Clearstem Skincare: My Honest Review

Does Clearstem skincare and haircare live up to the hype? My daughters and I put nine Clearstem non-toxic acne-safe products to the test- find out more in our honest review.

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My daughters and I reviewed nine Clearstem skincare and haircare products and we’re sharing what we honestly think. Clearstem is a non-toxic skincare and haircare line with no pore clogging ingredients. Is Clearstem truly clean and does it actually work? Read our honest review to find out if this brand lives up to the hype.

About Clearstem Skincare & Haircare

Clearstem skincare is made in the USA and the products are formulated with all-natural ingredients that are designed to target both acne and aging. This cruelty-free, vegan skincare and haircare line is specifically made without pore clogging ingredients.

Clearstem skincare was founded in 2017 by Danielle Greonich and Kaleigh Christina, whose personal journeys struggling with acne led them to develop this toxin-free skincare brand with no pore clogging ingredients. Danielle Gronich is the CEO of the company, and had 10 years of experience under her belt at the San Diego Acne Clinic before founding Clearstem. Kaleigh Christina, a holistic nutritionist, struggled with acne before teaming up with Danielle to form Clearstem.

The dynamic duo has created a skincare and haircare line that contains no endocrine disrupting ingredients and is safe for those with acne-prone skin. 

What is a pore clogging ingredient?

A pore-clogging ingredient, also known as a comedogenic ingredient, is a substance in skincare or cosmetic products that has the potential to block or clog the pores of the skin. When pores are clogged, it can lead to the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. People with oily or acne-prone skin are particularly susceptible to issues caused by comedogenic ingredients.

Some common pore-clogging ingredients include:
Coconut Oil: This popular ingredient can be highly comedogenic for many people.
Lanolin: Often used for its emollient properties, it can be problematic for acne-prone skin.
Isopropyl Myristate: This common ingredient in lotions and creams can lead to clogged pores.
Wheat Germ Oil: This oil is rich in vitamins but can be too heavy for oily or acne-prone skin.
Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly): This ingredient can be too occlusive for acne-prone skin.

Not everyone will react the same way to these ingredients, so if you’re concerned about your skin breaking out, perform a spot test on your skin before committing to using a product on your whole face. Find out more in the Frequently Asked Questions section at the end of this post.

Why Should Someone With Acne Avoid Toxic Ingredients?

Toxic ingredients like parabens and phthalates are known to mimic hormones in the body, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances. This can affect everything from reproductive health to mood and metabolism. Some toxic ingredients are classified as carcinogens, meaning they have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. For example, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives like DMDM hydantoin can be harmful with long-term exposure.

Repeated exposure to toxic ingredients over time can contribute to a range of health issues, from liver and kidney damage to neurological effects.

A 2021 study found that exposure to endocrine disruptors like BPA may play a role in the development and severity of acne. 

Are All Clearstem Products Non-Toxic?

Since there is no clear definition for the term “non-toxic”, my answer may differ from other reviews. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (like phthalates) are one group of chemicals that I lump in the toxic category, but other harmful chemicals like talc, formaldehyde releasers and ethoxylated ingredients are also chemicals I consider to be toxic.   

I’ve found that most of the Clearstem products are “non-toxic”, but there are a few products that have ingredients that I don’t totally love.

Here are the Products That I Consider Non-Toxic:

Here are the Products That Contain Ingredients I’m not Crazy About:

  • Clearstem Hydraglow Stem Cell Moisturizer– This contains grapefruit seed extract- some commercially produced extract can be contaminated with benzalkonium chloride and benzethomium chloride, which are harmful antibacterial agents.
  • Clearstem Gentle Clean Vitamin Infused Calming Wash– This contains cocamidopropyl betaine (CABP)- this surfactant is associated with allergies and contact dermatitis. CAPB has the potential to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. It also contains grapefruit seed extract (see above) and polysorbate, which is made from ethoxylated ingredients that may contain contaminants 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide (it can cause DNA damage and affects the endocrine system).
  • Clearstem Bounceback Serum– This serum contains Polysorbate. Polysorbate is made from  ethoxylated ingredients that may contain contaminants 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, and exposure can result in DNA damage and endocrine effects.
  • Clearstem Clearity Serum– This contains Glycereth, which is made from the reaction of glycerin and ethylene oxide. Glycerine may contain the impurities 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, which are carcinogenic. It also contains grapefruit seed extract- some commercially produced extract can be contaminated with benzalkonium chloride and benzethomium chloride, which are harmful antibacterial agents.
  • Clearstem Vitamin Scrub– This contains grapefruit seed extract- some commercially produced extract can be contaminated with benzalkonium chloride and benzethomium chloride, which are harmful antibacterial agents.
  • Clearstem Pregame 5-minute AHA Face Mask– This contains Aminomethyl Propanol- is used as pH adjuster and fragrance ingredient. It can be contaminated with secondary amines and form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.

All in all, I think Clearstem is a great brand with a range of non-toxic products that won’t clog your pores. As a mom of 2 daughters who have acne-prone skin, I love the Clearstem brand. I think keeping pore-clogging ingredients out of skincare and haircare for acne-prone individuals is one major step to help with congested skin. I also love that most Clearstem products don’t contain harmful ingredients, and I have peace of mind as a mom offering my daughters’ most of the Clearstem products.  

Below you’ll find my review of Clearstem products. I tested many of the products below myself, but my 2 daughters were the main testers. They both give this brand 5 stars for the products that they use consistently.

clearstem shampoo and conditioner

Clearstem Restorative Shampoo

Cost | $28 for 8 oz ($3.50 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Spearmint oil, chamomile extract, rosemary oil
Review | This shampoo has a minty, fresh scent that smells like a spa (don’t worry, it doesn’t smell like toothpaste). It lathers nicely and distributes well through my hair. This is an excellent shampoo, and bonus that it’s also color safe as well as acne-safe. It works on all hair types and is perfect for those who suffer from bacne.
Would I Buy This Again? | Yes, and we have bought it many times.
Shop | Clearstem Restorative Shampoo

Clearstem Repair Conditioner
Cost | $36 for 8 oz ($4.50 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Kokum seed butter, almond seed cake, argan oil, sage leaf
Review | The conditioner comes in a tub rather than a tube that squirts out, which, to be honest, is less than ideal. Thus, water gets in the tub very easily. The conditioner has a very thick consistency- I think it would work really well for someone with thicker hair, but those with oily, thin hair would do better with a different formula. All in all, it was not our favorite conditioner.
Would I Buy This Again? | Yes, it is the only non-toxic conditioner that’s acne-safe that my daughter can use.
Shop | Clearstem Repair Conditioner

clearstem face wash

Clearstem Gentle Clean Vitamin Infused Calming Wash
Cost | $38 for 6 oz ($6.33 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Green tea, Goldenseal, Vitamin C
Review | This is a hydrating face cleanser that foams nicely and takes off makeup. It doesn’t leave skin feeling tight.
Would I Buy This Again? | Yes, and we have bought it many times.
Shop | Clearstem Gentle Clean Vitamin Infused Calming Wash

clearstem moisturizer

Clearstem Hydraglow Stem Cell Moisturizer
Cost | $56 for 2 oz ($28 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Bakuchiol, Squalane, Collagen Stem Cells
Review | This face moisturizer is hydrating enough to work on dry spots, yet light enough so that it doesn’t feel heavy. It goes on easily, soaks in quickly and doesn’t feel greasy.
Would I Buy This Again? | Yes, and we have bought it many times.
Shop | Clearstem Hydraglow Stem Cell Moisturizer

girl applying skin spray

Clearstem Skin Spray All Day
Cost | $38 for 1.7 oz ($22.35 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Hypochlorous Acid, Magnesium PCA, Peptides
Review | This spray mist contains hypochlorous acid, which can can kill the bacteria that causes acne. It does have a kind of perfume-like smell, which I think this spray could do without. Also, the mist sprayer can get easily gunked up.
Would I Buy This Again? | Yes.
Shop | Clearstem Skin Spray All Day

clearstem face wash

Clearstem YouAreSunshine SPF50 Sunscreen
Cost | $42 for 2.1 oz ($20 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Green tea, Zinc oxide
Review | This is a tinted mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast. It has a medium consistency and rubs in fairly easily. If you have any acne scarring, it covers up some of the lighter scars.It’s a pretty nice non-toxic sunscreen and my daughter has been wearing it for about a year and living it.
Would I Buy This Again? | Yes, and we have bought it many times.
Shop | Clearstem YouAreSunshine SPF50 Sunscreen

Clearstem Sulfur Spot & Mask
Cost | $28 for 1 oz ($28 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Clay, Zinc oxide, Glycolic, Sulfur
Review | This spot treatment is loaded with sulfur, which has antibacterial properties and can help exfoliate and remove excess oil from the skin. It can also help dry out dead skin cells, which can help unclog pores. This mask is great for newly erupting pimples and to keep them at bay. It does not fully erase them, but this is something that everyone with acne needs in their arsenal.
Would I Buy This Again? | Yes, and we have bought it several times.
Shop | Clearstem Sulfur Spot & Mask

clearstem lip balm

Clearstem Lips & Cutes
Cost | $24
Key Ingredients | Green Tea, Raspberry Extract, Vitamin E, Copper Peptides
Review | The consistency is not very smooth- it has a grainy texture and feels like it has little specks that weren’t blended correctly.
Would I Buy This Again? | Probably not.
Shop | Clearstem Lips & Cutes

Clearstem supplement

Clearstem MindBodySkin Hormonal Acne Supplement
Cost | $58 for 90 capsules ($0.64 per capsule)
Key Ingredients | Vitamin A, DIM, Glutathione, Vitamin B5, Dandelion Root
Review | My daughter tried this supplement for about 3 weeks. She could not tolerate spironolactone and wanted to try this. While I think this supplement works great for some people, it did not totally work for her. My daughter got a Dutch Hormone Test after several weeks, and it revealed that she had really low estrogen. DIM is not a supplement that one should take if they have low estrogen. If you take an SSRI or just don’t want to take the version with 5-HTP, they have Clearstem MindBodySkin Supplement Without 5-HTP.
Would I Buy This Again? | Not unless my daughter gets her estrogen levels checked again and they are higher than previous testing.
Shop | Clearstem MindBodySkin Hormonal Acne Supplement

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take A Pore Clogging Ingredient To Cause Acne?

The time it takes for a pore-clogging ingredient to cause acne can vary depending on several factors, including your skin type, how often the product is used, and how your skin reacts to the ingredient. However, in general:
Immediate Reaction: For some people, a pore-clogging ingredient can start to cause clogged pores or breakouts within a few days of use. This can happen particularly if the ingredient is highly comedogenic and your skin is very sensitive to it.
Delayed Reaction: In other cases, it might take a few weeks of consistent use before the effects become noticeable. This is because acne often develops over time as the pores become increasingly blocked with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
Cumulative Effect: If you continue to use a product containing a pore-clogging ingredient, the buildup in your pores can gradually worsen, leading to more frequent or severe breakouts over time.

If you suspect that a particular product is causing acne, it’s recommended to stop using it and observe if your skin improves. It can take a few weeks for your skin to clear up after discontinuing the product.

Is Clearstem Customer Service Responsive?

Yes- I’ve had to exchange on product, and they emailed back right away. However, You have to respond to the order confirmation email. I’ve tried the chat box and got a busy message, so I think the best way to ask questions is through your email order.

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