners, exfoliants, serums and moisturizers. The formula focuses on cleansing and clarifying skin while minimizing irritation, suitable for those who want effective blemish control without harsh stripping.

How does this cleanser help reduce breakouts and blackheads?

The salicylic acid in this cleanser penetrates pores to dissolve the sebum and debris that can lead to breakouts and blackhead formation. Regular use helps keep pore openings clearer and reduces the likelihood of future congestion. Because it’s a rinse-off product, it provides an immediate clean feeling while supporting longer-term pore health.

• Contains BHA (salicylic acid) to exfoliate inside pores
• Removes excess oil, dirt and makeup that trap bacteria
• Rinse-off gel texture that leaves skin refreshed, not stripped

Will this cleanser irritate sensitive or redness-prone skin?

Paula's Choice formulated this gel to be calming and non-irritating for many skin types, including those that redden easily. The gentle base helps deliver the active ingredient without harsh surfactants or added fragrance, reducing potential triggers for irritation. If you have highly reactive skin, start with once-daily use and monitor how your skin responds.

• Fragrance-free formulation to minimize sensitivity reactions
• Soothing gel texture that cleanses without aggressive foaming
• Suitable for trial use on a small skin area before full integration

How do I use this cleanser in my daily skincare routine?

Use this face wash as the first step both morning and night to remove oil, sunscreen and impurities. Apply to damp skin, massage gently for 30–60 seconds, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow with targeted treatments—toners, BHA leave-on products, serums—and finish mornings with SPF 30 or higher.

• Apply to damp skin, massage briefly, then rinse clean
• Use twice daily for ongoing pore maintenance
• Layer leave-on exfoliants or treatments after cleansing as needed

What other Paula's Choice products pair well with this cleanser?

To build a complete regimen for blemish-prone skin, follow this cleanser with a gentle leave-on exfoliant, a spot treatment if needed, and a lightweight moisturizer. In the morning, protect treated skin with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. Paula's Choice CLEAR line and targeted exfoliating solutions offer complementary actives that can enhance results when used thoughtfully.

• Pair with Paula's Choice leave-on BHA or benzoyl peroxide treatments
• Finish mornings with an oil-free SPF 30+ moisturizer
• Combine with hydrating serums to prevent dryness from active ingredients

Who is this for: This cleanser is intended for people with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin who want a science-driven, fragrance-free option that clears pore congestion without overdrying. It suits those aiming to reduce blackheads, control excess oil and keep breakouts in check while preserving skin comfort. If your skin is extremely reactive or you are using multiple strong actives, introduce it gradually and consult product guidance to combine treatments safely.

Ingredients

Active Ingredient: Salicylic Acid 0.5%; Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Glycerin, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Arginine, Butylene Glycol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Panthenol, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin