Brand

Clean & Clear

Clean & Clear was launched in 1957 as a line of skincare products targeting teen and young adult acne. The brand was acquired by Johnson & Johnson's consumer health division and became one of the most recognizable acne treatment brands in US drugstores, known for its blue-and-white packaging and straightforward approach to breakout prevention. Clean & Clear's formulations center on salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide at accessible concentrations for young skin. The brand has been a staple in the teen acne treatment category for decades, often serving as a consumer's first experience with active acne-fighting ingredients.

Drugstore Dermatologist Recommended Est. 1957 New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA Kenvue (spun off from Johnson & Johnson)
2 Products
15 Evaluations
67 Avg Score
2 Categories

Brand Philosophy

Clean & Clear delivers no-frills acne treatment for young skin at mass-market prices. Products are formulated to be easy to use and understand, with clear labeling of active ingredients and straightforward routines. The brand prioritizes accessibility and simplicity over complex multi-step systems.

Who It's For

Teens and young adults dealing with their first breakouts who want affordable, easy-to-use acne treatment from a trusted drugstore brand.

Known For
  • Decades as America's teen acne brand
  • Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide treatments
  • Morning Burst Facial Cleanser
  • Affordable, accessible acne care
  • Blue-and-white recognizable packaging
Signature Ingredients
  • Benzoyl Peroxide
  • Zinc Lactate
  • Glycerin
  • Menthol

Clean & Clear at a Glance

Strongest Categories

Clean & Clear performs best in: Acne Treatment (1 product, avg 75/100); Cleanser (1 product, avg 63/100).

Best Conditions Served

Across all products, Clean & Clear scores highest for: Acne-Prone Skin (avg 90/100); Oily Skin (avg 86/100); Combination Skin (avg 84/100). If your primary concern is one of these conditions, Clean & Clear products are particularly worth considering.

Certifications

Common certifications include Paraben-Free, Vegan, Not Tested on Animals, Fragrance-Free, Phthalate-Free, Oil-Free.

Frequently Asked Questions about Clean & Clear

What is the best Clean & Clear product?
Based on our scoring, Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne Medication is the highest-rated Clean & Clear product with a score of 92/100 for acne-prone skin. Best-in-class spot treatment. Maximum-strength formula kills bacteria overnight. Prescription-level results without prescription.
Is Clean & Clear worth the price?
Clean & Clear products are positioned at the drugstore tier with an average score of 67/100 across 2 evaluated products. Check individual product scores to determine whether specific products justify the investment for your skin concern.
What skin type is Clean & Clear best for?
Clean & Clear scores highest for acne-prone skin, with an average score of 90/100 across relevant products. They also perform well for oily skin and combination skin. Check condition-specific scores for the product you are considering.
Every Clean & Clear product above has been scored individually for each relevant skin condition. Click any product to see its full evaluation, ingredient analysis, and usage guidance for your specific concern.