~~CLEAN & CLEAR SENSITIVE SKIN DEEP CLEANSING ASTRINGENT~~EEWW! THIS STUFF STINKS!!
Written: Nov 29 '01 (Updated Nov 29 '01)
Product Rating:
Pros: Tones and wipes away breakout causing dirt and oil left behind by many facial cleansers.
Cons: Contains an unpleasant medicinal fragrance; alcohol often leaves a burning sensation on the skin.
The Bottom Line: Containing alcohol as one of the main ingredients, medicinal fragranced Clean & Clear Sensitive Skin Deep Cleaning Astringent is just too harsh for those with sensitive skin.
melissasrn's Full Review: Clean & Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent for Sensiti...
In my seemingly never ending quest to find the perfect facial care products that treat and prevent acne yet are gentle enough to use on sensitive skin like mine, I've tried just about everything out there that has the word "sensitive" on the label. Some I've had great success with. And then others leave much to be desired. Because regular cleansers usually leave some degree of dirt, oil, and make-up behind, I always use some kind of toner or astringent immediately afterwards in my skin care routine to get my skin as clean as possible before applying cosmetics or before going to bed. And since I'd had good luck with a few others in the Clean & Clear line of facial care products, I decided to try a bottle of Clean & Clear Sensitive Skin Deep Cleansing Astringent and see how it worked. Ouch! I should have inspected the ingredients more carefully, as alcohol is the second one listed, preceeded only by water. And the SMELL was horrible! The results were not good, and I was once again disappointed in a Clean & Clear product.
~~~The Astringent~~~
Indicated for use with the management of acne, Clean & Clear Sensitive Skin Deep Cleansing Astringent washes away the pore clogging residue that most facial cleansers leave behind. Containing a mild pimple fighting medicine (0.5% salicylic acid) that aids in the removal of the excess dirt, oil, and makeup on the face, this facial care product designed especially for sensitive skin claims to be helpful in the treatment and prevention of breakouts. While the gentle formula found in Clean & Clear Sensitive Skin Deep Cleansing Astringent contains less alcohol than most other traditional astringents, I still found it very harsh as this main drying ingredient burned and irritated my face with each use. And the offensive medicinal fragrance left me smelling like the vapors of a cough drop, which was NOT very attractive or desirable in my book.
~~~Packaging & Price~~~
Each 8 ounce (240ml) clear plastic bottle of green tinted Clean & Clear Sensitive Skin Deep Cleaning Astringent may be purchased at most discount stores, such as Wal-Mart, for around $3.68. Containing a purple flip top opening for easy retrieval, this facial care product with the Clean & Clear logo printed across the front would easily fit into the budget of those looking for good skin care deals. Although the concentration of alcohol and salicylic acid contained in each bottle of medicinal smelling Clean & Clear Sensitive Skin Deep Cleansing Astringent is less than that found in most other similar products, such as Clean and Clear Oil-Fighting Deep Cleaning Astringent, I was soon disappointed that this green liquid worsened my own sensitive skin. This purchase quickly became no bargain at all.
~~~Directions for Use~~~
After ensuring that the skin is clean first by using your favorite facial wash, saturate a cotton ball or cotton round (my preference) with medicated Clean & Clear Sensitive Skin Deep Cleaning Astringent. Apply a thin layer of this liquid to the affected areas one to three times daily to remove excess oil and dirt. The skin is left cool and tingly as it penetrates facial pores. Because excess drying of the skin may occur initially, begin with only one topical application daily, and then increase the frequency of use to up to three times a day or as directed by a dermatologist. If irritating dryness of peeling of the skin occurs, reduce the use of Clean and Clear Sensitive Skin Deep Cleaning Astringent to once a day or even every other day as tolerated by your skin type.
Clean and Clear Sensitive Skin Deep Cleansing Astringent is for external use only. Using other topical acne medications at the same time or immediately following the use of this product may increase dryness and irritation of the skin. If this occurs, only one medication should be used at a time unless otherwise directed by a doctor. Avoid contact with the eyes. Immediately flush them with water if such contact occurs. In case of accidental ingestion, seek professional assistance at once or contact a Poison Control Center for guidance.
~~~Overall Recommendation~~~
Hopefully Clean & Clear Sensitive Skin Deep Cleaning Astringent will perform better for your skin type than it did for mine. The alcohol it contains burned and irritated my sensitive skin while the offensive medicinal fragrance that permeated my face left much to be desired. For those that don't mind the medicinal scent yet require a stronger formula, check out Clean & Clear Oil-Fighting Deep Cleaning Astringent with 2% salicylic acid and see how it works for you. Otherwise, I'd suggest the gentle and pleasant smelling Olay Refreshing Toner or even the more expensive L'Oreal Plentitude Shine Control Double-Action Toner for far superior oil control treatment for sensitive skin without overdrying. Even though both DO contain a large amount of alcohol, the typical medicinal smell most other toners and astringents contain is not found in either. So while Clean & Clear Sensitive Skin Deep Cleaning Astringent is an average skin care product, there certainly are better skin care products out there that will leave your face as clean and refreshed as possible without that terrible smell or the drying effects. This is one that I would definitely pass on next time.
For more information on Clean & Clear Sensitive Skin Deep Cleaning Astringent and other similar skin care products, check out their website online at:
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