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
June 8, 2013
Highly Recommend Trying This Product!
I am very satisfied with this product. I had large cysts over my chest, back, and neck and this wash really helped clear them up. I never had success with Dan's chest and back regimen because putting AHA and BP under clothes feels gross and covering the entire back and chest with either AHA or BP takes ALOT of the treatment. I highly recommend trying this.
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January 4, 2013

Pros:

This product is amazing! I just got it about a week ago and... WOW! It works so fast and so great on my skin. My acne was really bad on my cheeks and my forehead and after a couple of days I already saw amazing results! I recommend this product to anyone who wants fast acne relief.

Cons:

The little beads kinda get everywhere in the sink, but it's no biggie! Also makes skin kind of dry so you should have a good acne fighting moisturizer ( I use clean and clear advance acne, the two work great together!)

BUY THIS PRODUCT!
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November 5, 2012

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

MY SKIN IS BURNING!

DON'T BUY IT!!!!
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February 25, 2012

Pros:

It's one of the greatest products ever.
Kept me from getting acne in my youth.
Makes my skin feel amazing.
Removes oils, dirt and makeup leaving my skin soft.

Cons:

That it took them 10+ years to realize their mistake.

I'm 49 years old and I have been using Sea Breeze Original Formula since I was a kid. In high school when all other kids looked like pimple pizzas, my skin stayed clear. I think that the person who originally came up with this product should win some kind of humanitarian award. I haven't been so happy to see a poduct in the stores in my life.
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February 13, 2012

Pros:

Smells good
Makes my skin smooth
Decreased redness
Made my pores smaller
Product lasts FOREVER :)

Cons:

Takes a few weeks to start working

I absolutely love the product. Those who have had bad experiences with it is probably because they are using make-up that clogs their pores. Do yourself a favor and switch to Arbonne make-up (I've been using the primer and the mineral powder) love, love, love it I didn't realize I was being counterproductive by using the acne treatment and using bare minerals. It was the make-up that was making me break out more, not the system. As soon as I switched to Arbonne make-up the break outs were less. I'm 4 weeks in and my skin is flawless. Week one- Smoother skin, still had minor break outs Week two- Reduced redness, pimples were smaller, acne scars started to fade Week three- Smaller looking pores, healthier looking skin, still had some break outs (put the spot treatment on and they were gone the next day.) Week four- Completely clear!!!!! My skin is smooth, healthy and I can now proudly walk out of the house without make up on. As far as being a Consultant, YES PLEASE! 35% off the products, 35% commission, Arbonne pays you back a % on your own purchases, Tax write offs because you're considered a home based business. It's a no brainer for me. I want to sign up!!!!
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February 9, 2012

Pros:

Inexpensive
Clear gel
Dries out pimples fairly quickly
Very light odor

Cons:

Stings - but only for a few seconds. It's nothing bad enough to whine about.

I have tried many different face washes/creams/treatments with no results. My adult acne actually got worse. This is a good product for a great price!
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January 17, 2012
Product used: ZAPZYT (Acne Wash)

Pros:

-No harsh chemicals
-Gentle on skin
-Clears and prevents breakouts
-Inexpensive

Cons:

-Makes skin feel dry and tight after washing

This is a GREAT cleanser for acne sufferers like myself! Trust me-you name it-I've tried it...hardly anything has worked for me...not even the regimen from the dermatologist. I found this on the shelf at Wal-Mart one day, and saw that it's very similar to Neutrogena Oil-Free Stress Control and Redness Soothing Cleansers (which I had recently used but were getting expensive). This worked like a charm! I was quite skeptical when purchasing it, because it sat at the bottom of the shelf with a low price and the name "Zapzyt" that was almost unheard of. But I'm glad I gave it a try...just apply your toner/astringent (I recommend Witch Hazel) and a good oil-free moisturizer-(the only thing you should spend some money on)- afterward and you're good to go!
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December 21, 2011

Pros:

works and leaves skin feeling refreshed

Cons:

doesnt work very fast

i overall liked it pretty well
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November 28, 2011

Pros:

Very moisturizing
0.5% salicylic acid, which is really not too much if you're already on the BP and you're a regimen veteran.

Cons:

If you're getting used to the regimen, I don't suggest starting off with this moisturizer. Find a moisturizer that doesn't have an active ingredient unless it's SPF. Benzoyl peroxide AND salicylic acid probably will be overkill if you've got sensitive skin or if you're getting used to the regimen.

I do not use the Clean and Clear brand. I use the CVS brand because Clean and Clear tests on animals. But the CVS brand is pretty good, I think. It smells really good and it doesn't leave me greasy. At first, it'll seem like it is. But if you give it 5 or 10 minutes, it'll dry to a nice, sort of matte finish. Actually, this stuff on its own can clear your acne up if you've got a very light to...maybe moderate amount of acne. You're still gonna want to use SPF with salicylic acid because it's an exfoliant. Pretty good if you want a basic bare bones moisturizer with a little kick of acne fighting power.
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September 16, 2011

Pros:

works, inexpensive, sold everywhere, smells nice

Cons:

has alcohol in it which may be too drying for some people

I used this twice daily on my back and chest for a few years straight. It worked like a charm, never stopped working and did NOT bleach out or ruin my clothes in any way. Let me tell you, I had bad acne on my upper back too. I was surprised how well it worked and I loved the scent. The only reason I stopped using it was because I went on birth control (Ocella) and my skin became less oily. If your skin handles products with alcohol in it, then you should have good results with it. Also, if your skin gets too dry, try Cerave lotion (not their cream, but their lotion) on top. Don't worry, Cerave lotion won't cause acne. Hope this helps!!
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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.

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.