Couldn't load pickup availability
Face Reality® Active Clarity Gel Cleanser
Face Reality® Active Clarity Gel Cleanser is an advanced, professional-grade treatment cleanser specifically developed for oily, blemish-prone, and congested skin. This innovative dual-action formula combines 2% Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid, and prebiotic-supporting ingredients to deeply cleanse pores, remove excess oil, gently exfoliate, and improve the appearance of breakouts without unnecessarily stripping the skin.
Unlike traditional facial cleansers that focus primarily on removing dirt, makeup, and surface impurities, Active Clarity Gel Cleanser incorporates targeted exfoliating ingredients to address the buildup of oil and dead surface skin cells associated with clogged pores and blemishes.
At the heart of the formula is 2% Salicylic Acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) widely recognized for its effectiveness in blemish-prone skincare. Because salicylic acid is oil-soluble, it can work within the pore environment to help loosen accumulated debris, reduce congestion, and support clearer-looking skin.
The formula also features Glycolic Acid and Malic Acid, two alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that help exfoliate accumulated dead surface skin cells, refine uneven texture, and promote a smoother, more radiant complexion.
To balance these exfoliating ingredients, Face Reality incorporates a carefully selected blend of Glycerin, Panthenol, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Centella Asiatica, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, and moisture-supporting sugar derivatives. These ingredients help maintain hydration and skin comfort during cleansing.
The result is a sophisticated gel-to-foam cleanser that provides a deeper cleansing experience while helping the skin feel refreshed, purified, smoother, and comfortably clean.
Whether used as part of a comprehensive professional skincare regimen, after a workout, or whenever skin feels especially oily or congested, Active Clarity Gel Cleanser offers an effective approach to daily skin clarification.
Recommended For: Oily, Combination, Congested, and Blemish-Prone Skin
Key Active Ingredient: 2% Salicylic Acid
Key Benefits
-
Deeply cleanses oily and blemish-prone skin -
Contains 2% Salicylic Acid -
Helps unclog congested pores -
Helps clear and prevent acne blemishes -
Removes excess surface oil -
Helps minimize unwanted shine -
Gently exfoliates accumulated dead surface cells -
Combines BHA and AHA exfoliation -
Helps refine rough and uneven texture -
Improves the appearance of enlarged pores -
Supports clearer-looking skin -
Helps minimize the appearance of breakouts -
Contains prebiotic-supporting ingredients -
Helps maintain skin hydration -
Features soothing botanical ingredients -
Supports skin comfort during cleansing -
Produces a light foaming lather -
Suitable for face and body -
Excellent for post-workout cleansing -
Can be used daily by especially oily skin types, as tolerated -
Integrates into the Face Reality Clear Skin Method™
Key Ingredients & Technologies
Salicylic Acid — 2%
Beta Hydroxy Acid + Pore-Clarifying Acne Treatment
Salicylic Acid is the primary active ingredient in Active Clarity Gel Cleanser.
At a concentration of 2%, this beta hydroxy acid helps address acne blemishes and the buildup of oil and dead surface cells associated with congested pores.
Unlike water-soluble alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, making it particularly well suited for oily and blemish-prone skin.
It helps exfoliate within the pore environment, loosening accumulated material that can contribute to visible congestion.
This makes it especially beneficial for individuals experiencing blackheads, clogged pores, excess oil, and recurring blemishes.
Benefits:
-
Helps clear acne blemishes -
Supports clearer-looking pores -
Helps reduce pore congestion -
Exfoliates accumulated dead surface cells -
Supports oily and blemish-prone skin -
Helps improve uneven texture -
Complements a comprehensive acne skincare regimen
Glycolic Acid
Alpha Hydroxy Acid + Surface Resurfacing
Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that helps loosen the bonds between accumulated dead surface skin cells.
Within Active Clarity Gel Cleanser, it complements Salicylic Acid by focusing on surface exfoliation and texture refinement.
While Salicylic Acid is particularly valuable for pore congestion, Glycolic Acid helps improve the appearance of dullness and rough surface texture.
Benefits:
-
Supports gentle surface exfoliation -
Helps refine rough texture -
Promotes smoother-looking skin -
Helps improve visible dullness -
Supports a more even-looking complexion -
Complements Salicylic Acid
Malic Acid
AHA + Texture-Refining Support
Malic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid naturally found in certain fruits, including apples.
It contributes to the formula's exfoliating system and helps support a smoother-looking skin surface.
Combined with Glycolic Acid, it provides complementary AHA activity within the cleanser.
Benefits:
-
Supports surface exfoliation -
Helps improve uneven texture -
Promotes smoother-looking skin -
Supports visible radiance -
Complements Glycolic Acid -
Helps maintain a refined-looking complexion
Prebiotic Moisture-Supporting Complex
Xylitol + Xylitylglucoside + Anhydroxylitol
Active Clarity Gel Cleanser contains a combination of Xylitol, Xylitylglucoside, and Anhydroxylitol, sugar-derived ingredients associated with hydration and skin conditioning.
These ingredients complement the cleanser's exfoliating activity by helping maintain moisture balance and skin comfort.
They also support the formula's approach to maintaining skin integrity over time.
Benefits:
-
Support moisture retention -
Help maintain skin comfort -
Provide skin-conditioning benefits -
Complement the formula's prebiotic positioning -
Support a balanced cleansing experience -
Help reduce the feeling of dryness
Glycerin
Humectant + Hydration Support
Glycerin is a widely used humectant that helps attract and retain water.
In a treatment cleanser containing exfoliating acids, glycerin plays an important role in supporting skin hydration and reducing the feeling of tightness after cleansing.
Benefits:
-
Helps maintain hydration -
Supports moisture retention -
Helps reduce post-cleansing dryness -
Supports skin softness -
Improves skin comfort -
Complements exfoliating ingredients
Panthenol
Provitamin B5 + Barrier Support
Panthenol, also known as Provitamin B5, is a moisturizing and skin-conditioning ingredient recognized for its soothing properties.
It helps support the skin's moisture barrier and maintain comfort.
Benefits:
-
Supports hydration -
Helps maintain barrier function -
Soothes the feeling of dryness -
Supports skin comfort -
Complements the cleansing and exfoliating system
Allantoin
Soothing + Skin Conditioning
Allantoin is a gentle skin-conditioning ingredient frequently used in products formulated for sensitive or stressed skin.
Its inclusion helps balance the cleansing and exfoliating ingredients.
Benefits:
-
Helps soothe the skin -
Supports skin comfort -
Provides conditioning benefits -
Helps reduce the feeling of tightness -
Complements Panthenol and Bisabolol
Bisabolol
Botanical-Derived Soothing Support
Bisabolol is a skin-soothing ingredient commonly associated with chamomile.
It helps maintain comfort and supports skin experiencing temporary visible stress.
Benefits:
-
Provides soothing support -
Helps maintain skin comfort -
Supports a calmer-looking complexion -
Complements Allantoin and Panthenol -
Helps balance exfoliating activity
Centella Asiatica Extract
Botanical Skin Comfort + Conditioning
Centella Asiatica, often called Gotu Kola, is a botanical extract valued for its skin-conditioning and soothing properties.
It is frequently incorporated into formulations designed to support stressed or sensitive skin.
Benefits:
-
Supports skin comfort -
Provides botanical conditioning benefits -
Helps maintain a healthier-looking complexion -
Complements the formula's soothing ingredients -
Supports skin resilience
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Moisture Conditioning + Skin Softness
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters are jojoba-derived ingredients that help condition the skin and maintain softness.
They complement the formula's hydrating and soothing ingredients.
Benefits:
-
Support skin softness -
Provide conditioning benefits -
Help maintain moisture balance -
Support skin comfort -
Complement Glycerin and Panthenol
Apple Fruit Extracts
Botanical Skin Conditioning
The formula contains extracts derived from Pyrus Malus and Malus Domestica, botanical sources associated with apple.
These ingredients contribute to the cleanser's skin-conditioning profile.
Benefits:
-
Provide botanical conditioning support -
Complement the formula's texture-refining ingredients -
Support healthier-looking skin -
Contribute to the overall skincare formulation
Cleanse + Clarify + Exfoliate + Balance
Active Clarity Gel Cleanser takes a four-part approach to improving the appearance of oily and blemish-prone skin.
CLEANSE
A carefully selected surfactant system helps remove excess oil, surface debris, and impurities while producing a light foaming lather.
CLARIFY
2% Salicylic Acid helps address acne blemishes and pore congestion, making it especially beneficial for oily and blemish-prone skin.
EXFOLIATE
Glycolic Acid and Malic Acid help refine rough surface texture and improve the appearance of dullness.
BALANCE
Glycerin, Panthenol, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Centella Asiatica, and sugar-derived moisturizing ingredients help maintain hydration and skin comfort.
Together, these ingredients help leave skin feeling deeply cleansed, refreshed, smoother, and less oily without an unnecessarily stripped sensation.
Consumer Study
Face Reality evaluated Active Clarity Gel Cleanser in a two-week consumer study involving 34 participants who used the cleanser twice daily in place of their usual facial cleanser.
The manufacturer reported the following results:
100% — Deep Cleansing
100% of participants reported that their skin felt deeply cleansed.
100% — Reduced Excess Oil
100% of participants reported noticing a reduction in excess surface oil.
91% — Improved Appearance of Breakouts
91% of participants reported that their breakouts appeared minimized.
82% — Comfortable Cleansing
82% of participants reported that their skin felt clean without feeling stripped.
These results highlight the formula's approach to combining effective cleansing and exfoliation with ingredients that help maintain skin comfort.
Results are based on a manufacturer-sponsored, two-week consumer study of 34 panelists using the product twice daily. Findings reflect subjective participant assessments rather than independently verified clinical measurements. Individual results may vary.
How to Use
Active Clarity Gel Cleanser can be used as part of a daily skincare routine or whenever skin needs a deeper cleanse.
-
Wet Skin: Begin with damp skin using lukewarm water.
-
Apply Cleanser: Dispense a dime-sized amount of Active Clarity Gel Cleanser into your hands.
-
Lather: Gently massage onto the face, creating a light foaming lather.
-
Cleanse: Work the cleanser across oily or congested areas without aggressive rubbing or scrubbing.
-
Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with tepid water.
-
Pat Dry: Gently pat the skin dry using a clean towel.
-
Follow With Skincare: Apply your recommended hydrating products, acne treatments, and moisturizer.
Frequency: Face Reality recommends daily use for especially oily skin. Individuals with normal, combination, dry, or sensitive skin may benefit from using it less frequently.
Professional Tip: Because this formula contains 2% Salicylic Acid and additional exfoliating acids, begin gradually if your skin is not accustomed to active cleansers. Adjust frequency based on dryness, sensitivity, and the other treatments in your regimen.
Avoid contact with the eyes. If irritation develops, reduce frequency or discontinue use and consult your skincare professional.
Where It Fits in Your Routine
Morning Routine
-
Face Reality Active Clarity Gel Cleanser
-
Hydrating Serum or Toner
-
Targeted Acne Treatment, if recommended
-
Lightweight Moisturizer
-
Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+
Evening Routine
-
Gentle First Cleanse, if needed to remove makeup or sunscreen
-
Face Reality Active Clarity Gel Cleanser
-
Hydrating Serum
-
Targeted Acne Treatment, if recommended
-
Moisturizer
After a Workout
Active Clarity Gel Cleanser is also an excellent option for cleansing after exercise, particularly when skin feels oily or congested.
It can be used on the face and body, making it useful for areas such as the chest, shoulders, and back.
Important: When using prescription acne treatments, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or leave-on exfoliating acids, consult your skincare professional about the appropriate cleansing frequency to avoid excessive dryness.
Ideal For
-
Oily skin
-
Combination skin
-
Blemish-prone skin
-
Acne-prone skin
-
Blackheads
-
Congested pores
-
Enlarged-looking pores
-
Excess surface oil
-
Unwanted facial shine
-
Rough or uneven texture
-
Dull or lackluster skin
-
Skin experiencing surface buildup
-
Post-workout cleansing
-
Body blemishes
-
Chest and back congestion
-
Clients seeking a treatment-based facial cleanser
-
Individuals incorporating the Face Reality Clear Skin Method™
-
Clients who want a deeper cleanse without relying on abrasive scrubs
Professional Insight
One of the most important decisions in an effective acne-focused skincare routine is choosing the right cleanser for the skin's current condition.
Many clients assume that all cleansers perform essentially the same function.
They remove dirt, oil, and makeup, and then the treatment products do the rest.
But for oily and blemish-prone skin, a thoughtfully formulated cleanser can provide benefits beyond basic cleansing.
That's what makes Face Reality Active Clarity Gel Cleanser particularly interesting.
It combines a professional-strength 2% Salicylic Acid treatment with additional exfoliating ingredients, allowing the cleansing step to help address excess oil, visible congestion, and rough texture.
At the same time, the formula includes ingredients intended to support hydration and skin comfort.
This is an important distinction because blemish-prone skin can still become dehydrated.
In fact, one of the most common mistakes people make when trying to improve breakouts is using too many drying products at once.
A cleanser that leaves the skin feeling excessively tight isn't necessarily working better.
The goal is to remove excess oil and accumulated debris while maintaining enough moisture for the skin to remain comfortable.
Why 2% Salicylic Acid Matters
Salicylic Acid is one of the most recognized ingredients in acne skincare.
As a beta hydroxy acid, it is particularly useful for oily skin because it is oil-soluble.
This allows it to work within the pore environment, helping loosen accumulated dead skin cells and excess sebum.
When pores become congested, they may appear enlarged or develop visible blackheads and blemishes.
Salicylic Acid helps address this buildup.
At 2% concentration, Active Clarity Gel Cleanser provides a targeted acne-treatment ingredient in a rinse-off cleansing formula.
This is especially beneficial for clients who want their cleanser to do more than remove surface impurities.
However, the effectiveness of a skincare routine depends on the entire regimen, not simply the strength of one ingredient.
For some clients, a salicylic acid cleanser is an excellent daily foundation.
For others, particularly those with dry or reactive skin, a gentler cleanser may be more appropriate.
The Advantage of Combining BHA and AHAs
One of the distinguishing features of Active Clarity Gel Cleanser is its combination of Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Malic Acid.
These ingredients provide complementary exfoliating benefits.
Salicylic Acid — BHA
Helps address oil-related pore congestion and acne blemishes.
Glycolic Acid — AHA
Helps exfoliate accumulated surface cells and improve the appearance of rough texture.
Malic Acid — AHA
Provides additional surface-exfoliating support to help promote smoother-looking skin.
Together, these ingredients address both the pore environment and the skin's visible surface.
The result is a comprehensive cleansing approach for skin experiencing excess oil, roughness, and congestion.
Because this is a rinse-off product, its exfoliating effects may differ from those of a leave-on acid treatment.
Deep Cleansing Without Over-Stripping
Oily skin often requires effective cleansing, but that doesn't mean it should be stripped of its natural moisture.
Excessive cleansing can contribute to:
Dryness.
Tightness.
Flaking.
Discomfort.
A compromised moisture barrier.
Active Clarity Gel Cleanser incorporates several ingredients intended to support skin comfort.
Glycerin helps attract moisture.
Panthenol provides moisturizing and conditioning benefits.
Allantoin supports skin comfort.
Bisabolol helps soothe the skin.
Centella Asiatica provides botanical conditioning support.
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters help maintain skin softness.
The formula also contains sugar-derived moisturizing ingredients that complement its cleansing and exfoliating activity.
This balance is important because a consistent skincare routine should be both effective and tolerable.
An Excellent Option for Body Blemishes
Although many people associate acne-focused skincare with the face, blemishes and congestion can also occur on the body.
Common areas include:
Chest.
Shoulders.
Upper back.
Neck.
These areas can experience excess oil, sweat, and accumulated surface debris.
Face Reality identifies Active Clarity Gel Cleanser as suitable for both face and body use.
For clients experiencing body blemishes, it can be incorporated into a shower routine to help cleanse oily or congested areas.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing, particularly when blemishes are inflamed or sensitive.
For persistent or severe body acne, professional evaluation may be necessary.
Active Clarity Gel Cleanser vs. Ultra Gentle Gel Cleanser
Both products are part of the Face Reality cleansing collection, but they serve different purposes.
| Feature | Active Clarity Gel Cleanser | Ultra Gentle Gel Cleanser |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Deep cleansing, acne treatment, exfoliation | Gentle everyday cleansing |
| Salicylic Acid | 2% | No |
| AHA exfoliation | Glycolic + Malic Acids | No |
| Best suited for | Oily, congested, blemish-prone skin | Broad range of skin types |
| Texture | Light foaming gel | Gentle gel cleanser |
| Exfoliating action | Yes | Not a primary function |
| Face and body use | Yes | Yes |
| Frequency | Based on skin tolerance | Generally suitable for daily cleansing |
Professional Recommendation: Choose Active Clarity Gel Cleanser when the primary concerns are excess oil, clogged pores, acne blemishes, and rough texture.
Choose Ultra Gentle Gel Cleanser when the priority is gentle cleansing without additional exfoliating acids.
Some clients may benefit from alternating between the two based on skin condition and treatment intensity.
Active Clarity vs. Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser
Face Reality also offers Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser, which provides a different cleansing experience.
Active Clarity Gel Cleanser is designed for deeper cleansing, exfoliation, and oil-related congestion.
Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser focuses on gentle cleansing, hydration, and moisture barrier support.
For clients wearing makeup or sunscreen, Barrier Balance can serve as an initial cleansing step, followed by Active Clarity when a deeper cleanse is appropriate.
This combination allows the first cleanse to remove surface products while the second cleanser addresses oil and congestion.
However, double cleansing isn't necessary for everyone. The appropriate approach depends on skin type, product use, and sensitivity.
Part of the Face Reality Clear Skin Method™
Face Reality is known for its professional approach to managing acne-prone skin through customized skincare routines.
The Clear Skin Method™ emphasizes selecting products based on the individual's skin type, acne concerns, sensitivity, and treatment needs.
Active Clarity Gel Cleanser can serve as a foundational cleansing step within this approach.
Its combination of 2% Salicylic Acid, AHAs, and hydrating ingredients makes it particularly appropriate for clients who need additional oil control and pore-focused cleansing.
However, acne skincare is not one-size-fits-all.
The ideal cleansing frequency and combination of products should reflect the skin's current condition and overall treatment plan.
Professional Recommendation
We particularly recommend Face Reality® Active Clarity Gel Cleanser for clients experiencing oily skin, clogged pores, visible congestion, recurring blemishes, and uneven texture.
It's especially appealing for individuals who want their cleanser to provide targeted acne-focused benefits rather than simply remove surface impurities.
The combination of 2% Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid, and moisturizing and soothing ingredients makes this a versatile treatment cleanser for both facial and body use.
For especially oily skin, daily cleansing may be appropriate. For skin that becomes dry or sensitive easily, less frequent use may provide a better balance.
As with any acne-focused regimen, maintaining hydration and using sunscreen consistently are important.
Formulation Highlights
-
2% Salicylic Acid — Active Acne Treatment -
Glycolic Acid — AHA -
Malic Acid — AHA -
Dual-Action BHA + AHA Exfoliation -
Prebiotic-Supporting Ingredients -
Xylitol -
Xylitylglucoside -
Anhydroxylitol -
Glycerin -
Panthenol — Provitamin B5 -
Allantoin -
Bisabolol -
Centella Asiatica Extract -
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters -
Apple Fruit Extracts -
Vitamin E — Tocopheryl Acetate -
Pore-Clarifying Benefits -
Helps Clear Acne Blemishes -
Removes Excess Surface Oil -
Helps Refine Rough Texture -
Supports Skin Hydration -
Light Foaming Gel Formula -
Suitable for Face + Body -
Excellent for Post-Workout Cleansing -
Developed for Oily + Blemish-Prone Skin -
Two-Week Consumer Study -
Professional-Grade Face Reality Formula -
Compatible With Customized Acne Skincare Routines
Full Ingredient List
Active Ingredient: Salicylic Acid 2%
Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Glycolic Acid, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Acacia Senegal Gum, Malic Acid, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xylitol, Panthenol, Bisabolol, Xylitylglucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, Allantoin, Anhydroxylitol, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Decyl Glucoside, Propanediol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Caprylic Acid, Diisopropyl Adipate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Triethyl Citrate, Citric Acid.
Ingredient lists may change. Always refer to the product packaging for the most current information.
Face Reality® Active Clarity Gel Cleanser combines 2% Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid, and moisture-supporting ingredients to deliver a professional-grade cleansing experience for oily, congested, and blemish-prone skin.
Designed to address both surface buildup and pore congestion, this dual-action cleanser helps improve visible skin clarity, reduce excess oil, refine rough texture, and maintain a comfortable cleansing experience.
Deeply cleanse. Clarify congested pores. Refine texture. Reveal fresher, clearer-looking skin.

You may also like
SIV - Biome Balancing Serum
SIV® Biome Balancing Serum is an innovative, microbiome-first treatment designed to restore balance to...
AO2 SKIN - AO2 Clear (4 Pack)
AO2 Skin - AO2 Clear ★★★★★ 4.8 - Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars...
HYDRINITY - PRELUDE Facial Treatment Cleanser (6 oz) - Available in Deluxe Travel Size
Hydrinity - PRELUDE Facial Treatment Cleanser ★★★★★ 4.8 - Rated 4.8 out of 5...
ANFISA SKIN - ÂN-DEW 10% Azelaic Acid + PHA Serum (1.7 oz) - Available in Deluxe Travel Size
ANFISA SKIN - ÂN-DEW 10% Azelaic Acid + PHA Serum ★★★★★ 4.9 - Rated...
GLYMED PLUS - Mattifying Sulfur Masque (4 oz - 118 ml)
GLYMED PLUS - Mattifying Sulfur Masque ★★★★★ 5.0 - Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars...
FACE REALITY - hydraBalance Gel (1.7 oz)
Face Reality - hydraBalance Gel ★★★★☆ 4.42 - Rated 4.42 out of 5 stars •...










