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
November 5, 2017
Severe reaction
I've never suffered from sensitive skin or had any reactions to skincare products. However, this product made my skin tight, itchy, dry, swollen, burning sensation, and small white bumps all over my face and body. I haven't used it in 4 days, and my symptoms still haven't subsided. I made an account just to warn others. It started with swollen eyes after 4 days of use, and the symptoms continued to get worse. Do not buy this product. After some research, I have noticed many others have suffered from these symptoms as well.
June 1, 2018
Did the same exact thing to me
October 16, 2017
help!
i have some and haven't used it yet. i rarely get acne and after reading the reviews, I'm scared it will make my skin worse... what should i do?
September 26, 2017
It works! If you leave it on for a few minutes
I have sensitive skin and this stuff works for me. It's very runny though so I don't like the consistency. It smells very good. I apply it all over my face and ears and then let it sit there for about 5 minutes (just like you would for a peel), and then I wash it off. This combined with retinol has been keeping my skin under better control than if I ONLY used retinol.
September 24, 2017
Irritates acne
I used this on my face for about a month. My acne has broken out even more and it has became very red and irritated (unlike before). I was told to stop using scrubs as they irritate skin (this is an acne scrub and should not irritate skin) so i stopped using it. Within a few days my skin is clearing up and starting to go back to how it was. I don't recommend it if you have sensitive skin. However, it did work well as a scrub to clear white heads and black heads. For backne, I believe it works fine.
September 22, 2017
Eh. Good at the beginning
When I started using this, I seriously noticed my chin clearing up in about 2 days! it was amazing! Now I've been using it for about 2 years. It doesn't work quite that fast, but it does get rid of stuff starting to flare up. If my face has been breaking out really bad, it's not like a miracle worker but like I said, it does help a lot. It is a little harsh so if you already have super dry skin, i wouldn't recommend it.
September 5, 2017
Life changing
For me, this product worked best when I used it about once a week, maybe 5 days I also clean my face with a hot cloth every night It will be different for everyone, but it didn't take long to work out how often to use it I think it's a very deep cleanser, and if used too often you risk making things worse This stuff has got rid of my zits single-handedly, it's amazing I really can't praise it enough, I'm 41 now and have been pimple-free, more less, for 3 years and it's all thanks to Bioré This site helped me find it, thanks heaps :)
August 16, 2017
Not the best for bad acne
I used this when my acne was at its worse, and it pretty much did nothing. Everyone is different, but for me, I really saw no difference. I think it dried out a lot of pimples quickly however. I also noticed my skin became very red after using the pads.
August 14, 2017
Broke me out so so bad!
I have been on doxycycline for a couple of months now and my skin has been pretty clear. I had a couple bumps from a sunscreen I used a week ago, but those were starting to go, too. I wanted to get rid of my acne marks, however, and this product advertised that it gets rid of those. I gave it a try. First day, skin feels so so soft and looks kind of radiant. Second day, I wake up to a face LITERALLY FULL of brand new, inflamed, red, painful zits. Stopped using this product immediately and praying that my breakout goes away quickly. :/ Never again.
July 15, 2017
Doesn't work
The main ingredient in this spot treatment is 2% salicylic acid, which does nothing for me. This product has a gel consistency and peels/sheds if you touch your face or try to use any other products on top of it. The only pro to me is that I kind of enjoyed the smell, but other than that it has nothing going for it.
June 16, 2017
Terrible product
These I tried once. They do burn a LOT. They didn't help my acne in any way when I was having severe flare ups. I did go a little extreme with leaving them on my skin as well as I was desperate because I had boil sized pimples. Nothing worked!
August 16, 2017
Use vo5 ocean refresh shampoo on face every night in shower do not scrub in face gently wash it then flush face with cold water then apply a moisturizer give it time to help your flare ups it took me about 6 months to clear up my face now I'm completely clear

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.