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
Read All About Salicylic Acid
Compare To Other Treatments
5
32.8%
4
28.4%
3
17.3%
2
10.9%
1
10.6%

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May 3, 2015
Product used: ZAPZYT (Pore Treatment Gel)
Great product!
This is a 2% Salicycic acid acne treatment gel. I use this product faithfully. Works even better in combo with ZAPZYT BP acne treatment gel.
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April 11, 2015
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)
Ok with a little boost
I recently bought this after a really bad breakout. I have had cystic acne since the age of 15 and can't remember a single day since then that I haven't had a single blemish. After my face got to the point where it was downright painful I bought a gel wash and scrub with salicylic acid as well as pads I use instead of a toner and this moisturizer. I like the product but I do feel I need a second one because I just don't get enough moisture from this plus I do not like the fact that this has no SPF at all. My second layer of moisture is Olay with and SPF and the two actually combine together rather well. Overall I like that I get no new breakouts from using this but I am really big on the importance of SPF so tweaked is good for me.
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April 9, 2015
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)
Used to LOVE this stuff
I actually used to love this stuff a bunch. I ran out a while back and never rebought because I went the "holistic route" (OCM and natural moisturizers, etc.). But when I used this, it helped a bunch! I'm kinda surprised at the negative reviews. This was one of the best spot treatments I had; it helped significantly reduce the size of my pimples.
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January 26, 2015
Product used: Stridex (Maximum Pads with Salicylic Acid, Alcohol Free)
Perfect for my skin!
Have only used it ones and I'm already seeing good results!! I would definitely recommend everybody to give this a try!
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December 31, 2014
Product used: Biore (Pore Unclogging Scrub)
Cools irritated skin
I've been using this for about two months now and I have severe jawline acne. This hasn't made any significant changes except cooling down my irritated skin, though it would still be red. It isn't the best exfoliator, from what I see they've been using a new formula. There are better ones out there but this is good for a tingle.
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December 10, 2014
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser)
amazing!
I've been using this for a year now and its amazing! non-drying, takes away the extra oil and keeps my skin calm. love love LOVE!!
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December 5, 2014
Product used: Murad (Clarifying Cleanser)
Disappointing
I chose this product because it had so many good reviews on other sites like Sephora and Ulta and also because-- and I hate to admit this-- it was expensive, so I assumed it would work. As others have said, it did work for a brief time. However, after about two weeks my skin began getting really bad. I will say that it seemed to shorten the break outs and clear them up a little faster, but it definitely did nothing to prevent them. Also, it really dried out my skin, which is two times as bad as before because not only am I breaking out and peeling from the product that isn't working, but it's making me have to put on so much moisturizer that I break out even more! I wouldn't recommend this. I've gotten to the point where I would rather put makeup over a pimple than have flaky looking skin. I am now using CeraVe and after only two days my skin it much more hydrated and I have no new breakouts.
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November 7, 2014
Product used: Neutrogena (Rapid Clear Acne Defense Lotion)
Great Product.
With just two months of consistent use, this lotion has cleared my acne. My face is now clear and smooth. Initially I used it twice every day, but after I started clearing up, I changed to once a day (only at night). I'd recommend it to anyone with mild to moderate acne.
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October 14, 2014
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)
Good!
It smells fantastic and i have been using for a couple of bottles already. But it feels slightly greasy and after using Neutrogena's moisturizer, i would prefer that to this.
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October 2, 2014
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, Power-Clear Scrub)
OK...ish
I have been using this product for 3-4 weeks. It doesn't seem to be reducing my acne, however doesn't seem to be irritating it either, I have very oily skin and my face doesn't feel overly stripped of oil after, quite comfortable, I put the tiniest amount of neutrogena naturals moisturizer on afterwards. The thing that isn't so cool is I oil up quite quickly after using the wash and it seems to be more than before I started using the product. So overall ok...ish, doesn't seem to reduce my mild/moderate pustule, cystic acne. These companies promise everything but don't seem to deliver much at all. I try not to get sucked in to their marketing tripe, but man its hard when you want clear skin. (BTW the one I use doesn't have the polyethylene beads in it)
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