# Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment for skin with dark spots

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for skin with dark spots.**
Normal Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dark-spots

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for France.

Brand: [Paula's Choice](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/brands/paula-s-choice)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dark spots: hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for skin with dark spots; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate benefits for pigmentation due to the presence of Bisabolol and Allantoin, which soothe and aid in skin repair, but these ingredients are not specialized enough to significantly address your pigmentation concerns.
- The benzoyl peroxide offers moderate treatment for acne-prone skin by reducing lesions, but its strong keratolytic action may be too harsh for your normal skin type.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dark-spots): Low (this page)
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/mature-skin): Caution
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Allantoin, Bisabolol

## What the research says

- Topical gel containing chitosan, 0.2% chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol did not improve postoperative comfort regarding swelling and pain, but improved the wound's aesthetic appearance following impacted lower third molar extraction compared to no gel. ([Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27475700/))
- A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo. ([Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/))
- Topical benzoyl peroxide may improve acne more effectively than placebo or no treatment, while showing little to no difference compared with adapalene or clindamycin, but with an increased risk of treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects compared to placebo. ([The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/))
- Once-daily fixed-dose clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1%/adapalene 0.15% gel achieved superior treatment success (52.5%) and greater reductions in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions compared to vehicle (8.1%) and dyad component gels in participants with moderate-to-severe acne over 12 weeks. ([American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34674160/))
- Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/))
- Topical clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% gel achieved significantly greater treatment success and lesion reductions compared to vehicle in participants with moderate-to-severe acne. ([Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37656094/))
- Daily application of adapalene 0.3%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel reduced and prevented atrophic acne scar formation, achieving a total scar count change of -15.5% versus +14.4% for vehicle over 24 weeks in 67 subjects with moderate or severe facial acne. ([American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549588/))
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients. ([CMAJ, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism. ([Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26273313/))
- Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25381913/))
- Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide. ([Advanced Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39783908/))
- An overnight patch containing Allium cepa extract and allantoin safely promotes scar healing after dermatologic surgery, resulting in significantly greater reductions in observer- and patient-assessed POSAS scores compared to no treatment. ([Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29948103/))
- Prophylactic application of a topical scar gel containing Allium cepae extract, allantoin, and heparin significantly improves patient-assessed scar color, stiffness, and irregularity compared to no treatment in women following a cesarean section. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24509969/))
- Prophylactic use of a topical gel containing Allium cepa extract, allantoin and heparin significantly reduced vascularity, pigmentation and height of scars compared to an untreated control group and in intra-individual analysis in 120 patients after caesarean section. ([Journal of Wound Care, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33052789/))
- Application of an alpha-bisabolol-containing cream produced a significant skin-lightening effect in pigmented skin compared to a vehicle control in the majority of female subjects after 8 weeks. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642768/))
- The combination of allantoin, bisabolol, D-panthenol and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate reduces UVB-induced PGE2, inflammatory cytokines, and mitochondrial superoxide in human epidermal keratinocytes. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38433250/))

## Why other serums fit skin with dark spots better

- Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/))
- Treatment with 14% ferulic acid and 12% l-ascorbic acid significantly reduced pigmentation and erythema while improving hydration and elasticity in 20 women with photoaged skin, with neither acid proving definitively more effective overall though ascorbic acid showed slightly greater skin lightening. ([Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34877760/))

## What reviewers say

This benzoyl peroxide treatment is highly effective at clearing acne, including cystic and hormonal types, with many users experiencing rapid results and a pleasant matte finish. A notable number of reviews mention that the product can be drying, necessitating the use of a good moisturizer to avoid flaking.

- Liked: Effective acne clearance (often mentioned)
- Liked: Fast acting (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Drying and flaking (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle formulation (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Long-lasting value (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Bleaches fabrics (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Expensive price (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Fades redness (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Sensitizing and stinging (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Apply this serum as part of your PM routine starting 3x/week and build up to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Place the serum after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute for it to absorb.
- Apply the serum on dry skin to help fade pigmentation effectively.
- Avoid the eye area and always use SPF 30+ during the day.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment a weak match for skin with dark spots?

Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment is a weak match for skin with dark spots because its soothing ingredients are not specialized enough to significantly address pigmentation, and its strong keratolytic action may be too harsh for normal skin. A product of this type needs a blend of effective antioxidants and soothing ingredients like niacinamide and propolis that provide significant benefits for pigmentation without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27475700/)

### Which ingredients make this treatment a poor fit for skin with dark spots?

This treatment is a weak match for your skin because benzoyl peroxide has a strong peeling action that may be too harsh for normal skin. A product for this skin needs effective antioxidants, soothing ingredients, and hydrating components that fade dark spots without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/)

### What does Benzoyl Peroxide do for skin with dark spots?

Benzoyl peroxide helps clear breakouts, but for skin with dark spots, this type of product needs added brightening ingredients like niacinamide to effectively fade discoloration.
Sources: [The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34804354/)

### What does Salicylic Acid do for skin with dark spots?

Salicylic acid helps fade dark spots and uneven skin tone left behind after breakouts. It gently clears away surface buildup, which may improve the look of dark marks and support a smoother, more even complexion over time.
Sources: [Dermatologic Surgery, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19400885/), [Dermatologic Surgery, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9935087/)

### Where does this treatment go in a skincare routine for skin with dark spots?

This treatment goes in the evening routine. A product for this skin needs specialized brightening ingredients and gentle soothing agents that safely fade dark spots without being too harsh.

### Can I use this treatment with retinol, and in what order?

It is best to avoid using this treatment in the same routine as retinol, as strong acne ingredients like benzoyl peroxide may be too harsh and dry your skin out when combined. Instead, use your retinol at night and apply this treatment on alternating nights or stick to gentle soothing ingredients like licorice root extract and allantoin to help fade dark spots without irritation.
Sources: [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/)

### How often should I use this treatment?

You can use this treatment in the evening, starting once a week to see how your skin reacts. For dark spots, a product of this type needs specialized brightening ingredients and gentle exfoliants that help even out skin tone without feeling harsh.

### Can this treatment clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for skin with dark spots?

This treatment is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts since it helps clear acne lesions, but its strong ingredients may cause dryness and flaking on your skin. Skin with dark spots needs products featuring specialized brightening ingredients and gentle hydrators to fade marks safely without irritation.
Sources: [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34674160/)

### Is this treatment fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for skin with dark spots

- [Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/resist-super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — €57.00 at Amazon
- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/dark-spots) — High fit — €18.25 at Amazon
- [La Mer The Regenerating Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-mer/the-regenerating-serum/for/dark-spots) — High fit — €25.57 at Amazon

## Routine for skin with dark spots

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — €11.35 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [La Mer The Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-mer/the-tonic/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — €10.25 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Isntree Green Tea Fresh Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/isntree/green-tea-fresh-serum/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — €12.56 at Amazon
- SPF: [Torriden DIVE-IN Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/torriden/dive-in-mild-sunscreen/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — €24.00 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Clear Cleansing Balm](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-clear-cleansing-balm/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — €15.90 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — €11.35 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/ren-clean-skincare/ready-steady-glow-daily-aha-tonic/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — €50.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — €86.15 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Isntree Green Tea Fresh Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/isntree/green-tea-fresh-serum/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — €12.56 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Clear Cleansing Balm](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-clear-cleansing-balm/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — €15.90 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — €11.35 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Fancl Facial Washing Powder](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/fancl/facial-washing-powder/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — €30.65 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-mask-pack/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — €18.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — €86.15 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Isntree Green Tea Fresh Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/isntree/green-tea-fresh-serum/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — €12.56 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in France has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Benzoyl Peroxide, Propylene Glycol, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Citrate, Laureth-4, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dark-spots
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dark-spots
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dark-spots
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dark-spots
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dark-spots (this page)
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dark-spots
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dark-spots
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dark-spots
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dark-spots
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dark-spots
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dark-spots
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dark-spots
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/dark-spots