CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser — Reddit Reviews
Updated October 28, 2026
0.5% salicylic acid cleanser keeps oil in check; daily use can strip skin.
What the community says
A rinse-off 0.5% salicylic acid cleanser that Redditors slot into evening routines, often alternating nights or using it after an oil cleanse. Reddit users report oil control without stripping, yet daily use can remove too much oil.
What this means for you
What people love
- 0.5% salicylic acid in a rinse-off cleanser
- Fits double-cleansing routines
- Users report oil control without stripping
Watch out for
Product details
Skin type data limited
Where to buy
What the science says
Acne
Some evidence
Salicylic Acid: 16 studies tested it directly. See all 34 studies
What the studies found
- Most studies found salicylic acid helped clear acne
- It often reduced pimples, blackheads and whiteheads
- It often worked about as well as other common acne treatments
- Used with other acne treatments, it sometimes cleared acne better than the other treatment alone
- Side effect results were uncertain when compared with benzoyl peroxide
Studied at 0.5–30%this product: 0.5%
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 19 mentions across 7 threads
Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser on Reddit, in one place — 7 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/tretinoin and 1 more, summarized.
“My go to in the last 3 years has been the Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm then Paula's Choice Clear Cleanser.”
Positive
“Make sure to double cleanse at night.”
Positive
“the last 3 years”
Positive
“CLEAR Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser with 0.5% salicylic acid”
Positive
“AM”
Positive
“Here is my skincare routine:”
Positive
“I use either paulas choice pore normalizing cleanser or la roche posay effaclar + m gel cleanser.”
Positive
“the paula's choice pore normalizing cleanser might be a good fit”
Mentioned
“it has bha and really helps keep oil in check without stripping.”
Mentioned
“it's so annoying when they discontinue a product you love! i have oily/acne-prone skin too.”
Mentioned
“Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser”
Positive
“24M, routine is as follows:”
Positive
“My current routine has worked wonders for the rest of my face- the La Roche Posay moisturiser definitely improved the irritation as well-”
Positive
“-pore normalizing cleanser Paula’s choice”
Positive
“Morning routine: -pore normalizing cleanser Paula’s choice”
Positive
“Night routine: -pore normalizing cleanser Paula’s choice”
Positive
