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:

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July 20, 2009

Pros:

Not sure if it works in 8 hours, but this product was the only thing that has noticeably improved my acne.

Cons:

Small bottle. Product was discontinued in my area :(

This was the only product that has worked for me! I have used this in conjunction with Neutrogena's on-the-spot BP cream for maximum effect, but the lotion does work great on its own. I thought my acne was impossible to get rid of until I bought this lotion on a whim about six months ago. Now after my skin is clear I am finding that no stores in my area stock this stuff! Switching to another similar looking Neutrogena acne lotion made breakouts return full force in a matter of 2-3 days. I wish I could find this locally again, I hate to have to order it online. The stuff is pricey enough as it is. If you can find this lotion I would recommend buying some. Be patient and in a month or so your skin will look much better. Size and frequency of acne is greatly reduced (I am referring to cysts, I don't get many blackheads) and scars and skin tone also improve!
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July 5, 2009

Pros:

Best cleanser I've used. In conjunction with a Benzoyl Peroxide (BP) cream, this product was very effective at clearing up my acne. Noncomedogenic.

Cons:

Expensive, I purchase the big bottle of cleanser from Nordstrom online when there is a sale. The moisturizer is nothing special, buy something cheaper.

Best cleanser out there. The only cleanser I use now after being disappointed by many others. Would recommend to anyone. Philosophy Purity Made Simple as a cleanser, 10% BP persagel or 2.5% acne.org BP, and acne.org moisturizer.
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June 12, 2009

Pros:

Dries out and cures acne just as fast as rubbing alcohol, yet smells wayyy better, and burns wayyy less, and is probably better for the overall health of your skin since alcohol kills so much of your healthy skin.

Cons:

Makes your face pretty pink for a few minutes after using. Makes your skin a little dry.

It's my perfect alternative from rubbing alcohol since my doctor told me how bad alcohol is for your skin. It tingles but doesn't burn. It removes make up like a pro too, forreal. I love it.
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June 4, 2009

Pros:

It seems to help fade acne scars over a period of time. My marks are still there but they have faded significantly.

Cons:

The smell could be better

I would buy this product because it helps to reduce the appearance of post acne marks. It may not completely fade them but it will diminish them and improve the overall texture of the skin.
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May 29, 2009

Pros:

works well, pleasant smell

Cons:

toner runs out faster then rest of product, does not help acne scars.

Honestly it's not a miracle treatment and will likely not work for everyone but so far it is the best product I have used - my skin is the clearest it has been although I have some acne scars. They have recently changed the product, I hope it will work the same or better.
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May 22, 2009

Pros:

affordability, amount of product and it works!

Cons:

None

I have used this product for over 30 years. First time was in Florida on vacation and got severely sunburned. The pharmacist suggested SeaBreeze to ease the pain, which it did, but during the course of usage my skin became very clear. I had suffered from very bad acne since high school and nothing worked as well as SeaBreeze. I have never been without this product and hope I never have to be. I find it at Walgreens, Target and CVS. I saw it yesterday at Walgreens for $5 for an extra large bottle, easier to find than you think.
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April 12, 2009

Pros:

Smells great, very gentle, doesn't dry you out, non-greasy, balances skin, fast-acting. Takes off makeup extremely well if used properly. Noticed results after one use. Works well under makeup. Makes my skin feel healthy.

Cons:

Addicting! Because it worked so well so fast for me, I checked out the Arbonne site and ended up ordering more products from their other lines, so it ended up costing me a lot lol.

Best product I've ever used for acne. All around good stuff. I was a Proactiv user before, and it worked at first then stopped after awhile. Plus it bleached all my towels. That can't be good for your skin! This Arbonne system is definitely my choice over Proactiv, and am still recommending it. Who cares that you have to order it? Arbonne offers hefty discounts so to me, it's definitely affordable. Plus it's nice to know I'm using a botanically-based product. My skin honestly feels clean, clear and very balanced: not dry OR oily which is something I've never experienced. It's like you feel naturally clean. The full set even comes with vitamins to help clear your skin from the inside out. Who does that? They really know their stuff. Plus I got a free eye cream with the set so that was cool. Definite must try!
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April 12, 2009

Pros:

okay, well .. i've been using this product for two days now i recently just got it at walmart .. the price was great at only 3.50 ! i feel its really great on my skin, i can even see the dirt/makeup on the pad ! and works well overall ..

Cons:

the packaging is not the greatest, its kind of hard to get the pad out xD

it works, give it a try .. the smell ISNT that bad, i dont know why everyone is complaining about it o_o
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April 6, 2009

Pros:

Its really helps me, i was using this since 2000, but i can c my face is smooth lyk other woman, and iam proud of clearasil .

Cons:

non

non
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March 25, 2009

Pros:

consistently cleared 90% of comedones and all cystic acne with heavy use. cystic acne quickly returned after discontinuing product. the lower concentration was not effective in my case. this is an fortuitously inexpensive product.

Cons:

none with normal use. some redness and flaking if usage goes from 'heavy' to 'excessive'. still have occaisional blackheads, but as a monotherapy, with no moisturizer even, it works pretty damned well.

yeah, try this.
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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.