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:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
March 3, 2007
Product used: Stridex (Maximum Pads with Salicylic Acid, Alcohol Free)

Pros:

easy to use and keeps your hands off your face

Cons:

Dried my skin out and caused it to break out worse

I do not recommend this product.
This Was Helpful

Report
February 5, 2007
Product used: L'Oreal (Pure Zone Skin Clearing Foaming Cleanser)

Pros:

It dried some of my pimples but honestly you get better results using clearasil.

Cons:

It brought more Pimples!!

I Was using Clearasil and cleared my skin of any imperfection, changed to this piece of sh*t treatment system and grease was coming out like water, Disgusting i know but i rather have my skin peeling down than having a face that looks like a pizza.
This Was Helpful

Report
January 22, 2007
Product used: Biore (Pore Unclogging Scrub)

Pros:

Not overdrying

Cons:

Doesn't do anything. Has very few exfoliating beads. Overpriced. Nauseating scent.

Doesn't have enough exfoliating power to be an effective scrub.
This Was Helpful

Report
January 15, 2007
Product used: Neutrogena (Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Spot Gel)
I only tried it for one day and my acne went down alot, but i woke up the next morning and my whole face was red and itchy and dried out!
This Was Helpful

Report
January 10, 2007
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser)

Pros:

Leaves my skin feeling and looking soft and clean, and more even-toned than after using a harsher cleanser or scrub. Takes off eye-makeup! Concentration of salicylic acid is only 0.5% so it is unlikely to irritate most people.

Cons:

Packaging: the pump sticks every time. But it does have a plastic cap to cover the pump, so it is very convenient for (non-airline) travel. People who are *extremely* allergic to salicylic acid should not use this.

This foamy cleanser is fun to use, and will take off ALL makeup in just one easy, deep-cleaning, gentle step... so there's no excuse for falling asleep in your make-up anymore, ladies! ;p You will, of course, still need to use a topical treatment like Benzoyl Peroxide as a spot treatment or on trouble areas to get clear skin, but that is true with all cleansers. I have been using this off and on for a year, but started using it consistently over the last few weeks as I am trying to break my addiction to apricot scrubs. I do find that I still feel like I need to use a scrub every few days for some extra exfoliation, but, hey, I'm an addict! My skin is not totally clear, but I had a horrible breakout a couple of weeks ago, and I am finding that it is healing well since I started using this. Worth the $7 to try it if you wear makeup, as even if you don't love it, you will sometimes reach for this at the end of a long night to cleanse your face quickly before falling asleep.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 16, 2012
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

Makes zits smaller second day of use the zit is gone!!:)

Cons:

Stings for a while

I love it! It really works!! Clean & Clear is the best !
This Was Helpful

Report
February 22, 2012
Product used: Neutrogena (Body Clear Body Wash)

Pros:

Goes onto skin smoothly
Smells decent
Has a foamy texture nd is great on the skin

Cons:

None so far

So, I have tried everything to get my nice clear skin I had in this past summer. It has now been two months that I have been suffering with acne in my back and chest. I just used this tonight which is Tuesday February 21st, 2012 and I plan to write a review next week to see if this product really did it's job. Maybe my 4 star rating will turn into a 5 next week.
This Was Helpful

Report
February 7, 2012
Product used: Stridex (Maximum Pads with Salicylic Acid, Alcohol Free)

Pros:

none

Cons:

none

Had no effect on my face at all. Didn't cause dryness or irritation, but didn't help get rid of breakouts or prevent new ones. Useless product imo.
This Was Helpful

Report
January 11, 2012
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer)

Pros:

Good Moisturizer

Cons:

More Acne (Whiteheads)
Irritates already Irritated skin
Didn't help with redness

Not Very Good
This Was Helpful

Report
November 22, 2011
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing Facial Cleanser)

Pros:

clears redness after one or two weeks .
smells good
does not dry

Cons:

causes more acne.
gave me the worst breakout of my life.
made my skin look awful.

dont buy this product .
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 350 351 352 353 354 … 375
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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