Salicylic Acid
Topical Keratolytic
Reviews
3.6
6047 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
32.9%
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: Date
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
January 7, 2018
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Rapid Action Pads)
Horrible!!
I've been using this product for a while now and I'm really disappointed by how the product has delivered. i Honestly feel like I've broke out more since I've been using this product. The redness of my acne is more noticeable, skin feels dry after applying the product. I honestly don't recommend this product to anyone.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
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.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 28, 2017
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)
IRRITATES SKIN A LITTLE BIT.
This product makes your acne or pimples condition worse rather than curing it. It's kind of inflammatory and causes inflammation of the skin. It makes your skin red,blotchy and full patches and scars. Increases the number of blisters on your face. It's not an effective product. I'd prefer using the PERSA GEL-10 over this. If you sensitive skin, your skin condition will get really messed up! Upset with this product.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 27, 2017
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash, Pink Grapefruit)
Difference between the pink and original one ?
Would anyone say that this one and the original orange colored one are the same? I have the orange one and I'm seeing results and it's been about three days (I'm a previous user of this product) and like everyone else it dries out my already dry skin, around the mouth chin area. The only difference I can tell from the products is that the pink one comes with a moisturizer... any body tried both?
This Was Helpful

Report
November 14, 2017
Product used: Alba Botanica (Natural AcneDote Deep Pore Wash)
Nice face wash!
Smells Good, is a little bit runny but is gentle to the face. I've only been using it a few days but my skin feels better. I'm using it alongside oral and topical antibiotics. Here's to hoping!
This Was Helpful

Report
November 7, 2017
Product used: Garnier Clean+ (Blackhead Eliminating Scrub)
Worthy Exfoliant
Doesn't absolutely stave off new breakouts but does an excellent job at exfoliating the skin and minimizing the look of blackheads and other acne lesions. Always moisturizer after this, even with oily skin. This is an immensely drying solution. A little goes a long way.
This Was Helpful

Report
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.
This Was Helpful

Report
calbofcatarina
June 1, 2018
Did the same exact thing to me
Report
October 16, 2017
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Acne Clearing Scrub)
help!
i have some and haven't used it yet. i rarely get acne and after reading the reviews, I'm scared it will make my skin worse... what should i do?
This Was Helpful

Report
September 26, 2017
Product used: Alba Botanica (Natural AcneDote Deep Pore Wash)
It works! If you leave it on for a few minutes
I have sensitive skin and this stuff works for me. It's very runny though so I don't like the consistency. It smells very good. I apply it all over my face and ears and then let it sit there for about 5 minutes (just like you would for a peel), and then I wash it off. This combined with retinol has been keeping my skin under better control than if I ONLY used retinol.
This Was Helpful

Report
September 24, 2017
Product used: Alba Botanica (Acnedote Face & Body Scrub)
Irritates acne
I used this on my face for about a month. My acne has broken out even more and it has became very red and irritated (unlike before). I was told to stop using scrubs as they irritate skin (this is an acne scrub and should not irritate skin) so i stopped using it. Within a few days my skin is clearing up and starting to go back to how it was. I don't recommend it if you have sensitive skin. However, it did work well as a scrub to clear white heads and black heads. For backne, I believe it works fine.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 3 4 5 6 7 … 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