Stubborn Acne Control - 5in1 Daily Pads
Stubborn Acne Control - 5in1 Daily Pads
Product Description
Product overview
A maximum-strength 5-in-1 medicated acne treatment pad formulated with 1.9% salicylic acid to fight blocked pores, reduce pimple size, control excess oil, fade acne marks, and minimize blackheads for clearer, healthier-looking skin.
5-in-1 Acne Fighting Formula
Targets blocked pores, pimple size, excess oil, acne marks, and blackheads in one convenient treatment pad.
Texture & feel
SENSORY5-in-1 Acne Fighting Formula
Targets blocked pores, pimple size, excess oil, acne marks, and blackheads in one convenient treatment pad.
Maximum Strength Salicylic Acid
1.9% BHA penetrates deep into pores to dissolve sebum buildup and prevent future breakouts.
Soothing Aloe & Allantoin
Calms irritation and helps skin recover while treating acne, reducing redness and inflammation.
Cooling Menthol Sensation
Provides an invigorating, refreshing feeling that signals the product is working on your skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains 1.9% salicylic acid. While topical SA under 2% is generally considered low risk, consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy. Safe for breastfeeding when used on face only, avoiding breast area.
Free from oils, fatty acids, ferments, and esters that feed malassezia yeast. Safe for those with pityrosporum folliculitis.
Oil-free, silicone-free formula with a comedogenic rating of 0. Will not clog pores or cause additional breakouts.
May cause dryness or irritation for sensitive or dry skin types. Always follow with a moisturizer.
Listed as "Parfum" in ingredients. Those with fragrance sensitivities should patch test first.
Product is flammable until dry. Keep away from heat sources and open flames during application.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSalicylic Acid 1.9%Proven
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into pores to dissolve sebum, dead skin cells, and debris. FDA-approved for OTC acne treatment at concentrations up to 2%.
- Mechanism: Keratolytic action breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells, unclogging pores
- Anti-inflammatory: Related to aspirin, helps reduce redness and swelling of acne lesions
- Antibacterial: Creates an acidic environment unfavorable for acne-causing P. acnes bacteria
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceSoothing
Natural plant extract known for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps calm skin irritation caused by acne and exfoliating acids.
- Hydration: Contains polysaccharides that help retain moisture in the skin
- Healing: Promotes wound healing and may help reduce acne scarring
AllantoinSoothing
A gentle, non-irritating compound that promotes skin cell regeneration and provides a protective, soothing effect on irritated skin.
- Keratolytic: Softens and helps remove dead skin cells
- Anti-irritant: Reduces sensitivity and inflammation from active ingredients
MentholCooling
Derived from mint plants, provides a cooling sensation on the skin. Has mild antimicrobial properties.
- Sensation: Creates a tingling, refreshing feeling during application
- Antimicrobial: Offers mild antibacterial activity against skin bacteria
14 ingredients
Active Ingredient: Salicylic Acid 1.9%
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Alcohol Denat., Isoceteth-20, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Hydroxide, Triethanolamine, Allantoin, Fragrance (Parfum), Menthol, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse after cleansing on dry skin. Wait 1-2 minutes before applying next skincare step. Always use SPF during the day as salicylic acid may increase sun sensitivity.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse First
Wash your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser and pat dry before applying the treatment pad.
Wipe Across Skin
Take one pad and gently wipe across your entire face and neck, covering all acne-prone areas with a thin layer of the formula.
Let It Dry
Allow the product to fully absorb and dry (about 1-2 minutes) before applying moisturizer or other products.
Start Slowly
Begin with once daily use, gradually increasing to 2-3 times daily if needed. Reduce frequency if excessive dryness or peeling occurs.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin prone to breakouts
- You struggle with blackheads and clogged pores
- You want a quick, convenient on-the-go acne treatment
- You have mild to moderate acne
- You need a fungal acne-safe exfoliant
- You prefer a no-rinse treatment
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin
- You have active rosacea or eczema
- You're currently pregnant (consult doctor first)
- You have severe cystic acne (may need prescription treatment)
- You're sensitive to alcohol or fragrance
- You prefer alcohol-free formulations
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. Controls excess sebum, unclogs pores, and leaves a matte finish without adding shine.
Great for T-zone treatment. Focus on oily areas and use moisturizer on dry zones.
Effective for occasional breakouts. May only need to use 1x daily or every other day.
May be too drying due to alcohol content. Use sparingly and always follow with a rich moisturizer.
Contains fragrance and menthol which may irritate. Patch test first and consider alcohol-free alternatives.
Specifically formulated for acne. Non-comedogenic, fungal acne-safe, and effective at preventing breakouts.
Results timeline
WEEKS 8+Initial Cleansing & Adjustment
Skin feels cleaner and less oily after each use. Some may experience mild dryness or a temporary increase in small breakouts (purging) as pores are cleared.
70% notice reduced oilinessReduced Breakouts & Smoother Texture
Existing pimples begin to heal faster. Blackheads and whiteheads start to diminish. Skin texture becomes noticeably smoother.
65% see fewer new pimplesVisible Improvement
Significant reduction in acne severity. Pores appear smaller and less congested. Acne marks begin to fade as cell turnover improves.
80% report clearer skinMaintenance & Prevention
With consistent use, skin remains clearer with fewer breakouts. Continued use helps prevent new acne from forming.
85% maintain resultsRatings by platform
9K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Effective at reducing oiliness and preventing breakouts
- Convenient pre-soaked pads for on-the-go use
- Affordable drugstore price point
- Fungal acne safe formula
- Contains soothing aloe and allantoin
- HSA/FSA eligible for purchase
- 90 pads per container (great value)
- Clears blackheads with consistent use
Criticized
- Contains alcohol which can be drying
- Has fragrance that may irritate sensitive skin
- Menthol may worsen rosacea
- Strong medicinal scent
- Pads can dry out if jar not sealed properly
- May cause initial purging period
- Not ideal for very dry skin types
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESHigher 2% salicylic acid, alcohol-free formula, no fragrance. Cult favorite for acne-prone skin. May leave slight residue but less drying overall.
2% salicylic acid, contains alcohol like Clearasil. Similar texture and oil control. Slightly different inactive ingredients.
2% salicylic acid with eucalyptus and camphor for extra cooling sensation. Very affordable option with similar efficacy.
2% salicylic acid, oil-free formula from trusted dermatologist brand. Fewer pads per container but similar effectiveness.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEClearasil 5in1 Pads (Featured)
Stridex Maximum Strength
Oxy Deep Pore Pads

Neutrogena Rapid Clear
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Replace if pads become dry or discolored.
Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep jar tightly closed to prevent pads from drying out.
Screw-top plastic jar with 90 pre-soaked circular pads (5.56 cm diameter each).
Yes, TSA compliant. Compact jar size fits easily in carry-on luggage. Seal tightly to prevent leakage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution during pregnancy. The product contains 1.9% salicylic acid. While topical salicylic acid at concentrations of 2% or less is generally considered low risk by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, it's best to consult your healthcare provider before use. For breastfeeding, it's considered safe for topical facial use as it's unlikely to be absorbed in significant amounts into breastmilk. Avoid applying to areas that may contact your baby.
Yes! This product is fungal acne safe. It does not contain oils, fatty acids, ferments, polysorbates, or esters that feed malassezia yeast. The oil-free, silicone-free formula makes it a suitable choice for those with pityrosporum folliculitis or fungal acne.
Since this product contains salicylic acid (a BHA), combining it with other exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA) or retinol may cause over-exfoliation, leading to irritation, dryness, or sensitivity. If you want to use multiple actives, alternate them on different days or use one in the morning and one at night. Vitamin C can generally be used in the same routine, but wait a few minutes between applications. Always introduce new combinations gradually.
These pads are best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. The oil-controlling and pore-clearing formula works exceptionally well for those who struggle with excess sebum, blackheads, and frequent breakouts. Those with dry or sensitive skin should use with caution due to the alcohol content, or consider alcohol-free alternatives like Stridex.
Most users notice reduced oiliness and a cleaner feeling immediately after use. Visible acne improvement typically begins within 2-3 weeks of consistent daily use. Significant results, including fewer breakouts and clearer pores, are usually seen after 4-6 weeks. Some users may experience initial purging (temporary increase in small breakouts) during the first 1-2 weeks as pores are cleared.
Use the treatment pads immediately after cleansing on dry skin. They replace the toner step in your routine or can be used as a cleansing/treating step. After the product has dried (1-2 minutes), continue with your serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). Always apply sunscreen during the day as salicylic acid may increase sun sensitivity.
No, this product is non-comedogenic with a rating of 0/5. It's oil-free, silicone-free, and specifically designed to unclog pores rather than block them. The salicylic acid actively works to dissolve the debris inside pores, making it an excellent choice for those prone to clogged pores and blackheads.
The product is best used within 12 months after opening. To maximize shelf life, always keep the jar tightly sealed when not in use to prevent the pads from drying out. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If pads become dry, lose their moisture, or develop an unusual odor, it's time to replace them.
Verdict: Clearasil Stubborn Acne Control 5in1 Daily Pads deliver solid performance for oily and acne-prone skin at an affordable drugstore price. The 1.9% salicylic acid effectively targets multiple acne concerns, while soothing ingredients like aloe and allantoin help minimize irritation. The fungal acne-safe, non-comedogenic formula is a major plus. However, the alcohol content and fragrance may not suit everyone, particularly those with dry or sensitive skin. For an alcohol-free alternative with similar results, consider Stridex Maximum Strength pads. Overall, this is a reliable, convenient option for daily acne maintenance that works well for most oily and combination skin types.
Product Overview
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Alcohol Denat.
|
|
|
| 0 |
Isoceteth-20
|
|
|
| 0 |
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Hydroxide
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Denaturant, Buffering
|
|
|
| 5 |
Triethanolamine
Masking, Surfactant, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Buffering
|
|



