Topical Keratolytic
Reviews
3.6
6047 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
32.9%
4
28.4%
3
17.3%
2
10.9%
1
10.6%

Used Salicylic Acid? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
September 5, 2016
new staple
I picked up this cleanser maybe a month ago and i will definitely be repurchasing. the AHA in it has done wonders for my acne scars, and it doesn't dry out my skin at all (i do use a moisturizer afterwards, of course). Salicylic acid does not kill acne bacteria, but it will help those with clogged pores. I use this along with neutrogenas rapid clear daily mask with benzoyl peroxide, which does kill acne bacteria. together they have dramatically improved my skin!
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August 9, 2016
Love it
Love this scrub this is the only wash I have found to clear my skin I have oily/dry skin and have huge breakouts mainly boils on my face due to medication and this combined with the grapefruit moisturiser works great
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July 6, 2016
Need info
Where can I buy this product? It was given to me as a gift and I am running out.
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June 7, 2016
Amazing
I used to have really bad acne. I started using this product a while ago (sorry I don't remember when, but not too long), and now I barely have any. I can actually see skin when i look in the mirror and not just a bunch or acne. The only thing this doesn't help with is blackheads, but other than that I thought this product was amazing. It is really quick and simple to use, I use it twice everyday and my skin hasn't looked this good in a very long time.
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May 17, 2016
Work in Progress
It's said to be true that when you use a new product for your skin, it can take up to 6 weeks for you to see if it really is starting to work. My 23 year old sister has a friend that lives in California with her and works in the "beauty business." My sister said she told her friend about my acne problems, so she suggested the "Start Clear" starter kit, it's slowly starting to work, I wash my face twice a day with the normal wash. Mornings I do normal wash and the the moisturizer/toner and I'm set for the entire day of school. Nights I just do the normal wash and apply the moisturizer/toner. It's really working well, I guarantee if you use if for a little while, you will start to see positive results.
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May 11, 2016
Lifesaver !!
I have tried just about everything from the drug store and proactive and nothing could clear my face up but after literally 2 uses of this I could see such a difference! Not only was was skin noticeable my clearer but my skin was radiant ! So glad I found this and would reccomend to everyone !!
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April 19, 2016
Magic moisturizer!
I have been using the clear complexions cream for 10 yrs now and i have never stoped using it since. It is amazing. Ppl have always complemented my makeup but its not the make up. I apply the moisturizer before bedtime and i have acne scars from years back when i was a teen. With the aveeno they are less noticeable. my skin looks brighter n dewy. Only thing is it makes ur eyes water for the whole day if u ever get it in ur eyes. So i always make sure i dont have aveeno on my hands when im using my fingers to apply my makeup. Its a bit expensive but it really works on me.
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April 19, 2016
<3 <3 <3
I LOVVVVEEEEEEEEEEE THIS!!! Other products have always felt weird on my face and broke it out more but this is a fresh and moisturizing acne treatment. Just take a bit and put it all over you problem areas, or in my case my whole face lol. Make sure to use moisturizer after! (I use spectro, its helped me a lot!) It clears up skin really well and my face always feels so smooth and nice after. I have bad breakouts and cystic acne but this really helps me with redness and soothing irritation which is the first step to clearing skin. I really love the products on this line so far. If you have confidence in your products, you will really believe it works, and it will work! Like the old sugar pills trick make sure you feel motivated and open to all products. I really love this and am excited to continue using it. The smell is really nice for one, and if its not working for you don't worry! Even if it doesn't help right away, find something comfortable for you rather than something you are always worried if its working. give your skin a break, and dont use the same products for too long.
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April 11, 2016
Great Natural Acne Treatment
I used proactiv before switching to all-natural products. Together with DermaMed Acne Gel this product helps to clear my pimples, pores are getting smaller, and I even noticed that my skin is getting toned after washing my face. I'm very happy that I switched to more natural alternative!
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February 5, 2016
St. Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Gel Cleanser: As Good As it Gets for an OTC Product
I have had issues with hormone-driven acne for many years. St. Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Gel Cleanser applied at night followed by Clean & Clear Continuous Control Benzoyl Peroxide wash in the morning kept me clear 90 percent of the time until early last year when I began experiencing "breakthrough" cystic acne. When my OTC methods began to fail, I consulted a dermatologist for the problem for the first time since my 20s, when I went on Accutane and largely eliminated the problem until I hit my 40s. The dermatologist placed me on Differen gel to no apparent benefit whatsoever. When that didn't work, she proposed a stronger dose of Differen and added a daily, prolonged regimen of antibiotics. All the while, she told me not to use Salicylic acid products so I switched over to a non-medicated facial cleaner. I began breaking out worse after I began to use a "gentle" cleaner and it didn't quit. Nonetheless, I was unable to tolerate a stronger dose of Differen and the antibiotics were leaving me with other "problems" that women can get from antibiotic overuse. This product was the intermediate solution for me between too-strong Differen and too-weak Differen. As luck would have it, I stocked up on a bunch of these blemish control green tea facial cleaners prior to use of the Differen and so in lieu of embarking on the antibiotic over-use route I added this cleanser back in to my thus-far ineffectual Differen routine. Between the re-introduction of this OTC cleanser and the Rx, I have acne control without antibiotic over-reliance. Unfortunately, my stash of St. Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Gel Cleanser is about to run out and I know of no other comparable product to stand in for the fact that THE MANUFACTURER HAS DISCONTINUED THIS FACIAL CLEANER :-(. I do believe the synergistic aspects of this formula, which includes green tea, olive extracts and Salcylic acid, will be difficult to duplicate. If anybody knows of a substitute for this facial cleaner, I'd like to hear about it. With the sole exception of Clean & Clear's Continuous Control facial wash, I've never had such good success with an OTC blemish-control product. It's too bad St. Ives didn't consider running a proper advertising campaign before they discontinued it. Without this product, I will be left with antibiotic use and the unpleasant side effects of being on too much Doxycycline for too long.
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June 4, 2016
Where are you located? The product you are talking about is currently available in Vancouver BC, Canada.
September 16, 2016
Have you found another cleanser that works like these? I live in Costa Rica and they discontinued the selling of this product, my acne is coming back. If you find something please write to me to hellen_chinchilla@[link removed]
April 14, 2018
I really hope you all consider doing all organic products for your face. Visiting Etsy and supporting great organic, handmade manufacturers. The products include all ingredients that you can pronounce and see clearly. And many manufacturers have reviews to vouch for the products' results. Also, know your skin type. Knowing your skin type gives you more options. I LOVE this face wash too but there are better things.
April 14, 2018
I love Alba Botanica as well! They have a pineapple gel facial cleanser/line and a coconut milk collection. I LOVE milk cleansers. They also have a seaweed collection which was AMAZING. The moisturizer leaves you GLOWING.

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.