Murad’s really been pushing their “clinically proven” Clarifying Cleanser by giving away generous samples to the prestige beauty sites to disperse to qualifying buyers. I’m such a sample slut, I made sure to qualify. I’m almost through the tube, having used it on and off over the last few months. Murad claims 92% of users experience a reduction in breakouts in the first three days. I must be one the 8% leftover. Peruse the ingredients and then we’ll chat some more…
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Active Ingredient: Salicylic Acid 1.5%
Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Methyl Gluceth-20, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butylene Glycol, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Silver Citrate, Menthol, PEG-150 Distearate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Polysorbate 80, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Methylisothiazolinone, Limonene, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Fragrance (Parfum).
As you can see, the formula relies on Salicylic Acid which ain’t revolutionary, but Murad claims to have improved the delivery by encapsulating the ingredient for slow release. Even if this is true, I’m doubtful a cleanser leaves enough of the spheres behind to make a meaningful difference. When it comes to face wash, I’m a firm believer that most of the beneficial stuff ends up swirling down the drain.
The sudsy clear gel provides a menthol-medical experience – think luxury Sea Breeze. Some will find it drying as I do. When used with a Clarisonic, a few drizzles on the bristles creates a foamy face washing experience, but the suds can be quite irritating to the eyes. Personally, I prefer a gentler, simpler wash with fewer harsh ingredients. 
After a month of faithful use, my affection for the Clarisonic Mia has only grown. It is worth a spot on your Kwanzaa/Chanukah/X-mas list this year, especially if you have been struggling with skin flare-ups this fall.
Different brands offer different brushes. I can’t speak to the efficacy of any other model than the Mia. As far as it is concerned, the device feels substantial and well built. The charging mechanism is space conscious and travel friendly. As for Clarisonic’s claim that regular use of the Mia improves the absorption of skin care products? Without any empirical proof, I concur. 
Three weeks into the Clarisonic experiment, I can really see the difference in my skin. The Mia is truly justifying the investment. My troublesome skin is beginning to clear when nothing else seemed to help. I credit this device.
Regarding my skeeves, Annie recommended spritzing alcohol on the brush head to freshen it. For more major cleanings, the brush head should be removed and left to dry. 
Don’t forget to spend some time along the neck and hairline; these often neglected areas need attention. You can even give the ears a once around. 
For the past fourteen days I’ve faithfully used the Clarisonic Mia twice a day. I’ve experimented with different face washes with decent results. I particularly like the way the vibrating brush converts non-foamy cleansers into more effective make-up removers.
The Clarisonic Mia runs through a minute cycle and automatically shuts off. One interval isn’t enough, and I almost always go twice around. 
After struggling with persistent skin issues recently, a trustworthy and glowy-faced friend recommended the Clarisonic face brush. Having owned the “Classic” and “Mia,” she recommended the less expensive and more portable Mia, arguing the expanded features of the Classic cannot justify the added cost.
A week ago, I received my very own Mia. Clarisonic claims the vibrating and rotating brush removes six times more makeup than traditional cleansing. I concur with this claim; my face passes the white towel test after using the Clarisonic. Without question, skin is cleaner and makeup is thoroughly and gently eradicated. The mild humming exfoliation feels like a mini facial massage. The brush works with virtually any cleanser and the waterproof design makes it shower-friendly.
After the first few uses, smoother skin emerges and texture noticeably improves. Makeup glides on skin. Breakouts have improved, but this isn’t a magic machine.
Consider the following drawbacks. The initial investment is around $120. The replacement heads are pricey (2/$40). And who needs another gadget that requires an outlet to charge? It is easy to over do it and cause irritation. Twice a day might be too much for some, even with the sensitive brush.
