"Philosophy's Clear Days Ahead Fast-Acting Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment, $19, is a fast-acting spot treatment that is transparent and fluid. It is a combination of salicylic acid and glycolic acids that slough and unclog the pores, while dimethicone and squalene moisturize. It is cosmetically nice to use, can be reapplied easily during the day and is non-irritating.

There are more expensive salicylic acid products available in prestige stores with certain brands, but other ingredients are added for anti-aging, or for brightening effect. This product is excellent for healing a breakout and helping to fade marks caused by breakouts. It contains the usual active ingredients of most acne products, as well as moisturizers. It does not have brightening formulations added, or some of the botanical anti-inflammatories of some of the boutique products, making it somewhat less multitasking." --Dr. Patricia Wexler, MD