Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, ratings and offers were checked on the CLEARSTEM website in October 2026 and can change. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. For persistent, painful or scarring acne, see a board-certified dermatologist.
For a lot of adults, skincare feels like a trap. The rich creams and anti-aging serums that promise to smooth fine lines seem to bring on breakouts, while the harsh acne products that dry up blemishes leave skin tight, flaky and looking older. If you’re in your late twenties, thirties, forties or beyond and still dealing with breakouts, you’ve probably felt stuck between the two.
That frustration is the reason CLEARSTEM Skincare exists. The San Diego brand builds its products around one simple rule: treat acne and aging at the same time, without using ingredients the brand considers pore-clogging. In this guide, we’ll look at where the brand came from, what “acne-safe” actually means, which products are worth your attention, how to build a routine, and what it all costs, so you can decide whether CLEARSTEM is right for your skin.
Adult acne is more common than you think
If you thought breakouts would end with your teenage years, you’re not alone, and you’re not unusual. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans each year. About 85% of people between 12 and 24 experience at least minor acne, and adult acne is reportedly on the rise, affecting as many as 15% of women (AAD).
Adult acne often looks different from teenage acne. It tends to show up around the jawline, chin and neck, it can flare with the menstrual cycle or periods of stress, and it frequently appears on skin that’s also starting to show fine lines, uneven tone and dark marks left behind by old blemishes. That combination is what makes adult skincare tricky: you need products that calm breakouts without stripping your skin, and anti-aging products that won’t make breakouts worse.
Who is behind CLEARSTEM?
CLEARSTEM was founded in 2018 by Danielle Gronich, a clinical esthetician known as “The Acne Guru,” and Kayleigh Christina, a health practitioner and nutritionist. The brand grew out of a treatment-room story: Christina developed severe hormonal cystic acne after stopping birth control, and Gronich helped clear her skin at the San Diego Acne Clinic (BeautyMatter).
From that experience came the brand’s core idea: acne-prone skin deserves the same anti-aging care as everyone else, and acne has both outside triggers, such as the products you put on your skin, and inside factors, such as hormones, stress and diet. That’s why CLEARSTEM sells both topical skincare and supplements.
The company has grown quickly. BeautyMatter reported that it’s 100% self-funded, sells about 95% of its products directly to consumers, and projected around $50 million in revenue for 2025. The founders have also built a strong education arm, with acne masterclasses in a dozen US cities and a podcast with more than 350 interviews (BeautyMatter).
What “acne-safe” means at CLEARSTEM
CLEARSTEM’s central promise is that its products contain no ingredients the brand considers pore-clogging. According to BeautyMatter, the brand avoids more than 200 such ingredients. Its product pages describe its formulas as non-comedogenic, dermatologist tested and free of parabens and synthetic fragrance, and the website includes a free Pore-Clogging Checker, where you can paste in the ingredient list of any product you already own to see whether it contains ingredients on the brand’s list.
Some common examples of ingredients often flagged as potentially pore-clogging include certain heavy plant oils and butters, some fatty esters, and some algae extracts. The idea is that if you remove these from your entire routine, including your makeup, sunscreen and hair products that touch your face, you remove one common external trigger for breakouts.
A balanced view
It’s worth knowing that “comedogenic” ratings aren’t an exact science. Many ingredient lists come from older lab tests, and an ingredient’s effect depends on its concentration, the rest of the formula, and your own skin. Different brands and lists don’t always agree. Still, many people with acne-prone skin find that auditing their products for known problem ingredients is a useful first step, and the checker is a free, easy way to do it. Think of it as a helpful screening tool rather than a guarantee.
The ingredients doing the work
CLEARSTEM’s formulas combine acne-fighting ingredients with gentler anti-aging ones. Here are the key ones you’ll see across the range.
- Mandelic acid. An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with a larger molecule than glycolic acid, so it tends to work more gradually. It exfoliates dead skin cells that can clog pores. CLEARITY contains 8% mandelic acid.
- Bakuchiol. A plant-derived ingredient often described as a gentler alternative to retinol for smoothing the look of fine lines. You’ll find it in HYDRAGLOW and SMOOTH OVER.
- Peptides. Short chains of amino acids used to support firmer, smoother-looking skin. BOUNCEBACK contains palmitoyl tripeptide-38, caprooyl tetrapeptide-3 and copper tripeptide-1.
- Plant stem cells. Plant-derived extracts that give the brand its name. CLEARSTEM uses them in several products for plumping and renewal.
- Allantoin. A soothing, moisturizing ingredient used in CELLRENEW to help calm skin.
- Niacinamide. A form of vitamin B3 that’s popular for supporting the skin barrier and the look of uneven tone. It appears in GENTLECLEAN.
- Zinc oxide. A mineral sunscreen filter. YOUARESUNSHINE SPF 50+ uses 21% zinc oxide.
The best-sellers, product by product
CLEARSTEM sells around 40 products and bundles. Here are the ones most worth knowing, with the prices listed on the brand’s website in October 2026. Ratings are from reviews on CLEARSTEM’s own site.
GENTLECLEAN Hydrating Barrier Cleanser ($38)
A gentle cleanser for morning and night, made with sea buckthorn, magnesium PCA, green tea, niacinamide and a vitamin C derivative. It’s designed to clean without leaving skin tight, which is a common complaint with acne washes. CLEARSTEM recommends lathering it on wet skin and massaging for 30 to 60 seconds before rinsing, and double cleansing when you’re removing makeup. The bottle is 6 fl oz, and it’s rated 4.8 out of 5 from about 480 reviews.
Best for: anyone whose current acne cleanser leaves them dry or irritated.
CLEARITY Exfoliating Serum ($68)
Nicknamed “The Blackhead Dissolver,” CLEARITY is a nightly exfoliating serum with 8% mandelic acid, pyruvic acid and turmeric, plus other AHAs. It targets clogged pores, blackheads and rough texture. You apply three pumps to clean, dry skin at night, wait at least 10 minutes, then continue with your routine. If your skin is sensitive, CLEARSTEM suggests starting every other night. It’s rated 4.7 out of 5 from about 630 reviews.
Best for: blackheads, clogged pores and uneven texture.
CELLRENEW Advanced Renewal Serum ($68)
CELLRENEW combines allantoin, plant stem cells and reishi mushroom in a serum aimed at hormonal breakouts, post-blemish marks and uneven tone. It’s used morning and night, four pumps after cleansing, and CLEARSTEM notes that a cooling sensation is normal. It’s rated 4.6 out of 5 from about 580 reviews.
Best for: calming redness and fading the marks left behind by breakouts.
BOUNCEBACK Peptide Serum ($98)
BOUNCEBACK is the brand’s anti-aging serum, built around three peptides along with plant stem cells and mango fruit extract. It’s designed to target fine lines, wrinkles and dullness without the heavy textures that can trouble acne-prone skin. Use four pumps morning and night after cleansing. It’s rated 4.5 out of 5 from about 860 reviews.
Best for: fine lines and loss of bounce in acne-prone skin.
HYDRAGLOW Plant Stem Cell Moisturizer ($58)
CLEARSTEM’s best-selling moisturizer contains bakuchiol, plant stem cells and squalane, plus hyaluronic acid (as sodium hyaluronate), aloe and sea buckthorn oil. It comes in a 2 oz full size, and there’s also a 0.5 oz mini. Apply it after serums and before sunscreen. With 4.6 out of 5 from over 1,100 reviews, it’s one of the brand’s most reviewed products.
Best for: hydration and a smoother look without heaviness.
YOUARESUNSHINE SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen ($42)
A sheer, slightly tinted mineral sunscreen with 21% zinc oxide that’s designed to double as a blurring primer under makeup. The packaging references 80-minute water resistance. As with any sunscreen, apply it generously and reapply at least every two hours, and after swimming or sweating. It’s rated 4.6 out of 5 from about 500 reviews.
Best for: daily sun protection that won’t feel greasy, which matters because sun exposure can make post-acne dark marks last longer.
MINDBODYSKIN Hormonal Acne Supplement ($58)
MINDBODYSKIN is CLEARSTEM’s most-reviewed product, with 4.6 out of 5 from about 1,350 reviews. The capsule includes vitamin A, vitamin B5, 5-HTP, DIM, milk thistle, dandelion, glutathione, turmeric and digestive enzymes. The serving is up to 3 capsules daily with food, and CLEARSTEM recommends using it consistently for at least three months.
There are important cautions here. CLEARSTEM states that MINDBODYSKIN is not safe during pregnancy and shouldn’t be used while breastfeeding unless approved by your OB-GYN. It also contains 5-HTP, which may interfere with SSRI antidepressants, which is why the brand offers MINDBODYSKIN 2 without 5-HTP. Because it contains vitamin A, talk to your doctor before taking it alongside other vitamin A sources or acne medications. Supplements aren’t a substitute for medical care, so check with your healthcare provider before starting it.
How to build a CLEARSTEM routine
You don’t need everything CLEARSTEM sells. A good routine for acne-prone, aging skin covers four basics: cleanse, treat, moisturize and protect. Here’s how the products fit together.
Morning
- Cleanse with GENTLECLEAN.
- Treat with CELLRENEW, BOUNCEBACK, or both. If you use both, apply CELLRENEW first.
- Moisturize with HYDRAGLOW.
- Protect with YOUARESUNSHINE SPF 50+ as the last step before makeup.
Evening
- Cleanse with GENTLECLEAN, twice if you’re removing makeup or sunscreen.
- Exfoliate with CLEARITY. Start every other night if your skin is sensitive, and wait at least 10 minutes before the next step.
- Treat with CELLRENEW and/or BOUNCEBACK.
- Moisturize with HYDRAGLOW.
Tips for starting out
- Introduce one product at a time. Adding a new product every week or two makes it easier to see what’s working and to spot anything that irritates your skin.
- Patch test. Try a new product on a small area, such as along your jawline, for a few days before using it on your whole face.
- Be patient. The AAD notes that acne treatments typically need several weeks to show results, so give a new routine at least four to six weeks before judging it.
- Don’t stack too many exfoliants. If you already use a prescription retinoid or another acid, ask your dermatologist before adding CLEARITY.
- Audit the rest of your products. Run your makeup, sunscreen, hair products and body wash through the Pore-Clogging Checker, since anything that touches your face counts.
More CLEARSTEM products worth knowing
Beyond the core routine, a few other products fill specific gaps:
- SMOOTH OVER Daily Texture Perfecting Serum ($62). The brand’s newest serum combines bakuchiol for smoothing, tripeptide-85 for oil control, a tranexamic acid (TXA) derivative and milk thistle for calming, and plant stem cells. It’s designed for use up to twice a day and is a good fit if rough texture is your main concern.
- SULFUR SPOT&MASK Weekly Acne Clearing Mask ($34). A sulfur treatment you can use as an overnight spot treatment on individual blemishes or as a weekly mask.
- PREGAME AHA Mask ($56). A five-minute exfoliating mask for a quick refresh before an event. Don’t use it on the same night as CLEARITY unless your skin tolerates acids well.
- VIBRANCE-C Vitamin C Serum ($98). A brightening serum for dullness and uneven tone.
- GOLDENHOUR Watermelon Barrier Oil ($48). A facial oil formulated without the oils the brand considers pore-clogging, for dry or dehydrated skin.
- LIPS&CUTES Peptide Lip Balm ($24). An acne-safe lip and cuticle treatment, useful if regular lip balms cause breakouts around your mouth.
Routines by skin concern
Everyone’s skin is different, so here’s how you might tailor a CLEARSTEM routine to your main concern. Each one starts with GENTLECLEAN and ends with YOUARESUNSHINE in the morning.
Blackheads, clogged pores and oily skin
Make CLEARITY your evening treatment, starting every other night and building up to nightly. In the morning, a lighter layer of HYDRAGLOW is usually enough. Add the SULFUR SPOT&MASK once a week if you get occasional blemishes.
Hormonal breakouts along the jawline and chin
CELLRENEW morning and night is the brand’s pick for hormonal breakouts, with CLEARITY at night to keep pores clear. Some people add MINDBODYSKIN, but check with your doctor first, particularly if you take antidepressants, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are trying to conceive. If hormonal breakouts are severe or come with other symptoms, see a dermatologist or your doctor, as prescription options can help.
Dark marks left by old breakouts
Daily sunscreen is the most important step, because sun exposure can make marks darker and longer-lasting. Pair it with CELLRENEW and, if you want to focus on tone, VIBRANCE-C or the Advanced Brightening Routine. Fading marks takes time, often several months.
Fine lines and breakouts together
This is where CLEARSTEM shines. Use BOUNCEBACK morning and night, CLEARITY a few nights a week, and HYDRAGLOW for its bakuchiol. The Skin Perfecting Duo bundles GENTLECLEAN with BOUNCEBACK.
Dry, sensitive or easily irritated skin
Keep it simple: GENTLECLEAN, CELLRENEW, HYDRAGLOW and sunscreen. Hold off on exfoliants until your skin feels calm, then introduce CLEARITY once or twice a week. GOLDENHOUR can add extra comfort on very dry days.
Common mistakes when switching to acne-safe skincare
- Changing everything at once. If your skin reacts, you won’t know which product caused it. Switch gradually.
- Forgetting makeup and hair products. Foundation, concealer, primer, conditioner and hair oils can all touch your face. Check them too.
- Over-exfoliating. More acid isn’t better. Redness, stinging and flaking are signs to scale back.
- Skipping moisturizer. Oily, acne-prone skin still needs hydration. Stripped skin can feel worse, not better.
- Giving up too soon. Skin needs weeks to respond. Track your progress with photos in the same light every couple of weeks.
- Treating every breakout as a skincare problem. If breakouts persist despite a careful routine, the cause may be hormonal or medical, and a dermatologist can help.
Ready-made bundles
If you’d rather not build a routine piece by piece, CLEARSTEM offers several bundles. Prices as listed in October 2026:
| Bundle | Price | What it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Prevent + Support Routine | $134 | Hydrating daily essentials |
| Clear + Clarify Duo | $136 | Anti-acne and anti-aging serums |
| Skin Perfecting Duo | $136 | Fine line essentials (GENTLECLEAN and BOUNCEBACK) |
| Clear Pore Self Care Routine | $134 | An at-home spa trio |
| Advanced Brightening Routine | $158 | Three-step brightening |
| Active Breakout Routine | $184 | Inside-out clear skin support |
| Clear Skin Routine | $242 | An all-in-one anti-acne and anti-aging set |
| CLEANSLATE Routine | $310 | Post-blemish marks |
| FUTUREPROOF Routine | $518 | A complete anti-aging routine |
Check what’s inside each bundle on the product page before buying, and compare with the cost of the individual products, since bundle contents and savings can change. There’s also a Hydration Hero Minis set of travel sizes, which was on sale for $56 (from $68) when we checked, a handy way to try products before committing to full sizes.
What it costs, and how to save
CLEARSTEM sits in the premium range. Individual products run from about $24 for the lip balm to $98 for the serums, and a full routine adds up quickly. A few ways to bring the cost down:
- Subscribe & Save. Most products offer a subscription that takes 20% off, with delivery every 30, 45 or 60 days, free shipping, and the option to pause or cancel anytime. For example, HYDRAGLOW drops from $58 to $46.40, and BOUNCEBACK from $98 to $78.40.
- Email sign-up. When we checked, CLEARSTEM offered $15 off your first order for signing up to its emails.
- Free shipping. Orders of $75 or more ship free within the US.
- Rewards. The brand runs a rewards program for repeat customers.
- Start small. Begin with a cleanser and one serum, and add products only if you need them.
What a starter routine costs
Here’s a simple four-product routine priced out at full price and with the 20% subscription discount:
| Product | One-time | Subscribe & Save |
|---|---|---|
| GENTLECLEAN cleanser | $38.00 | $30.40 |
| CLEARITY exfoliating serum | $68.00 | $54.40 |
| HYDRAGLOW moisturizer | $58.00 | $46.40 |
| YOUARESUNSHINE SPF 50+ | $42.00 | $33.60 |
| Total | $206.00 | $164.80 |
Most of these products last more than a month with normal use, so the real monthly cost depends on how quickly you go through each one. Swap CLEARITY for CELLRENEW (same price) if redness and marks are a bigger concern than clogged pores, or for BOUNCEBACK ($98, or $78.40 on subscription) if fine lines are your priority.
One tip on subscriptions: choose the delivery interval that matches how fast you actually use each product. A cleanser you use twice a day may run out faster than a serum you use once, so set different intervals rather than letting products pile up.
See CLEARSTEM bundles and subscription prices
Returns
CLEARSTEM’s website advertises free 30-day returns. Check the brand’s current policy before you order, especially for opened products, bundles, sale items and orders outside the US, as terms can vary.
CLEARSTEM pros and cons
| What we like | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Treats acne and signs of aging together, which suits adult skin | Premium prices; a full routine can cost $250 or more |
| Strict policy of avoiding ingredients the brand considers pore-clogging | Comedogenic lists aren’t an exact science, and individual skin varies |
| Free Pore-Clogging Checker for auditing your other products | Clinical claims come from small, brand-commissioned studies |
| Free of parabens and synthetic fragrance; labeled non-comedogenic | The MINDBODYSKIN supplement isn’t suitable in pregnancy or with SSRIs |
| Strong ratings across thousands of reviews on the brand’s site | Reviews on a brand’s own site may not represent all customers |
| 20% subscription discount and free 30-day returns | Many products, so it’s easy to buy more than you need |
A note on the clinical claims
CLEARSTEM’s product pages cite consumer and clinical studies, such as a 28-day study in which 92% of participants reported clearer skin with CLEARITY, and a 30-person study in which all participants saw immediate hydration with HYDRAGLOW. These numbers are encouraging, but keep in mind that the studies are small, run for the brand, and often measure how participants feel about their skin rather than independent clinical measurements. That’s normal in the skincare industry, but it’s worth reading them as a sign that people liked the products rather than as proof of results for everyone.
Who CLEARSTEM is best for
- Adults dealing with breakouts and early signs of aging at the same time. This is the brand’s sweet spot.
- People who break out from rich creams, oils or makeup and want a routine built around avoiding common pore-clogging ingredients.
- Anyone with sensitive, acne-prone skin who’s tired of harsh, drying acne washes.
- People with post-acne dark marks who want products that address tone and texture as well as active breakouts.
When to see a dermatologist instead, or as well
- You have deep, painful cysts or nodules.
- Your acne is leaving scars.
- Over-the-counter products haven’t helped after a couple of months.
- Your acne is affecting your confidence or mental health.
- You have sudden adult acne along with irregular periods, unwanted hair growth or other hormonal symptoms, which may need medical evaluation.
Prescription treatments such as topical retinoids, antibiotics, hormonal therapy or isotretinoin can make a big difference for moderate to severe acne, and a good skincare routine can work alongside them. Just tell your dermatologist about the products you use.
Lifestyle habits that help clear skin
Skincare is only part of the picture. A few everyday habits support any routine:
- Don’t pick or squeeze. It can push bacteria deeper, prolong healing and increase the risk of scarring and dark marks.
- Wash pillowcases and phone screens often. Anything that touches your face can carry oil and bacteria.
- Clean your makeup brushes regularly, and check your makeup for pore-clogging ingredients.
- Wear sunscreen every day. Sun exposure can darken post-acne marks and make them last longer.
- Manage stress where you can. Many people notice breakouts during stressful periods, so sleep, exercise and downtime are worth protecting.
- Cleanse after sweating. Rinse your face after workouts, and don’t sleep in makeup.
Frequently asked questions
Is CLEARSTEM good for acne?
CLEARSTEM is designed specifically for acne-prone skin, avoids ingredients the brand considers pore-clogging, and includes acne-fighting ingredients such as mandelic acid. Reviews on the brand’s site are strongly positive. Results vary by person, and severe acne usually needs a dermatologist’s care.
Is CLEARSTEM good for sensitive skin?
The brand labels its products as safe for sensitive skin, and it avoids synthetic fragrance and parabens. If your skin is very sensitive, patch test first and introduce exfoliating products like CLEARITY slowly.
Can I use CLEARSTEM with tretinoin or other prescription acne treatments?
Possibly, but ask your dermatologist first, especially before combining a prescription retinoid with an exfoliating acid like CLEARITY. Gentle products such as GENTLECLEAN and HYDRAGLOW are generally easier to pair with prescription treatments.
Can men use CLEARSTEM?
Yes. Nothing in the range is specific to one gender, and acne-safe products can be especially useful for men who break out from shaving products or heavy beard oils. Run your shaving cream and aftershave through the Pore-Clogging Checker too.
Where is CLEARSTEM sold?
Most of CLEARSTEM’s sales are direct through its own website, and buying direct gives you access to subscriptions, rewards and the brand’s return policy.
What’s the difference between MINDBODYSKIN and MINDBODYSKIN 2?
MINDBODYSKIN 2 is a version without 5-HTP, intended for people who take SSRI antidepressants or other medications that could interact with it. Talk to your doctor before taking either one.
How long does it take to see results?
Give any acne routine at least four to six weeks. CLEARSTEM recommends using MINDBODYSKIN consistently for at least three months.
Which product should I start with?
If you only buy one or two products, many people start with GENTLECLEAN and the serum that matches their main concern: CLEARITY for clogged pores and texture, CELLRENEW for redness and marks, or BOUNCEBACK for fine lines. Then add YOUARESUNSHINE for daily protection.
The bottom line
CLEARSTEM fills a real gap: skincare designed for adults who are dealing with breakouts and signs of aging at the same time. Its strict avoidance of ingredients it considers pore-clogging, its gentle formulas and its free Pore-Clogging Checker make it a thoughtful choice for anyone who’s been frustrated by products that clear one problem while making another worse.
It isn’t cheap, and its clinical claims come from small, brand-run studies. But with a 20% subscription discount, free shipping on orders of $75 or more, and free 30-day returns, it’s easy to try a couple of products and see how your skin responds. Start with a cleanser and one targeted serum, give it four to six weeks, and build from there.
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