Salicylic Acid
Topical Keratolytic
Reviews
3.6
6047 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
32.9%
4
28.4%
3
17.3%
2
10.9%
1
10.6%

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May 31, 2018
Product used: Stridex (Maximum Pads with Salicylic Acid, Alcohol Free)
Back acne
I use this for back acne for when my skin gets oily throughout the day.
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May 29, 2018
Product used: Neutrogena (Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Daily Scrub)
didn't help
I can't use any neutrogena products. My face burned and almost immediately broke out in little red bumps.
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May 26, 2018
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)
LITERALLY burned my skin
This product was HORRIFIC. I put a very think layer on a blemish and now I have a scab 4-5 times the pimple size on the side of my face. I have NEVER had this sort of reaction to anything I have ever used before. It looks as though I put a curling iron on my face for a minute. DO NOT USE.
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April 30, 2018
Product used: Stridex (Maximum Pads with Salicylic Acid, Alcohol Free)
Great product!!
I didn't try these stridex salicylic acid pads for years because I thought they were drugstore crap. But, boy was I wrong! Don't be fooled because they are cheap. They have 2% salicylic acid at the right ph for maximum exfoliation & the perfect amount of oil control, without drying out your skin, as they are alcohol free. So glad I found them, and you should try them too! You will not be dissappointed.
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April 26, 2018
Product used: Neutrogena (Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Spot Gel)
No stars
I used this for a while after I had tried everything else I had ever heard of. Neutrogena was supposed to be this trusted brand, but I guess you should not expect a lot from something that is sold in the drug store. My bad and their good marketing, right? Long story short - the good points: the cost. Can't beat it. That is it for the good points. AHAHAHAH But if you want results, I would try something else. It irritated my skin and made my blemishes actually more evident because they were red and inflamed after use. I would recommend the stuff I use now instead - it is a medicated sulfur mask from Ninja. I heard about it from a co-worker and it really has been effective for me. Pretty low cost and great to use as a mask when you have time (I find I can only do it like twice a week because I am too tired at night) or as a spot treatment right before bed. It has lasted me about 2 months and I am about ready to order a new one. Great results for the cost.
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April 21, 2018
Product used: Dermalogica (Clean Start)
Life changing
Had very bad acne and been using this for a good 4-8 weeks almost non stop and it has gone by 80% thanks so much for changing my life
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April 13, 2018
Product used: Clearasil Ultra (5-in-1 Pads)
Okay
I'd give it a four star rating, it is a good product, I can't deny that. Yet, I am 12, when I was 11 I used these when I had minor acne. Now, I suppose u could say I have severe acne. They work one time amazingly. Yet, when you try other products, they don't work due to them needing to get used to your face due to this not being the first time you've used this product. So, they are good, if they are the only product you're going to use or a product you'll use non-stop.
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April 12, 2018
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash, Pink Grapefruit)
Skin Purging
This wash is PERFECT for skin purging. It brings all your pimples to surface so that your skin can start heeling! I does make your skin red and sensitive but after a few weeks your skin will feel and look so much better. I have oily skin and have always struggled with acne, I just have to power through a few weeks to get the skin I want.
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April 11, 2018
Product used: Clean & Clear (Blackhead Clearing Scrub)
replaced acne with blue spots
A lot of people are saying it broke them out. I had the opposite effect. Over the 3 Years I've been using this my skin has cleared almost completely. And I don't really break out. BUT THIS PIECE OF SH*t LEFT ITS BEADS IN MORE PORES AND NOW THEY ARE COVER BY A LAYER OF SKIN AND U CAN SEE LIKE 3 blue spots on my face. It's literally in there and they won't come out. So if u want u some clear skin but instead of red u get blue spots by all means pick u up this
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March 23, 2018
Product used: Clean & Clear (Blackhead Clearing Scrub)
works very well!
I have seen so many bad reviews about this product here that I had to write a review myself. Personally, I have been using this for about 2 weeks now and my skin has been the clearest it has been for a while. I have oily skin so it doesn't irritate my skin and although it doesn't really help with blackheads it has cleared my acne even after the first use. Definitely recommend!
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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