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 21, 2007

Pros:

Has reduced my facial acne by about 80% so far after only 2 weeks. I hope it continues to work in the future.

Cons:

at first go easy, if you use alot it will make you look like you have a sunburn!

I'm happy with this product. I have managed to eliminate the majority of my facial blemishes. Remember to moisturize after using the bp because it will leave your skin very dehydrated.
November 20, 2007

Pros:

Does reduce amount of acne, dries quickly

Cons:

terrible rednedd and dryness, even with a lot of moisturizer. Very inconsistent results

If your gona use bp, this is the best and cheapest way to go. In my opinion BP is not the way to go for treating acne. It has been around since 1920, really old method. I feel the its cons outweighs the pros.
November 13, 2007

Pros:

It worked wonders for me! My face has never been so clear and so smooth.

Cons:

The price is a little expensive.

It doesn't work for everyone, but the least you can do is try it and see.
November 13, 2007

Pros:

I'm 14 yrs old. Yeash I'm young. And I have had a bad case of acne since I was about 10 or 11 yrs. old. I hate my skin, and it's so irritating, so I decided to try Proactiv. For the first few weeks my skin felt great and it seemed to be working.

Cons:

After a few months it looked like it was getting better, but now I've used proactiv for about a year and it's not making any progress. I think my face is getting worse. I want to stop, but I have no idea what to use.

I have very bad scars and acne all over my face, mainly on my cheeks, and they won't go away. I've tried about everything. Neutrogena, Clean and clear, this one acne kit from another infomercial, Johnsons Baby, and lots more. Nothing seems to be working at all. I'm still using proactiv, but if anybody has suggestions on other products I can use please do tell. THESE PIMPLES ARE KILLING ME! (Proactiv still hasn't made progress on my skin.)
November 12, 2007

Pros:

it definently helps fade scars and helps reduces the size of pimples. it was also easy to use.

Cons:

it focused more on blackheads then whiteheads, so my face was never really clear. acnefree never really got rid of my pimples, it just made them a little less visible.

i don't think this product is a success. it didn't work for me.
November 12, 2007

Pros:

Yes! i used this a long time ago, it cleared my skin so i stopped using it after a week or so. After couple years my mild breakouts came back so i started using this again and it's been about two weeks ever since I started using it again & it works!

Cons:

little bit...actually ALOT of drying
u need a GOOD moisturizing oil-free
lotion while using this or else u will have peeling skin! yikes!

I love this! I use this with evoclin for spot treatment with Clinique's moisturizing lotion and hydrating cream and they all work well together and now i have no pimples on my skin!! just few darkened spots from pimples that I need to take care of. Love it! Try it! got nothing to lose!
November 12, 2007

Pros:

Works really well, does wonders to my skin

Cons:

Not all of the zits are gone, some dryness of the skin. Expensive!!

So far, this is the best medication I have found that actually works, although it is pretty expensive. I work in a a grease filled environment and it keeps my skin clear compared to before I started using this treatment.
November 12, 2007

Pros:

It did make my skin smoother.

Cons:

It did not clear up the zits. It gave me more and I used it rligiously for 7 monthes. Go to Wal Mart and buy the Acne Free 3-step system. It works wonders at clearing up my skin, plus it does not dry my face out at all.

Proactiv is definetly not what it is cracked up to be!!! I HATE PROACTIVE SOLUTION. DO NOT BUY IT!!!
November 9, 2007

Pros:

After nine years of suffering this is my best product so far it really,really does work i'm pleased.

Cons:

Dries the skin like crazy and of course moisturizing wont help me since its pretty warm out here.

Try it.
November 8, 2007

Pros:

It did clear up my small acne porblems, that could easily be covered by makeup. Didnt dry my skin out, but product is expensive and runs out quickly
Used for 4 months

Cons:

Cause me to get this cystic like zits in my chin area. They would stay under the skin for a week, then surface and scab. It was horribly emabarassing and left dark purple scars on my skin. I discontinued use about 2 weeks ago and my skin is healing.

Works for some of my friends, not for others. I am much happier using more gentle products and switching brands every few months and my skin gets used to each product after a few months.

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.