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
July 12, 2008

Pros:

It's a clear gel instead of a thick white cream
It didn't dry out my skin

Cons:

It did absolutely nothing for my acne

It didn't clear up my skin at all. If anything, it may have made it a little worst. Complete waste of time and money, DON'T BUY IT!
July 4, 2008

Pros:

its clear.helps a littlee?

Cons:

it stings a little. didint help me that much.

buy it a try it everyones skin is different
June 14, 2008

Pros:

It smells Good and makes skin feel tingly and refreshing. It feels like its working.

Cons:

I have like no acne before using it because I've have been using Clean & Clean Astringent which burns but work. This biore Astringent gave me a face cover in zits after a week.

Theres nothing Triple about, it just fools people with the packaging and smell.
June 6, 2008

Pros:

Doesn't over-dry, smells okay, leaves your skin feeling smooth

Cons:

little beads get all over my sink/shower, doesn't remove blackheads like its says

Its not one of my favorite exflos, but it works okay and its pretty gentle. Only use it once a week though (if you have sensitive skin), and don't scrub so hard, be sure to wash it all off! It tends to cling to your skin a bit. It does not help remove blackheads, but a good exflo to have around.
May 17, 2008

Pros:

Easy to apply

Cons:

Dried my skin out
Didn't work well

I've been using it for over a month, and it hasn't worked yet. The soap sort of runs off my chest, shoulder, and back, and has dried out my arms. It didn't clear the bacne...at all. It's a shame, too.
May 12, 2008

Pros:

Worked a little bit.

Cons:

Extremely inconsistent, drying (even with lotion), bad smell.

Figured this would work, but does not work very much at all. Dried out my skin a ton, but only cleared up acne a little bit. Did not reduce redness at all, and is very deceiving. Packaging says that 100% of people show results after one day, but if they studied me I promise you that they would find no improvement. Trying another Clean and Clear product at the moment, but so far it is not working either. I'll cross my fingers for it, because this is the last chance I'm giving these products.
May 7, 2008
I have used Clearasil products in the past without any issues... I saw this while shopping, in need of a new refill of acne soap, and I decided to try this out. But this was really a mistake!!! After two days of using this it has dried out my skin in patches and TOTALLY MADE IT WORSE. I have pimples now where I never had any before!! And this isn't the product just getting into your skin and removing whatever before it works like some products do, this just irritated it and now it wont go away! Do yourself a favor and don't use this. It's not worth it. :( If you're curious for another product, I'd recommend anything from St. Ive's. Their products were what kept my skin clear for years up until now!
May 6, 2008

Pros:

It clears up acne well, and quickly, just like the product says. It also makes your skin softer.

Cons:

It's scratchy from the beads in it, be careful when rubbing it on your face, especially if you have sensitive skin.

It's a good product, it's well worth it. People have really noticed the difference in my skin, and it worked quickly. I use it in the morning, and at night I use a product with Benzoyl Peroxide, which prevents. This product has Salicylic acid, which more so attacks current acne, the combination of the two products gives you better results, but it works by itself too
April 25, 2008

Pros:

like it

Cons:

yo

im cool
April 21, 2008

Pros:

Dries pimples up sometimes

Cons:

Burns and stings, dries your skin out, left red marks on my face.

I used this product hoping my pimples would reduce in size and redness like everyone claims however it burned the spots I applied it on and made my skin look worse, like a leopard. It also stings pretty bad when you apply it especially if your pores are open (like after washing your face)...I think its kind of a waist of money and a bit too harsh for my skin.

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.