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
April 24, 2007

Pros:

This stuff is great! Moisturizes my dry areas & keeps my oily areas a matte finish. Feels silky & light, makes my face glow. Just tried ProActiv & hated it, it dried out my super oily skin to flakes & gave me little bumps all over.

Cons:

No SPF, doesn't do much for my acne but who cares... it feels great and doesn't make me break out & get all oily.

I only use the lotion with whatever face wash I decide to use at the time. I can use my stridex pads with this stuff, which usually dries me up bad but this stuff evens everything out!! LOVE IT! Highly recommended.
March 27, 2007

Pros:

I've used this for YEARS and can't live without out. It smells good, has the most exfoliating "scrubbies" out of everything I've tried, and just plain WORKS!! I heard about it from my cousin when I was younger, and now many of my friends use it too!

Cons:

None! Excellent product!!

Could use some more exciting packaging.... but who really cares about the packing when it WORKS.

I've tried many other scrubbing salicylic face washes when they come out, but I ALWAYS come back to this one. This has the most scrubbing action, the freshest scent, and works the best overall!
March 26, 2007

Pros:

The packaging is nice. My skin always feels very smooth and not dry after I use it.

Cons:

It made my skin break out horribly after the first few days, worse than it ever had before.

Honestly, I'm not even sure if it's working. My skin seems to be getting better but every day I look at my face and I have a new zit or pimple somewhere. My pores look HUGE and they're always sweating out. I have only been using it for about two weeks and I plan on sticking with it until the bottle runs out at least. Hopefully my skin will look great by then. Don't really have much of a choice.
March 21, 2007
It says '3 days' and the acne will disappear but it never happens like it. After I stopped using it and switched to 2 neutrogena products, I saw results. Bottom line, don't use t.
February 28, 2007

Pros:

Cost- got it for free as a sample! Doesn't dry out skin, not too many beads so it doesn't overscrub your face, easy to wash off, tingly sensation

Cons:

None I can think of- maybe the scent but that's a very minor detail

I have used the most expensive acne products before and I happened to receive this as a free sample. I was so shocked at how well this worked. It completely cleared up my skin and my skin has never been so clear in my entire life. I have very acne prone skin and sometimes it's oily- other times it's just dry and sensitive. This product is very good for combination skin as well as ppl who have sensitive skin. I never write stuff like this online but I'm so satisfied with this product that I had to comment about it.
February 22, 2007

Pros:

I guess if you have leather skin it will work for you.

Cons:

This stuff scratched up my face so bad it got beat red and I broke out.

Don't get this stuff , not worth the money.
February 21, 2007

Pros:

It works, it feels great, it is made with only natural ingredients, and is not tested on animals!

Cons:

NO CONS!

I love this product. Stick with it. My acne worsened at first, because this product line works from the inside out. Of course all of the crap needs to get out of my system before it gets better! A lot of other acne lines just push everything back inside and only APPEAR to solve the problem. Arbonne is my golden solution!!!
January 23, 2007

Pros:

Inexpensive, non-drying

Cons:

Similar to noxzema in smell and texture-leaves residue

This product did not work for me. After just a few days, I developed several large, deep and painful pimples along my jawline. I prefer a lighter lotion or gel formula. I know people who swear by this cleanser but sadly it was not made for me.
December 20, 2006

Pros:

Salicylic acid. The alcohol removes dirt.

Cons:

Perfume. Alcohol could make your skin worse. Rough pad.

There are better ways to get salicyclic acid on your face. I sometimes use this in place of a toner when I have breakouts, but the scratchy, rough pad doesn't feel like it's good for my skin. It seems like this is made for people with extremely oily skin. I have combination skin with acne, which causes a lot of medications to dry out my skin. I'd rather pay a little more for a pad that is softer and has skin soothers like green tea in it.
October 23, 2006

Pros:

It makes skin really soft and clears it up pretty quick!! could work differently on your skin...

Cons:

ummmmm nothing really..

it works...try it!

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.