Countercontrol is our newest collection for individuals with oily and blemish-prone skin without the irritation that can result from conventional treatments. You can get it HERE
Why is Countercontrol safer than traditional acne and oil control products?Unlike conventional acne and oil control products which can strip skin of both bad and good bacteria, leaving it red dry and irritated, Countercontrol treats the main causes of acne while maintaining skin’s healthy microflora to keep skin in balance. Additionally, Countercontrol is formulated without potentially harmful ingredients such as harsh surfactants, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur commonly found in conventional acne products. Instead of these ingredients, we’ve formulated Countercontrol with a proprietary blend called Skin Balance Complex, a combination of two extracts:
• Natural salicylic acid from wintergreen helps exfoliate dead skin cells and restore the imbalance of bacteria to a healthy level
• Rosebay willow helps reduce irritation and decrease sebum production
What are the benefits of using the Countercontol Collection?
• Controls oil
• Clears breakouts
• Purifies pores
• Helps prevent future breakouts
• Balances skin and keeps it comfortable
In an independent consumer study, 95% of people said their skin looked clearer after using the regimen twice a day for four weeks. – Michael McGeever, Chief Product and Merchandising Officer Beautycounter
What my clients are saying:
I loaned out my regimen to several of my clients pre-launch and here’s what they had to say!
When I was experiencing some hormonal acne, I used the Countercontrol moisturizer to balance my skin. I mean it was an emergency situation. Since then, my face has cleared and now use the #3 balancing face oil to maintain.-Ginny Jeffery of Peachy Clean Living
I’m really looking forward to ordering the facial scrub and acne spot treatment. I felt like the combination of the line really reduced redness and tamed my face overall. I still have some issues but I feel pretty good about the product. Thanks again for pointing me to it! –Melissa, Hugo, MN
I’ve been using the Countercontrol line since early May and it has completely transformed my skin. I don’t have oily skin all over, mostly combination due to hormonal imbalances so I have used select products from the line and I’ve found it to be amazing for me! I use the All Over Treatment every day. It is lightweight, absorbs so quickly and helps my skin balance out throughout the day. The SOS treatment is amazing at wiping out zits fast! I am so thankful to have a safer acne treatment that works. I also rotate in the Clear Pore Cleanser and it really helps to clear my skin up when I need a great gentle exfoliation. –Taylor, Saint Paul, MN
I’m surprised by how little of the Cleanser I needed to lather onto my entire face. It left my skin feeling clean and fresh. I think this is my favorite cleanser I’ve ever tried!! I noticed a difference from the toner in how it brightened my skin almost immediately. I have sensitive skin so it did leave my skin tingling and red but I took that to signify that it was doing its job. The scent smelt amazing and soothing. I’m always looking for products like the All over treatment and I’d definitely purchase it! I have been dealing with one of the worst zits I’ve had in a long time so I was stoked to try this! I would purchase immediately for those moments when I’m needing a fast fix. Looking forward to seeing how it helps heal my zit! I also loved how lightweight and soothing the gel cream was on my skin! It felt like the icing on the cake and like it was giving my skin exactly what it needed to heal. Thank you for letting me try out these products! -Sarah, Minneapolis, MN
After only a few weeks of using the countercontrol all over acne treatment and spot treatment my skin looks so much clearer and less red and my hormonal acne is much less noticeable. I added these in to my routine of using my charcoal bar nightly and the cleansing balm as an overnight moisturizer and I am amazed at the improvements! I am so happy to finally have a safer alternative to some of the harsh chemicals I was prescribed from the dermatologist that actually work!!!-Lauren Murray, Inspired Images, Houston, TX
My honest review…
I have dry skin and get a problem spot here and there, but am not the target user for this product. That said, I love the SOS treatment for those random little spots that will pop up. This treatment worked very fast for me. I would use it in the evening and wake up with the spot calmed down and without another application, completely diminished the following day.
I really like the face wash. I use it after working out in the morning or after removing my makeup when I feel like I need a deeper cleanse. I have been impressed by how little is necessary and that it doesn’t strip or dry my skin.
What my hubby had to say…
After one night of use I received this text message from my oily skinned, bald love…Loved the face wash and toner. I am also glad you forced me to try gel. It kept the oil down all day and I still don’t feel greasy.
The wash (which I actually want back), toner and gel now live in his gym bag!
What products are included in the regimen?
1. Clear Pore Cleanser (cleanse): This daily exfoliating cleanser effectively removes oil, makeup, and other impurities without harsh surfactants that can strip skin of moisture.
2. Instant Matte Toner (prep):This mattifying toner removes residual impurities, eliminates excess oil, and minimizes the appearance of pores.
3. All Over Acne Treatment (treat):This daily, all-over treatment helps clear existing blemishes and addresses the main causes of acne to prevent future breakouts from forming.
4. SOS Acne Spot Treatment (treat):This fast-acting formula with maximum strength salicylic acid penetrates pores to reduce blemishes and clear skin.
5. Matte Effect Gel Cream (protect): With an innovative cream-to-gel formula, this non-greasy hydrator maintains healthy moisture levels while controlling oil for up to eight hours.
You can purchase all the products here.
What is the order of usage for the regimen?
The Countercontrol Collection should be used both AM and PM in the following order:
1. Clear Pore Cleanser (cleanse)
2. Instant Matte Toner (prep)
3. All Over Acne Treatment (treat)
4. SOS Acne Spot Treatment (treat)
5. Matte Effect Gel Cream (protect)
Other Countercontrol FAQ’s….
What if I have oily skin and not blemishes?
Use the following regimen in this order:
1. Clear Pore Cleanser (cleanse)
2. Instant Matte Toner (prep)
3. All Over Acne Treatment (treat)
4. Matte Effect Gel Cream (protect)
What if I’m not oily or dealing with acne, but I do get the occasional breakout?
I recommend using the SOS Acne Spot Treatment as a rescue treatment for the surprise breakout. This invisible, fast-acting formula can be added to any regimen after the treat step before applying a moisturizer.
What’s the difference between the SOS and all over acne treatments?
The All Over Acne Treatment should be used on the entire face to help clear skin while also addressing the main causes of acne to prevent future breakouts from forming.
The SOS Acne Spot Treatment is a targeted treatment to help clear active blemishes and should only be spot-applied on breakouts. The combination of the two will help clear skin and keep it clear.
I am not ready for the entire collection, what do you recommend?
1. Matte Effect Gel Cream (Oil-Free): This product is great from me and women and has been clinically proven to control oil for up to eight
hours! It’s also a great primer for oily skin before makeup application to keep skin hydrated without the oily residue. In an independent consumer study, 96% of individuals agreed that skin was less oily and 93%
agreed skin looked balanced*.
2. SOS Acne Spot Treatment: This is the perfect rescue for any surprise blemish with proven results after just three days and is a staple
for people of all ages.
*Based on independent 32-subject consumer panel study
after one week with twice daily usage.
**Results obtained from an independent consumer panel
study of 30 people.
Sounds great, but when will I see results?
Like all things, consistency is key and twice daily use of this regimen is recommended. These products work together to clear existing breakouts, control oil, and prevent future breakouts. For people with this concern, you’ll see the full benefits of the regimen after 4 weeks due to the
epidermis renewal cycle. Continued use is recommended to keep skin clear and healthy.
How long does it take for the SOS treatment to work?
For me, I noticed a dramatic improvement overnight and blemishes gone by day two, but it can take up to three days.
Will Countercontrol treat blackheads?
Yes, Countercontrol works to treat blackheads. Salicylic acid exfoliates and promotes cell turnover which helps reduce blackheads.
Will Countercontrol help cystic acne?
Countercontrol is designed to treat oily skin and moderate acne. Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that requires a medical treatment. People with cystic acne should consult a dermatologist or physician.
Although the products are safe to use on sensitive skin, due to the levels of salicylic acid in the SOS Acne Spot Treatment and the All Over Acne Treatment, please do a patch test first to ensure it won’t irritate skin. Start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two times daily.
If bothersome drying or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day.
Salicylic acid is a widely used and FDA-approved acid to treat acne. It is a Beta Hydroxy Acid which is water-soluble and is extremely effective in diminishing blackheads, white heads and blemishes. It dissolves skin debris that clogs pores and causes acne.
The All Over Acne Treatment and the SOS Acne Spot Treatment each contain 2% salicylic acid.
It sounds like a really great line that BC came out with. Love that they focused this one on people who struggle more with acne prone skin.
Yes and at a lower price point- so ideal for parents with teens!
That SOS treatment has been such a lifesaver! Love the cleanser as well.
They are my hero products of this line for sure Jean!
Agree with Emily, I think it’s such a great line of products for BC. I would love to try the toner and the SOS treatment.
I wish you were in the states and could try it Irena. Do you ever visit?
Thank you so much for your detailed thoughts about how your skin has responded to these products! That is so helpful!
Thanks Renee! I appreciate the kind words!
Looks like BC has another awesome line of products. I love what they do and everything I’ve tried from them. Thanks for sharing.
Isn’t it crazy they keep coming out with more and better products!
Love this new product! Can’t wait to try it!
It’s such a good one!
Looks like a promising new acne skincare line with more gentle ingredients. Thanks for the article 🙂
YES! Acne treatment shouldn’t mean dried out skin!
That wash is my everything! And the SOS treatment works in a few hours
Isn’t it SO amazing!
SO freaking excited to see how this affects my skin! Just got my countercontrol in the mail this week.
It’s such a great line. I can’t wait to hear how you like it Allison!