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
February 24, 2012

Pros:

it smelled nice
Creamy

Cons:

it was to harsh for my face
it gave me more fine bumps
the micro beads was to overwhelming

I hate this product it wasn't worth a single penny
February 19, 2012

Pros:

Helps skin tone
Removes whiteheads
Reduces redness

Cons:

Pushes all the bad stuff out of your face so you get a couple pimples. But it gets worse before it gets better. Skin starts to clear up in about 2 weeks

Ok so I was useing the aveeno daily moisturizer first. Not the clear complextion. And the moisturizer alone was amazing! I used that for 2 weeks, then it ran out:( so my mom took me to target and they didn't have any!:O so I got the clear complextion and it works amazingly! It did make 2 new red zits on my face but I put some toothaste on it and they are getting better. But it's pushing all the lame stuff out! Which is fanatasic!
January 30, 2012

Pros:

This scrub has a lovely fresh feeling, a great wakeup for first thing in the morning. It leaves my skin feeling clean and exfoliated.

Cons:

If you really scrub then it's not going to help with keeping spots away. If you don't rinse thoroughly then you can be left with a few tiny green beads on your face.

I've been using this stuff for years and find it works really well with my acne regime of 'cleanse, treat and moisturize'. I definitely recommend!
January 24, 2012

Pros:

I really thought it would be a good product cuz it won allures 2011 best of beauty,And it blended really well under my foundation,didnt ball up.

Cons:

Everything seemed great i used the product for 8 days in a row and on the 8 th day i got huge cystic acne on my jawline and chin?Which i only get whiteheads,so now i dont know what to do,ive heard sumtimes your skin gets worse before it gets better but thats bull,so i think ill be returning,liked proactiv waaay better.

I myself wont buy again,should of tried laRoche posay efflacor duo,heard thats an outstanding acne product,theyve combined salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide together,and its suppose to be great.
January 9, 2012

Pros:

Slightly cleared my acne.
Slight cooling sensation.
Exfoliating beads.
Gel consistency.

Cons:

Didn't completely get rid of my acne.
A bit pricey.

My skin is very unusual. I have acne on my cheeks, forehead, and chin. Everytime I introduce a new product to my skin, the product reduces some of my acne, but my skin eventually builds up an "immunity" to it and my acne returns. Because of this, I have to rotate my skin care products every few weeks. This is exactly what happened with this face wash. It was gradually decreasing my acne, but within a month, my acne returned. But this product is not over drying. It smells a bit like a minty cucumber, but it is pleasant. It runs out fairly quickly, it's only been a month but I'm already down to 1/3 of the bottle. If you have a lot of stress or stress pimples, I would recommend this to you. When. I was using this, I had a lot of stress. I usually break out SEVERELY when Im stressed, even at the most miniscule things. But this product kept my stress pimples at bay. Only a few small brief pimples appeared. Overall, if you have the time, energy and money to burn, I suggest trying this out.
January 7, 2012

Pros:

- good smell
- leaves your skin feeling clean
- helps

Cons:

- leaves your skin a little tight but other than that I love it!

I have only been using this product for a day but my skin felt much cleaner and it did cleanse nicely. This morning i saw a difference. I really think this product is gonna clear my skin, and i feel really confident about it!
December 19, 2011

Pros:

none :(

Cons:

I bought this product and the very first time i tried it out it burned my skin and i tried it out again and i woke up the next morning my whole face was crispy it was so dry and i have really oily skin it caused acne and lots of redness!

it sucked!
December 12, 2011

Pros:

none, cheap, clear?

Cons:

not really invisible, dries and turns kind of gooey, then peels off, did not work at all for me and I have light acne, did not reduce redness or swelling as it claims to.

will not buy again.
December 10, 2011

Pros:

Reduces just a little redness

Cons:

It doesn't get rid of pimples!

This did not work for me at all!
November 17, 2011

Pros:

shrinks active pimples
reduces redness
sloughs off dead skin that blocks pores

Cons:

strong smell at first -- after the medicine smell goes away it smells like *peaches*..yum!

pricey but worth it

I was so frustrated with numerous products I have tried to clear my skin. I finally went on a trentinoin cream from the derm & omygosh --it caused the worst acne ever! I stopped & then started using some peter thomas roth products--ones with glycolic acid & salicylic acid. All the tiny bumps on my forehead/cheeks/chin are shrinking!! And its keeping the big ones at bay too. This is working so much better than any prescription I've tried (maybe they were too strong for my sensitive skin??) Very pleased with this product. I have only seen improvement, no purging so far. And its already fading my red marks & scars. :) :)

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.