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 30, 2007

Pros:

cheap

Cons:

this product doesn't work

I only breakout before my period and during finals so I bought this product for that period of time but it increased my 2 or 3 acne bumps to 10! This is not a good product!
November 26, 2007

Pros:

makes you feel like youre cleaning your face really good but really youre irritating your skin. good for chest and back acne NOT FOR FACE!

Cons:

too irritating and really does make you break out more than you would if didnt use it on your face.

you should not use a scrub on your face, i stopped using it and my face actually cleared up, i didnt change anything different in my routine but i just stopped using this on my face. that doesnt mean its a bad product, my sister uses this and she doesnt have acne, but for acne prone skin i think its too harsh and irritating.
November 24, 2007

Pros:

Really great at light moisturizing and clearing skin!!!

Cons:

Has menthol, so can be a little drying. Not moisturizing enough for the winter.

GREAT summer moisturizer that also fights acne!!!
November 23, 2007

Pros:

It worked well with my sensitive skin, it did not over dry it like other medication

Cons:

It made my skin become really red and I never really saw results

So not worth the price
November 15, 2007

Pros:

Reduces oil, works remotely fast, smells good, affordable

Cons:

Takes some time to start working for larger pimples

I saw the commercial for this product, and there was proof, so obviously, that would convince anybody. I decided to try it, and thankfully it was relatively cheap. (For the two other products that came with it, also.)
November 11, 2007

Pros:

I like the smell. Plus it really does leave your skin feeling fresh and clean.

Cons:

Not a good pore unclogger

Good for washing your face if that is what you are aiming for.
November 5, 2007

Pros:

refines the texture of your skin mega-ly, prevents most breakouts, clears oily skin well.

Cons:

acne isn't totally under control with this product.

i really like this scrub. i don't usually bother writing reviews for products, but i thought that for this one, it would be worth it! it's so far the best acne wash i've found. i have oily to combination skin with mild acne + acne scarring. i think this does an amazing job of cleaning and exfoliating the skin. it's the best feeling i've gotten from any product! it even seems that my overall complexion is evening out, so i think the results will improve other time. i will definitely keep using it!
October 29, 2007

Pros:

this is stupid

Cons:

omg, this is the worst product that ive ever used
i used it for like soooo long and my breakouts are still there

Its REALLY BADDDDDDD I recommend Burt's Bees Parsley Blemish Stick this stuff works great and so does Benefit's BooBoo Zap totally affordable and works too
October 25, 2007

Pros:

No bad smell, one tube goes a long time

Cons:

Not potent, leaves a residue even after washing

it didn't improve my skin at all. i was hoping for a quick cure for a few pimples before my grad which were only 2 days old, and fairly isolated. unfortunately it didnt get rid of them in 7 days. i was very upset i payed all that money and ended up still having pimples. i would recommend trying another spot-treatment. All it did is made them feel drier and solid but they still looked red and inflamed.
October 23, 2007

Pros:

It make your skin really smooth cleansed skin

Cons:

I didn't do that much for me

non

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.