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%

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July 15, 2017
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Mark Treatment)
Doesn't work
The main ingredient in this spot treatment is 2% salicylic acid, which does nothing for me. This product has a gel consistency and peels/sheds if you touch your face or try to use any other products on top of it. The only pro to me is that I kind of enjoyed the smell, but other than that it has nothing going for it.
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June 25, 2017
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)
awful
I tried this after not liking Cetaphil, which was too oily. This product burns, my skin is flaking off and has never had this much acne, redness and just irritated skin. This tiny bottle was I don't know how much, total waste. Bumpy red splotchy nightmare
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Alyssa A
December 1, 2017
Try using Noxema. You can find it at Walmart. Great for sensitive skin.
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June 24, 2017
Product used: Dermalogica (Clean Start)
Worked for quite a while
I am a 17yo with mild facial acne. Ok, so this stuff for me was incredibly gentle on my sensitive skin. I never had any burning sensations or anything. I started this when I was 15 and at first I didn't really see any changes in my skin. However, I felt like washing my face everyday was drying it out so I just washed it once every day. It took about a month for me to have the most amazing and smooth, clear skin. I was getting compliments all the time about how great my skin looked and it made me feel so confident. This routine for me worked until about 6 months ago when my skin just stopped being treated by it. Now I am on some stuff prescribed by my GP and I haven't had much success.
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June 16, 2017
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Rapid Action Pads)
Terrible product
These I tried once. They do burn a LOT. They didn't help my acne in any way when I was having severe flare ups. I did go a little extreme with leaving them on my skin as well as I was desperate because I had boil sized pimples. Nothing worked!
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Sandarella07
August 16, 2017
Use vo5 ocean refresh shampoo on face every night in shower do not scrub in face gently wash it then flush face with cold water then apply a moisturizer give it time to help your flare ups it took me about 6 months to clear up my face now I'm completely clear
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June 9, 2017
Product used: Sea Breeze (Actives Deep Clean Astringent)
Careful, largely differing formulas
I bought this awhile back after finding it on this site and being enticed by the mostly positive reviews. It was of no benefit whatsoever, it simply made my acne appearance worse. As it turns out, this astringent comes in variants, and I wasn't buying what I thought I was. Here's the ingredients of the original formula: Water, Alcohol Denat., Camphor, Peppermint Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus Oil (Clove), Eucalyptus Globulus Oil, Eugenol, Sodium Benzoate, Yellow No. 5, Orange No. 4 As you can see, water is listed first, followed directly by denatured alcohol. This makes for a consistency practically equal to water, and a harsh, unpleasant smell. I regretted this purchase. Nevertheless, this version still has quite a bit of positive feedback, but make sure you know what you're paying for.
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May 30, 2017
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)
Do Not Use!!!
I used this product once and it made my face red and it stung a bit. I tried to use it again but the same thing happened to me. I advise you to stay away from this product. If you have sensitive skin.
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Alyssa A
December 1, 2017
Try using Noxema. You can find it at Walmart. Great for sensitive skin.
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May 22, 2017
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Rapid Action Pads)
Worst product for acne
This product is not meant for people with acne . I am using chambor cleanser toner and moisturizer since last 1 month and my skin has recovered a lot.After that one of my friend suggested me to use these acne pads from clearasil to reduce the acne from inside so I ordered this product from ebay and as all you know ebay services it took them so long to deliver this product . Then I used this pads for 2 days all of sudden my cheeks started getting red pimples big one with full of blood not even with pus.. Irritation started my skin started looking so red and irritated in just two days then I stopped using this and continued my Daily routine my chambor cleanser toner and moisturizer ..twice a week himalaya neem face pack .and putting coconut oil on my dark spots every night before sleeping. .and now everything is fine my skin is looking perfect like before . Well moisturised .clean .. I would not recommend this product to people with red blood filled pimples and oily skin .It will make your skin worse .dont use it. Thank you
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May 22, 2017
Product used: Clearasil (Maximum Strength Pore Cleansing Pads)
Worst product for acne
This product is not meant for people with acne . I am using chambor cleanser toner and moisturizer since last 1 month and my skin has recovered a lot.After that one of my friend suggested me to use these acne pads from clearasil to reduce the acne from inside so I ordered this product from ebay and as all you know ebay services it took them so long to deliver this product . Then I used this pads for 2 days all of sudden my cheeks started getting red pimples big one with full of blood not even with pus.. Irritation started my skin started looking so red and irritated in just two days then I stopped using this and continued my Daily routine my chambor cleanser toner and moisturizer ..twice a week himalaya neem face pack .and putting coconut oil on my dark spots every night before sleeping. .and now everything is fine my skin is looking perfect like before . Well moisturised .clean .. I would not recommend this product to people with red blood filled pimples and oily skin .It will make your skin worse .dont use it. Thank you
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May 14, 2017
Product used: Clean & Clear (Blackhead Clearing Scrub)
Didn't work
To put it simple, this did not help clear my blackheads or acne in general. I have normal skin and all this did for me was make my skin feel clean, and it did not break me out either. (I used it for a few months)
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May 7, 2017
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash, Pink Grapefruit)
Drys skin out
Works well for getting rid of acne overnight but dries skin out a lot.
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9 user(s) found this helpful

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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.
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