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
January 30, 2012

Pros:

clears up acne FAST!! I love that the line is low in toxicity and high in efficacy. I also LOVE that i dont have to dry out my skin to clear up the acne. PLUS it helps with aging skin too!!

Cons:

price- but WELL worth it

I am 30 years old and have tried MANY products out there for my cystic acne(including accutane) with no luck! After a few days using this line i have seen MAJOR improvement. Who wouldve thought I dont have to get worse before getting better!?!? I recommend using other products in the line suited for your skin type to see the best results. I got lucky and found an amazing esthetician who knows her stuff! In combination with this product she suggested the LHA cleanser, phloretin cf (formulated with vitamin c), phyto corrective gel (helps with inflammation- really calms down redness and leaves skin soft). My skin has never looked so good! Its bright and hydrated and I am ecstatic!! :) Try this skincare line! you will not regret it!!
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January 12, 2012

Pros:

At first you will realize your skin becomes "worse" but after a week it clears up
Hydrates
Soaks in quickly

Cons:

None so far

When I first started using it I was breaking out! So I stopped and then remembered the quote "it gets worse before it gets better" the salycilic acid brings all your impurties out! So keep using it! I am a huge acne struggler and it makes your skin smooth and shine free!
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December 18, 2011

Pros:

Smells pretty good
Takes away shine cause of the oatmeal
Soothed my red pimples
Scrubs my dry skin away but is still gentle
Dries acne
Cheap

Cons:

May dry skin a bit

Does what it says! Leaves skin feeling clean and healthy. Gave me oil free forehead and nose. Soothes skin and dries up pimples. Scrub is good for getting rid of dry skin and blackheads. Worth a try!
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November 26, 2011

Pros:

Reduces redness of blemishes/pimples
Dries out pimples that have popped
When instructions are followed, its a miracle gel

Cons:

Absolutely nothing

Follow the instructions on the tube and honestly this will be your best friend. Most cons say it smells bad or it stings.. Anyone who suffers from moderate-severe breakouts will disagree, and the stinging only happens if you pop the pimple/blemish before applying the gel. Soap does the same thing to an "open cut". I've been suffering from mild adult acne for the past year, and honestly this has changed my life drastically. I've been to dermatologists, drs etc, no1 had a cure and believe me, I've bought every single product out there so spending $11.00 compared to $50+ every month is like xmas came early!!! I have extremely sensitive skin and am allergic to the entire world (getting older sucks man! I used to not have to worry about what I used on my face/diet) and this product has changed my face in literally under 3 days.
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October 8, 2011

Pros:

-light
-easy to spread
-you're able to cover a much larger area than with a single spot treatment
-Reduces acne size and redness overnight.

Cons:

-just a touch expensive.
-bottle is slightly small..

THIS PRODUCT WORKS! although it's just a tad expensive, I really think it's worth it for clear skin. In my opinion this is a very overlooked acne product. It is very effective and I will continue to purchase this product!!! : - )
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September 11, 2011

Pros:

Deep cleans
Inexpensive
Helps preventing new acne

Cons:

Strong alcohol smell
Oil production increases

I've always had good success using Oxy products. For the past year or so, I've used the Oxy wash with some positive success. However, I was still getting new pimples from time to time. I have hormonal type acne and they usually form on my chin area. I decided to try the cleansing pads in hoping that they will further clean and prevent new spots. My first reaction after using the pad is that it really deep cleans. I can see the dirt and oil on the pad even after I wash my face. That tells me washing alone doesn't get rid of all buildups. But be careful when you use it near your eyes, they will sting (more so if you wear contacts). I haven't had any major breakout since I started using the pads. However, my oil production seems to have increased from it. My face usually gets very oily and shiny just a few hours later. I'm not sure if it's because my pores are unclogged after using the pad and allow the oil to surface or if it's my skin produces more oil to counter the dryness. The only thing I dislike about this product is the alcohol level is pretty high and the strong fragrance smell. But I will continue to use them because my face feels and looks much healthier from the cleansing pads.
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September 7, 2011

Pros:

Smells great
Not expensive

Cons:

A little drying
Did not do much to clear acne

This product smells great and is good for removing makeup and other impurities. It's a little drying and the product by itself did not actually help with my acne. This is the case with all Neutrogena washes that I've tried though. I recommend grapefruit seed extract instead if you want to see results in reducing acne and fading scars.
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July 3, 2011

Pros:

My face isn't completely clear but it's clearly better than what it was before ! i love the smell and the spot treatment isn't as strong as i would like but it still gets the job done . I also generally have oily skin and products that would dry my face out only made it worse which cause more break out, clean& clear doesn't and i LOVE it ! i put on the lotion aand in a bit my face is perfectly fine.

Cons:

My faces becomes dry

i love this product and i recommend it but after reading the other reviews i suggest everyone read the warning label on the back. Try it out maybe once a day or every other so that you know how it will effect you .
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June 9, 2011

Pros:

- So, so, so gentle
- Didn't dry my skin up at all

Cons:

It mildly helps with pimples, which sometimes isn't always the best thing.

This is a basic cleanser that's suited for acne-prone skin. This will more than likely work for you if you have light acne with normal/combo/oily skin. Note: I have sensitive skin, and although I got a very MILD rash the first night I used this, it was only a few little red bumps near my nose. Those cleared up in a day or two and never returned.
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May 29, 2011

Pros:

No pros really except maybe the price.

Cons:

I have oily skin so I figured it would really be the cure I needed but Proactiv made my skin alot worse. It was still oily but I had a million bumps, worse than ever before. People say you have to wait it out but I dont know anyone willing to suffer and look like an idiot when the reason they bought the cream is to clear up your face. duhhhhh I hated it so much!

I would not recommend this product. I actually like University Medical Physicians cream or something like that from walgreens. Its about 6 dollars and its got the benzoyl peroxide which helps fight bacteria and its much milder. Orange and White bottle.
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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.

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.