Reale Actives Pore Power is an exfoliating gel cleanser that uses LHA plus BHA to unclog pores and prep skin for serum. LHA is capryloyl salicylic acid, an oil-soluble derivative of salicylic acid, while BHA in skincare means salicylic acid itself. Reale Actives calls Pore Power an "everything cleanser" to exfoliate, unclog pores, boost brightness and prep skin for serum the Reale Actives product page. Its listed formula pairs Capryloyl Salicylic Acid with Willow Bark Extract plus supporting ingredients like glycerin and ginger root extract.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- What is inside the formula?
- How do LHA and BHA clear pores?
- What do acne sources say?
- How do you fit it into a routine?
What is inside the formula?
Reale Actives lists Capryloyl Salicylic Acid as the LHA and Willow Bark Extract as the BHA source. The rest includes Saccharomyces Ferment, Resveratrol, Fructan, Ginger Root Extract and Glycerin.
LHA means beta-lipohydroxy acid, a fat-loving form of salicylic acid described in the La Roche-Posay explainer La Roche-Posay explainer. BHA in skincare means salicylic acid, and L'Oréal Paris, citing Cleveland Clinic, explains that it can enter pores to break apart sebum and debris L'Oréal Paris explainer.
How do LHA and BHA clear pores?
LHA works on the skin surface and inside pore openings. A Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology review found its oil-loving, slow-penetrating nature makes it efficient at low concentrations while giving even exfoliation. Because BHA dissolves in oil, it can mix with sebum inside pores, as skincare references describe.
There it loosens plugs of oil and dead cells that lead to blackheads and breakouts. Think of BHA as the pore-penetrating step and LHA as the surface-refining step. Together they address both stuck sebum and rough texture.
What do acne sources say?
Cleveland Clinic states salicylic acid treats acne by lowering inflammation and speeding skin-cell turnover to prevent clogged pores. It lists acne, psoriasis, dandruff and warts among treated conditions. The FDA OTC acne monograph permits salicylic acid at 0.5%–2% as safe and effective for acne, according to the FDA monograph summary FDA monograph summary.
That range is why many cleansers, pads and leave-on products use those levels. In updated guidelines reported via Newswise, the American Academy of Dermatology lists topical salicylic acid to unclog pores and exfoliate skin. It sits alongside benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and other options.
How do you fit it into a routine?
Use Pore Power as the exfoliating wash before serum, not as a makeup remover. Reale Actives says it is not for eye makeup and points to Get Bare oil cleanser first. For nights with sunscreen or makeup, double-cleanse: If you wear eye makeup, remove it first and keep Pore Power off the eye area every time.
- Remove face and eye makeup first with oil cleanser.
- Wash with Pore Power, keeping it away from eyes.
- Pat dry, then apply serum to prepped skin.