Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser

Cleanses, clears pores and treats acne—even after rinsing—leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean 


  • Helps dissolve excess oil, purify pores, and clear and prevent future breakouts
  • Two types of salicylic acid treats acne immediately and over time
SKU: 15394
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Continuous treatment for breakouts well beyond rinse-off

Details

The ultimate gel cleanser that helps dissolve excess oil, purify pores, clear acne-causing bacteria, and treat existing blemishes while preventing new acne breakouts. Murad's Clarifying Cleanser is formulated with two types of salicylic acid—a free form that starts to unclog pores immediately and an encapsulated form that continues sloughing off dead skin cells even after rinsing. Green tea extract helps soothe and calm irritation for clear, healthy skin. In a 3-day clinical study, 97% said our acne face wash dissolves excess oil, 94% said it deeply cleanses skin, 88% said it improves skin's overall appearance and 85% said it leaves pores feeling clean of impurities. Our acne cleanser is perfect for oily skin with visible shine. It effectively clears acne while preserving the skin barrier.

*With acne regimen and daily use.

Which skin type is it good for?
  • Oily·
  • Combination·
  • Sensitive
  • 9297-Acne Global Kit-Front View-v2
  • Get Over Zit Kit right-view-2-new
Results

Untouched real results

In a 3-day clinical study:​

• 97% said it dissolves excess oil*

​• 94% said it deeply cleanses skin*​

• 88% said it improves skin’s overall appearance*​

• 85% said it leaves pores feeling clean of impurities*


*When used as part of the Murad Acne Control regimen

Ingredients

Expert, science-backed ingredients and patented technologies

How-To

To Use: AM and PM

  • Step 1

    Massage a small amount of your new acne control cleanser over dampened face and neck. Rinse with warm water and pat dry

  • Step 2

    Follow with a Murad sunscreen during the day

  • Rapid Relief Sulfur Mask How-To Step 3

    Step 3

    At night, follow with Clarifying Water Gel

Clarifying-Cleanser-03-Dr_s-Note
DOCTOR'S NOTE

The salicylic acid in Clarifying Cleanser continues to treat well beyond your cleanse because we encapsulated it in spheres that adhere to skin to survive rinse off

Overall rating: 4.850374 / 5 from 1203 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser is praised for its ability to clear acne, reduce breakouts, and leave skin feeling clean and refreshed. Customers appreciate the noticeable difference in their skin's appearance and the immediate results it provides. The cleanser is also noted for its great smell and the positive impact it has on skin texture and overall health.

Summary topics

  • Skin Cleansing: 14%
  • Noticeable Skin Improvement: 4%
  • Effectiveness in Acne Treatment: 4%
  • Reduction in Breakouts: 6%
  • Skin Feel: 31%

Review topics: [size, ingredients, quality, issues, fragrance, feels, value, shipping, improvement, husband, texture, lines, spots, amount, residue, price, glow, consistency, skin, buy, formula, bottle, face, use, acne, breakouts, pores, difference, looks, pimples].

Review highlights

  • "My skin feels so clean and smooth after I rinse and I saw immediate results just overnight"Marie
  • "My skin feels super clean but not squeaky clean or dry...its just right."Lindsay
  • "My face feels clean and it helps calm breakouts."Gabi R.

Reviews

Tried and true

"Murad Clarifying Cleanser has honestly been one of the easier skincare products for me to stick with as a guy who normally struggles with skincare routines. The consistency is really good — not too thick or watery — and it lathers/suds up well so it actually feels like it’s cleaning your face thoroughly. Leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean without feeling overly stripped or dry afterward. Simple, effective, and easy to use consistently."

Joshua S. (5/5)

Saved my skin When I TURNED 30

"I am now 46 years old and I dont look it. . however unfortunately , I still get breakouts, only during my menstrual and I hate it. I use this to maintain my skin, never has acne, just sometimes my skin breakout from hormones. I don allow people HENCE MALES to ever ever never touch my face!!! USE THIS LADIES. leaving your face feeling clean and amazing!"

Vickie B. (5/5)

I love this product. I

"I love this product. I have been using it for 15 years and my skin is clear and healthy. I wouldn’t use anything else on my skin."

Laurie K. (5/5)

Love how this product works!

"Love how this product works! It’s just the right thickness to thoroughly clean the face without drying but out and it does control break outs"

Justine B. (5/5)

Wish Murad would bring back the Salon Size

"I have a theory most people were buying the Salon Size (because it is the best value) and the 5oz size wasn't selling so Murad is stating the Salon Size is out of stock when it might not be. Otherwise this is a great product. I have been using it since the late 90's early 2000's. Pretty much every product is good. My lineup is Clarifying Cleanser, Revitalixer Recovery Serum, and Hydro Hyluronic Cream."

Jared B. (5/5)

Great for oily acne prone skin

"This is the perfect cleanser for oily acne prone skin without drying out"

Jose (5/5)

Helped calm my skin!

"I started having major acne issues recently. My skin was super dry and oily during the day. Once I switch to the face wash it balanced out within the week!"

Stephanie P. (5/5)

Helps with my oily skin tremendously

"I barely breakout anymore. My skins not oil either. Don’t take long to work either literally within 3-4 days my acne was clearing up."

Arianna (5/5)

"Received quickly. Thank you!"

Marcella (5/5)

Excellent Cleanser

"I started using the Clarifying Cleanser for adult acne. I am still using it at age 68😂. It is the only facial cleanser that I can use that doesn’t irritate my skin. Love the product and can’t do without it. The ingredients are perfect for my skin type."

Laurie K. (5/5)

Q&A

I just started using this product a week ago. I have broken out on my cheeks, chin and hair line. Is this normal?
Purging can occur when you start a new product. If your skin feels tight or dry after cleansing, you may want to consider the Clarifying Cream Cleanser as it has additional hydration.
Is there any Benzoil peroxide in this?
No, we use salicylic acid.
when using this product is it safe/okay to use other aha/bha products at the same time in the same regiment?
Yes, it is but should you have any concern about interaction Dr Murad always advises performing a patch test.
I am currently using this cleanser and I've noticed that it doesn't quite get rid of the tiny pimples under my skin. (I believe some people call them seed pimples.) I've been told that I need to exfoliate in order to get rid of them and want to make sure that is the case. However, the exfoliator I was using a while back was one by CeraVe that is also considered a cleanser. Is it okay to use this once a week and the other four days continue my use of the Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser? Or would mixing these two products cause breakouts?
What you are describing is called Millia. Milia is best treated by exfoliation. Treatment products containing glycolic acid are very effective. Using an exfoliating cleanser in place of your normal cleanser 2 or 3 times per week is also a great choice.
I have been using this product for about three weeks now and I love it! However I have noticed that I have a few small blackheads popping up that haven't before. Is this normal, and can I expect them to go away with a few more weeks? I have sensitive skin overall but got this for whiteheads in my oily t-zone.
Are you using a hydrator? Additionally that can happen as your skin adjusts to a new regimen. Also, if your skin feels tight or dry after cleansing I would recommend that you consider the Clarifying Cream Cleanser.

Frequently Asked Questions

    Clarifying Cleanser contains sailcylic acid (1.5%) as the primary active ingredient for treating and clearing acne, pore-clearing, and exfoliation.

    It's best for oily, acne-prone and combination skin; commonly used for blackheads, breakouts, and visible shine.

    It can be drying for some users. Many customers recommend following with a moisturizer if you notice dryness.

    Apply to wet skin, massage to create a lather, then rinse. Follow with your regular serum and moisturizer.

    Yes, the formula contains menthol and fragrance, and many users report a minty, cooling/tingling sensation.

    Many people use it daily for acne-prone skin; adjust frequency if your skin becomes dry or irritated.

    Some users report using it on body breakouts successfully. Test on a small area first to check tolerance.

    It may be too strong for very sensitive or very dry skin. Users with those concerns often report dryness or irritation.

    It helps dissolve excess oil, purify pores, clear acne-causing bacteria, treat existing blemishes, and help prevent future breakouts, while leaving skin feeling fresh and clean.

    Yes, the dual salicylic acid system not only treats current blemishes but also helps prevent new breakouts by keeping pores clear over time.

    It is designed to be used as part of the Murad Acne Control regimen and can complement other acne treatments, though those using strong actives may wish to monitor for dryness or irritation and adjust frequency as needed.

    You do not need another cleanser prior to the Clarifying Cleanser. Massage on your face for one full minute before rinsing.

    It contains two forms of salicylic acid—a free form for immediate pore unclogging and an encapsulated form for continued exfoliation even after rinsing—providing ongoing acne treatment beyond wash-off.

    It is formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, or animal-derived ingredients.

    Murad carefully assesses our products and ingredients to ensure they are safe for use. Because every person and pregnancy is unique, we recommend you seek your doctor's advice if you are unsure or have any questions about the products you use during pregnancy and/or lactation.