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.
Used Salicylic Acid? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
September 26, 2017
Product used: Alba Botanica (Natural AcneDote Deep Pore Wash)
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 22, 2017
Product used: Clean & Clear (Blackhead Clearing Scrub)
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.
February 18, 2017
Product used: Neutrogena (Rapid Clear Foaming Scrub)
Worked well
Usually when I use an acne product it works for a certain amount of time and then just stops working altogether. However, out of all the products i've used, it has worked consistently for the longest amount of time.
January 1, 2017
Product used: Peter Thomas Roth (Max Complexion Correction Pads)
Amazing results...
I have very pale sensitive skin. I have been using this product with fantastic results. I do notice a bit of a sting when I apply this, but it's very strong stuff. 2% salicylic acid and 10% glycolic acid in the same product is going to be all business. I don't recommend using something that strong every day...use your head. If you haven't used any kind of AHA or BHA regularly, expect this to trigger some purging from the glycolic acid. Not only has this helped tremendously with getting my acne under control, but it's also helped with my laugh lines! Bonus! Plus, the texture of my skin is greatly improved. I will never buy drugstore acne pads again. They just can't compare. I take one star off because it is such a harsh product--used every day (don't even think about twice a day! ) would certainly result in dryness and could cause over-exfoliation.
November 18, 2016
Product used: Stridex (Maximum Pads with Salicylic Acid, Alcohol Free)
Pretty good.
I've been using these twice daily for around 7 years now. They're really good for evening skin texture, brightening and getting rid of dry skin buildup and some clogged pores, but they don't seem to prevent my hormonal breakouts anymore. My skin looks better when I use them, so I use them for maintenance and bring out the big guns when needed.
October 20, 2016
Product used: Biore (Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser)
Nice product
Good product. I used it twice and my face shows improvement. It does dry my face a bit though. It makes my face feel clean and fresh after use
August 26, 2016
Product used: St. Ives (Blemish Control Apricot Scrub)
Its Good for Me, but Harsh for Most!
So I have been using this product in a VERY harsh way for about 4 years, yet it has never bothered me. Every night and morning I would wet my face with warm water, spread the scrub all over my face, and then continue lightly scrubbing with a facewash. I would then proceed to rinse off the washcloth, since off the remaining cleanser with lukewarm water, and then give a final rinse with icy cold water. I know that most people would look at me as if I was crazy when I say that, but I had never had any irritation from it. Now it worked beautifully at the beginning and throughout the time I used it my skin was pretty clear, but I would still suffer from mild acne. I recently decided to try switching to a different product because I was afraid that my acne was no longer being affected. The texture is thick like toothpaste, and filled with small sand-like beads that tend to collect in the sink/shower and occasionally clog the drain. I did not find it drying nor did it make my skin oily, and it did help with my breakouts, but it is probably too harsh for most people. Probably best to only use 2-3 times a week for an exfoliant.
August 24, 2016
Product used: SkinCeuticals (Blemish + Age Defense)
definitely improved what BP could not.
I am 25 years old and my biggest issue is oily skin, large clogged pores and closed comedones. they lend my skin a very bumpy uneven texture and it feels pretty gross when I wash my face. occasionally I get inflammatory pimples, but usually it's when I mess with one of the little bumps. I have had stubborn bumps on my forehead for years even though I use benzoyl peroxide on them twice daily. recently, I got a facial which included extractions and she recommended I try this product to help with congestion. it's expensive so I was skeptical, but go big or go home, right? also, it has alcohol in it which I thought was a big no but I honestly could care less so long as it works. I have been using this morning and night for about a week and a half and my forhead looks clearer than it has since I can remember. it doesn't dry me out, in fact I think it's moisturizing compared to the BP I was slathering on every day. it hasnt burned upon application and doesnt seem to be causing irritation, although my forehead skin is much less sensitive than other parts of my face. the skin looks healthier overall and my bumps either have come to a head(tiny, insignificant uninformed ones) and healed up or just gone away. I did use this on my entire t zone for the first 7 days and while it cleared some stubborn stuff out of the sides of my nose and under my eyes, it made my skin shiny. crazy shiny. like necessary to wash my face a third time in the middle of the day and blot every couple of hours shiny. so, I am currently just applying this to my forhead so I can see if my skin will adjust or if that's just what this product will do on my skin. my sister (who has extremely mild acne, just an occasional tiny pimple) uses this after a gentle unmedicated cleanser as a spot treatment and swears by it. four stars only because of the price.
July 29, 2016
Product used: Image Skincare (Clear Cell Salicylic Gel Cleanser)
Can be harsh, does work.
Drying but it does seem to work. If you're starting out only use it every second night and up the usage as you go. I can only really use it when I'm to using any irritating topicals or it's too much. An effective exfoliant, skin felt smooth.
July 19, 2016
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Acne Marks Wash and Mask)
Helps with red marks.
I've used this a lot in the past as a nightly face wash, though I've never tried it as a mask. When using it consistently I DO notice a difference in the red marks on my cheeks - they seem a lot more faded. So, it does what it says.