I have never had the best skin, and in my mid-twenties I still have spots here and there and small blackheads and clogged pores on my nose. It's frustrating, especially when my skin started to clear somewhat only to return my appearance to that of a teenager when I'm far from those years now. Unfortunately, I've never found a product to tackle blackheads effectively, and this cleanser goes on my list of fails.

The cleanser comes in a transparent purple plastic bottle with plastic flip-up lid. It's quite recognisable and the clean and clear logo is clearly visible near the top. The front of the bottle tells us that the product is 'oil free', is designed to help 'clear and prevent blackheads' and shows results 'from day 1'. This is made by Johnson and Johnson, a brand with years of expertise that I trust to create effective and gentle health and beauty products.

The cleanser aims to remove all the nasties like dirt, dead cells and oils inside the pores, whilst the 'blackhead-fighting ingredient' helps to clear out blackheads and prevent their unwelcome return. I personally find that the claims of a product and what actually happens can be two very different things, but it's always worth trying for yourself if you're still searching for something effective.

To apply this, splash a little on to a cotton wool pad and wipe over your face. You needn't rinse afterwards. Obviously, void contact with eyes and if you notice any irritation discontinue use. What I really like about this product is the method of application; sometimes using a facial wash can be messy and more time consuming, whereas using a cotton pad is clean and you can do it more 'on the go' rather than in the sink or shower. I try to use this in circular motions and move upwards, focusing in particular on my nose. Afterwards you can often see the yucky discolouration of the pad, which is a good thing because it makes you feel that it's doing something. It leaves a slightly tingly sensation afterwards, and my skin genuinely feels cleaner and much more refreshed. If you have slightly sensitive skin or a tendency towards dryness, you might want to apply moisturiser afterwards as it can dry skin out a little. I would say I have slightly sensitive skin, however, but haven't found any irritation or problems with using this.

Unfortunately, I can't say I've noticed a difference in the appearance of small blackheads that are still there after a long use of this product daily. However, that's not to say I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. I still find it to be a good cleanser, being easy to use and leaving my face feeling slightly tingly clean.

The Clean And Clear blackhead range also includes a scrub, though I tend to use a different face scrub (Soap and Glory), followed by this. I think that to get the best results, you need to focus on a skin care routine that includes exfoliating and cleansing, ensuring make up is always taken off, letting your skin breathe etc. Despite doing all the things you 'should' do, this hasn't rid me of pesky little blackheads. I still use it for freshening up and cleaning my skin, but it hasn't done what it claimed it would.

200ml sells for around £2.99 (Boots)