San Diego – – October 19, 2026 -- CLEARSTEM's SMOOTH OVER Daily Texture Perfecting Serum (1 fl oz / 30 mL) goes on sale October 16, 2026, for $62 at clearstemskincare.com. It is built for acne-prone skin that is also starting to show fine lines.
One serum is meant to replace a retinol compromise
Many clients are stuck between texture and breakouts on one side and fine lines on the other, according to CLEARSTEM CEO and Co-Founder Danielle "The Acne Guru®" Gronich. Retinol was too harsh for them, but they did not want to give up anti-aging benefits. She says SMOOTH OVER "ends that tradeoff" and avoids the pore-clogging fillers found in most anti-aging serums.
Four ingredient groups handle smoothing, oil, renewal and redness
- Bakuchiol (Smooth): a plant-derived retinol alternative that helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, improve firmness and refine texture.
- Tripeptide-85 (Oil Control): helps control excess oil in maturing skin, so skin looks less shiny without feeling stripped or tight.
- Plant Stem Cells (Renew): antioxidant-rich ingredients that support the skin's natural renewal process.
- Milk Thistle + TXA Derivative (Calm): milk thistle seed extract supplies antioxidants against the look of environmental stress, while tranexamic acid helps visibly calm redness and even out skin tone.
A 30-person study reported 96% smoother skin at first use
In a clinical study of 30 participants, 96% showed improved smoothness immediately after the first use. All participants (100%) showed reduced sebum levels at 2 weeks.
At 4 weeks, 96% showed improvement in the look of redness and 90% showed improvement in the look of fine lines.
Apply it morning and night, then add SPF by day
Apply the serum generously to the face, neck and chest after cleansing and toning, once or twice daily. In the morning, follow with moisturizer and SPF.