Topical Keratolytic
Reviews
3.6
6049 Reviews
Topical Keratolytic
Efficacy
55%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Keratolytic
Side Effects
Low
Topical Keratolytic
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Easy to find and with low side effects, but don’t be surprised if you are left wishing for better results after using it for a while. Any acid on its own is unlikely to dramatically clear acne.
Topical Keratolytic
How to Get It
This is an over-the-counter treatment. Here are some places you can find it online.
Read All About Salicylic Acid
Compare To Other Treatments
5
32.8%
4
28.4%
3
17.3%
2
10.9%
1
10.6%

Used Salicylic Acid? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
May 3, 2010

Pros:

It REALLY works

Cons:

a little expensive... but i got the whole set not just 1 or 2 items like most of the reviews i have read.

This system really works so to me the price is well worth it i have tried everything even proactive and nothing worked...... but this system really works i have used this for a 2 months and 1/2 EVERYDAY 2 times a day the cleanser the scrub the spot treatment the blemish treatment and the moistuizer it DOES NOT dry your skin out and some of the comments i read that said it did, thoes people did not use the moistuizer. again i purchased the entire set so i think i am more sure of the full 100% working ability of this system . i think my review is a little more correct than others... i mean you can't just buy one item and say ok this does not work or it leaves my skin dry it is ment to work as a set and it is by far the best thing i could have done for my skin i am actually a 25 year old bi racial female who has had severe acne since the age of 12-13 i have been to doctors skin treatment centers but none of that really worked foe longer than a month ..... but this acne system REALLY works and it gets better from the first time if used as a whole set.... so in other words it does not get worst to get better also it has directions that say on the box use 2 times a day everyday i do not think you should write a review if you do not use the prodouct the way it is ment to be used because that creates a false review this is my personal experience and i love it and would recommend this to any and everyone
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September 18, 2010

Pros:

Has everything you would need to maintain a good skin care regimen like face wash/toner/moisturizer.

Does not dry out your skin and actually leaves it feelings clean and moisturized.

Cons:

Leaves your skin a bit shiny looking.

*MUST* maintain and use the product regularly.
(If you are a busy person and dont think you can maintain it. Dont use it)

Ive been using proactive gentle formula for a little over a week now and i must say that i truly do see a major difference in my pimples. It has gotten rid of a major amount of pimples i had around my jawline and forehead area. Im not too sure yet if its helping with my old acne scars but i think its a bit too early to jump to conclusions right now. So far i am very pleased at what this product has done for my acne. I also like the fact with proactive that i am not using too many different brands and companies on my face. I know that all the steps in proactive are designed to work together as a team. **My advice would be to just follow the directions and dont over use the recommended dosage. **Also i recommend buying the refining mask. They all work wonders and is like an nba allstar team =) **PLEASE MAINTAIN this routine or it may backfire. Do not get lazy and skip any of the steps. **ALSO after using the toner. YES your face and acne will turn bright red and look worse but dont worry it will go away within a few minutes. GOOD LUCK
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January 17, 2010

Pros:

Works well, quickly, Very cheap compared to other products and it lasts for months.

Cons:

none!!

I would recommended this product to anyone. It worked within a week of first using it! My sister had bad acne and started using this product and it worked wonders as it did for me. I have tried clean and clear, neutrogena etc. and they never worked for me so i was so happy when i found a product that worked! 5/5.
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January 10, 2010

Pros:

smells good
nice, tingly, clean feeling; doesn't sting

Cons:

cream base, doesn't foam

I used to work in a Dr.'s office & had access to thousands of dollars worth of skin treatments: lasers, levulans, super super expensive skin care products.. the best naturopathic regime and of course my skin was flawless. When I moved out of state, (and no longer had the luxury to have high-end acne care) my acne flared up again. I've tried proactiv, acne free, and everything else under the sun. I knew a girl who had severe acne like myself and when I saw her a few months later, her skin was so clear. I asked her what she did, and she recommended the Clean & Clear 3 step program. I was in shock. I didn't think that such a commercial item would work. And you know what? It did. For such a cheap price, my cystic, adult acne has finally calmed down. Who knew this cheaper, much more easily accessed & smells better 3-step regime worked?
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July 5, 2010

Pros:

Works fast
Does not irrtiate my skin
Does not dry out my skin
Does not cause severe redness
Evens out skin tone
Not expensive

Cons:

None

This stuff really works! I only joined this website so I could write a review. I've only been using it for about 2-3 weeks and my friends and family have noticed that my acne is almost gone and my skin looks great! My friends even told me that I should stop using makeup because I look better without it now :) finally comfortable in my skin. I hope it works for you too!
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March 20, 2010

Pros:

Clears up quickly
Clean feeling
Doesn't sting

Cons:

None!

I love this acne cleanser! I'm only 13, and I have frequent acne and oily skin. I tried everything, and I had almost lost hope of ever having clear skin again! Then, my mom brought home Clean and Clear! It actually worked!
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August 10, 2012

Pros:

Smells yummy
Oil free
Works great
Leaves skin feeling fresh and clean

Cons:

Nothing so far!

People say it doesnt clear their acne, well no duh its not for acne clearup its a daily face wash thats suppose to clean ur skin and strip it from dirt and bad oil which in the end should prevent breakout, not clear. If youre looking for an acne clearup get the cream, it works great!
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January 20, 2010

Pros:

The scent of the product is gender neutral, no overwhelming flowery fragrance.
A little goes a long way with this product, when it come to lathering.
The product washes away well and leaves your skin soft and smooth with a light refreshing smell

Cons:

Excessive use of the product more than twice daily will cause dryness and irritation to skin.
The product is thick and sometimes a bit difficult to get out of the bottle, and requires some work to lather it.

It works really well in clearing pimples on your back, shoulders and chest, within 1 to 2 weeks of use once daily. I have used this product now for more than 3 years consistently, without much problems with the product, besides for some dryness experiences because of excessive use of the product ( I got to excited and carried away that it worked). Discontinued use of this product will not result in acne coming back immediatley, but will give you a least a month or so before it does return and it will not be worst than before. A few visit to my dermatologist has comfirmed and (my own personal observation) that my acne problems a linked to my moderate dandruff problem. If my hair is dandruff free then my skin is breakout free and the product works well for flare ups. This product have also worked well at clearing up my face as well but be aware......it works much better on your body since it can cause peeling and dryness to the face.......so use on the face should be infrequent. Overall the product is cheap, long lasting, and it works......the most important thing to remember is consistence with use and a mimimum of 3 times a week use of the product can help prevent breakouts. For first time user be patience, you will use an entire bottle before it clears your problem area, so on your second bottle it will eliminate everything and you will no longer have to use this product daily but 2-3 time weekly instead.
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May 4, 2011

Pros:

Works great to eliminate current pimples and fades marks

Cons:

Discontinued by neutrogena

Works great but impossible to find in stores.
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December 3, 2009

Pros:

Reduced acne ever sinced i started using it.

Cons:

may hurt when putting it on, maybe cuz of pimples are dried out

for me it seems to work nicely :D
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.