Cold sores can be difficult to deal with, and there are many different therapeutics that are often used to combat them, even if the therapeutic is not designed to deal with cold sores to begin with. One of these is Clearasil, which is an anti-acne regimen. But is it safe to use and does it work against cold sores?

What Is It?

Clearasil is a general name for a line of anti-acne products. It was originally formulated to treat acne in younger users, and was first formulated with resorcinol and sulfur.

Products

Clearasil has various products, all of which are designed to combat acne. These include face washes, facial scrubs, face wipes, acne treatments, acne pads, and acne kits.

Clearasil is divided into three major product lines: the Perfectawash and Daily Clear, which are suitable for everyday use; and the Ultra, which ensures quick removal of acne.

Uses

Clearasil is designed primarily as an anti-acne agent. Its active ingredients kill the bacteria that lead to acne, and some of its active  ingredients dry out the skin in order to facilitate removal of the bacteria.

Active Ingredient(s)

Clearasil products today still contain sulfur and resorcinol, both of which have anti-bacterial properties. Clearasil is primarily composed of benzoyl peroxide, which is a powerful anti-bacterial compound that can also dry out skin. Clearasil also has triclosan, a strong base that can also kill bacteria while keeping the skin surface clean. Salicylic acid is also an anti-bacterial compound that can kill bacteria that can cause pimples.

Manufacturer

Originally under Procter & Gamble, the Clearasil Line of products passed through Boots Healthcare International. Today, the Clearasil Line of products is manufactured under Reckitt Benckiser LLC. Clearasil also has its own Facebook group that gathers customers in the U.S., which is available here.

Effectiveness Against Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by viruses, and not bacteria; they are therefore not the primary target of the active ingredients of Clearasil. However, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can alter the environment in which the viruses live by drying them out and increasing the pH of the skin. This can also lead to viral death which can facilitate the removal of the cold sore. Moreover, the drying capabilities of Clearasil can facilitate healing.

People often recommend Clearasil the minute a cold sore appears, and then recommend following it up with an application of alcohol on the cold sore. Many reviewers talk about how fast the cold sores disappear, and are willing to deal with the initial sting of Clearasil. Some reviewers also use the Clearasil face washes to maintain their skin while they deal with the cold sores. On average, reviewers say that it takes 2-3 days for the cold sores to completely disappear after the first application of Clearasil.

Price

Most cold sore sufferers use Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Gel or the Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Cream. The gel costs $3 for a 1 oz tube on Amazon. On the other hand, the cream costs $7.09 for a 1 oz tube on Amazon.

Where To Buy

Clearasil is available for purchase both online and offline. It does not require a prescription, and it can be bought off the shelf in its different forms.