- Value: 19/20
- Functionality: 18/20
- Quality/Ease of Use: 20/20
- Aesthetics: 19/20
- Speed of Treatment: 16/20
- TOTAL: 92/100
I’ve been dealing with acne since I was 10 years old. As a teenager, I figured my skin would naturally improve when I grew older and my hormones stopped wreaking havoc on my body. But alas, that wasn’t in the cards. I have used nearly every topical cream, oral option, face wash, pimple patch, in-office treatment and DIY remedy known to man, save Accutane and possibly a few newer options. And while many treatments certainly improved my skin, none of them seemed to truly clear things up, at least not long term. Then, a few weeks into the Covid-19 lockdown, I started using a new acne-fighting line called Clearly Basics, and folks, I think I finally found my fix.
After going down a deep rabbit hole on the Clearly Basics Facebook page and reading countless testimonials, reviews and blog posts about how well the products worked to clear up acne, prevent new spots from forming and speed up the skin’s repair process for dark spots and scars, I was feeling pretty good that this might really work. There are seven products in the lineup, but I decided to start with the Protective Moisturizer ($43) and Clear Out cream ($47) (there’s a discount if you buy more than one product at a time).
The Clear Out cream is the true star here, as this is what works to treat any acne you’re currently dealing with, as well as prevent new pimples from popping up. It uses a combination of medical-grade retinol and azelaic acid (also know as AZA)—which helps to calm redness, brighten your skin and improve its texture—to clear out clogged pores, whether they be whiteheads or blackheads. It’s gentle enough for everyday use (although if you’re totally new to retinols or chemical exfoliants, you should start by using it only every other day) and goes on smooth with no lingering scent, stickiness or burning sensation.