Pay No Attention to the Attractive Packaging!
Written: Aug 02 '06 (Updated Aug 02 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Not as drying as some creams, pretty packaging
Cons: Overpriced, unpleasant texture, seems less effective than some other options
The Bottom Line: I won't be buying this product again.
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| chelledun's Full Review: Clearasil Ultra Acne Treatment Cream |
I’ll admit it, I got suckered into buying this product by the pretty packaging. Although other similar benzoyl peroxide products were on the shelf, I paid about $3.00 more for this one because it was pretty. Since the pink and blue shiny packaging is so attractive, I became convinced that Clearasil Ultra Acne Treatment Cream was just the thing to solve my stress-induced pimple problems once and for all. The final verdict is in…go with the boring packaging next time.
General Information
Clearasil Ultra Acne Treatment Cream is a topical acne cream intended for application on pimples one to three times per day. The product promises clearer skin in just three days by killing 99.9% of acne bacteria. It also claims to exfoliate and smooth the skin. You can purchase the cream in a “vanishing” formula (which means white) or an embarrassing orangey tinted variety that can’t possibly match anyone’s skin tone. Stick with the white.
Clearasil Ultra comes in a one ounce squeeze tube adorned with shiny details. It has a twist-off top. This product retails for a whopping $7.50 at my local Target, although I see it on sale at Walgreens.com for a ridiculous $9.50.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Clearasil Ultra is 10% benzoyl peroxide. For those with sensitivities or allergies, other ingredients are as follows:
Water , Glycolic Acid , Glycerin , Cetyl Alcohol , Benzilic Acid , Glyceryl Stearate , PEG-40 Stearate , Magnesium Aluminum Silicate , Dimethicone , PEG-100 Stearate , Xanthan Gum , Phenoxyethanol , Ammonium Hydroxide , Arginine , Isopropylparaben , Isobutylparaben , N-Butylparaben
Using Clearasil Ultra
I have been using this product for almost two weeks now. Clearasil Ultra is intended to be applied on a clean face one to three times per day. If you don’t typically use benzoyl peroxide products, it is best to start with one time per day to avoid peeling. I usually apply mine after taking a shower in the morning and after washing my face before bed. If you buy the billion other Clearasil facial care products, this cream becomes one step in the cleansing routine.
I am not thrilled with the texture of this lotion. Since I started law school I have experimented with several different similar products to treat breakouts, and this is my least favorite to apply. Some ingredient makes the cream very watery and difficult to rub into my skin. It feels like my face never fully absorbs the lotion and it feels greasy afterward. It is also difficult to avoid having a white residue on my skin, despite the “vanishing” claim. I actually kind of dread applying this product because I just don’t like the texture.
My Results
Clearasil Ultra promises clearer skin in three days. That did not happen. Almost two weeks later, I still do not notice a positive difference in the areas I tend to break out. The company’s claims that the product “smoothes and exfoliates the skin” but I did not see any such action occurring. This is very disappointing to me. My skin also didn’t get as dry as it has with other acne products, but that is less of a concern to me.
I actually think this product works less effectively than cheaper benzoyl peroxide products, even those with lower concentrations. Clean & Clear’s Persa-Gel and Neutrogena’s On the Spot Acne Treatment have both given me better results for $3.00 ore more less per tube.
Overall…
I can admit it, I got taken in by the flashy packaging. Now that I have come to my senses, I realize that there is no reason to pay $3.00 more for one ounce of Clearasil Ultra Acne Treatment Cream than for any other benzoyl peroxide treatment. In fact, I think this product seems less effective than most and I really dislike using it. Clearer skin in just three days? Not so much.
Recommended:
No
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