Clear Start to Dermalogica: Seamless Transition Guide

Ready to take your routine to the next level? The Dermalogica range has a perfect match for every Clear Start product you love.

If you've been building your skincare routine around Dermalogica's Clear Start range, it might be time to consider levelling up. The brand's core range has sophisticated, targeted alternatives for every single Clear Start product, and in many cases, the upgrades are well worth getting to know. 

We've done the deep dive for you, mapping each Clear Start product to its best Dermalogica counterpart so your transition is as seamless and effective as possible.

The Cleansers

A great routine starts and ends with the right cleanser, and Clear Start's Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash was a staple for acne-prone skin. You now have two excellent options in the main range, depending on your specific concerns.

Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash

→ Clearing Skin Wash or Daily Glycolic Cleanser

If you're dealing with body acne as well as your face, the Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash — with its Salicylic Acid base — is your go-to. It works over a larger surface area and is equally effective on the back and chest. For those whose concern is more about congestion and dullness, the Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser is a gentle, hydrating option that exfoliates with Glycolic Acid — ideal for skin that feels clogged but not actively broken out.

Toners & Mists

Micro-Pore Mist

→ Multi-Active Toner

This is a smooth swap. The Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner is hydrating, skin-balancing, and — like the Micro-Pore Mist — can be spritzed directly over your makeup throughout the day for a refresh. No changes to how you use it.

Moisturisers

Skin Smoothing Hydrating Lotion / Cooling Aqua Jelly Moisturiser

→ Active Moist

Dermalogica Active Moist is a lightweight, oil-refining moisturiser with a prebiotic blend to support your skin's natural balance. It contains skin-refining botanicals that help manage excess sebum without stripping — perfect for breakout-prone skin that still needs real hydration.

Targeted Treatments

This is where the Dermalogica main range really shines. The treatment options are more targeted and clinically considered — especially helpful for managing the aftermath of breakouts, not just the breakouts themselves.

Breakout Clearing Booster

→ Deep Breakout Liquid Patch

The Dermalogica Deep Breakout Liquid Patch goes a step further than the Booster — it contains additional soothing agents to calm the redness around active spots and helps to reduce the marks they leave behind once healed.

Post-Breakout Fix Spot Treatment

→ Deep Breakout Liquid Patch or PowerBright Dark Spot Serum

This depends on where in the healing process your skin is. If a spot is still active but calming down, the Dermalogica Deep Breakout Liquid Patch continues to fade any pigmentation forming. But if the breakout has completely healed and you're left with a dark post-inflammatory mark, the Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Serum is specifically formulated for that concern — targeting the discolouration left behind, not the spot itself.

Sun Protection

Clearing Defense SPF30

→ Prisma Protect SPF30

Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF30 is a light, elegant moisturiser that wears beautifully under makeup. It protects without contributing to congestion — an important quality for breakout-prone skin.

Exfoliants & Treatments

Breakout Clearing Liquid Peel

→ Liquid Peelfoliant

The Dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant is an at-home daily peel designed to smooth skin texture, decongest pores, and reduce their appearance over time. This is a direct and very capable upgrade.

Blackhead Clearing Fizz Masque

→ Daily Microfoliant

The Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is a cult product for good reason. It contains Salicylic Acid alongside rice bran enzymes and skin-polishing agents to clear blackheads, refine skin texture, and leave skin visibly brighter with consistent use.

Starter Kits

If you were on the Clear Start Kit, there are three options in the main range depending on your skin goals:

• Dermalogica Clear & Brighten Kit — best for oily, congested, and acne-prone skin
• Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Solutions Kit — best for post-inflammatory marks and uneven skin tone
• Dermalogica Discover Healthy Skin Kit — a balanced introduction to the range, great for combination or more settled skin

Your skin has graduated. It's time your skincare did too.

Change in a skincare routine can feel unsettling — especially when a product has been doing its job quietly and reliably. But Dermalogica's main range is highly regarded for a reason, and these alternatives aren't compromises. In many cases, they offer more targeted, clinically-backed solutions than their Clear Start counterparts.

If you'd like personalised guidance on building your new routine, come in to Activeskin Salon for a skin consultation and we'll map out exactly what your skin needs right now!