Most of us deal with oily skin in our day-to-day life. We’re always looking for ways to fix it — trying to get rid of that oil on our face. Acne is probably the most common thing we struggle with. From home remedies like neem leaves to all kinds of face washes, we try whatever we can get our hands on.
And then that familiar question pops up: “Is Clean and Clear face wash good?” Should I check some product reviews before using it?
One of the most commonly used products is Clean and Clear face wash — especially when it comes to fixing oily skin. But have you ever stopped to think about what it might be doing to your natural skin? While it may leave your face looking “clean,” it could actually be stripping away the very things your skin needs to stay healthy.
Why Do You Have Oily Skin?
Before we go any further, it helps to understand what the natural oil on your skin actually is — and why sometimes it shows up in excess, pushing you to reach for products like Clean and Clear face wash.
Sebum (which literally means fat in Latin) is the oil your skin produces from tiny sebaceous glands. These glands are most concentrated on your face — not on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet. That’s why you don’t get acne on your hands, but oily skin and breakouts show up more often on your face.
Is Clean and Clear Good for Acne?
Most of us look at sebum as the main reason for annoying acne and oily skin — and naturally, we want to get rid of it. That’s why so many people turn to Clean and Clear face wash.
But here’s the thing: sebum isn’t all bad. It actually plays an important role in keeping your skin healthy. Before we rush to scrub it all away, here’s what sebum does for you:
- Helps your skin stay moisturized
- Contains Vitamin E, which protects against aging and even helps reduce cancer risk
- Keeps your skin’s tone balanced
- Acts as a natural barrier against bacteria and other harmful organisms
Of course, sometimes these sebaceous glands go into overdrive — especially during puberty or when you’re between 20 and 30 years old. That’s usually when oily skin and acne show up the most.
And that’s when people start asking: “Is Clean and Clear face wash good?”
The honest answer:
Yes, Clean and Clear is good for acne because it clears pores and removes excess sebum and oil.
But here’s the real question — at what cost?
Sebum – The Root Cause of Acne?
It was once believed that excess sebum or seborrhea was the root cause of acne. But in reality, there’s no direct link proven between acne and sebum production alone.
You’ve probably seen it on plenty of foaming face washes: “blocks sebaceous glands = pimples.” But the truth is, blocked pores are different from simply having more sebum.
Stop and rethink. Blockage is one thing — being the cause of irritation is another.
That’s one reason why you shouldn’t blindly assume Clean and Clear face wash is good for acne.
Does My Food Cause Oily Skin?
There’s no solid evidence that what you eat directly causes oily skin. Sure, your diet might contain fats and oils — but those get processed in your digestive system. They aren’t traveling to your skin, so blaming your food doesn’t really add up.
Also, no face wash — including Clean and Clear face wash — can stop your sebaceous glands from producing sebum. Your skin produces oil naturally, no matter what you apply. So don’t get fooled by claims like “stay oil-free for long hours.”
At the end of the day, the amount of sebum or oil your skin produces is controlled by hormones. And Clean and Clear face wash doesn’t change your hormones, does it?
Why You Shouldn’t Be Using Clean and Clear Face Wash for Acne?
So, coming back to the original question — is Clean and Clear face wash good? What does it actually do?
Here’s an honest Clean and Clear Foaming Face Wash review: don’t use it.
The main thing it does is strip away the oils from your skin — including the healthy, protective ones. Sure, your skin might feel squeaky clean at first, but that “clean” feeling comes at a cost. You’re removing what your skin actually needs to stay healthy.
When those natural oils are gone:
- Your skin becomes more prone to infections, early ageing, and even skin cancer.
- What you hoped would give you glowing skin actually leaves you with dry, irritated skin. That’s the difference between “clean” and truly healthy.
- Some people notice their skin feels worse after using it. Ask around — you’ll find plenty of people who’ve wondered, “Is Clean and Clear face wash good?” only to regret it later.
- Many users report things like morning bursts or sudden breakouts after using Clean and Clear face wash regularly. That’s because while it might clear out oil, it’s also wiping away your skin’s natural protective layer — making it easier for germs to get in.
Side Effects of Clean and Clear Face Wash
Using Clean and Clear Face Wash can lead to several side effects, including:
- Skin dryness (the most common)
- Exfoliation or peeling of the skin
- Redness
- Irritation and itching
- Excessive removal of natural oils
- Worsening or aggravation of acne
It’s also worth noting: when pores are opened up too much, they can become more exposed. This means you might even develop pimples you didn’t have before.
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Clean and Clear Face Wash Causes Cancer?
Let’s be upfront — there isn’t a lot of public information about this, but you deserve to know: Clean and Clear face wash does contain ingredients linked to cancer. Honest Clean and Clear reviews should mention that.
So, what are those cancer-causing (carcinogenic) ingredients in Clean and Clear foaming face wash? Here are a couple of examples:
- DMDM Hydantoin – Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. You might hear that anything below 0.074% is considered safe, but don’t be too quick to believe that.
- Polyethylene – Another ingredient linked to possible carcinogenic effects.
Still Looking for Remedies?
I used to have the worst acne back in school — and I followed my mother’s advice religiously. Looking back now, as a doctor, I see the value in her simple tips. Instead of constantly asking, “Is Clean and Clear face wash good?”, focus on these natural remedies:
- Drink plenty of water.
A glass after every time you pee helps. Stay consistent — no need to overdo it with huge jars! - Stop looking in mirrors.
It might sound silly, but staring at pimples only triggers anxiety. That stress messes with your hormones and makes acne worse. Plus, you’ll probably end up popping it. - Don’t touch it.
Touching pimples usually just makes them bigger. Stay calm. Let them grow and pop on their own. - Never pop it.
Popping acne leads to scars — sometimes permanent marks on your face. It can also leave you with larger open pores as you get older. - Learn to live with it.
For most people, acne clears up after puberty. Consider it normal. Make light of it with friends. Chances are, no one else is as bothered by your pimples as you are.
Clean and Clear Face Wash Benefits?
Let’s be honest with ourselves: your natural skin is already doing its best to keep you healthy. Chasing after beauty shouldn’t come at the cost of your skin’s health. Clean and Clear may seem like a quick fix, but it’s not good for your skin — especially if you’re dealing with acne.
If you really want to get rid of acne-prone skin, give your body some time. Hormones need a chance to balance out. Acne usually settles once things calm down — your mother probably told you the same thing.
Until then, stick with simple, natural remedies. But don’t just try them for two days — make them a consistent habit.
And one final tip: avoid mixing multiple face washes, soaps, and remedies all at once. That’s a sure way to overwhelm and damage your skin rather than help it.
FAQs
Does Clean and Clear Work?
Yes, Clean and Clear face wash does work — it removes oil and dirt from your skin effectively. However, it also strips away your skin’s natural oils, which help protect against bacteria and irritation. That’s why it’s not recommended to overuse it. Long-term use can do more harm than good.
Is Clean and Clear a Good Brand?
Clean and Clear has been around since 1956. It’s a well-known skincare brand with many products aimed at tackling oily skin and acne. While it’s popular, not every product suits everyone — especially if your skin is sensitive.
How Fast Does It Work?
You’ll usually notice results right after the first wash. Skin may feel soft and dry because it deep-cleans and removes oil. But that “fresh” feeling comes from stripping sebum, which may not always be good for your skin’s long-term health.
Is It a Dermatologist-Recommended Product?
Some dermatologists do recommend Clean and Clear, but it depends on your skin type. For some people, it works well. For others, it can cause dryness, irritation, or even make acne worse. It’s always best to weigh both the pros and cons before using it regularly.