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Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel

What it is:A potent, medicated, oil-free formula that treats and prevents acne. What it is formulated to do:This advanced formulation clears up whiteheads, acne blemishes, and blackheads, while refining pores and helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne marks, and residual discolorations. It contains maximum strength salicylic acid, which works to clear up acne blemishes and blackheads, along with potent glycolic acid complex, retinyl palmitate, licorice, arnica, and aloe, helping to regulate healthy cell turnover. This product delivers proven antiaging benefits, leaving skin smooth, healthy, and younger-looking. What it is formulated WITHOUT:- Sulfates - Phthalates What else you need to know:For optimal results, follow with Clini-Matte All Day Oil-Control SPF 20.
Questions & Answers:
48 Questions
 | 
174 Answers
Overall Rating:
4.333 out of 5
4.3
out of
5
Product Details

Questions & Answers for Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel

Question
Is this a cleanser or a leave on treatment?
asked 3 years, 11 months ago
hometowngirl
(NY)
on AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
It's a leave-on product. I use it once a day, in the morning, and it's the first product I use before putting on my anti-aging serum or sunscreen.
answered 1 year, 1 month ago
jls66
(Atlanta, GA)
answer 2
It's a leave on treatment. works great! you can use it morning and night, after you have cleaned your face. I use it every night before bed.
answered 1 year, 4 months ago
michamicha2
(Jacksonville, FL)
answer 3
This is a leave on treatment
answered 1 year, 8 months ago
donicer
(Dallas, TX)
answer 4
leave on treatment
answered 2 years, 6 months ago
la7cali
(St Louis, MO)
answer 5
don't rinse it off.
answered 2 years, 11 months ago
momma101
(PA)
answer 6
This is a treatment product used after cleansing. i noticed a few reviews for a cleanser under this product, but it is not a cleanser.
answered 3 years, 10 months ago
shellme79
(Peoria IL)
Question
Do I use this with a toner?
I just purchased this product and want to know how to use it. I used to use a cleanser, followed by a toner and a moisturizer. I know I put this on after the cleanser and before the moisturizer...but what about the toner? Do I use this with a toner? If so, do I put it on after the toner and before the moisturizer? Do you all use this AM and PM? Thanks!
asked 3 years, 10 months ago
Anonymous
(Arlington, VA)
on AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
I understand I used to be the three step rule as well! I would say you don't need a toner with this product. I would also suggest you use the face wash of this brand the are like an all in one. I usually was my face, put the gel on and then a moisturizer. I feel that it seems to work best that way. To add though if you use a spray toner that is mostly for refresh it will be fine.
answered 1 year, 2 months ago
spoon86
(New Jersey)
answer 2
I had the same question and called sephora customer service to ask. this is what they told me: use product morning and night after cleansing (if you use a toner, I would do that before you do this) wait 20 minutues and then apply eye cream and or moisturizer. I have used this with and without moisturizer and haven't had any problems iwth dry skin at all (maybe one or two flakes in the 3 weeks I've been using it). It's personal preference... the customer service rep did tell me to make sure to wait the 20 minutes because there are "actives" in the gel (the beta hydroxy acid & salicylic acid) and that you should let it dry before adding a moisturizer to it or else it might react with the active ingredient in the gel and not be as potent. I hope this helps!
answered 1 year, 4 months ago
michamicha2
(Jacksonville, FL)
answer 3
Order of use. Cleanse skin, use toner, use PTR (thin layer), and then moisturize.
answered 1 year, 8 months ago
donicer
(Dallas, TX)
answer 4
you can use this day or night. with or without a toner
answered 2 years, 6 months ago
la7cali
(St Louis, MO)
answer 5
When i used this product I use a cleanser, then the clearing gel then a moisturizer. This product has alcohol in it so if you used a toner it might be a little over-kill.
answered 2 years, 11 months ago
sherlock123
answer 6
Use face wash then use the AHA/BHA gel (only a very small amount) Its pretty intense. Once it dries use your moisturizer. I would not use a toner with this. Start with 1 time and if your skin tolerates then move to am and pm.
answered 3 years, 9 months ago
sfenste
(Barnhart, Missouro)
Question
Do you rinse it off?
do i leave it on? or rinse it off?
asked 3 years, 9 months ago
Anonymous
(Laguna Beach, CA)
on AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
leave it on. I put it on at night and rinse in the morning.
answered 1 year, 6 months ago
4bookers
(Ann Arbor)
answer 2
Do not rinse off the gel, keep it on. Put on a thin layer and let it dry.
answered 1 year, 8 months ago
donicer
(Dallas, TX)
answer 3
I only use a thin layer of product and I leave it on my skin. No need to rinse. I always moisturize after.
answered 1 year, 8 months ago
tannin86
(South St. Paul, MN)
answer 4
leave it on!!!
answered 2 years, 6 months ago
la7cali
(St Louis, MO)
answer 5
Leave it on.
answered 2 years, 11 months ago
momma101
(PA)
answer 6
Cleanse, then apply the gel. Do not rinse off, as it is a topical treatment product that delivers results through penetration of the upper layers of the skin.
answered 3 years, 9 months ago
KateMadeUp
(Knoxville, TN)
Question
do i leave this on my face? do i use this before toner? or after?
asked 3 years, 9 months ago
Anonymous
(Laguna Beach, CA)
on AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
I dont use toner with this but rather acne control lotion and use toner when I am not using this product. I don't think you need both for potency. If you have very oily skin I would recommend the PTR Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gell. I got a sample when I bought the acne kit, it really does give a matt look which combines well with the strong acne properties of this product.
answered 1 year, 7 months ago
michi082704
(Somerdale NJ)
answer 2
Please use a toner first and then use the gel and let it dry, do not rinse off.
answered 1 year, 8 months ago
donicer
(Dallas, TX)
answer 3
I leave this product on my skin - just a thin layer is all you need before you moisturize. I don't use a toner.
answered 1 year, 8 months ago
tannin86
(South St. Paul, MN)
answer 4
Leave it on your face and use it after toner, it should be the last thing you put on, (besides make-up, if you are using it during the day).
answered 2 years, 6 months ago
la7cali
(St Louis, MO)
answer 5
Yes, it goes on after toner and should stay on your face. It is just a gel that helps with acne.
answered 3 years, 3 months ago
piapoo
(Lakewood, CA)
answer 6
This product is best used after toner. Depending on how astringent your toner is or isn't, you may even find the product works more effectively if you don't tone first. Try both ways and see what works for you.
answered 3 years, 9 months ago
KateMadeUp
(Knoxville, TN)
Question
Can you wear this under makeup ?
Just wondering if you could wear this under makeup, or should it strictly be a "nightime" thing. Thanks for any help ! :)
asked 3 years, 3 months ago
diiorable
(Baltimore, MD)
on AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
I put it both at night and in the morning. It has not affected my makeup application but make sure to moisturize after putting this on.
answered 2 years, 1 month ago
shaylove
(Old bridge New Jersey)
answer 2
I wear it under a tinted moisturizer. It does not work well under any other type because it tends to prevent foundation makeup from clinging to your skin.
answered 2 years, 1 month ago
gradgirl
(Sheridan, WY)
answer 3
yes you most certainly can!!!
answered 2 years, 6 months ago
la7cali
(St Louis, MO)
answer 4
Ladies/Gentleman '' A heads up" i really wouldn't recommend this during the day it has glycolic acid and will do more harm than good if wearing it during the day! I only sell this to my clients telling them this is ONLY a NIGHT treatment.... thanks
answered 2 years, 10 months ago
lalatarik
(Fort Worth, TX)
answer 5
I use it under makeup and at night. I don't have a problem with it affecting my makeup.
answered 2 years, 11 months ago
momma101
(PA)
answer 6
Yes, most definitely, I use this morning and night. It is light enough to put makeup on after, and it actually smoothes the skin so that makeup can go on nicer.
answered 3 years, 3 months ago
piapoo
(Lakewood, CA)
Question
After having a baby my skin started breaking out . I started using PTR AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel and it has gotten worse. Is this normal?
My face is breaking out so I started using this product. I am not sure if this is normal or not but my skin has actually gotten worse. I do not normally have acne but after having a baby my skin is going crazy I have combination skin and currently use Boscia facial cleansing products. What should I do? Help
asked 3 years ago
Anonymous
(Humble, TX)
on AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
This product seems gentle, but It's kind of harsh. Your skin is breaking out because of hormonal imbalances, not because of something directly skin related. I'd try something a little softer.
answered 1 year, 5 months ago
chimunga
(WA)
answer 2
You are probably getting acne for a couple of reasons: fluctuating hormones, less sleep, more stress, diet to name a few. Also, when using a new skin treatment you can sometimes break out more at first as the treatment purges all the sebum from your pores. Try to drink plenty of water, keep away from greasy foods, dairy and peanuts can be triggers as well. I've heard taking a probiotic can help too.
answered 1 year, 7 months ago
lv2bpretty
(Boise, ID)
answer 3
Mine got worse before it got better too. It took a solid 3 weeks. It was worth the headache though. My skin texture is greatly imprved and the breakouts monthly are fewer and heal faster. I use the DDF 5% BP with it at night.
answered 2 years, 2 months ago
tylie
(Minneapolis, Minnesota)
answer 4
Mine did too after my baby and I started using this and it has been my lifeline, it's made it much much better, my skin is flawless. I would check with your dr or dermatologist.
answered 2 years, 6 months ago
la7cali
(St Louis, MO)
answer 5
After I used this product my acne started clearing out. I have thick oily skin
so probably my skin can with-stand more or stronger medicine. I can use
up to 4% to 6% salicylic acid at night to keep my skin clear, and it works.
:)
answered 2 years, 10 months ago
Tovar
(Socorro Tx.)
answer 6
I have been using this product for about one month. In my opinion there are probably much better products for acne out there. My skin got worse initially and I cut back to using it only once a day and it is about back to where it was before starting the use of this product. I am committing to using it for a few more weeks to see if any improvement is made. I used the same products for 10 years prior to changing and feel like I need to give the new products a chance to work.
answered 2 years, 10 months ago
DocE
(Jonesboro, AR)
Question
extreme oiliness
my face gets extremely oily during the first few days of using PTR acne gel.
Is that normal?
asked 2 years, 11 months ago
jax09
(Jacksonville, FL)
on AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
If your face appears oily then you are placing too much on the face. A thin layer is all that is needed. Usually the "oil" you see on the face is the reflection of the gel. Using a small amount of the gel and then allowing to dry, take a blotting paper and dab in T-Zone and you will be fine all day.
answered 1 year, 8 months ago
donicer
(Dallas, TX)
answer 2
I think any time you use a drying product, your skin will react by overproducing oil. Mine is always oily, so I've never noticed a difference using this product.
answered 2 years ago
productwhor
(Scottsdale, AZ)
answer 3
Somrtimes a product like this is really cleaning out clogged/congested pores, and it can seem like your skin is oilier at first because the pores are starting to clear out. Make sure to put it on super clean skin ( I use my clarisonic first) and really let it sink in and dry thouroughly before putting anything over it. I use a very light oil free cream after about ten minutes.
answered 2 years, 3 months ago
mollylvsmkp
(Woodstock,NY)
answer 4
I've never heard of that or had an issue with it. Talk to your dermatologist
answered 2 years, 6 months ago
la7cali
(St Louis, MO)
answer 5
It could be that your skin is rebelling against the drying effect. I have been an oily girl for years and this product dries me out. I have to use several products on my face to control my oil, but not turn my face into a prune. For me, the PTR products together are working.
answered 2 years, 7 months ago
Anonymous
(Rutherfordton, N.C.)
answer 6
Actually, yes that happened to me too. But I have very oily skin to begin with. I started using Vivites daily cleanser and that help with my oiless and my pimples. I still have oily skin though.
answered 2 years, 9 months ago
Munekita
(Sacramento, CA)
Question
Cystic acne
Can this gel help prevent/control the formation of cystic acne?
asked 2 years, 10 months ago
trojengrr
(Los Angeles, CA)
on AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
Yes, it clears all types of acne.
answered 2 years, 1 month ago
gradgirl
(Sheridan, WY)
answer 2
I think it has helped mine a lot (knock on wood). Initially I had a lot of pore purging for a few weeks. But now when I get the cystic bumps they heal within 2 weeks instead of months like they used to. I use it with the DDF 5%benzoyl peroxide nightly.
I also use it on my back and i like it does not discolor clothing like BP does.
answered 2 years, 2 months ago
tylie
(Minneapolis, Minnesota)
answer 3
I had a cystic pimple coming in on my cheek, I dabbed this on it the for 2 nights and 1 morning, and it's already almost gone. I put a moisturizer on too after I apply this product.
answered 2 years, 2 months ago
luxiboo
answer 4
Cystic acne comes from bacteria that is able to form deep down in the skin. So yes, you have to go to the dermatologist initially. But the PTR system can help dry out existing blemishes and get you on the right track.
answered 2 years, 7 months ago
Anonymous
(Rutherfordton, N.C.)
answer 5
Maybe control acne but not prevent it; at least not in the last three weeks for me. However, I think over time, people's skin gets tolerant to a product and it loses its effectiveness
answered 2 years, 8 months ago
tootsnthigs
(Palm Beach Gardens)
answer 6
cystic acne needs to be treated by an oral medication. sorry, most over the counter products only treat mild to moderate acne. time to go to a dermatologist.
answered 2 years, 10 months ago
alreadeanmdot
(Orange County)
Question
how drying is this?
asked 2 years, 8 months ago
alyyk123
on AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
its not drying for me at all! I love it
answered 2 years, 2 months ago
leezy
(san francisco)
answer 2
It's not too drying. It's far less drying than benzol peroxide products. It was slightly drying the first few times I used it but then my skin adjusted to the salicylic acid.
answered 2 years, 2 months ago
rinkrat
(Saint Paul, MN)
answer 3
I did not find it drying at all. If you do notice any drying, it will pass as your skin adjusts to it. It is really great stuff, and really worth trying.
answered 2 years, 3 months ago
mollylvsmkp
(Woodstock,NY)
answer 4
I have dry skin and no trouble at all with my skin drying out. I use it once a night as a spot treatment for areas that I normally breakout in durning my monthly cycle.
answered 2 years, 6 months ago
la7cali
(St Louis, MO)
answer 5
i know it does dry out my skin a little, but nothing a little moisturizer won't fix.
answered 2 years, 7 months ago
cryskay
(Los Angeles, CA)
answer 6
not drying at all
answered 2 years, 8 months ago
smeggs
Question
how often do you use this? i have dry skin with slight acne
asked 2 years, 8 months ago
alyyk123
on AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
I use the gel on pimples daily, if needed. Still use moisturizer.
answered 2 years, 3 months ago
madorarose
(KnoxVegas)
answer 2
I use once a day in the winter but twice a day in the summer, always followed by an oil-free moisturizer.
answered 2 years, 4 months ago
mlynchtn
(Chattanooga TN)
answer 3
It really depends on what your skin can handle! I have dry skin as well. I found that using it three times a day was too much... maybe once or twice a day? Just watch your skin, and if you start getting a dry patch then don't use it as frequently. Also, I pile on the moisturizer after letting this sink in.
answered 2 years, 6 months ago
noona
(Bay Area, CA)
answer 4
I use it when I break out, as a spot treatment in areas that I am prone to breaking out. I have dry skin too. I use it at night.
answered 2 years, 6 months ago
la7cali
(St Louis, MO)
answer 5
I would say two pumps once a night, then top it with a good night time moisturizer. I love When Hope is Not Enough by Philosophy.
answered 2 years, 7 months ago
lissa5314
(Tampa, Florida)
answer 6
If your acne is not severe, try starting off by applying a thin layer to cleansed skin once a day, only to congested and/or oily areas. Follow with moisturizer. If your skin gets too dry, decrease usage to every other day.

For personalized recommendations and advice, we invite you to call us at 1-877-SEPHORA (1-877-737-4672) & select option 2 to speak with one of our Beauty Advisors. Thanks!
Sephora Staff
Expert Answer
answered 2 years, 7 months ago
1877SEPHORA
(San Francisco, CA)
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