Max Clarity is a three-step acne treatment product that made its debut in 2008. When it was first released, one of its biggest come-ons was that it is made by a reputable company, Steifel Laboratories, which claims to have been making prescription skin treatments for more than 160 years. In 2009, pharmaceutics giant GlaxoSmithKline acquired Stiefel, adding another big name to back the product.
Big brand names aside, the bottom line for any product is its efficacy, safety, and customer service. In terms of efficacy, Max Clarity claims that the use of their hi-tech VersaFoam more effectively penetrates the skin to reach deeper areas. In reality, this foam is basically micronized or super-small liquid ingredients dispersed in air, something you will find in other acne creams. And when you break it down to its main ingredients, this product is no different from other treatments you will find in the market. It uses 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in the cleanser and daytime treatment foam and 0.5% salicylic acid for the nighttime toner.
The verdict? Both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are effective in treating mild to moderate acne. In this respect Max Clarity is no different from other acne solutions. One minor difference is that because it is sheer foam, you can keep it on the face throughout the day (as is the case with the daytime treatment). This might (but not surely) help treat more stubborn pimples.
In terms of safety, as with all benzoyl peroxide-based products this ingredient can be too harsh and drying on the skin. Sensitive skin types may particularly find their skin irritated, red, and peeling. You will have to buy a separate moisturizer to keep the skin from being too dry, something others may find off-putting. Another minus point is that you can’t be too long in the sun when using the product, and even if you use a sunblock there is the chance that it may not protect you enough. If this happens you can end up with even more irritated, red skin. Benzoyl peroxide can also bleach your clothes, so you will have to be extra careful in applying it.
Perhaps one good point about the product is that they listen to customer complaints, or at least lots of them. In April 2011 Stiefel temporarily pulled the product off their website because they had to change their dispensers due to mounting complaints from customers that the dispensers wouldn’t work.
In summary, Max Clarity may help with mild to moderate acne. But since it is basically no different from other acne products save for the use of foam, you can try cheaper alternatives first before using this. While this Max Clarity review may offer some insight into this particular product, you can also look into other acne product reviews to help you find the right acne solution for you.
