Salicylic Acid
Topical Keratolytic
Reviews
3.6
6049 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
32.8%
4
28.4%
3
17.3%
2
10.9%
1
10.6%

Used Salicylic Acid? Rate It:

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Order:
October 16, 2006
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer)

Pros:

Only takes a small amount to cover entire face.

Cons:

The smell lasts for hours, it reeks! Will leave face feeling very oily/greasy.

I have bad, adult acne. Proactiv USED to work great, but quit working so I tried this AVEENO line which if anything seems to be causing more, painful zits. I do not recommend, waste of money.
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February 29, 2012
Product used: Clean & Clear (Blackhead Clearing Scrub)

Pros:

Smells nice

Cons:

-no effect on blackheads
-scrub beads too sparse to exfoliate

I bought the generic version of this product (it's identical to the original), used it daily for a couple weeks, was disappointed in the results. On a side note, any bits or beads for exfoliating were too sparse so it's a poor scrub as well.
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January 28, 2012
Product used: Murad (Clarifying Cleanser)

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

MAKES SKIN OILY
EXPENSIVE
CAUSES BREAKOUTS

THIS PRODUCT SUCKS AFTER I USED IT MY FACE WOULD FEEL GREASY NOT CLEAN. I WASTED MY MONEY BECAUSE I LOST THE RECEIPT MY MISTAKE SO I GAVE IT TO MY SISTER HOPING IT WOULD WORK FOR HER BUT SHE HASN'T USED I YET SO WHO KNOWS. AVEENO FACE WASH WORKS 100% BETTER FOR THE THIRD OF THE COST DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY. I HONESTLY WOULD RATE THIS A "0" IF IT WAS ALLOWED
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October 26, 2011
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Overnight Lotion)

Pros:

Light texture, non-greasy, light smell, contains salicylic acid.

Cons:

Works better after some mild salicylic acid cleanser.

It moisturizes my skin well after Neutrogena Acne Wash Cream Cleanser. I like its light formula. Works for my oily white sensitive skin with large pores. Acne improves from moderate to very light / clear from. Use it after cleanser.
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September 24, 2011
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)

Pros:

-Has a cool tingling feeling
-Has a pump
-Moisturizes
-Oily feeling dissapears after 3 minutes after application

Cons:

-May not clear acne

Awesome product. Every girl should have this! May feel burning but it goes away and leaves skin not irritated.
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July 4, 2011
Product used: Biore (Pore Unclogging Scrub)

Pros:

-Makes your skin feel really clean
-Smells good
-Not too expensive
-Wasn't too rough on skin despite being a scrub

Cons:

-The little beads get stuck in your hair
-Made my skin really dry everytime I used it
-Caused more redness to pimples and didn't help acne

Not much more to say, don't recommend it
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March 30, 2011
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser)

Pros:

Fresh feel
Took of makeup

Cons:

Did not take care of acne...at all

I would only recommend this for people who do not have acne problems, which is what the product is actually supposed to help, haha. Other than that, I was upset with this product and that I wasted money :(
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January 15, 2011
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser)

Pros:

Makes skin soft

Cons:

Doesnt help acne
Makes skin dry
Comedogenic
Harsh

When my acne started to get really irratating and my self-esteem started to decrease i decided to just get a acne fighting cleanser and see the ending results so one day i saw this product and bought it. The problem with this was that it was very drying. My skin felt soo tight after i washed it i had to put lotion on my face just so it could feel more comfortable. My acne never went away and i continued to get blackheads,whiteheads and sometimes zits and after i washed my face my acne got irratated. I don't think anyone should get this because personally it just made me feel like a failiure and like i'm going to live with acne forever. Fortunenately i was encouraged by friends and realized that some products just won't work and that i just need to try something else and move on.
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November 15, 2010
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)

Pros:

It isnt very heavy and thick, it is nice and light and glides on easily. It kind of has a cooling effect on your face.

Cons:

IT MADE ME BREAK OUT ON A RASH!!! This product ruined my face for 2 weeks, out of no where it started giving me this horrible rash on my cheeks and nose.

Dont buy it if you have dry cheeks.
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August 23, 2010
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, Power-Clear Scrub)

Pros:

leaves my clean feeling so clean
makes my skin feel REALLY refreshed
gets rid of acne redness

Cons:

makes my skin dry afterwards
the beads get left on my hairline
doesnt clear ALL acne

i reccomend this product, i just guess im one of those people who isnt just suited for this product XD
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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