Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.5
20781 Reviews
Topical Antibacterial
Efficacy
54%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Benzoyl peroxide clears the skin completely when applied correctly.
Topical Antibacterial
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Topical Antibacterial
Acne.org’s Real World Take
It’s been a staple of acne treatment for decades for a reason. When used properly it can completely clear the skin. It is widely available and affordable. Comes with side effects for the first few weeks and can bleach fabric.
Topical Antibacterial
How to Get It
This is an over-the-counter treatment. Here are some places you can find it online.
Read All About Benzoyl Peroxide
Compare To Other Treatments
5
31.3%
4
25%
3
17.2%
2
12.5%
1
14%

Used Benzoyl Peroxide? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
November 28, 2007

Pros:

NO!

Cons:

It Burned My Skin For 5 Years As I Wanted To Look Like Jessica Simpson. But It Doesn't. I've Got A Pimple On My Eye Lid Because Of That. I Had To Have An Opperation. It Doesn't Work!!!

It Doesn't Work!!!
November 26, 2007

Pros:

Does not dry skin like other products

Cons:

Too many steps and time-consuming, some pimples gone but new ones appeared where there were no pimples before, big pimples deep under skin, too expensive, Repairing Lotion runs out before cleanser and toner, and toner runs out before 3 weeks.

Is not as effective as you think it is. I suppose it depends on your skin type.
November 25, 2007

Pros:

NONE!!!!!

Cons:

Doesnt work at all. It just stung my skin when I could have been using other products.

Dont buy it!
November 25, 2007

Pros:

Clears up your face very fast; excellent stuff.

Cons:

None really. It does leave your face dry after about a week of using it but moisturiser will sort that out for you straight away

Use it. I came on here before thinking about getting any and was overwhelmed by the good reviews - they are all here for a reason! I noticed a small difference straight away and after about 3 days, things really stepped into gear. All the redness was going down, any whiteheads go pretty much overnight to a bit of redness but will take another day to get rid of generally, but it doesn't matter because they become barely noticeable! It does sting when you use it, which is a good sign because you know it's doing something. However, for the first week of using it, my face would become really red where I'd applied it for about an hour or so after because my skin wasn't used to it. So I'd recommend using it way before you think about going out in the morning and in the evening if you know you're staying in. You may also want to put an old towel on your pillow for a while because the cream will bleach the material on your pillow case. After about 10 days, there's a significant diff
November 25, 2007

Pros:

It made SO much of my acne clear up!!!

Cons:

Does not cure or prevent acne 100 percent...but what does?

I used so many products including Proactive, nuetrogena acne skin care, home remedies, and even detox dieting. Then my friend told me how her Clinique Clarifying lotion (II) worked for her and I gave it a try. I saw results immediatly the next day and since then used it twice a day. I had a big cluster of small annoying pimples around my chin and cheeks and huge cystic pimples all over my chin and jawline, it was so embarrassing. Now my those small cluster of pimples are COMPLETELY gone and my cystic acne has gone away too (I get a little from time to time but nothing like it use to be). I feel I owe a lot to this product. Everyone's face is different but it is worth a try. Also, inform your doc or derm if your skin condition is not good, because some people's acne is actually a skin bacteria infection (aka staph infection) that can be treated by certain anti-biotics. Best wishes and never give up!
November 24, 2007

Pros:

Doesnt casue redness or flaking. Seems to work well for a little bit if used consistently.

Cons:

Expensive. Long process. Resistance builds up after acouple months and still break out especially if i skip a day.

seems to work for allitle bit if used consistenly but is expensive and takes awhile to apply. everyone seems to have a different response so go ahead and give it a shot.
November 24, 2007

Pros:

None.

Cons:

- Weird texture
- Weird smell
- Dries your skin out

It was very expensive, and definitley not worth my money. It had a very strange texture, and the toner ran out earlier than the rest. It never felt like there was enough being used 'cause of the use of the cotton swab to apply. It didn't work at all. My acne continued, didn't clear one bit. It was like strange, smelly water -- it had the same effect as plain water! It dried my skin out really badly aswell. It was all just horrible.
November 22, 2007

Pros:

Powerful. Within a week, it minimized my breakouts and virtually cleared my face from any blemishes at all.

Cons:

Almost a little too powerful. 10% benzoyl peroxide means even people with oily skin may have irritation. I don't have sensitive skin at all, but the first 2 days I used oxy, my face become extremely red, swollen, and itchy. It can also bleach towels.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, avoid this like the plague.. it will dry your skin out. Cetaphil/aloe vera lotion can solve this problem. I had to minimize use to once every other day until my skin was used to the benzoyl peroxide. The payoff was great, though. It's definitely worth a try.
November 21, 2007

Pros:

fragrance free, smooth and even texture

Cons:

can be drying

This is an awesome BP gel. It goes on well and blends nicely. However, using it 2 times a day made my face dry and stiff, and rough, and no amount of moisturiser can make my skin moisturised. If thats the case for you, use it once a day and the dryness subsides a lot. Its good for the price, and I will continue to use it for my occaisonal break outs
November 21, 2007

Pros:

the face wash is really refreshing

Cons:

One of the products gave me a red, itchy rash all over my face. Toner smells like straight alcohol.

I've heard this product works great for many people, but I'm fair with sensitive skin and ended up with a red, itchy rash all over my face after two days of use. I know it wasn't the benzoyl peroxide because I use spectragel now and it's fine. If you're going to try this product, be sure to get the trial kit and make sure you can return it, just in case. Their all about eyes gel works wonders though, for anyone with tightness around the eyes.

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.