To Be Clear Pure Cleansing Gel (Singapore)

To Be Clear Pure Cleansing Gel is Nu Skin's foaming gel cleanser built for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin — the dominant skin types in Singapore's tropical climate where sebum production runs 30–40% higher than in temperate regions. The formula contains salicylic acid, a BHA that works inside the pore to break down the mix of oil and dead cells that causes breakouts, while the gel texture lifts away excess surface oil without the aggressive stripping that pushes sebaceous glands into overproduction. If you've been cycling through foam cleansers that leave skin tight for 20 minutes then oilier than before, this is a different approach.

What Makes To Be Clear Different

Salicylic acid in a cleanser is not the same as salicylic acid in a leave-on treatment — the contact time is shorter, so the formula needs to deliver the active efficiently during the 60-second cleansing window. To Be Clear is engineered for this: the gel matrix holds the salicylic acid against skin during massage, giving it enough time to begin dissolving sebum plugs within pores before being rinsed away. Most gel cleansers use salicylic acid as a label-friendly ingredient at ineffective concentrations; To Be Clear uses it at levels that produce visible results on congestion within 2–3 weeks of consistent use.

The foaming action is controlled — this isn't a soap-like lather that strips everything. The surfactant system produces enough foam to feel satisfyingly clean (important in Singapore, where most consumers equate foam with cleanliness), while keeping the surfactant strength moderate enough to preserve essential barrier lipids. Dermatological research has consistently shown that over-stripping the barrier triggers a rebound effect: sebaceous glands produce more oil to compensate, creating a cycle of washing and oiliness that never resolves.

For the many Singaporeans dealing with maskne scars or post-acne hyperpigmentation, the salicylic acid in To Be Clear also provides gentle surface exfoliation that supports faster cell turnover — helping dark marks fade more efficiently alongside any targeted treatment serum you use afterwards.

Key Ingredients

Salicylic acid: A beta-hydroxy acid with oil-soluble properties, meaning it can dissolve into the sebum within pores rather than sitting on the skin surface like water-soluble AHAs. This pore-penetrating action makes it the gold-standard ingredient for comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads). The American Academy of Dermatology recognises salicylic acid as a first-line topical treatment for mild-to-moderate acne.

Balanced surfactant system: A gel-based foaming system that removes excess sebum and surface impurities without depleting the ceramides and fatty acids that maintain barrier integrity. The foam level is calibrated to satisfy the cleansing experience while keeping measurable barrier disruption below what traditional SLS-based cleansers produce.

Purifying botanical extracts: Plant-derived ingredients that support the oil-control and pore-clearing action of the salicylic acid. These extracts contribute mild astringent and anti-inflammatory properties — useful for acne-prone skin where microinflammation around clogged pores is a constant background issue.

How to Use

Wet your face, then apply a pea-sized amount of gel to your fingertips. Massage across the face in circular motions for 60 seconds — this contact time matters for the salicylic acid to work during the wash. Focus extra time on the T-zone, jawline, and any congested areas. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use morning and evening; the morning cleanse is particularly important in Singapore, where overnight sebum production in a humid, non-air-conditioned room can be significant.

If your skin is combination rather than fully oily, consider using To Be Clear in the evening only and a gentler cleanser (or water-only rinse) in the morning. The salicylic acid provides a mild exfoliating effect, and twice-daily use on combination skin that's only oily in the T-zone may dry out the cheeks over time. Listen to your skin — if the cheek area feels tight after two weeks of twice-daily use, switch to evening-only.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this shipped in Singapore?
All orders ship from the official Nu Skin Singapore warehouse. Standard delivery is S$4.99 and arrives within 1–3 business days. Orders over S$99 qualify for free shipping.

Is this suitable for sensitive skin?
To Be Clear is formulated for oily and acne-prone skin types. If your skin is sensitive or easily irritated, HydraClean Creamy Cleansing Lotion would be a better choice. The salicylic acid in this formula, while gentle compared to clinical peels, may be too active for reactive skin.

Will this help with blackheads?
Yes — salicylic acid is specifically effective against comedonal acne, which includes blackheads. The oil-soluble nature of BHA means it dissolves the sebum plugs inside pores that cause blackheads. Consistent use for 3–4 weeks typically produces noticeable improvement in blackhead frequency and visibility.

Can I use this with a separate salicylic acid treatment?
You can, but introduce them separately. Start with the cleanser alone for two weeks, then add a leave-on BHA treatment if needed. Using multiple salicylic acid products simultaneously from day one can cause unnecessary dryness and irritation, particularly in humid climates where the temptation to over-treat oily skin is strong.

How does this compare to HydraClean?
They're designed for different skin types. To Be Clear is a foaming gel for oily/combination/acne-prone skin with active salicylic acid. HydraClean is a non-foaming cream cleanser for dry/sensitive skin with a focus on preserving moisture. Choose based on your skin type, not preference for texture.

Important Information

Important Information: For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional. Patch test recommended before first use. In Singapore's high-UV tropical environment, always use broad-spectrum SPF protection alongside any skincare routine. Individual results may vary based on skin type and consistent use.

NuBest Skin is an Independent Nu Skin Brand Affiliate. This content is not produced or endorsed by Nu Skin Enterprises Inc.

Sources & References

Product information sourced from official Nu Skin product documentation (2024–2025). Salicylic acid as first-line acne treatment referenced from American Academy of Dermatology clinical guidelines. Sebum production rates in tropical vs temperate climates referenced from dermatological research published in the International Journal of Dermatology. Barrier rebound effect from over-cleansing referenced from cosmetic dermatology literature.

Reviewed by the NuBest Skin Editorial Team. Last updated: April 2026.