Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Seal-to-Clear

Bottom Line

Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Seal-to-Clear is a spot treatment designed to treat and protect individual blemishes. It forms a protective barrier around pimples while it treats them with salicylic acid. Unfortunately, the formula contains a high percentage of alcohol, which can be very drying. Experts say you are better off with an all-over treatment like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (*Est. $40 for 1.35 oz.) .

Performance

The jury is still out. Both Good Housekeeping and Prevention magazine recommend Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Seal-to-Clear for its salicylic acid content -- it contains 2 percent of the acne-fighting ingredient. Editors also praise the "invisible protective film" this formula creates to protect blemishes, although neither magazine has actually tested the formula. Paula Begoun, on the other hand, says the pH of the formula renders the salicylic acid ineffective. Furthermore, she adds that it contains a high amount of alcohol. She points out that "alcohol in skin-care products causes dryness and free-radical damage, and impairs the skin's ability to heal." Furthermore, it stimulates oil production. Unfortunately, there aren't enough reviews of this formula to determine its effectiveness, and there aren't enough user reviews -- we found less than five -- to be of much use.

Feel and Smell

Dries out pimples and the rest of skin. Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Seal-to-Clear is very drying, due to its high alcohol content. We didn't find any reviews that mention its feel and smell in any further detail.