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 8, 2007

Pros:

Cheaper than proactive

Cons:

Too harsh of a cleanser

I really thought this product dried out my skin and it made me breakout even more. I've used other Neutrogena products, but it was never this harsh. I used it the first day I bought it and that was it. The cleanser was way too harsh on my skin. If you have sensitive skin or even normal skin, do NOT use this product.
November 8, 2007

Pros:

easy to buy, easy to use, lotions feel great on my skin

Cons:

i am red, itchy, dry, and scaly, but i've only been using it for about a week. i'm going to lower my dosage to once a day as directed and keep using it for a short while to see if i get used to the benzoyl peroxide. if not, i'll discontinute.

not sure yet.
November 8, 2007

Pros:

I have used this product for about 3-4 months. My face is almost clear, with one-two small pimples. Before, my face always harbored 5-10 pimples. My face (cheeks, mostly) was red and oily. I'd recommend it to people with oily skin.

Cons:

After a pimple has formed, it takes about 3-5 days to get rid of it. So it's not a miracle worker that gets rid of pimples in one night.

Recommended to everyone who's willing to be loyal to the regimen. Requires only two applications (One in the day and one in the night). Cleanse only twice, or else your skin will become irritated.
November 7, 2007

Pros:

used to have a lot of zits now its all gone; leftover scars from old zits prior to use

Cons:

after a year of use i find it burns my face if i use a lot. face may burn a little if in sun

use it if u think ur acne problem is hopeless ull be surprised. zits will re-appear if u stop use which makes me wonder if theres something illegal in this magic zit cream lol
November 7, 2007

Pros:

Face mask worked rather well, tightened my face and was the only part that actually cleared zits.

Cons:

None of the rest worked. NOT AT ALL. and I didn't even have considerably bad acne.

I wouldn't reccomend it to those who search constantly for one to work.
November 6, 2007

Pros:

it makes my skin soft and smooth.i have make sure my boyfriend doesn't stop buying proactiv for.

Cons:

it makes my face oily.

the best acne treatment have used so far.just give it a try .trust me it's worthy.
November 6, 2007

Pros:

fairly inexpensive when bought at costco.

Cons:

who knows if it will work.

so i've decided to try this out. and so far. nothing. at least my skin hasn't gotten worse though. ill give it a few more weeks. plus. im not quite sure if the purifying cleanser is supposed to be the consistency that it is. it feels like im just putting watered down glue on my face. but who knows.
November 6, 2007

Pros:

It works better than proactive, I've had acne for 4 years and used over 20 different products and this seems to be the best. My acne hasn't cleared up completely but its getting better everyday. allow 4-6 weeks to see improve

Cons:

It can cause the skin to be flaky and dry.

This a great product to use for all skin types. and you should see a big different!
November 5, 2007

Pros:

Ease of use. The way it makes my skin feel. The convenience of mail-order. The products last a long time... a little goes a long way.

Cons:

Doesn't COMPLETELY eliminate acne break-outs and flare-ups!

I've read numerous negative reviews on the Proactiv system, but I must respectfully disagree with them all. Although the Proactiv system is not perfect, it is BY FAR better than anything else I've ever used. I'm now 37 years old and I've been fighting acne since I was 9 years old. My only real complaint about the Proactive system is that if I somehow miss using it a time or two, I immediately notice small breakouts beginning to form on my skin. Fortunately, the very next time I use the system, the breakouts go away. However, I still tend to have a small cluster of breakouts over my face when it's "that time of the month" whether I am consistently using Proactiv or whether I've inadvertently missed a day or two. Proactive doesn't seem to help much at all with these hormonal breakouts. Despite these criticisms, I still recommend Proactive to everyone I know. I admit the system might not be for everybody, but overall it works for me!
November 5, 2007

Pros:

when you wash your face with the cleanser it feels great

Cons:

.. but that doesnt mean that it works. the cleanser dried my skin, then the toner burned it, and the lotion killed it lol. no but seriously, it dried my skin so bad, and it hurt.

it dried my skin espacially around my mouth, and it was starting to be grey.. ok that wasnt normal, and the skin on my nose was always extremely dry, it was peeling of.. when i went to school in the morning my face was so tight, it hurt too, because it was just, so dry. and the pimples didnt really go away. and the product bleached everything, i just dont think that a product that bleaches everything is good for you face.......... im tired of crappy products and stupid celebreties that lie on tv just so they get payed big bucks, they just went to the dermatologist and payed 2000 dollars for something better.

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.