Say goodbye to oily shine, stubborn breakouts, and that "never fully clean" feeling.
Crystal Clear is the clarifying daily face wash that actually removes excess oil, makeup, sunscreen, and impurities — without stripping your skin or triggering rebound oiliness. Willow bark extract (nature's gentler salicylic acid) dives deep into pores to dissolve buildup and prevent breakouts, while soothing aloe vera and honey-derived polysaccharides keep skin calm and hydrated. Meadowsweet and kola nut energize dull complexion, lemon bioflavonoids brighten uneven tone, and horse chestnut supports circulation for that fresh, vibrant look. A refreshing blend of orange, geranium, and eucalyptus essential oils makes it smell like a spa ritual — not medicine.
How to Use
- Apply a small amount to damp skin morning and/or evening.
- Massage in gentle circular motions for 60 seconds (the 60-second rule!).
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Follow with your serum, moisturizer, and SPF.
Key Benefits
- Deeply clarifies pores to reduce blackheads, breakouts & congestion
- Controls excess oil without triggering rebound shine or dryness
- Soothing hydration — skin feels calm and balanced, not tight or stripped
- Brightens dull tone and energizes sluggish complexion
- Refreshing spa-like scent from natural essential oils
Key Ingredients
Willow Bark Extract — natural BHA that clarifies pores and prevents breakouts while calming irritation.
Aloe Vera Leaf Juice — soothes, hydrates, and reduces redness during cleansing.
Kola Nut Extract — energizes tired-looking skin and stimulates circulation.
Lemon Bioflavonoids — brightens uneven tone and supports a healthy glow.
Horse Chestnut Extract — promotes circulation for firmer, more vibrant skin.
Meadowsweet Extract — gentle exfoliation + anti-inflammatory benefits.
Honey Extract — moisture-binding polysaccharides to lock in hydration.
See full ingredient list
Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamide DIPA, Glycerin, Bioflavonoids, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Cola Acuminata Seed Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Honey Extract, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid.
Best For
Oily, combination, acne-prone, and normal skin types.
Ideal for excess oil, clogged pores, breakouts, blackheads, dull complexion, uneven texture, and skin that feels congested or dirty by end of day.
Additional Details
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Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Consult your physician before use (contains willow bark extract related to salicylic acid; rinse-off format often considered low-risk, but doctor knows best).
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Step: 1 in the 5 Circle System
5 Circle Skin Care, by Denise Bell, licensed esthetician with 15+ years of experience. Austin, TX.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does willow bark extract do for skin?
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Willow bark is where salicylic acid originally comes from. It's a natural BHA that gets inside your pores and dissolves the oil, dead skin, and debris that cause blackheads and breakouts. The difference between willow bark and synthetic salicylic acid is that willow bark also contains anti-inflammatory compounds, so it clarifies your skin while calming redness and irritation at the same time. If you've tried salicylic acid products that felt too harsh, willow bark is the gentler route to the same results.
Is this cleanser good for acne?
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Yes. The combination of willow bark (natural BHA) and meadowsweet extract targets acne from two angles. Willow bark clears out pores from the inside, and meadowsweet helps speed up surface cell turnover so old breakouts heal faster and new ones have a harder time forming. It also removes excess oil thoroughly without over-stripping, which is important because over-stripping actually makes oily, acne-prone skin produce MORE oil to compensate. This cleanser finds the balance.
Will this dry out my skin?
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No, and here's why that matters. A lot of clarifying cleansers strip your skin so aggressively that your skin panics and overproduces oil to compensate. Then you feel even oilier by noon. Crystal Clear includes aloe vera and honey-derived polysaccharides specifically to keep your skin hydrated while it cleans. You get the deep clean without the tight, squeaky feeling that means your cleanser is doing more harm than good.
Can I use this if I have sensitive skin?
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If your skin is mildly sensitive, yes. Willow bark is gentler than synthetic salicylic acid, and the aloe vera helps calm any potential irritation. That said, this cleanser was formulated for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. If your skin is very sensitive or reactive, our Bright & Early Cleanser or Get Glowing Cleanser might be a better fit. When in doubt, patch test on your jawline for a few days first.
Is this pregnancy safe?
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We always recommend consulting with your physician or OB-GYN before using any active skincare products during pregnancy. Willow bark extract is related to salicylic acid, so the same precautions apply. Your doctor knows your specific situation better than any skincare brand. Have that conversation and follow their guidance.
