Clearity
Clearity
Product Description
Product overview
CLEARITY® by CLEARSTEM Skincare — affectionately nicknamed "The Blackhead Dissolver" — is an award-winning, barrier-friendly mandelic acid (AHA) treatment serum blended with stabilized Vitamin C and turmeric. It gently exfoliates to unclog pores, dissolve blackheads, fade post-acne marks, and brighten dull, uneven skin, all while staying 100% non-comedogenic and free of pore-cloggers and hormone disruptors.
The Blackhead Dissolver
Left on bare skin for 10–15 minutes, the acid blend works inside pores to loosen and dissolve blackheads and softens congestion at the source.
Texture & feel
SENSORYThe Blackhead Dissolver
Left on bare skin for 10–15 minutes, the acid blend works inside pores to loosen and dissolve blackheads and softens congestion at the source.
Barrier-Friendly AHA
Built on mandelic acid, a large-molecule AHA that exfoliates slowly and evenly, so it's gentler than glycolic acid even on reactive, beginner skin.
Built-in Vitamin C
Stabilized Vitamin C bioflavonoids brighten tone and support collagen, so you don't need a separate Vitamin C serum in your routine.
Zero Pore-Cloggers
Formulated free of all known comedogenic ingredients and hormone disruptors, the CLEARSTEM promise for both anti-acne and anti-aging concerns.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains AHAs (mandelic, lactic, citric) plus citrus essential oils and fragrance. Topical AHAs are generally low-risk, but always check with your OB/GYN before use.
Mostly friendly, but it contains Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters and citrus peel oils that can feed malassezia. Patch test if you follow a strict fungal-acne routine.
AHAs increase photosensitivity. Daily broad-spectrum SPF is non-negotiable while using CLEARITY, and it's best applied at night.
CLEARSTEM advises not combining CLEARITY with tretinoin/Retin-A in the same routine, as the pairing can cause excess peeling and irritation. Alternate nights.
Vitamin C is already inside, so skip a separate Vit C serum. It is itself an AHA exfoliant, so avoid layering additional strong acids on the same night.
Fragrance, witch hazel and capsaicin may trigger reactive or rosacea-prone skin. Introduce slowly and patch test before full-face use.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSMandelic Acid Hero AHAProven
The star of the formula and the second ingredient on the list, meaning it's present in a meaningful amount. As a large-molecule alpha hydroxy acid, mandelic acid exfoliates the surface slowly and evenly to unclog pores, smooth texture and fade dark spots, with less sting than glycolic acid.
- Source: Mandelic acid is effective from around 5% with an ideal pH of 3–4; CLEARSTEM does not publicly disclose its exact percentage.
- Bonus: It has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that make it well suited to acne-prone and post-acne-mark skin.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) AntioxidantProven
Pure, biologically active Vitamin C. It's an antioxidant that helps neutralize free-radical damage from UV and pollution, brightens dull skin, evens tone and supports collagen, which is why CLEARITY doubles as a brightening step.
- Source: Clinical research shows topical Vitamin C improves the look of photo-damaged skin and hyperpigmentation with consistent use.
- Note: Vitamin C is most effective at a low pH, which aligns well with this acidic exfoliating serum.
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract BotanicalPromising
Turmeric delivers curcumin, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It helps soothe skin, may help regulate sebum, and is associated with reducing the look of sun-induced hyperpigmentation.
- Source: Curcumin's antioxidant action helps protect skin cells from free-radical and environmental damage.
- Synergy: Pairs with the acid blend to calm the look of post-breakout redness while you exfoliate.
Lactic & Citric Acid (Supporting AHAs) AHA BlendProven
Lactic acid is a gentle, hydrating AHA that exfoliates while acting as a humectant and supporting the skin barrier. Citric acid mainly fine-tunes the formula's pH so the acids stay in their effective, skin-compatible range.
- Source: Lactic acid can boost ceramide production to strengthen the barrier and is part of skin's natural moisturizing factor.
- Why it matters: A precise, low pH is what allows AHAs to actually do their exfoliating work.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) AstringentPromising
A plant extract prized for astringent, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Its tannins help pores appear tighter, which supports the serum's clarifying, blackhead-targeting goal.
- Source: Witch hazel's catechin and gallic acid content contribute to its soothing, pore-refining reputation.
22 ingredients
Water, Mandelic Acid, Propanediol, Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Sodium PCA, Toona Sinensis Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi Seed Extract, Capsaicin, Hesperidin, Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil Expressed, Sodium Lactate, Parfum.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply to clean, dry skin as your first treatment step. Let it absorb for 10+ minutes before layering the rest of your routine — no need to rinse. Start at night, and always follow with daily SPF in the morning.
How to use
HOW TO USEEase in slowly
For the first 10–14 days, use every other night so your skin can adjust to the new level of exfoliation.
Apply 3 pumps
Dispense 3 pumps onto your fingertips and massage into clean, dry skin (face, neck, chest). Avoid the eye area.
Let it work
Leave it on bare skin for 10–15 minutes so the acids can get into pores. Don't rinse off.
Seal & protect
Follow with your moisturizer. Once skin is acclimated, you can build up to nightly use — and always apply SPF in the morning.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You're prone to blackheads, clogged pores or congestion
- You want to fight acne and aging in a single step
- You have dull, uneven tone or post-acne marks to fade
- Glycolic acid is too harsh and you need a gentler AHA
- You'd like exfoliation plus Vitamin C without an extra serum
Consider alternatives if:
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding (check with your doctor first)
- You have very reactive or rosacea-prone skin
- You need a strictly fragrance-free formula
- You already use tretinoin/Retin-A nightly
- You follow a strict fungal-acne-safe routine
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight and oil-free; the acid blend dissolves excess oil and keeps pores clear without heaviness.
Targets congestion in the T-zone while brightening the whole face evenly.
Non-comedogenic with antibacterial mandelic acid — built specifically for breakout-prone skin.
Humectants help offset dryness, but exfoliating acids can feel stripping — buffer with a richer moisturizer.
Mandelic is gentle, but fragrance, witch hazel and capsaicin mean a patch test and slow introduction are a must.
Results timeline
8–12 WEEKSSmoother, softened skin
Skin feels smoother right away and softened blackheads/congestion become easier to clear — the effect behind the "Blackhead Dissolver" nickname.
Most users notice immediatelyLess congestion
Texture refines, bumps and clogged pores start to look reduced as cell turnover ramps up.
~70% report early changesBrighter, clearer tone
Skin tone looks more even and radiant; breakouts appear calmer and fewer.
~80% see brighter skinFaded marks & refined pores
With consistent use, post-acne marks soften, pores look smaller and skin appears firmer and plumper.
Results keep improvingRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Visibly dissolves blackheads and clears congestion
- Gentle, barrier-friendly AHA suitable for many
- Brightens tone and helps fade post-acne marks
- Vitamin C built in — one fewer step
- Non-comedogenic with zero pore-cloggers
- Lightweight, absorbs well, layers nicely
Criticized
- Premium price at $68 for 1 fl oz
- Contains fragrance & citrus oils — not for fragrance-sensitive skin
- Can be drying; requires a slow introduction
- Increases sun sensitivity, so daily SPF is essential
- Exact active percentages aren't disclosed
- Not ideal for strict fungal-acne-safe routines
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Higher mandelic concentration plus hyaluronic acid for hydration, and it's fragrance-free. Misses the Vitamin C, turmeric and witch hazel of CLEARITY, so it exfoliates well but doesn't brighten or clarify as multi-tasking.
Stronger 12% mandelic acid with added niacinamide; fragrance-free and fungal-acne safe. More potent and FA-friendly, but no built-in Vitamin C or turmeric and a more clinical feel.
A very gentle, fragrance-free mandelic + hyaluronic acid serum at an entry price. Simpler formula focused purely on mild exfoliation — fewer brightening and clarifying extras than CLEARITY.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
6 MONTHSApproximately 6 months — Vitamin C and mandelic acid are prone to oxidation, so use it up while it's fresh and potent.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light and heat; keep tightly capped to preserve the actives.
Opaque bottle with a pump dispenser (3 pumps per use) that limits light and air exposure.
Yes — at 1 fl oz (29 ml) it's well under the 100 ml carry-on limit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQCLEARITY contains AHAs (mandelic, lactic and citric acid) along with citrus essential oils and fragrance. Topical AHAs are generally considered low-risk because little is absorbed, and the formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid or hydroquinone. However, the fragrance and essential oils mean it isn't a clear-cut "yes," so we recommend checking with your OB/GYN before using it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Mostly, but not strictly. Most of the formula is fungal-acne friendly, however it contains Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters and citrus peel oils that can potentially feed malassezia. If you follow a strict fungal-acne-safe routine, patch test first or consider a fully ester-free and oil-free alternative.
CLEARITY already includes Vitamin C, so you don't need a separate Vitamin C serum. Because it's an AHA exfoliant itself, avoid stacking additional strong acids on the same night. CLEARSTEM specifically advises against combining it with tretinoin/Retin-A in the same routine, since that can cause excess peeling — alternate them on different nights instead.
It shines on oily, combination and acne-prone skin that struggles with blackheads, congestion and dullness. Dry skin can use it with a richer moisturizer on top, while very sensitive or rosacea-prone skin should patch test and introduce it slowly because of the fragrance, witch hazel and capsaicin.
Many people feel smoother skin and softened blackheads after the very first 10–15 minute application. Texture and congestion typically improve over 1–2 weeks, tone looks brighter around 4 weeks, and post-acne marks and pores keep refining with consistent use over 8–12 weeks.
Use it after cleansing (and toning, if you tone) as your first treatment step on clean, dry skin. Let it absorb for 10+ minutes — no need to rinse — then follow with your moisturizer. Apply it at night to start, and always wear SPF the next morning.
No — CLEARITY is formulated to be non-comedogenic and free of all known pore-clogging ingredients, which is core to the CLEARSTEM promise. We give it a comedogenic rating of about 1 out of 5, making it a strong choice for breakout-prone skin.
Plan to use it within about 6 months of opening. Because Vitamin C and mandelic acid oxidize over time, keeping the bottle capped and stored away from light and heat helps the actives stay effective for as long as possible.
Verdict: CLEARITY® by CLEARSTEM Skincare earns its "Blackhead Dissolver" reputation. The barrier-friendly mandelic acid base, supporting AHAs, built-in Vitamin C and turmeric make it a genuine multitasker for clogged, congested and dull skin — and the non-comedogenic, no-pore-clogger formulation is reassuring for acne-prone users. It's a two-time Cosmo Award winner for good reason. The trade-offs are a premium $68 price, added fragrance and citrus oils that don't suit very reactive skin, and the need to ease in and commit to daily SPF. For oily, combination and acne-prone skin that wants exfoliation and brightening in a single gentle step, it's a well-formulated, repurchase-worthy pick.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 4 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 5 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
|
Brightening
Anti-Aging
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
Emollient, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|