Clear Care vs. Biotrue: Which is the best contact lens solution?

If you’ve ever stood in the contact lens aisle squinting at tiny labels — ironic, we know — and wondered how to choose between Clear Care vs. Biotrue, you’re in the right place. Contact lens solution isn’t just "that bottle you grab because it was on sale." It’s a legit part of your eye care routine. Depending on your lenses, your eyes, and your sensitivity to preservatives, the difference between solutions can be like the difference between a comfy hoodie and a scratchy wool sweater (technically wearable but why suffer?).

Now, some multipurpose solutions are designed to clean, rinse, and store lenses in one step, while hydrogen peroxide systems (like Clear Care) use a special case and neutralizing process. (Translation: more bubbles, less rubbing, and a little bit of science-lab magic — minus the goggles.)

If you like exploring other solution options, you can also check out products like OPTI-FREE PureMoist (a popular pick for all-day comfort).

And whenever you’re ready to stock up (because nobody likes discovering an empty bottle at 11:58 p.m.), you can explore Clear Care vs. Biotrue: Which Is the Best Contact Lens Solution? on our blog.

Before we dive deeper, here’s a quick at-a-glance comparison of Clear Care and Biotrue — two high-quality options that come up a lot in the Clear Care vs. Biotrue conversation:

• Clear Care (hydrogen peroxide system)

• • Best for: Deep cleaning and intensive disinfection

  • Standout feature: Bubbling peroxide neutralization

  • Consideration: Requires a special case and full neutralization time

• Biotrue (multipurpose solution)

• • Best for: Cleaning, rinsing, and storing lenses in one bottle

  • Standout feature: Formulated to work like your eyes’ natural moisture

  • Consideration: Contains preservatives (which is fine for many wearers)

Now let’s break things down, one bottle at a time.

Clear Care Plus contact lens solution

Clear Care Plus is a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning and disinfecting system, which is a fancy way of saying it gives your lenses a serious spa day. Instead of rubbing your lenses clean, you place them in the special barrel case, fill the cup with solution, and let the bubbling magic do the hard work.

Clear Care Plus uses 3% hydrogen peroxide along with a neutralizing disc in the case. During disinfection, the solution foams and fizzes (yes, it’s exactly as satisfying as it sounds) and then converts into a saline-like solution by the time the process is complete.

You place your lenses in the provided case, fill the vial to the line with solution, and leave them to soak for the full neutralization period — usually 6+ hours. (Shortcuts are not your friend here. Putting lenses in too early is like biting into a pizza straight out of the oven — instant regret.)

You’ll typically buy Clear Care Plus along with its special case, and you’ll replace that case regularly. It may cost a little more than some basic multipurpose solutions, but you’re also paying for deep cleaning power and fewer rubbing steps. Work smarter, not harder.

Clear Care Plus is made by Alcon, a well-known name in lens care products, and it’s especially useful for people who want strong disinfection or those who find some preserved multipurpose solutions irritating. It’s also great if you love that "fresh lens" feeling (like new-car smell for your eyes).

You can find it here if you’re stocking up.

Biotrue contact lens solution

Biotrue is a multipurpose solution designed for cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, and storing your lenses — all in one bottle (like a Swiss Army knife for contacts, minus the tweezers).

Biotrue is formulated to match the pH of healthy tears and includes moisturizing ingredients designed to help lenses feel comfortable longer. It contains preservatives, which work well for many wearers. This may matter if you’re preservative-sensitive. You typically rub and rinse your lenses with Biotrue and store them in fresh solution overnight. Multipurpose solutions like Biotrue are often budget-friendly and convenient because you don’t need a special case.

Biotrue is made by Bausch + Lomb and is ideal if you want one bottle that handles cleaning, rinsing, and storage — especially if convenience is your love language.

Can you put your contacts in water for one night?

No, you should never store contacts in water, even for one night.

Here are the key components of why: Water doesn’t disinfect, it can damage your lenses, and it can expose your eyes to harmful microorganisms. Let’s spell out the biggest risks:

• Water can change the shape of your lenses, making them uncomfortable or unsafe to wear.

• It doesn’t kill bacteria or microorganisms, which can increase the risk of serious infection.

• Tap water may contain acanthamoeba, which you absolutely do not want anywhere near your cornea (trust us — this is one of those "hard no" situations).

While you can sometimes switch between similar types of contact solution, water is never a substitute. If you’re ever in a pinch, the safest move is to leave lenses out until you can get a proper solution (annoying, yes — but way better than an eye infection).

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Should you rinse contacts before putting them in?

In most cases, you should rinse contacts with fresh solution before putting them in.

Contact lens solution is used for cleaning, rinsing, and storing your lenses, and that final rinse helps remove debris, residue, and leftover disinfecting solution (because no one wants "tingly surprise lens morning").

Here’s a simple approach:

1. Wash and dry your hands.

2. Remove the lens from the case.

3. Rinse it with fresh solution (not yesterday’s "still looks fine" solution).

4. Insert and blink like a champion.

If you want more guidance, read up on our favorite cleaning techniques.

Does it matter which brand of contact solution you use?

Yes — the brand and type of solution can absolutely matter because not all solutions work the same way with all lenses.

Different solutions are designed for different materials and care needs. Choosing the right one can help with comfort, clarity, and hygiene, while choosing the wrong one can lead to irritation or deposits (AKA "my lenses feel weird, and I don’t know why").

Here are some common solution types and when they’re often a good fit:

• Multipurpose solutions

• • Good for: Soft contact lenses, everyday cleaning, rinsing, and storage

  • Key benefit: Convenience and simplicity

• Hydrogen peroxide systems

• • Good for: Deep disinfection and thorough cleaning

  • Key benefit: Preservative-free after neutralization (great if you’re sensitive)

If you’re shopping or restocking (because running out is a universal contact-wearer jump scare), you can browse more options.

 

Did you know you can order contacts online? 

Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts!