Product Review: Origins Spot Remover

I don't know about you, but I am cursed with problem skin. If I am not faking in the winter, I am suffering from a severe acne breakout in the summer. Recently, I had a particularly severe episode of acute acne. I am usually able to combat these skin issues by washing my face religiously and paying attention to my diet. For some reason though, I could not seem to shake this latest breakout.

My problem skin drove me to make an extra trip to my local Origins store. For those of you who are not familiar with Origins, they are a wonderful health and beauty company with a very earth friendly philosophy. Origins is known for standing behind their products and going above and beyond in helping customers find solutions for their unique situation. Knowing all of this, I was hoping to find an acne product to help with my new found emergency.

The cosmetics consultant was friendly and steered me to a product called Origins Spot Remover. She explained that it was their most popular acne treatment and was known for fast and safe results. Being close to my wits end, I decided to give it a try.

My Experience:

Origins describes Spot Remover as an "acne blemish treatment gel". In their detailed description they mention that it is safe for sensitive skin. This is a must of me since I occasionally have reactions to harsh cosmetics. The product comes in a small plastic bottle with a screw off lid. It is fairly expensive at $10 for .3 oz. For about $10.

The ingredients read:

Oregano
Clove Buds
Salicylic Acid 1.00%

I followed the instructions exactly. They read:

"Cleanse skin throughly before applying. Cover affected area with a thin layer. Begin with one application daily, increase to 2 to 3 times daily if needed. If dryness or peeling occurs, reduce frequency of application. "

After carefully washing my face, I applied the thin layer on the worst of the acne blemishes. The product had a strange menthol smell to it but nothing that was unbearable. A few minutes after the initial application, it began to burn. Fanning air on the area helped to sooth the burning and honestly I did not think too much of it since many acne products seem to sting.

I awoke the next morning to a not so pleasant surprise. I had what looked like chemical burns on all of the areas of my face where I applied the product. I gently washed my face, hoping it was a minor reaction. Wrong! The burns were sensitive to the touch and very painful. Not only was the acne still there, but now I had bright blotches all over my face.

It has been three weeks since I tried this product and I still healing. I have read more about Spot Remover. It turns out that the Salicylic Acid is NOT safe for sensitive skin. Several other people have experienced the same reaction. Shame on Origins for not looking into this further. I will say that I was able to return it for a full refund and the Origins lady was very apologetic. I am surprised by my experience with this product. Origins has always been my favorite health and beauty store.

Conclusion:

Unless you have skin like a tank, I would NOT recommend this product for acne relief. Although I am healing from my experience, it is not one that I would like to repeat anytime soon.