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
February 22, 2019
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)
NNOoo
Did not work for me! BURNED like crazy and left a blood red rash/swelling. NOT good for sensitive skin.
May 31, 2018
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)
Only if
So wanted this to work but it didn't do a thing. But smelled great! It didn't moisturize at all either.
February 23, 2018
Product used: Peter Thomas Roth (AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel)
Not for immediate results
I use this under my moisturizer during the day (with SPF) to combat any clogged pores coconut oil may give me. It works slowly in terms of clearing my skin but it does make it much smoother.
February 23, 2018
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash, Pink Grapefruit)
Drying
This product is great for oily skin and removes makeup very well. I only use this at night before I begin my coconut oil routine. It leaves the skin feeling a little dry but that can be combatted with a good moisturizer.
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.
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.
February 18, 2017
Product used: Neutrogena (Rapid Clear Daily Pads)
Pretty Good
These worked pretty well for me for a few months, definitely saw an improvement fairly quickly.
January 27, 2017
Way too Drying to use during the Winter
I think I'll go back to using this face wash to during the spring/summer months, because this makes my face feel like a dried-up sponge after I wash my face. The Benzyl peroxide is already drying my face, i don't need this face wash to re-enforce that. On a nicer note, this face wash feels soo refreshing on the skin while you wash it. I only use this face wash now to remove my makeup.
January 23, 2017
Product used: Dermalogica (Clean Start)
Changed Formula :(
I used this product for over 5 years and it worked at keeping my skin clean , I had the only occasional pimple with that time of the month. Unfortunately they change the product and when I bought the new kit it didn't work the wonders that it use to. My face was adjusted to the old formula and loved it. I wouldn't say that the new one isn't going to work for yourself though. And i do trust dermalogica as a brand , so i tired another kit by them but t also didn't suit my skin anymore. Give it a shot though , no harm in trying.
January 21, 2017
Product used: Neutrogena (Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner)
It's okay
I use this on my nose for blackheads. It leaves a shiny residue that I'm not fond of, however, I have noticed that I have fewer blackheads.