How We Tested

Best of the Year arranged for DPhiant to ship Clear Shot directly to 18 evaluators. Consumer testers applied the product to blemishes as they appeared, following the product's directions. They assessed its texture, application, feel on the skin, cosmetic appeal and overall performance. Testers also observed how it performed on bare skin and under makeup, when applicable.

Expert review included six domain-expert judges spanning dermatology, cosmetic formulation, skin science, personal-care innovation and women’s health. They assessed the ingredients, formulation, intended use, innovation and marketing claims. A beauty and wellness judge contributed additional category perspective. A sustainability judge reviewed relevant environmental considerations, while a beauty-packaging specialist assessed the ease of use, materials of the dispensing system and more.

Best of the Year analysts also contributed hands-on observations and reviewed the entry, submitted materials, expert assessments and consumer feedback in reaching the final decison.

What Experts and Consumer Testers Said

The appeal was easy for our judges to see: A liquid can follow the shape of a blemish, dry clear and carry a familiar active without leaving a visible sticker on the skin. One dermatologist said, “I like it better than a pimple patch since it is not obvious using it.” Another called the delivery format “very clever and innovative,” while asking for more data on how the finished product performs.

“I like it better than a pimple patch since it is not obvious using it.” -Best of the Year Judge & Dermatologist

The film held up well in hands-on use. One of our beauty category judges found that it dried into a lightweight, transparent layer that blended with her skin. She also tried wearing it under water-free makeup: “I can support the brand’s claim that the product performs well under water-free makeup without peeling or pilling.” Other judges found that getting makeup to sit neatly over it took some care, particularly with products that contain water.

“I can support the brand’s claim that the product performs well under water-free makeup without peeling or pilling.” -Best of the Year Judge & Beauty Category Expert

Consumer feedback brought the discreet finish to life. A tester with blemishes said, “I love that it disappears onto my skin and I can use it during the day without anyone noticing I have product on my skin.” Another liked that it didn’t cling to the surrounding skin the way some sticker patches do, while a third said, “The peeling aspect of this product was very satisfying.”

“I love that it disappears onto my skin and I can use it during the day without anyone noticing I have product on my skin.” -Best of the Year Consumer Tester

The dispenser was the recurring frustration. “Once I figured out how to get the container to dispense the product (it could do with an instruction flyer), I loved how easy it was to use,” said one reviewer. Others needed several pumps to prime it or found that product could collect at the tip and dispense more than they wanted once cleared. The founder has addressed priming and dispensing in an instructional video and says packaging improvements are being considered.

“Once I figured out how to get the container to dispense the product ... I loved how easy it was to use.” -Best of the Year Consumer Tester

Best of the Year Bottom Line

Clear Shot makes blemish care feel a little more discreet. Its liquid film fits the spot you have, dries clear on skin and lets you wear water-free makeup over it, while 2% salicylic acid gives the formula a proven exfoliating ingredient. The pump takes some figuring out and can dispense too much at first. For anyone who has wished a blemish patch would simply disappear, this is a clever debut worth trying.

Why Trust Us?

The Best of the Year Media team comprises award-winning editors, analysts, subject-matter experts and consumer specialists who have spent their careers helping people make smarter, more confident decisions. With deep expertise across consumer lifestyle categories, our team brings decades of experience evaluating products, brands and services. Our recommendations are grounded in rigorous evaluation combined with expert judgment and consumer insights, giving readers trusted guidance on products, services, and experiences worth bringing into their lives.

P.S. We use affiliate shopping links where possible. We may earn a few dollars if you click them. It’s one of the reasons we're able to give you a calmer site experience, with fewer ads and distracting pop-ups.