Salicylic Acid
Topical Keratolytic
Reviews
3.6
6049 Reviews
Salicylic Acid
Topical Keratolytic
Efficacy
55%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Salicylic Acid
Topical Keratolytic
Side Effects
Low
Salicylic Acid
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.
Salicylic Acid
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%

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February 2, 2013
Product used: Oxy (Daily Face Wash)

Pros:

I'm 28 year old, female, had acne, all my life, tried everything out there, but not any more. OXY WORKS!!!

Cons:

Just make sure you only use twice a day. Any more then that will dry your skin to much.

GET IT!!!! ITS THE BEST YOUR MONEY CAN BUY!!!
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January 31, 2013
Product used: Neutrogena (Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner)

Pros:

-Feels good on skin
-moisturizing

Cons:

-broke my skin out.

I'm on the first week of using this product and my acne is worse than it was before, im going to continuing using it for another week and see what happens from there.
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January 20, 2013
Product used: St. Ives (Blemish & Blackhead Control Apricot Face Wash)

Pros:

- Smells nice
- Contains exfoliating beads
- Non-comodogenic
- Contains Apricot extract

Cons:

- Too drying
- Makes breakouts worse
- Expensive
- Not gentle

First off , I'm a teenager with normal acne-prone skin. I tried this cleanser a while back thinking that it would clear my breakouts.Boy was I wrong! This cleanser was too harsh and caused my forehead to get these many tiny ,red ,inflamed zits. It was so bad that I had to stop using it.Although I do like the gel/grainy texture, smell and beads , this was a terrible product and I won't be repurchasing. I'm still recovering from those annoying zits 4 days later. :(
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January 14, 2013
Product used: Neutrogena (Acne Stress Control 3 in 1 Hydrating Treatment)
From experience i have found that Neutrogena products help clear my skin up but never fully cure my acne breakouts. This cleanser helped my breakouts at bay but i still continued to have white heads and blackheads on my face. I wish that is had less fragrance because occasionally it would dry out my skin. I am not going to re-purchase this product but it might work for someone with extremely light acne who only gets the occasional breakout.
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December 31, 2012
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage 3-in-1 Foaming Acne Wash)

Pros:

-Smells nice
-Easy access
-Cheap

Cons:

-Doesn't work
-Really dries skin
-Made me break out more

Salicylic acid just doesn't work as well as BP unless you have very mild acne. When mixing the two, I have had the worst acne of my life. So, if you use BP use other products without salicylic acid and see if it helps.
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December 27, 2012
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

Got rid of most of my acne scars
Makes skin unusually soft?
Does not interfere with other makeup
Feels light and immediately absorbs into skin

Cons:

Causes redness when used with other cosmetics that are NOT from Clean & Clear

Okay so far, since I use AC Care it probably caused the redness. Recommended!
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November 24, 2012
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser)

Pros:

It leaves your face feeling
cool
light
refreshed
clean
smooth
soft
clear
brightened
cleaned out
fresh
AMAZING
And deep cleans your face but it is so gentle it doesnt overdry

Cons:

a bit drying(see next paragrapgh for more information)

It helps clear up light to almost NO acne. I wouldn't suggest this to people who have severe or moderate acne. Althiugh it is slightly (look you guys only a bit) drying. It eaves your face feeling amazing!!!!! Fresh, clean, clear, and bright... I TOTALLY recommend this product to anyone who has no, very light, or light acne... it defnietly does clean your face, andn it claims all the things it says it does.
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November 12, 2012
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

salicylic acid

Cons:

small tube for price
strong fragrance

This is a good treatment for just SPOT treatments. I don't suggest using this all over your face. The product has a very strong fragrance and can cause redness if you use more than a pea sized amount ( a little goes a long way). I don't think i will buy this product again for two reasons: 1. Too much added fragrance that is irritating my skin 2. Has not significantly made a difference in my skin complexion.
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November 5, 2012
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Rapid Action Pads)

Pros:

Reduced redness of pimples

Cons:

Stings
Drying
I prefer the Clearasil Rapid Action Spot Treatment cream over this
Smells like chemicals- not pleasant

It is worth a shot. More recommended for people with mild acne in my opinion.
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October 11, 2012
Product used: Clearasil (Perfectawash)

Pros:

-doesn't over dry
-clears acne
-cool dispenser
-perfect amount eveytime

Cons:

skin gets used to it :/

a GREAT product
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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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website