Allergic to Salicylic Acid

[Jewon]

I have the worst adult acne but I get painful hives when I have any sort of contact with salicylic acid. Unfortunately for me most of the skincare products for acne prone skin have salicylic acid in them... Has anyone used a product without this acid and had great acne reducing results?

[Loluh]

I had the same problem. Everything I tried made my skin crack. I started using Boscia's Clear Complexion Cleanser (even though it has salicylic acid) but the difference was the salicylic acid in their formula is naturally occurring and surprisingly hydrating but clears up my breakouts. Topical treatments are rough but if you can I'd ask your doctor about trying Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel. The one they prescribe is awesome and not overly drying.

[Anonymous]

@Jewon  I read your post because I'm having a problem with sensitivity to citric acid.

I don't know anything about acne treatment nowadays but in the past sulphur containing products were used (and worked). I think the biggest drawback was the smell! And if you're allergic to sulfa drugs you have a higher probability of being allergic to sulphur.

I just saw this advertised, it's Sunday Riley:

https://www.sephora.com/product/saturn-sulfur-acne-treatment-mask-P422626?SKUID=1973635

Good luck! I know how difficult it is to get your skin straightened out!

[moonx3]

I feel that salicylic acid is a effective acne fighting product as an "add-on" to fighting chronic acne or minimizing sporadic acne break-outs,  but not as an effective "primary" product.   Since everyone's  acne and skin sensitivities  are different,  you may have to try a few products to find the right one for you.  For chronic acne, I would try Differin or a MILD benzoyl peroxide product you can use allover your face not just the stronger spot treatment benzoyl peroxide products.  Using a mild BP product will minimize surface dehydration, flaking and irritation. Retinol products are also effective products for some acne prone sufferers.  Good luck!

[ALM97]

I had really bad cystic acne for years and I tried so many different acne products [drugstore. High end. Prescribed] and what ended up working were anti wrinkle products. I started noticing improvement after using Shiseidos anti aging line. And then I start trying out other products. One thing I've been consistent with since i started using it is Estée Lauders night time serum

[artiiiiii]

Hi! Ive using 20% azelaic acid from amazon along with hibiclens and Argan oil. Its worked better for me than salicylic ever has.

[k617]

Have you tried azelaic acid?

I use the 10% Azelaic acid suspension by The Ordinary and I love it.

[elisabethsweet]

My skin can't tolerate salicylic acid or glycolic. Mandelic acid doesn't cause my skin to react. Also I make sure to find mandelic acid products without alcohol.

[MBran]

Try some skincare with tea tree oil in it! The Body Shop has a great line of tea tree products that I've had good luck with combating acne.

[skcfan]

@Jewon

Can you use products with benzoyl peroxide? Many acne creams and washes have just benzoyl peroxide and not salicylic acid.

What 'cured' my adult acne was lactic acid and tretinoin (retin-a). I think that one of the causes of my acne was that my skin didn't exfoliate itself enough, so forcing it to exfoliate with lactic acid and retinoids really helped. 

[Jewon]

thanks for that info! at least I'm not allergic to benzoyl peroxide haha