Clear Skin Starts Here. Salicylic Acid Exfoliation. Pores Minimized. Oil Controlled.

Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion is the dermatologist-developed, salicylic acid-powered exfoliating toner that has been a cornerstone of Clinique’s celebrated Acne Solutions system for decades — trusted by millions with acne-prone, oily, and congested skin for its proven ability to clear breakouts, minimize pores, control excess oil, and refine skin texture without the harsh, stripping experience that many acne treatments inflict on already-stressed skin. Formulated as a leave-on exfoliating lotion applied after cleansing, the Clarifying Lotion uses salicylic acid — the gold-standard beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) for acne-prone skin — to penetrate deep into pores, dissolve the excess sebum and dead cell debris that clog them, and chemically exfoliate the skin’s surface to unclog existing breakouts while preventing new ones from forming. Unlike physical scrubs that can irritate and damage acne-prone skin, salicylic acid works at the chemical level — gently but effectively clearing the root causes of acne without abrasion or inflammation. Allergy-tested. 100% fragrance-free. Dermatologist-developed.

Key Benefits

• Clears acne breakouts and prevents new ones from forming with salicylic acid that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve the clogging sebum and dead cell debris that cause acne
• Minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores by thoroughly clearing congestion and reducing the excess oil production that causes pores to appear stretched and enlarged
• Controls excess oil and shine throughout the day by regulating sebum at the pore level rather than simply absorbing surface oil
• Exfoliates the skin’s surface to smooth texture, improve clarity, and promote a more even, refined complexion over time
• Gentle enough for daily use — the leave-on formula delivers consistent acne-fighting benefits without the irritation or over-drying associated with many acne treatments
• 100% fragrance-free and allergy-tested — suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin that reacts to fragrance and harsh ingredients

Suggested Use

Apply morning and evening after cleansing, as the second step of the Clinique Acne Solutions 3-Step System (or as a standalone exfoliating toner in your existing routine). Saturate a cotton pad with the Clarifying Lotion and sweep evenly over the entire face, avoiding the eye area and lips. Do not rinse — this is a leave-on treatment designed to work continuously on the skin between cleansing steps. Follow with Clinique Acne Solutions moisturizer or your preferred oil-free moisturizer. Allow the formula to fully absorb before applying additional products. Start with once-daily use if skin is new to salicylic acid and build to twice daily as tolerated. Always use SPF protection in the morning — chemical exfoliants increase skin’s sensitivity to UV exposure.

Key Features

• Salicylic Acid — The Gold Standard BHA for Acne: Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is uniquely oil-soluble — unlike water-soluble AHAs (such as glycolic acid), salicylic acid can penetrate through the sebum that fills and lines the pore canal, reaching deep into the pore where acne originates. Once inside the pore, salicylic acid dissolves the mix of oxidized sebum, dead skin cells, and debris (comedones) that block the follicle, softens and loosens the cellular bonds that hold dead skin cells on the surface, and exerts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects that reduce the redness, swelling, and bacterial activity associated with inflammatory acne. This deep-pore penetrating ability makes salicylic acid the most effective single exfoliating ingredient for acne-prone and oily skin types
• Pore-Minimizing Action: Enlarged pores are primarily caused by excess sebum production that stretches the pore opening over time, compounded by the accumulation of dead cell debris and oxidized oil (blackheads) that are visible within the pore. By clearing the pore of its contents and regulating the sebum buildup that causes stretching, the Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion addresses both the primary causes of enlarged pore appearance — delivering a visibly refined, smoother-looking skin surface with consistent daily use
• Leave-On Exfoliation for Consistent Results: Unlike rinse-off exfoliants that provide only brief contact with the skin’s surface, the Clarifying Lotion’s leave-on format means salicylic acid remains in contact with the skin and pores continuously between cleansing, providing sustained exfoliating and pore-clearing action throughout the day and night. This continuous contact is critical for preventing the rapid re-accumulation of the debris that clogs pores and causes new breakouts — keeping the skin clearer and more refined on an ongoing basis
• Part of the Clinique Acne Solutions System: The Clarifying Lotion is designed to work synergistically as the second step of Clinique’s complete Acne Solutions 3-Step System — following the Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam and preceding the Acne Solutions moisturizer. Used as a complete system, the three steps address acne from multiple angles simultaneously: cleansing removes surface debris and excess oil, the Clarifying Lotion exfoliates and deep-cleans pores, and the moisturizer delivers targeted treatment actives while maintaining the skin’s moisture balance. The system approach consistently delivers superior results compared to any single product used alone