Salicylic Acid
Results
Side Effects

Widely available in over-the-counter skin care products in 0.5 - 2% strength, salicylic acid helps shed skin cells as well as reduce inflammation in the skin.

It's generally recommended to apply a salicylic acid-containing product 1-2 times per day, depending on your skin's tolerance and the product type.

3.6
6049
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
32.8%
4
28.4%
3
17.3%
2
10.9%
1
10.6%

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October 30, 2006
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Acne Clearing Scrub)

Pros:

i have used it for a week and so far i love it. no zits, face looks smooth and clean.

Cons:

fragrance. i'd like my facial products to be fragrance free.

i had a major breakout when i stopped my oral contraceptives, and it was very hard to control and i kept having ups and downs. i got it under control with a benozy peroxide wash and i thought that was too harsh for maintaince purposes, so i switched to this and it has been great!
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October 25, 2006
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Acne Clearing Scrub)

Pros:

it has nice smell and the packaging's pretty

Cons:

it was really highly priced

don't use it it was rubish wouldn't use it again and it's quite deer
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September 23, 2017
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Cleanser)
face is completely red
I used it for the first time last night and in a matter of hours, my whole face turned red. Woke up this morning, it's redder than it was last night. Basically, my face is red, irritated, warm, and kind of itchy.
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April 16, 2017
Product used: Sea Breeze (Actives Deep Clean Astringent)
Didn't work for me
This made my face break out worse than its ever been in my entire life. I heard good things about it so I switched from my other astringent (one with salycilic acid) and all hell broke loose on my face.
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January 23, 2017
Product used: Dermalogica (Clean Start)
Changed Formula :(
I used this product for over 5 years and it worked at keeping my skin clean , I had the only occasional pimple with that time of the month. Unfortunately they change the product and when I bought the new kit it didn't work the wonders that it use to. My face was adjusted to the old formula and loved it. I wouldn't say that the new one isn't going to work for yourself though. And i do trust dermalogica as a brand , so i tired another kit by them but t also didn't suit my skin anymore. Give it a shot though , no harm in trying.
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November 28, 2016
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)
Perfect for buffering Tazorac
I'm in my mid-50s and still have to work hard to manage acne, a life long challenge. I found by trial and error over many years of dealing with tough hormonal acne that blending this with Tazorac (almost 1:1, a bit more of the Dual Action) as part of my night-time routine has been a critical key to my success. My skin is completely clear, smooth, and not overly dry or greasy, and I have very few lines. I think the low level of salicylic acid is just enough to help the Tazorac get deep into my pores and the moisturizers seem very neutral and just enough to buffer the powerful action of the Tazorac and keep my skin happy (I found using it by itself was counter productive). I go to one of the nation's top dermatologists in Los Angeles who works with many celebrity clients. I've tried every expensive prescription, "only available through dermatologists" and OTC product you can name, and keep coming back to this magical combination. When I'd break out, I'd stop everything and go to bed with just the Dual Action on my face plus spot treating blemishes with a stronger 2% salicylic acid product or End-Zit drying lotion. I also use the Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser every night to get my makeup off (again, after trying more fancy stuff and coming back to this over and over), and then wash a second time with an anti-aging or more gentle cleanser to reset my skin (washing twice if you wear makeup is essential, one to cut through makeup and the second to treat). In my routine I also use a gentle glycolic acid cleanser in the morning, two different Paula's Choice toners (one morning and one in the evening), and Dr. Lin's benzoyl peroxide Acne Spot Treatment (another inexpensive miracle product) as an all over treatment every morning before sunscreen. I use various masks occasionally, and the Nia 24 scrub about once a week. I have a light olive complexion that is pretty sensitive, and bear in mind I've used Rx retinoids for over 25 years so my skin has a built up tolerance. I pray this product will never be discontinued!
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October 12, 2016
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)
Poor moisturiser
I have been using the product for some time and I've nearly finished the bottle. I do think that it works well to prevent further breakouts, but in terms of moisturizing the skin I think it has little effect and wears off before long, making my skin dry again. So, I would suggest opting for a better brand. By the way, I couldn't give my review a lousy one star because it didn't exacerbate my acne. Hope this helps.
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September 5, 2016
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser)
new staple
I picked up this cleanser maybe a month ago and i will definitely be repurchasing. the AHA in it has done wonders for my acne scars, and it doesn't dry out my skin at all (i do use a moisturizer afterwards, of course). Salicylic acid does not kill acne bacteria, but it will help those with clogged pores. I use this along with neutrogenas rapid clear daily mask with benzoyl peroxide, which does kill acne bacteria. together they have dramatically improved my skin!
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August 26, 2016
Product used: St. Ives (Blemish Control Apricot Scrub)
Its Good for Me, but Harsh for Most!
So I have been using this product in a VERY harsh way for about 4 years, yet it has never bothered me. Every night and morning I would wet my face with warm water, spread the scrub all over my face, and then continue lightly scrubbing with a facewash. I would then proceed to rinse off the washcloth, since off the remaining cleanser with lukewarm water, and then give a final rinse with icy cold water. I know that most people would look at me as if I was crazy when I say that, but I had never had any irritation from it. Now it worked beautifully at the beginning and throughout the time I used it my skin was pretty clear, but I would still suffer from mild acne. I recently decided to try switching to a different product because I was afraid that my acne was no longer being affected. The texture is thick like toothpaste, and filled with small sand-like beads that tend to collect in the sink/shower and occasionally clog the drain. I did not find it drying nor did it make my skin oily, and it did help with my breakouts, but it is probably too harsh for most people. Probably best to only use 2-3 times a week for an exfoliant.
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July 29, 2016
Product used: Image Skincare (Clear Cell Salicylic Gel Cleanser)
Can be harsh, does work.
Drying but it does seem to work. If you're starting out only use it every second night and up the usage as you go. I can only really use it when I'm to using any irritating topicals or it's too much. An effective exfoliant, skin felt smooth.
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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:

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