FaceTheory Claricleanse AHA & BHA Exfoliating Cleanser - Mandarin Versus Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Updated on October 07, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or silicones
What's Inside
They both contain oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
FaceTheory Claricleanse AHA & BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 16 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser 18 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
FaceTheory Claricleanse AHA & BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 16 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
FaceTheory Claricleanse AHA & BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 16 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser 18 ingredients

Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
FaceTheory Claricleanse AHA & BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 16 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser 18 ingredients
[THIS IS A REVIEW FROM 2019]
(Pasting my review from the Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution bc I used them together and had great results)
I’m new to SkinSort but I really wanted to write a review for this bc the Paula’s Choice acne line actually changed my life… when I was in uni I had a super oily T-zone and crazy acne on my forehead so I bought the PC extra strength travel kit to try out Show more
The Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser was a bit too drying for my skin. After learning about fungal acne and realizing the cleanser isn’t fungal acne safe, I decided to stop using it.