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
October 8, 2008

Pros:

Clears skin! Smells great! Doesn't bleach fabrics!

Cons:

Kind of pricey. Toner bottle leaks. Doesn't "exfoliate" skin, which I need on occasion.

I really liked this product. It was gentle on my skin and didn't dry it out, like most products. The fragrance was great also. It doesn't clear up hormonal breakouts, but then again, nothing does! I highly recommend it. You don't have to use a lot of it, so the bottles last 2-3 months, making it more affordable. I wasn't great about taking the pills, but I heard those really help as well.
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July 31, 2008

Pros:

it makes my skin feel so clean and so effective!

Cons:

hard to find, usually just at sephora stores.its pricey but lasts months and you save so much more money if you buy the whole kit and id rather pay 50 dollars every few months and have great skin!

ive used just about everything out there and the on a clear day kit made my skin do a 180 in just about a week. theres no spot cream or anything for random pimples that pop up but overall my skin has changed dramatically. i quit using it to try sensiclear that ive seen on infomercials just out of curiosity and right now my skin is so inflamed from it so i am switching back today. the trick is that the cleanser doesnt clean off makeup you have to use the purity cleanser first then the clear cleanser. and the 4th step cream is a great way to block impurities from seeping in your skin throughout the day. and honestly anyone with acne USE BARE ESSENTIALS MAKEUP its changed my life works perfectly covers EVERYTHING doesnt clog pores or get greasy lasts forever and with this face wash and that makeup your skin will dramatically change i promise
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July 23, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up Acne, smells great, doesn't dry out skin, keeps working, very gentle.

Cons:

Nothing!

I have probably tried every acne line out there, from cheap to expensive... and this line works. Simple as that. You do have to use them in a system to get the best results, because the products all balence out eachother. It took about 40 days to see complete results, about how long any product usually takes to work due to skin cell turnover. Anyways... get it! It works, doesn't dry out my skin, and is very gentle for my sensitive skin. Love love love!!
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July 12, 2008

Pros:

Smells great, doesn't break me out, easy to use, and attractive packaging

Cons:

Hasn't helped my pimples much, no added SPF

Although I probably shouldn't have tried it because salicylic acid really does NOTHING to my skin, I decided to because I'd read great reviews on this moisturizer. If you have mild acne, consider using it as a night moisturizer (it has no added SPF), and do not stop using if it you break out right after starting it. It is an INITIAL BREAKOUT, people! I really hate having to sort through reviews that whine about the person breaking out and then stopping use of the product when they didn't give it much of a chance. If you are interested in trying it, and you haven't yet, why not? Even if it doesn't work for you, then at least you tried.
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June 26, 2008

Pros:

it takes oil and dirt off face

Cons:

the pads hurt and feel like sand paper, the pads burn when applying to face. The smell is bad...allt this and my face is getting worse not better.

Spend the extra $ and buy proactiv. it works and the acne GOES AWAY
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June 14, 2008

Pros:

Nothing works better to clear and prevent breakouts, including expensive brands. It's also inexpensive and relatively easy to find.

Cons:

Can be drying in cold weather

Excellent product. Although it has potentially irritating ingredients, such as exfoliating beads, fragrance, and sodium laureth sulfate, it doesn't bother my sensitive late-twenties combination skin during the warmer months. It can be too drying during the winter, so I usually switch to Life Brand Dermagel. As soon as I stop using this, I get breakouts. Very effective and good value.
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April 27, 2008

Pros:

It really works. At least the acne 3 piece-kit does..

Cons:

Just using the daily face wash doesn't work.

I used the 3 piece-kit and my skin was unbelievably clearer in about 1-2 weeks. No immediate changes. I have a big pack of daily face wash and it seems not to be working. I've been using it for about 3 weeks.
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January 22, 2008

Pros:

Great! I use this daily and it worked great! I only have a few zits here an there while using this. I use Clearasil 'ULTRA' and that is a terriable product but nothing compares to this product... use with the pads too!

Cons:

Nothing major, doesnt work fast but use it for a month or more and see unreal results..

Works great for me!!
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December 24, 2007

Pros:

Its natural and good for the environment, smells great as well.

Cons:

Not as potent as other products no good on severe acne.

A gentle product for mild acne that works well but should really only be used with other Aveda products. The Aveda Outer Peace Facials also worked wonders on my skin improving tone and appearance but can get a bit expensive at $100 each. I recommend using this great natural product if you suffer from mild acne or your skin react severely from other harsher products.
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December 8, 2007

Pros:

Works. Slowly, but surely. Use any Murad product to till the product is empty. All Murad products make sure the skin gets worse before better. Which is good. Purging is the most important step in clear skin. Basicly, purging is detoxing.

Cons:

Purging can really be unmotivating. I am almost done with the purging. I think purging is important though because when your skin purges it gets rid off puss-filled-yuck on your face/body. Purging process ends before the product is empty, so relax.

I am done with the Murad set, but I got to stick with it and use it completely to see full results. It does get worse before better. But a possitive attitude and a stick-with-it pace is what matters. Use the product completely before you quit using it. Every speck of gel in that bottle is another chance of clear skin. The price is redicules. But Murad is professional skin care quality. Dermatologist all over America treat paitents with Murad Acne Complex. Because Murad does not contain any Benzoryl Peroxide, the skin heals easiler. Clear skin is something we all want, and with Murad, I am getting it slowly but surely :) For best results in clear/clearer skin, use the body wash in conjuction with the Murad Pure Skin Diatry Supplement and Murad Clarifying Body Spray. I recomend drinking or detoxing the body with green tea and fruit.
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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.