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
February 26, 2009

Pros:

Help fades red acne marks in a few days, acne scars however, would take a few months. It also prevents acne. It does as advertised.

Cons:

Smells bad, but I won't die like the other users stated...

Don't expect a miracle but constant usage will help. Bought it at Super Target.
February 7, 2009

Pros:

I suppose it clears away the blackheads.

Cons:

I had bad acne several years ago (19 now), and my skin has plenty of enlarged pores and minor craters to show for it.

I'm a smoker, and I get non-inflammatory comedomes. One would think this would clear those pores out, but no such luck!

Don't start smoking, girls: Researchers at the San Gallicano Dermatological Institute are suggesting that smoking cigarettes causes acne breakouts, specifically non-inflamed blackheads and blocked pores. If you're experiencing acne in your teen years, smoking ladies, you are four times more likely to experience smoker's acne as an adult.
January 31, 2009

Pros:

Takes off makeup very well

Cons:

Doesnt clear up the skin

I am a 27 year old acne sufferer. I go through phases of almost clear skin to cystic acne. I have been a user of Pro active for years but once in a while when the proactive runs out I try something new. The Arbonne Clear Advantage system stinks. I didnt seee any improvements and my skin became worse with tiny pimples all over my forehead. I found an old botlle of proactive and began using it to hold me over till i made it to the store, the next morning the tiny bumbs began to fade. i bought my Proactive last night and my skin already looks smother with a more even skin tone. I guess Salcylic Acid just doesnt work on my skin as well as benzoyl peroxide. I do love Arbonnes mineral foundation though but not the long wait for shipping.
January 23, 2009

Pros:

Affordable

Cons:

Gave me a rash

I have a friggin' rash. Took me a couple days before I figured out this was what's doing it.
January 7, 2009

Pros:

- makes my skin feel soft
- really does get rid of my pimples
- feels cooling on my skin

Cons:

- i can't pick out any at this moment

I'm 15, and I've recently been breaking out near my hair line area. They aren't really pimples, I think they're called "whiteheads". I don't know, but they're like under the skin kinda thing. Once in a while I get those huge pimples, and I had those last week. I went out and bought cleanser and this, and it's been about 3 days since I'v used this product, and I told my friend to keep track of my skin for me (LOL). I told her to examine my skin now, and then at the end of the week to see if this product works. It's only been 3 days and it actually does! Even I can see it. *note: i use this after I use cetaphil cleanser. & since I've been using these products, I've also been drinking 3 bottles of water a day (holy cow -_-). so maybe that's whats helping my skin as well.
December 27, 2008

Pros:

Works very well to unclog pores, gritty feel lets you know it will work, should work for maybe 100 days

Cons:

Pretty expensive for how much you get, doesn't come off easily

You need an acne treatment, but you also need something to unclog the pores. I have used for a few weeks and it seems to do a good job of unclogging pores, but it still is expensive for what you get. It is however, a necessity to getting rid of acne. I recommend you use it with Oxy.
December 1, 2008

Pros:

I have the pink one, so smells great.
Doesn't dry skin

Cons:

I've been using this about two months now, NO IMPROVEMENT

I would not recommend
November 29, 2008

Pros:

(Soap Bark & Chamomile deep cleansing cream) Smells great, feels great doesn't over dry. Calms my skin, helps with redness and diminishes my pimples.

Cons:

Doesn't completely clear up my skin, blemish stick and many other products are not available, extremely expensive or hard to find in Canada.

I have really dry and sensitive skin, and about three years ago started breaking out like crazy. I have tried soooo many products but keep coming back to this one. However it never completely clears up my skin so every so often I will try something else but then I end up breaking out and coming back to this one which helps straighten me back out very quickly.
November 12, 2008

Pros:

...makes skin feel good?

Cons:

didn't work at all >_<

basically, it didnt work for me it might for u, but i wouldn't waste your time or money
November 7, 2008

Pros:

Seems to be working, skin is smoother and acne gets burnt off gradually

Cons:

HORRIBLE smell, I can hardly sit through 10 minutes of having it on my face - i feel like vomiting.

I hope the neutrogena people will find the way to make the smell pleasant because frankly speaking its the 21st century and why one of the leading skin brands releases such a foul smelling treatment just boggles my mind. I would fire the marketing director.

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.