Every woman who struggles with acne knows the feeling.
You finally get your skin under control... and then, seemingly overnight, a painful breakout appears right before an important event.
That's exactly the problem Avène Cleanance Comedomed Peeling was designed to solve.
Unlike traditional acne treatments that focus exclusively on prevention, this product is positioned as an intensive "SOS treatment" for active breakouts, combining three of the most effective anti-acne ingredients available without a prescription:
Retinal Glycolic Acid Comedoclastin™
On paper, that's a very impressive combination.
But does it actually deliver?
Key Active Ingredients Retinal (Retinaldehyde)
This is arguably the most exciting ingredient in the formula.
Retinal is the most effective over-the-counter vitamin A derivative available before prescription retinoids. It accelerates skin renewal, helps clear clogged pores and reduces post-acne marks. Avène combines it with Comedoclastin™ in what it calls its patented Retinoid Booster complex.
Compared with many pharmacy acne products that rely solely on salicylic acid, retinal offers a much broader range of benefits:
- Acne reduction
- Smoother skin texture
- Reduction of residual marks
- Anti-aging benefits
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is the second star ingredient.
As one of the most effective alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), it exfoliates the skin surface, accelerates cell turnover and helps remove the dead skin cells that contribute to clogged pores.
This is one of the reasons the product feels more powerful than the original Comedomed.
Comedoclastin™
Comedoclastin™ is Avène's patented milk thistle extract.
Its role is to target microcomedones—the tiny invisible precursor lesions that eventually become pimples. It helps regulate sebum and reduce the formation of new blemishes.
This ingredient is what makes the Cleanance franchise so distinctive compared with many competing acne brands.
The Clinical Claims
Avène reports:
Reduction in pimple volume and redness from Day 1 Up to 92% reduction in pimple volume after 15 days Retinal + Comedoclastin™ shown to be 50% more effective than retinal alone when combined with glycolic acid.
These are impressive results, particularly for a non-prescription product.
While individual results will vary, the active ingredient combination is strong enough that visible improvements within a few days are entirely believable.
Texture & Application
One of the biggest surprises is the texture.
Many acne treatments feel aggressive, drying or uncomfortable.
This cream spreads easily, absorbs quickly and leaves a non-greasy finish. Despite containing retinal and glycolic acid, it feels elegant enough to fit into an adult skincare routine rather than a teenage acne routine.
Why Women Will Love It
For women, acne isn't usually the only concern.
Many are simultaneously dealing with:
Breakouts Post-inflammatory marks Enlarged pores Early fine lines
This formula addresses all four.
That's what makes it particularly interesting for women aged 25–45 who still experience hormonal breakouts but also want anti-aging benefits.
Any Downsides?
Yes.
This is not a beginner product.
The combination of:
Retinal Glycolic Acid Alcohol high in the formula
means sensitive skin users may experience irritation, peeling or dryness initially.
I would avoid combining it with:
Retinol serums Prescription retinoids Strong exfoliating acids
on the same evening.
And because retinal is included, nighttime application is strongly recommended.
Is The Price Fair?
Typically retailing around €25–30, this is extremely competitive considering the formula contains:
Retinal Glycolic Acid Comedoclastin™ Avène Thermal Spring Water
Many retinal-based treatments alone cost significantly more.
Ingredientologists Value Rating: 9.2/10
Who Should Buy It?
- Adult female hormonal acne
- Persistent chin and jawline breakouts
- Acne with residual marks
- Women wanting acne and anti-aging benefits in one product
- Oily or combination skin
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Final Verdict
This is one of the most interesting acne launches Avène has produced in years.
The combination of retinal, glycolic acid and Comedoclastin™ creates a formula that goes beyond simply drying out spots—it actively accelerates skin renewal and improves post-acne marks.
For women experiencing recurring breakouts alongside early signs of aging, it's one of the strongest pharmacy options currently available.
Final Score: 9.3/10