Acne.org Products
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 22, 2015
Product used: Sea Breeze (Actives Deep Clean Astringent)
Still one of my favorite products for 30 years later
I grew up on Seabreeze, and recently started buying it for my teenage son. I tried it again one day and realized it's still the best facial astringent on the market. I am abandoning my "growing up" facial astringent that costs five times as much and doesn't work as well.
September 2, 2014
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash, Pink Grapefruit)
Pretty good
This has helped the redness of my acne stay under control and has helped reduce the acne on my face. It is very drying but a moisturizer will help that. I used it for about a year but I didn't know that using an acne treatment for so long could make your skin "immune" to it. For that year, my skin basically looked the same (except in the beginning where it was reducing). I like this product but It didn't get rid of as much acne as I would've wished.
August 16, 2014
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash, Pink Grapefruit)
average
i got this wash a couple months ago, and it works, but it dries out my skin like a rice cake, ive found a moisturizer to use with it though. the only thing i dont like is how it gives me a pimple or 2, then other days its like magic. sooo, i really dont know how i feel about it honestly.
July 28, 2014
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash, Pink Grapefruit)
Really ?!!!
I was really interested in this product so I went online to check reviews and even though they were mixed reviews , I bought it and was really liking it until it just made my skin horrible and break out everywhere !! I have been using it for 2 months and there has been no improvement ! Also , it really burns and dries your skin . Definitely for light acne and not for sensitive skin !!
July 17, 2014
Product used: Arbonne (Clear Advantage System)
Not good
Moderate-severe acne for years and years. I've never had much luck with salicylic acid but really liked the RC-9 lotion, so I decided to buy the acne set. It was probably the worst decision I ever made for my skin. Not only did it not help my acne it left my skin with a horrible texture, enlarged pores, and just awful looking. It took a very long time for my skin to get it's normal texture back. I'm not sure why my skin did not like it; obviously others have had a good experience. I have normal skin that's not oily. My skin responds better the benzoyl peroxide than salicylic acid. I tried this when I was 20 years old. Good news is it does come with a satisfaction guarantee I never took advantage of... However, I did like their other RC-9 and FC-5 products.
July 8, 2014
Product used: Clean & Clear (Blackhead Clearing Scrub)
Works great only if you use it right
While using the regimen I notices that I started getting blackheads so I used this instead of the cleanser every other day and it works great to get the blackheads out. The trick is to only use it when your acne pimples start clearing up. You wouldn't want to use it if your acne has flared up because it would make it worse. I would definitely recommend it.
November 1, 2013
Product used: St. Ives (Blemish Control Apricot Scrub)
DO NOT USE ON FACE
Cons:
Feels Harsh
Cause me to break out
Damages skin
I overused this product. I would use it daily. It was fine at first. It has now given me small bumps all around my jawline, cheeks, chin, neck and forehead. They are small skin toned bumps that are very noticeable on certain lighting. I had never broken out like this. I have acne prone skin, but I had cleared apart from the occasionally pimple. This stuff is too harsh on the skin. It tears your skin and cuts it. I wish I had researched about it first. Dermatologists warn everyone to stay away. Use only on feet or elbows. Hope this helps someone. I have stopped using it now and I hope my skin can go back to the way it was. I would not even give it one star if I had the option.
August 18, 2013
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)
Impressed
Pros:
Smells good
Improvements seen by next day
Cons:
Stings, but that's how you know it's working
I have moderate acne; with breakouts that occur every month. This product really helped with the pimple size, swelling & redness all by the next day. I was impressed by this product and would reccomend it.
July 17, 2013
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser)
best results ive ever gotten out of a cleanser
Pros:
gentle ingredients
helps with skin tone
affordable
Cons:
not strong enough for severe acne
hard to use pump after a while
has fragrance in it
I have moderate to severe acne so there arent many products ive come across that are gentle enough to use on my sensitive skin but strong enough to clear my skin. right now i am on an antibiotic that helps greatly but doesnt do the job completely without a topical treatment. when i first sought professional help for my acne bout 2 years ago i started using a product sample of aqua glycolic cleanser along with epiduo cream which worked wonderfully on my skin by clearing it completely to the point where it had become poreless and glowing but i eventually could not afford the price of the epiduo because of an issue with insurance and was unable to find the aqua glycolic cleanser. i was then left with the option of going back to an over the counter cleanser. ive tried most drug store cleansers which all claim to help acne but ironically have ingredients in them that are bad for acne prone skin. however when i came across Aveeno foaming clear complexion cleanser it specifically stated it wouldn't clog pores, was soap free, oil free, and hypoallergenic. They were all things that are recommended for you to look for on any product you buy for acne prone skin. I gave it a try and it has become my favorite cleanser to this day. In fact even the facial scrub is good too. although i wouldn't recommend using that particular one every day. 0.5 % salicylic acid isn't enough to clear skin completely but makes the product gentle enough to use regularly. please try if you are having trouble finding a product that addresses all your needs in a cleanser for your skin because this is totally worth the try.
June 28, 2013
Product used: Biore (Pore Unclogging Scrub)
Does Wonders
Pros:
Reduced Acne Marks/Scars Redness
Smells Amazing
Cooling Sensation
Cons:
None
I have definitely noticed a difference in my skin the first time I used this scrub. It feels softer and it has a brighter complexion. Some of my acne has shrunk dramatically within two uses of this. I have also noticed my acne marks/scars redness is reduced. As of now the product is working amazing for me. I'm hoping since my scars are pretty light that this will help get rid of them once and for all! My skin is very sensitive and this does not irritate or dry out my skin whatsoever.
Pros:
Good at first