Mary Kay zits remedy in all probability isn’t the very first thing you consider while you’re coping with breakouts. For most individuals, it’s all Proactiv this, The Atypical that, however Mary Kay? Little bit of a wildcard. And but, their Clear Proof® vary is a full routine: cleanser, toner, spot gel, moisturizer, and a charcoal masks that appears prefer it means enterprise. It’s acquired every little thing you’d count on in an zits system worthy of your consideration, however does it really assist, or is it simply one other nice-sounding set that doesn’t actually do a lot? That’s what we’re entering into at present. I’ll stroll you thru all 5 Mary Kay merchandise: what they’re speculated to do, what’s really in them, and whether or not they’re price your time, cash, or rest room shelf area. Let’s go.
Mary Kay Clear Proof® Clarifying Cleaning Gel ($20.00)
Step one within the zits system step, this one’s your traditional foaming cleanser, the type that offers you that squeaky-clean feeling and makes you suppose, “yep, this should be doing one thing”. The principle cleaning agent is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, which is robust, slightly harsh, and actually higher for shiny or tremendous acne-prone pores and skin than something on the dry or delicate facet. It additionally has Cocamidopropyl Betaine to buffer issues out a bit and a few glycerin to cease your pores and skin from completely drying out, however make no mistake: this can be a “strip all of it off” sort of cleanser. That is the form of system that works greatest in a constant program, particularly if you happen to’re making an attempt to regulate shine and scale back the variety of blackheads forming from clogged pores. Should you’re tremendous oily and need a foamy, no-nonsense face wash that makes your pores and skin really feel clean-clean, this might work. But when your pores and skin leans dry, tight, or reactive? Is likely to be a bit a lot.
Key components: Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine.
Advantages: Cleanses pores and skin properly.
Cons: Could also be irritating for delicate pores and skin.
Pores and skin sort: Oily, mixture, and acne-prone.
Perfume-free: Sure.
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Mary Kay Clear Proof® Blemish Management Toner ($18.00)
Mary Kay Clear Proof® Blemish Management Toner is mainly salicylic acid in a really further outfit. It’s acquired the proper focus (2% salicylic acid), which is nice for eradicating the buildup of lifeless pores and skin cells, clearing out clogged pores, combating blackheads, and protecting breakouts in test. However then it’s paired with menthol, eucalyptus oil, and alcohol denat, aka the three horsemen of irritation in case your pores and skin is even barely delicate. You get that prompt cooling, tingly feeling, however that’s not your zits disappearing. That’s your pores and skin barrier quietly screaming. Truthfully, the salicylic acid would work higher in a gentler, leave-on system with out all of the theatrics. Toners like this aren’t crucial in a routine anymore, particularly when there are higher, much less drying methods to exfoliate. You’re higher off utilizing a correct salicylic acid serum or gel that does the job with out annoying your pores and skin within the course of.
Key components: 2% salicylic acid.
Advantages: Simple removing of lifeless pores and skin cells to maintain pores clear (this each treats and prevents breakouts).
Cons: Excessive irritating potential.
Pores and skin sort: I don’t suggest this product to anybody.
Perfume-free: Sure.
Associated: Is Salicylic Acid The Best Exfoliant For Acne-Prone Skin?
Mary Kay Clear Proof® Zits Remedy Gel ($14.00)
This one’s doing the heavy lifting within the routine. The Mary Kay Clear Proof® Zits Remedy Gel makes use of 5% benzoyl peroxide, which is a gold-standard topical zits remedy. It really works by killing the micro organism that trigger breakouts and helps scale back irritation too. The 5% energy is stable: robust sufficient to work, however not so intense that it’ll soften your face off (so long as you don’t overdo it). That stated, benzoyl peroxide could cause extreme drying of the pores and skin, so that is undoubtedly one thing to ease into, particularly in case your pores and skin isn’t used to it. FYI, use solely on energetic ance, by no means on the entire face. The remainder of the system is… positive. It’s stuffed with calming-sounding plant extracts like echinacea purpurea extract, cucumis sativus (cucumber), and aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut), however actually, they’re not going to do a lot in opposition to the potential dryness or irritation from the energetic. There’s glycerin for a little bit of hydration and silica to provide it that easy, matte end, however total, this can be a fairly primary automobile for the benzoyl peroxide. Which is okay. That’s the purpose. Simply moisturize properly and don’t layer this with different harsh actives until you need your pores and skin to revolt.
Key components: 5% Benzoyl Peroxide
Advantages: Incorporates efficient acne-fighting components that scale back the variety of p. acnes micro organism for clearer pores and skin.
Cons: May be irritating and trigger bothersome dryness (use it solely on your entire affected space and nowhere else). A skinny layer is sufficient.
Pores and skin sort: Zits-prone.
Perfume-free: Sure.
Associated: Salicylic Acid VS Benzoyl Peroxide: Which One Is Better At Treating Acne?
The Mary Kay Clear Proof® Oil-Free Moisturizer ($22.00)
The Mary Kay Clear Proof® Oil-Free Moisturizer is a type of moisturizers that sounds fancier than it really is. The primary 5 components aren’t precisely the hydrating heroes you’d hope for. It’s principally emollients and texture brokers, with no actual humectant motion taking place up entrance. So if you happen to’re anticipating that light-but-hydrating really feel most oil-free moisturizers intention for, this one may come off extra like a bland lotion that sits on high of your pores and skin. To be honest, it does have some good issues additional down – niacinamide, glycerin, vitamin E, even pumpkin extract and reishi, that are cool on paper however too far down the listing to do a lot for any vital discount in dryness. It’s not greasy, doesn’t clog pores, and performs positive with te remainder of the zits system set, so it gained’t break your routine. But it surely’s additionally not going to save lots of your pores and skin barrier both. Mainly: it’s inoffensive, however there are higher moisturizers on the market for acne-prone pores and skin that really hydrate and soothe with out counting on filler.
Key components: Niacinamide, glycerin.
Advantages: Makes pores and skin softer and smoother.
Cons: Primary system, not very moisturising.
Pores and skin sort: Oily, mixture, and acne-prone.
Perfume-free: Sure.
Associated: What Are The Best Oil-Free Moisturisers For Oily Skin?
Mary Kay Clear Proof® Deep-Cleaning Charcoal Masks ($26.00)
The Mary Kay Clear Proof® Deep-Cleaning Charcoal Masks is your typical clay-meets-charcoal state of affairs: kaolin, bentonite, and charcoal powder do the oil-absorbing heavy lifting, and there’s some glycerin in there to maintain it from feeling like a complete desert in your face. To date, so good. However then the peppermint parade begins. Peppermint, spearmint, rosemary: this factor is mainly aromatherapy in your T-zone. And whereas that cooling, tingly feeling may seem to be it’s “working,” it’s actually simply menthol doing its dramatic little present. In case your pores and skin’s delicate, this might completely backfire. Past the mint insanity, there’s additionally a touch of salicylic acid, which is good in principle, however it’s buried deep within the listing, so don’t count on a robust exfoliating impact. There are some calming components like bisabolol and honeysuckle, however once more, they’re not sufficient to offset all that fragrance-y, plant extract chaos. In case your pores and skin can’t deal with that stage of stimulation, cease use. You’ll be able to’t get an efficient routine from one thing that irritates greater than it treats. Total, it’s a enjoyable masks if you happen to love the sensation of being slapped with minty clay and wish one thing to absorb oil for 10 minutes, however the mixture of those components doesn’t make it the perfect choose in case your pores and skin is even barely reactive.
Key components: Kaolin, bentonite, and charcoal powder
Advantages: Absorbs extra oil, which in flip retains pores clear and may at bay.
Cons: Excessive irritating potential (thanks mint!).
Pores and skin sort: Oily, mixture, and acne-prone.
Perfume-free: Sure.
Availability
Your complete system collectively is offered on the Mary Kay website. You should purchase the set or the merchandise individually.
The Verdict: What’s Value It (and What’s Not)
Mary Kay zits remedy is an efficient routine for zits, however that doesn’t imply it is best to use it. The Clear Proof Zits System has what it takes to deal with current zits and stop future zits… at a price: irritation. If you would like simply quick outcomes… okay, however I nonetheless would;dn’t suggest your entire system.
Out of the entire Mary Kay zits remedy lineup, the true standout is the Zits Remedy Gel. The 5% benzoyl peroxide is stable, efficient, and the system doesn’t attempt to be something it’s not. It’s easy, does the job, and if you happen to’re coping with offended breakouts, that is the one price grabbing.
The Clarifying Cleaning Gel is okay in case your pores and skin is on the oily facet and you want that stripped, super-clean feeling. It’s not mild, however it works – and it pairs properly with robust actives like BP or tret. Simply don’t count on it to be variety to your pores and skin barrier.
The Oil-Free Moisturizer and Charcoal Masks? Meh. The moisturizer is forgettable: hydrating sufficient to get by, however nothing particular. The masks is method too minty and over-scented to be helpful for anybody with even barely delicate pores and skin. As for the Blemish Management Toner, it’s a no. You will get salicylic acid with out all of the irritating components, and also you completely don’t want menthol or eucalyptus in a product that’s speculated to calm breakouts.
So if you happen to’re trying to attempt one thing from this line, go for the Zits Remedy Gel. The remaining? Not horrible, however not price going out of your method for.
About Gio
Hello, I am Gio. I am a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is pores and skin coach and author on a mission that can assist you obtain your greatest pores and skin day ever – daily. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising and marketing jargon that can assist you work out what’s well worth the splurge and what’s greatest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally supply skincare consultations that can assist you create the perfect skincare routine in your distinctive wants.
