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Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser Review

Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser is a budget-friendly exfoliating face wash designed to cleanse, smooth and refresh the skin in one step. It stands out for strong buyer satisfaction, easy daily use and very good value. Its main limitation is that some users report burning or irritation, so it may not suit every skin tolerance level.
Expert reviewed
85
Overall score
Data-driven scoring Expert reviewed Updated analysis

Why we ranked it highly

Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser is a facial scrub and face wash aimed at users who want daily cleansing with added exfoliation. The formula combines naturally derived plastic-free beads with glycolic acid, lactic acid and Pro-Vitamin B5, while remaining oil-free and vegan. Based on the listing, it is designed to help remove impurities, smooth the skin’s surface and leave the face feeling clean, soft and refreshed. This product sits firmly in the accessible daily skincare category. It is packaged in a 7 fl oz tube and is intended for use on wet skin with gentle circular massage before rinsing. Customer feedback points to good cleansing performance, a smooth after-feel and strong affordability. However, the review data also shows some variation in skin tolerance and scent preference, so it appears most suitable for users comfortable with an exfoliating cleanser rather than a very minimal, non-active face wash.
90-day review Expert reviewed User feedback Data scoring

Key specs

Features & Specs

Item Form
Granular
Skin Type
All
Product Benefits
Exfoliating
Active Ingredients
Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, glycolic_acid, lactic_acid
Additional Features
Exfoliating
Container Type
Tube
Scent Name
Natural
Target Use Body Part
Face
Special Ingredients
Panthenol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid
Skin Tone
All

Features & Specs

Item Form
Granular
Skin Type
All
Product Benefits
Exfoliating
Active Ingredients
Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, glycolic_acid, lactic_acid
Additional Features
Exfoliating
Container Type
Tube
Scent Name
Natural
Target Use Body Part
Face
Special Ingredients
Panthenol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid
Skin Tone
All

Measurements

Item Volume
7 Fluid Ounces
Number of Items
1
Item Weight
7 Ounces
Unit Count
7.0 Fluid Ounces
Size
7 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer
No
Product Dimensions
8.94 x 8.81 x 7.13 inches; 7 ounces
Item model number
102955
UPC
381371029556
Manufacturer
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products

Scores breakdown

88 /100

Effectiveness

86 /100

Beauty results

72 /100

Skin compatibility

82 /100

Finish quality

68 /100

Longevity

79 /100

Ingredient quality

70 /100

Safety

76 /100

Comfort

Strengths

  • High effectiveness score reflects strong feedback for cleansing and gentle exfoliation.
  • Very strong value score for a 7 fl oz facial scrub at a low price point.
  • Large review base and high average rating suggest broad customer satisfaction.
  • Oil-free formula with Pro-Vitamin B5, glycolic acid and lactic acid fits daily cleanser use.
  • Free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, oils and dyes based on the provided listing.
  • Plastic-free exfoliating beads add physical exfoliation without relying only on acids.
  • Tube format is straightforward for regular morning or evening use.

Limitations

  • Skin compatibility is only moderate, with some users reporting burning or irritation.
  • Scent feedback is mixed, with some reviews describing it as minty or similar to cleaning products.
  • Packaging quality appears weaker than performance, including a reported broken lid.
  • Personalization is limited because there are no user-selectable versions for different skin concerns.
  • Daily exfoliation may not suit every routine, especially for users who prefer very simple non-exfoliating cleansers.
  • Claims around sensitive-skin suitability are not fully supported by the mixed irritation feedback.

Ideal user profiles

  • Budget-conscious shoppers looking for an exfoliating daily face wash.
  • Users who want both cleansing and light physical-and-acid exfoliation in one step.
  • People who prefer oil-free facial cleansers with a rinse-clean feel.
  • Buyers who value strong review volume and established mass-market brand familiarity.

Use cases

  • Morning cleansing for oily or combination-feeling skin.
  • Evening face washing after makeup or sunscreen removal.
  • Simple daily exfoliating cleanse for smoother-feeling skin.
  • Low-cost skincare routines that need one cleanser-scrub step.
  • Refreshing wash when users prefer a clean, polished skin feel.
  • Starter skincare routines for shoppers exploring exfoliating cleansers.

Fit and positioning

Who this works for

Category positioning

This product is mainly a skincare cleanser with exfoliating support. In a routine, it functions as a face wash that also adds a polishing step through beads and exfoliating acids, making it more active than a basic non-exfoliating cleanser. It is best positioned for users who want smoother-feeling skin and a refreshed finish from a single wash, rather than those looking for a very plain, fragrance-light, barrier-focused cleansing product.

Best for

This cleanser is best for shoppers who want an affordable daily face wash that goes beyond basic cleansing. It suits users looking for a clean, smooth, refreshed skin feel, especially if they like the idea of combining physical exfoliation with glycolic and lactic acids in one step. Its strong effectiveness, ease-of-use, value and customer satisfaction scores make it particularly appealing for practical, budget-led skincare routines.

Not best for

It may be less suitable for users with very reactive skin, those avoiding exfoliating acids, or anyone who prefers fragrance-neutral cleansers. The skin compatibility and safety profile are more mixed than its cleansing performance, with some reports of burning. Buyers who are sensitive to packaging durability may also want to note the weaker packaging score and isolated lid fragility feedback.

Beauty results

The visible result appears to be cleaner, smoother and fresher-looking skin rather than a dramatic cosmetic transformation. Reviews repeatedly mention a soft, polished after-feel and a visibly smoother complexion. For users who enjoy a just-exfoliated finish, it seems to deliver a refreshed appearance with less residue than heavier cream cleansers.

Performance analysis

How it performs in practice

Each scoring dimension is separated into a compact card so the strengths and tradeoffs are easier to compare without reading one long block.

Effectiveness analysis

With an effectiveness score of 88, this cleanser performs strongly for its main purpose: washing the face while providing noticeable exfoliation. The listing highlights deep pore cleansing, smoothing and hydration support, and the review data broadly aligns with that positioning. Many customers say it leaves skin feeling fresh, soft and clean without harshness. The main performance caveat is consistency across skin tolerance levels, since some buyers reported burning sensations. Overall, it appears to be a reliable performer for users seeking an exfoliating cleanser rather than a plain everyday face wash.

Beauty results

The beauty result score of 86 suggests this product delivers a clearly noticeable payoff in skin feel and surface appearance. Reviews often mention smoother, softer skin and a refreshed finish after washing. The result appears more about immediate cleanliness and polish than long-lasting visible transformation, which fits the category well for a rinse-off exfoliating cleanser.

Skin compatibility

The skin compatibility score of 72 is respectable but not standout. The listing says the formula is suitable for all skin types and free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, oils and dyes, which may improve its appeal. However, customer feedback is mixed, with some people praising its gentleness and others reporting burning. That makes it better suited to users comfortable with exfoliating cleansers than those who need the mildest possible face wash.

Finish quality

At 82 for finish quality, the product appears to leave skin with a clean, smooth and refreshed finish rather than a stripped or greasy after-feel. Reviews support this by describing the skin as soft and visibly smoother after use. For a face scrub cleanser, that balanced rinse-clean result is a strong point, though individual comfort may vary depending on sensitivity.

How it compares

Within its category, this product looks stronger on affordability, ease of use and mass-market customer approval than on premium refinement. It appears to outperform many basic cleansers in terms of exfoliating payoff and refreshed skin feel, while also remaining very accessible in price. Compared with stronger category leaders, its weaker points are likely to be tolerance consistency, scent preference and packaging quality rather than core cleansing performance. That makes it a practical choice for shoppers prioritizing results-per-dollar and routine simplicity over customization or a more elevated formula and packaging experience.

Ranking summary

With an overall score of 85, this product ranks as a strong option in the exfoliating cleanser category rather than a flawless one. Its position is supported by excellent customer satisfaction, strong effectiveness, standout value and very easy daily use. It clearly performs well for buyers who want smoother, cleaner-feeling skin at a low cost. What keeps it from scoring even higher is the less consistent skin compatibility profile, a below-average scent score, and weaker packaging and durability scores. In short, it ranks well because the core formula experience is strong and widely liked, even if tolerance and packaging are not equally impressive.

Buying advice

Consider this cleanser if you want an inexpensive face wash that adds exfoliation and leaves the skin feeling smoother and cleaner after use. It makes the most sense for users who like a polished, refreshed finish and want one product to cover cleansing plus light exfoliating support. Be more cautious if your skin reacts easily to acids or scrubs, or if fragrance is a major concern. Before buying, check whether your routine already includes other exfoliants, avoid combining too many active cleansing steps at once, and patch test first if you are unsure about skin tolerance.
85
Overall score

Final verdict

Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser is a strong drugstore option for buyers who want effective daily cleansing with added exfoliation at a very accessible price. Its main strengths are smooth, refreshed skin feel, easy routine fit and excellent value backed by a very large number of positive reviews. The main limitation is consistency across users, since some report burning or irritation and the scent is not universally liked. Overall, it is a good pick for shoppers comfortable with exfoliating cleansers, but a less ideal choice for those seeking the gentlest possible face wash experience.
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Key topics

Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser review, Clean & Clear exfoliating face wash, daily exfoliating facial scrub, glycolic acid face wash, lactic acid facial cleanser, oil-free facial scrub, vegan face wash review, gentle exfoliating cleanser, drugstore facial scrub, face wash for smooth skin

Frequently asked questions

Is Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser good for daily use?
It appears well suited to daily use for many buyers, and the product is positioned as a gentle daily exfoliator. Reviews frequently mention smooth, fresh-feeling skin without dryness. That said, some users reported burning or irritation, so daily use may not suit everyone, especially if your routine is already exfoliation-heavy.
Is this cleanser suitable for sensitive skin?
The listing says it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and some reviewers with sensitive skin reported no issues. However, the mixed feedback around burning means the sensitive-skin fit is not fully consistent. A cautious first use and patch testing approach is sensible if you know your skin reacts easily.
What does Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser do?
This product combines facial cleansing with exfoliation. Based on the listing and reviews, its main role is to remove impurities, lightly buff the skin with plastic-free beads, and leave the face feeling cleaner, smoother and more refreshed. It also includes glycolic acid, lactic acid and Pro-Vitamin B5 for added routine relevance.
Does it dry out the skin?
Many reviewers say it cleans deeply without leaving skin dry, and the formula is described as hydrating and oil-free. Pro-Vitamin B5 is included to help support moisture balance. Still, user experience varies, and some people may find any daily exfoliating cleanser less comfortable depending on their skin tolerance.
How strong is the exfoliation?
The exfoliation appears moderate rather than aggressively harsh. The formula combines naturally derived plastic-free beads with glycolic and lactic acids, so it offers both physical and chemical exfoliation in one wash. Reviews often describe it as effective yet gentle, though a minority of users found it irritating.
What are the main drawbacks of this face wash?
The clearest drawbacks are mixed sensitivity feedback, scent inconsistency, and weaker packaging impressions. Some customers mentioned burning, while others disliked the smell or described it as unusual. Packaging also looks less robust than the core formula, with at least one review noting that the lid broke quickly.
Does Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser offer good value?
Yes, value is one of its strongest areas. With a very low listed price, a 7 fl oz size, a 91 value score, and repeated praise in reviews for affordability, it stands out as a budget-friendly exfoliating cleanser. Its strong customer rating also helps support the idea that the low price is matched by solid everyday performance.
Is the scent strong?
Scent appears to be one of the more divisive parts of the experience. Some users liked the fragrance and found it refreshing, while others described it as minty or similar to cleaning products. If you are highly particular about fragrance in facial cleansers, this is one of the main things to consider before buying.

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