by Mim Padgham, SkinBuffs.com
Over the past 12 months, we have asked our readers to rank their favorite products so we could compile them in our 2020 Editor’s Choice Awards. We have processed hundreds of submissions in every category from acne treatments to anti-aging lotions. Thanks to our voting process, we have to narrowed down the top ten contenders in each category. Our editors then went out, purchased these products and evaluated the best products for our Editor’s Choice Award.
We used each product for at least one month and considered every factor such as the product’s ability to clear clogs, fade red scars, price and moneyback guarantee. What we found was surprising – some products were truly miracles in a bottle while others failed to live up to their claims. This year, we’ve broken down our Editor’s Choice into 12 parts.
Source: @acenisntugly
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Part 6: Acne Treatments
Acne is the most prevalent skin disease in the world and affects over 600 million people globally. A vast majority of brands use benzyol peroxide or salicylic acid which are only effective on the occasional pimple. Fortunately, we have identified several brands who have been able to combine multiple active ingredients that work together in synergy to more effectively stop pimples from coming.
Virtually all major brands use BP or salicylic acid as their primary active ingredient. This is only effective for people with the occasional pimple.
If you’ve used either ingredient in the past with poor results, you will likely get disappointing results with the big brands who continue to repackage BP and salicylic acid.
Evaluation Criteria
- Does the system clear clogs* making future breakouts harder to form?
- *There are many indirect factors that contribute to the formation of a pimple. However, at the ROOT of all breakouts is a clogged pore. Learn more.
- Do the products fade the red/brown marks that pimples leave behind?
- Breakouts subside within two weeks but the post-acne red marks can linger a few months after treatment. It is important to fade red scars quickly before they turn into a stubborn brown scar which can last up to two years.
- Do the products cause irritation?
- Products should not be overdrying, causing your skin to overproduce oil and agitating breakouts.
- Do I get my money back if it doesn’t work? Do I have to go through the hassle of shipping in order to request a return?
- In order to make a moneyback claim, most brands require you to pay ~$8 in shipping and to go through the hassle of shipping the products back. I am looking for brands that make it easier to process a refund without requiring products to be shipped back.
Here is the product comparison:
| Clearly Basics [small_text]Power Duo[/small_text] | Proactiv [small_text]Proactiv+ 3-Step System[/small_text] | Rodan + Fields [small_text]Spotless Regimen[/small_text] | Murad [small_text]Get Over Zit Kit[/small_text] | Paula’s Choice [small_text]Clear Regular Strength`Kit[/small_text] | |
| [table_head title=”Price/Set” desc=”” image=”” ] | [button link=” https://betterskinmagazine.com/shop/duo/?utm_source=web&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=duo” target=”_blank” ]$69.90[/button] [small_text]lasts 3 months[/small_text] | [button link=”https://betterskinmagazine.com/proactivplus/” target=”_blank” ]$107.30[/button] [small_text]lasts 3 months[/small_text] | [button link=”https://betterskinmagazine.com/rfspotless/” target=”_blank” ]$89.00[/button] [small_text]lasts 2-3 months[/small_text] | [button link=”https://betterskinmagazine.com/muradzit/” target=”_blank” ]$29.00[/button] [small_text]lasts 1 month[/small_text] | [button link=”https://betterskinmagazine.com/paulaclear/” target=”_blank” ]$48.40[/button] [small_text]lasts 2-3 months[/small_text] |
| [table_head title=”Overall Score” desc=”” image=”” ] | [star width=”84″] | [star width=”56″] | [star width=”48″] | [star width=”66″] | [star width=”67″] |
| [table_head title=”Clears Clogs” desc=”” image=”” ] | [star width=”90″] | [star width=”40″] | [star width=”20″] | [star width=”80″] | [star width=”60″] |
| [table_head title=”Red/Brown Marks” desc=”” image=”” ] | [star width=”90″] | [star width=”40″] | [star width=”20″] | [star width=”50″] | [star width=”40″] |
| [table_head title=”Gentle on Skin” desc=”” image=”” ] | [star width=”70″] | [star width=”40″] | [star width=”40″] | [star width=”80″] | [star width=”60″] |
| [table_head title=”Money-Back Guarantee” desc=”” image=”” ] | [star width=”100″] | [star width=”80″] | [star width=”80″] | [star width=”80″] | [star width=”60″] |
| [table_head title=”Product Link” desc=”” image=”” ] | [button class=”inverse” link=”https://betterskinmagazine.com/shop/duo/?utm_source=web&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=duo” target=”_blank” ]Visit Site [/button] | [button class=”inverse” link=”https://betterskinmagazine.com/proactivplus/” target=”_blank” ]Visit Site[/button] | [button class=”inverse” link=”https://betterskinmagazine.com/rfspotless/” target=”_blank” ] Visit Site [/button] | [button class=”inverse” link=”https://betterskinmagazine.com/muradzit/” target=”_blank” ] Visit Site [/button] | [button class=”inverse” link=”https://betterskinmagazine.com/paulaclear/” target=”_blank” ] Visit Site [/button] |
Clearly Basics Power Duo
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What It Is: Clearly Basics’ Power Duo consists of two formulations: the Clear Out which is a 2% retinol lotion and the Lighten Up which is a spot treatment designed to reduce the appearance of post-acne marks.
Overall Score: [star width=”84″ inline=”true”] The Clear Out is good at clearing clogs and the Lighten Up is the only product we’ve found that fades the appearance of post-acne red marks.
Finally, products that are effective and DO NOT use BP or salicylic acid!
Clears Clogs: [star width=”90″ inline=”true”] The Clear Out will get rid of the dead skin trapped inside your pores, making it hard for future clogs to form. It also flushes out existing clogs (commonly called a purge). This is necessary if you want to get results that last.
Red/Brown Marks: [star width=”90″ inline=”true”] Clearly Basics has products specifically designed to fade the appearance of red and brown acne marks. The Lighten Up is a spot treatment for red marks and shows noticeable results within 6 weeks of use. The Dark Mark Defense a spot treatment for brown marks and shows noticeable results within two months of use.
Gentle on Skin: [star width=”70″ inline=”true”] The Clear Out contains retinol which can be itchy for some with sensitive skin. However, they use natural botanicals to balance the pH. It was nothing as harsh as other retinoids we have evaluated in the past.
Price: [star width=”70″ inline=”true”] The Power Duo is priced at $69.90 per set and lasts 3 months ($23.30 per month). They provide free shipping for this set which brings the cost down and makes it one of the most affordable sets in the review. They are also very responsive when we asked questions over chat.
Money-Back Guarantee: [star width=”100″ inline=”true”] Clearly Basics has a 90-day money-back guarantee and its one of the easiest in the market: Send in your before/after photos over chat and if you don’t see noticeable results after the entire bottle, chat in to get your money back. You don’t have to go through the hassle or cost to mail back products.
User Reviews: [star width=”92″ inline=”true”] The Power Duo scored 4.8 stars based on 128 reviews on their site. Clearly Basics has 4.8 star ratings on both Google reviews and Facebook reviews.
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Individual results may vary
“Out of everything I’ve tried over the 7 years I’ve battle acne on and off it’s by far stood out as being one of the most effective with no side effects (after the initial “purge”). I’ve used nothing but Clearly Basics for 12 months now and it still exceeds my expectations!” – Mim P.
Individual results may vary
“Never in my life did I imagine my skin would be this clear! Clearly Basics has completely transformed my skin!” – Toni L.
Proactiv+ 3-Step System
What It Is: Proactiv+ 3-step system consists of a 2.5% benzoyl-peroxide (BP) + glycolic acid exfoliator, a 2.5% BP leave in lotion and a hydrator. This product best suited for people with the occasional pimple and some may find BP irritating.
Overall Score: [star width=”56″ inline=”true”] We like Proactiv’s money back policy as we are able to reduce risk in case it doesn’t work for our skin. We dislike Proactiv’s physical exfoliator which can easily cause irritation and redness rather than helping to stop breakouts. If BP hasn’t worked for you in the past, this set is not for you.
Proactiv’s other system (ProactivMD) substitutes BP with a retinoid, but it was too strong, burning a layer of those with sensitive skin and causing more breakouts.
Clears Clogs: [star width=”40″ inline=”true”] Proactiv’s physical exfoliator contains glycolic acid which can break down sebum. However, it is only left on the skin for a short period of time before it is washed off.
Unless you have mild acne, you’ll want glycolic acid to stay on your skin for hours so it has time to break down sebum and clogs trapped inside your pores. To maximize the benefits of glycolic acid, opt for a leave-in gel or lotion.
Red/Brown Marks: [star width=”40″ inline=”true”] A pimple may last two weeks, but the red marks left behind can last up to six months. Proactiv’s formulations did not help to reduce post-acne red marks and as these red marks get exposed to UV, they can turn into stubborn brown marks which last up to two years.
Gentle on Skin: [star width=”40″ inline=”true”] The main ingredient for this line is BP which is a known irritant. We dislike the physical exfoliator in this set as it can easily cause more irritation/harm than good.
Price: [star width=”60″ inline=”true”] Proactiv+ 3-Step set costs $107.3 for a three month supply ($35.70 per month). You will get a discount if you lock into a subscription plan.
Money-Back Guarantee: [star width=”80″ inline=”true”] Proactiv has a 60-day money-back guarantee which isn’t sufficient to see through a cycle for acne (you need 90-days) and they require you go through the hassle of mailing the products back. They accept empty bottles.
User Reviews: [star width=”76″ inline=”true”] On Proactiv’s own site, the 3-Step System has a lackluster rating of 3.8 stars based on 2,905 reviews but a decent 4.2 stars based on 5,272 ratings on Amazon.
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Rodan+Fields Spotless Regimen
What It Is: The Rodan+Fields Spotless Regimen consists of two products: a 5% benzoyl-peroxide (BP) wash and a 2.5% BP lotion.
Overall Score: [star width=”48″ inline=”true”] Spotless Regimen uses BP in both items in their set. If you have used Oxy or Clearasil in the past and it worked for you, consider the Spotless regimen. However, if BP hasn’t worked for you in the past, consider other options that use other ingredients aside from BP or blend multiple active ingredients that can attack acne from multiple pathways.
Clears Clogs: [star width=”20″ inline=”true”] BP helps to kill the P. Acnes bacteria. However, it does nothing to get rid of the dead skin trapped inside your pores. In our opinion, any solution worth considering must get rid of the dead skin trapped inside the pore as the buildup of dead skin inside the pore is a major factor in the formation of clogs.
Red/Brown Scars: [star width=”20″ inline=”true”] Rodan+Fields’ Spotless Regime does not address the post-acne red or brown marks.
Gentle on Skin: [star width=”40″ inline=”true”] The wash included in this set contains 5% BP which can be quite irritating. In our opinion, washes should only serve a basic function and should not contain harsh ingredients. If you wanted the enjoy the full benefits of BP, use it as a leave-in lotion so that it has more time to do its job.
Price: [star width=”40″ inline=”true”] Spotless Regimen is priced at $89.00 and lasted 60 days ($44.50 per month). It is the most expensive system in this review.
Money-Back Guarantee: [star width=”80″ inline=”true”] Rodan+Fields has a 60-day money-back guarantee which isn’t sufficient to see through a cycle for acne (you need 90-days). They accept empty bottles. You will need to go through the hassle of shipping back your products just to request your money back.
User Reviews: [star width=”92″ inline=”true”] I can’t seem to find any reviews on their site. However, RF’s Facebook review score is 4.8 but there are only a few acne-related reviews interspersed between reviews on the other skincare lines that the offer.
Murad Get Over Zit Kit
What It Is: The Get Over Zit Kit consists of three products: a 1.5% salicylic acid cleanser, a 1% salicylic acid + glycolic acid acne gel and a chemical sunblock with SPF45.
Overall Score: [star width=”66″ inline=”true”] We like the fact that Murad’s acne gel contains both an AHA and a BHA. However, we wish they had higher concentrations of each so that the product was more effective. Shipping is very expensive for this set.
Clears Clogs: [star width=”80″ inline=”true”] The salicylic acid + glycolic acid in Murad’s acne gel serves to break down sebum and clogs. Our only request would be higher concentrations of each ingredient. However, we recognize that this will cause more irritation to the skin.
Red/Brown Scars: [star width=”50″ inline=”true”] Salicylic acid has a mild effect in reducing the redness of post-acne marks and the ingredient is left on the skin giving it enough time to work out the red scar.
Murad also has a product that targets post-acne brown marks but it is $70 for a single bottle. For brown acne marks, consider the Dark Mark Defense which is a more effective/more affordable option.
Gentle on Skin: [star width=”80″ inline=”true”] This is a relatively gentle set and we experienced no issues with irritation. Their products contain numerous botanicals which help to soothe the skin. Murad’s cleanser should not contain salicylic acid. If you wanted the benefits of salicylic acid, use it in a leave-in lotion or toner so that it has enough time to work on your skin.
Price: [star width=”20″ inline=”true”] The Get Over Zit set is priced at $29.00 and lasts one month. Don’t be fooled by the low initial price: If you factor in the duration of use as well as $8.95 for shipping, Murad’s set is one of the most expensive sets in this review.
Money-Back Guarantee: [star width=”80″ inline=”true”] Murad has a 60-day money-back guarantee and require you go through the hassle of mailing the products back.
User Reviews: [star width=”88″ inline=”true”] The Get Over Zit kit has a strong 4.8 stars on their site and decent 4.4 stars on Amazon.
Paula’s Choice Clear Regular Strength
What It Is: The Clear Regular Strength Kit consists of three products: a gentle cleanser, a 2% salicylic acid chemical exfoliator and an acne gel that contains 2.5% BP.
Overall Score: [star width=”67″ inline=”true”] Paula’s Clear Regular Strength is a great set for those with mild acne. It is the most affordable set that we reviewed. We would like Paula’s products to contain more botanicals to make their formulations more gentle.
Clears Clogs: [star width=”60″ inline=”true”] 2% salicylic acid in the exfoliator is better at breaking down sebum as compared to Murad’s acne gel. However, it is NOT as effective as Clear Out which contains 2% retinol + 8% AZA.
Red/Brown Marks: [star width=”40″ inline=”true”] salicylic acid has a mild effect in reducing inflammation. However, nothing in Paula’s line is specifically designed to address the post-acne red or brown marks. Personally, my marks lingered for AGES when using Paula’s set.
Gentle on Skin: [star width=”60″ inline=”true”] We are glad that Paula resisted the temptation to put acid in her cleanser. We agree that cleansers only serve a basic function and should not contain harsh ingredients that over-strip oils on your skin. We wish Paula included more botanicals in her set so that it is more gentle on the skin. This is especially true with the acne gel that contains 2.5% BP; since BP is a known irritant.
Price: [star width=”100″ inline=”true”] The CLEAR Regular Strength set is priced at $48.40 and lasts 2 to 3 months (~ $24.20 per month). Shipping costs an additional $5.50. This is the most affordable set in the review.
Money-Back Guarantee: [star width=”60″ inline=”true”] Paula’s Choice does not accept empty bottles and has a short money-back guarantee window. You need to ship the products back which is a hassle.
User Reviews: [star width=”83″ inline=”true”] The Clear Regular Strength set scored a decent 4.26 stars on their own website and 4.1 stars on Amazon.
[author_box name=”About the Author” image=”https://betterskinmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/mim-feature.jpg” ]Mim is a primary school teacher from Southampton, England. Her Instagram page @acneisntugly is dedicated to help those with acne. She has been documented her acne journey through this page.[/author_box]
Disclaimer:
This article is intended to provide insights on how to identify effective acne products and is a personal opinion. Nothing on this article should be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical related matters, please consult with your dermatologist.
