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.
Used Salicylic Acid? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
January 5, 2018
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)
Horrible Product
This product completely ruined my skin. I had a couple invisible pimples, and I applied this to them. Over night, my skin burned and left big red patches where the pimples were. Aloe vera or neutrogena did not help, and they faded away in a while. I WOULD NOT recommend this product.
November 5, 2017
Product used: Neutrogena (Body Clear Body Wash)
Severe reaction
I've never suffered from sensitive skin or had any reactions to skincare products. However, this product made my skin tight, itchy, dry, swollen, burning sensation, and small white bumps all over my face and body. I haven't used it in 4 days, and my symptoms still haven't subsided. I made an account just to warn others. It started with swollen eyes after 4 days of use, and the symptoms continued to get worse. Do not buy this product. After some research, I have noticed many others have suffered from these symptoms as well.
calbofcatarina
June 1, 2018
Did the same exact thing to me
September 23, 2017
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Cleanser)
face is completely red
I used it for the first time last night and in a matter of hours, my whole face turned red. Woke up this morning, it's redder than it was last night. Basically, my face is red, irritated, warm, and kind of itchy.
August 14, 2017
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Acne Marks Wash and Mask)
Broke me out so so bad!
I have been on doxycycline for a couple of months now and my skin has been pretty clear. I had a couple bumps from a sunscreen I used a week ago, but those were starting to go, too. I wanted to get rid of my acne marks, however, and this product advertised that it gets rid of those. I gave it a try. First day, skin feels so so soft and looks kind of radiant. Second day, I wake up to a face LITERALLY FULL of brand new, inflamed, red, painful zits. Stopped using this product immediately and praying that my breakout goes away quickly. :/ Never again.
August 5, 2017
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)
Blisters and more spots!!!
I don't usually get many breakouts but on this occasion I felt it necessary to buy something for the spots that were dotted around my chin, forehead, jaw line, and either side of my nose (not on my nose). After using the treatment gel for only 2 days, my skin was breaking our even more and in clusters around the treated areas, my already existing spots were now irritated and itchy and one side of my nose has actually blistered! I am absolutely devastated that my face looks far worse than ever before. I wish I'd have read the comments on this site before actually buying the toxic product. Off to buy some tea tree and aloe vera to see if I can rectify the damage done! Doesn't deserve any stars.
July 30, 2017
Product used: SkinCeuticals (Blemish + Age Defense)
broke me out
I bought the complete set with the cleanser and toner along with this blemish lotion. After the first application, it broke me out completely.I got acne on my jawline and forehead.As soon as I stopped using it, the acne seemed to settle and I have not got any bumps on my skin since. I continue to use the cleanser sonce its good, but this lotion is way too strong for skin.
When i tried to write this review on their website, they said it cannot be published since it does not meet their guidelines. In short, they only publish reviews that are rated 4 stars or higher. Complete waste of money.
August 1, 2017
Hopefully you bought the products from skin ceuticals, as they have a 90 day return policy..... so not really a waste of money then. Also, many people try to buy these products off eBay or Amazon and they are not authentic products so will not work because they are fake. Skin ceuticals lists authorized sellers on their website and most offer a refund. wishing you the best in finding a regimen that works for you!
July 15, 2017
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Mark Treatment)
Doesn't work
The main ingredient in this spot treatment is 2% salicylic acid, which does nothing for me. This product has a gel consistency and peels/sheds if you touch your face or try to use any other products on top of it. The only pro to me is that I kind of enjoyed the smell, but other than that it has nothing going for it.
June 25, 2017
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)
awful
I tried this after not liking Cetaphil, which was too oily. This product burns, my skin is flaking off and has never had this much acne, redness and just irritated skin. This tiny bottle was I don't know how much, total waste. Bumpy red splotchy nightmare
December 1, 2017
Try using Noxema. You can find it at Walmart. Great for sensitive skin.
June 16, 2017
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Rapid Action Pads)
Terrible product
These I tried once. They do burn a LOT. They didn't help my acne in any way when I was having severe flare ups. I did go a little extreme with leaving them on my skin as well as I was desperate because I had boil sized pimples. Nothing worked!
August 16, 2017
Use vo5 ocean refresh shampoo on face every night in shower do not scrub in face gently wash it then flush face with cold water then apply a moisturizer give it time to help your flare ups it took me about 6 months to clear up my face now I'm completely clear
June 9, 2017
Product used: Sea Breeze (Actives Deep Clean Astringent)
Careful, largely differing formulas
I bought this awhile back after finding it on this site and being enticed by the mostly positive reviews. It was of no benefit whatsoever, it simply made my acne appearance worse. As it turns out, this astringent comes in variants, and I wasn't buying what I thought I was. Here's the ingredients of the original formula: Water, Alcohol Denat., Camphor, Peppermint Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus Oil (Clove), Eucalyptus Globulus Oil, Eugenol, Sodium Benzoate, Yellow No. 5, Orange No. 4 As you can see, water is listed first, followed directly by denatured alcohol. This makes for a consistency practically equal to water, and a harsh, unpleasant smell. I regretted this purchase. Nevertheless, this version still has quite a bit of positive feedback, but make sure you know what you're paying for.