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
October 11, 2018
Product used: Murad (Clarifying Cleanser)
Not strong enough to use alone
I used this and saw some results from it but not anything like I was hoping. I did a little research to see if there was a stronger version of the cleanser - like a cleanser with more medication. I really don't like have too many steps in my daily routine so if I can eliminate a medication step I am all over it. After looking around, I saw someone post about a product called Ninja, somewhere in the blog universe I guess. The lady said that with their cleanser she was able to eliminate the medication step altogether. So i was pretty pumped on that. Looked into them, looked legit and ordered their salicylic cleanser. The difference was huge and told me that Murad's just wasn't strong enough for my skin. I would say that Ninja's cleanser eliminated about 85% of my breakouts. I also got their salicylic acid product that I use periodically when its that time of month or something and now my skin is really as clear as it has been in about 15 years. Murad's is ok… just not strong enough to merit the price. I would say look elsewhere.
July 24, 2018
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)
It didn't work for me
When I first used this, it worked okay, but it didn't improve my acne much. I stopped using it for a few months then started using it again because of a bad breakout. Instead of helping clear it up, it made my skin dry and red wherever I applied it. I wouldn't use this product again
January 25, 2018
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)
Not great.
This product burns a lot, i have combination skin which tends to be quite sensitive, but after using this product for 2 days my skin has been dry and flakey where i applied the product, i don't recommend this
December 28, 2017
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)
IRRITATES SKIN A LITTLE BIT.
This product makes your acne or pimples condition worse rather than curing it. It's kind of inflammatory and causes inflammation of the skin. It makes your skin red,blotchy and full patches and scars. Increases the number of blisters on your face. It's not an effective product. I'd prefer using the PERSA GEL-10 over this. If you sensitive skin, your skin condition will get really messed up! Upset with this product.
October 16, 2017
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Acne Clearing Scrub)
help!
i have some and haven't used it yet. i rarely get acne and after reading the reviews, I'm scared it will make my skin worse... what should i do?
September 24, 2017
Product used: Alba Botanica (Acnedote Face & Body Scrub)
Irritates acne
I used this on my face for about a month. My acne has broken out even more and it has became very red and irritated (unlike before). I was told to stop using scrubs as they irritate skin (this is an acne scrub and should not irritate skin) so i stopped using it. Within a few days my skin is clearing up and starting to go back to how it was. I don't recommend it if you have sensitive skin. However, it did work well as a scrub to clear white heads and black heads. For backne, I believe it works fine.
August 16, 2017
Product used: Oxy (Balance Maximum Deep Pore Cleansing Pads)
Not the best for bad acne
I used this when my acne was at its worse, and it pretty much did nothing. Everyone is different, but for me, I really saw no difference. I think it dried out a lot of pimples quickly however. I also noticed my skin became very red after using the pads.
August 15, 2017
Product used: L'Oreal (Acne Response Kit)
doesn't work
Switched to DermalMD for acne which has got rid of acne in under a week. Loreal was a waste of money
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)