Clearasil

Clearasil is an American medicated skincare brand focused on the treatment of acne, particularly among teenagers. It was invented in the United States in 1950 by Ivan Combe, working with the chemist Kedzie Teller [5]. The brand has been described as the first dermatological line created specifically for younger skin to combat acne, and after passing through several corporate owners it now belongs to the consumer-goods company Reckitt Benckiser.

Clearasil remains active. Reckitt lists it as a current brand, its website carries a 2026 copyright, and the company states that the line is sold in more than 30 countries.

Ivan Combe developed Clearasil in 1950 through his company Eastco Chemical, established in 1949 and later renamed Combe Inc. He created the product alongside the chemist Kedzie Teller [6]. The original cream combined sulfur and resorcinol to dry pimples, while also carrying a flesh-toned colour so it could cover the blemish it was treating. The two active ingredients echoed an earlier adult product, Acnomel.

Combe built the brand partly through an unusual retail approach, offering shops free initial inventory on the understanding that they would order more once customers responded — a tactic that proved effective. Edward Kavanaugh, then president of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, later described Combe as "an idea guy" who "made the products a household word."

Clearasil became closely tied to mid-century American teen culture. It was the second sponsor of the ABC television programme American Bandstand, and its host, Dick Clark, appeared in the brand's print advertising. The association was strong enough that a 1973 Rolling Stone interview with Clark was titled "Dick Clark: 20 Years of Clearasil Rock" [6]. The disc jockey Wolfman Jack signed an endorsement contract with the brand in 1975 [5].

Ownership changed hands repeatedly over the following decades. Ivan Combe sold Clearasil around 1960 to Richardson-Vicks, a cold-medicine manufacturer [5]. Sources differ slightly on this transfer: two accounts place the sale in 1960 to Richardson-Vicks, while one search-derived summary described Combe as selling the rights in 1961 to Richardson-Merrell [8]. In 1985 Richardson-Vicks — Clearasil included — was acquired by Procter & Gamble. Procter & Gamble sold the brand to the Boots Group in 2000, and in 2006 Boots Healthcare International was purchased by Reckitt Benckiser, bringing Clearasil into the Reckitt portfolio [5].

Clearasil is owned by Reckitt Benckiser, described as a British-Dutch consumer-goods company, which acquired it in 2006. Within Reckitt's stable of personal-care lines it sits alongside brands such as Veet. Reckitt cites "70 years" of acne expertise for Clearasil, consistent with the 1950 founding date [7].

Clearasil positions itself as a medicated acne-care specialist aimed chiefly at teenagers. According to the company, it wants "to change the way you live with acne by providing only the most effective, medicated solutions" while building "a community that encourages open conversation and mutual support." The brand also emphasises authenticity in its marketing, stating that it uses "no more models, no filters, no editing. Only real faces, real stories, and real solutions." Its tagline is "Medicated Acne Care that Cares for You."

The range centres on acne-treatment creams, facial washes and cleansing pads. Named products include the Salicylic Acid Stubborn Acne Control Pads, the Rapid Rescue Deep Treatment Wash and the Stubborn Acne Exfoliating Acne Face Wash. Across its formulations the brand relies on established acne actives — salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol and triclosan [5]. Its marketing makes speed-of-results claims, describing treatments that "battle acne" and deliver "results in as little as four hours."

On packaging, Reckitt states that Clearasil's packaging is now "100% recyclable," achieved through a partnership with the recycling company Terracycle [7].

In 2018, a Clearasil advertisement titled "Pimples Make Terrible Prom Dates" drew criticism for depicting a pimple as an effeminate man with a shrieking voice in a pink ruffled suit. The ad was accused of promoting anti-gay stereotypes [5].

Clearasil is an actively sold brand. Reckitt lists it among its current brands, the official website carries a 2026 copyright with a live product line and active social channels, and the company describes the brand as ranking "No. 3" in acne care worldwide with distribution across more than 30 countries [7].