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
October 11, 2007

Pros:

Cleared skin up, maintained skin clear.

Cons:

Addicting. Once I stopped using it, it's like my face NEEDED it....I broke out...more than I ever have. Aside from that it does bleach bed and bath linens.

Over all, I liked using this product. It helped maintain my face clear.
October 10, 2007

Pros:

This product cleared my forehead immediately. It exfoliated my skin and felt so soft! My boyfriend was even amazed at how well it worked, so he even bought some.

Cons:

It does dry the skin out but has improved with time. When I sweat after working out, my face stings REALLY bad and is red and blotchy. I have stopped using this product on my whole entire face. I ONLY use it on my forehead now.

This product is great for acne and I would use it with caution. If you have sensitive skin, just be cautious. Otherwise, you will have great skin!
October 9, 2007

Pros:

Works very well. My skin has never been so clear, and I am an adult who has had skin issues all her life. Easy to use, easy to travel with.

Cons:

It can be drying, especially if it gets in your eyebrows. When I get a bit dry I use it once a day instead of twice. (always at night before I sleep)

This is a great product. The key is to use the correct amount (about the size of a pea for the lotion and a nickel for the cleanser) and always, always use all three steps! I know people who have complained about this product not working and it turns out that they are not using it consistently with all three steps. When they do, it has worked beautifully. Also, some people do have allergic reactions to benzoyl peroxide...if you do a skin test as you always should when using a new product, you will know if you can use it successfully. For the record, I have been using this since the 90's. My dermatologist is very impressed as I have had skin issues my whole life since I was a teenager. As for the price, it is very reasonable on auto refill. When you break it down, it costs about 15.00 a month for the best skin I have ever had.
October 9, 2007

Pros:

It smelled okay. And it cleared up my face prolly 10%

Cons:

I have been using it for a little over a month and my acne hasn't gotten any better. Also, if you skip one day your face breaks out a lot.

It doesn't work. I used it for about a month and a half and it worked very little. Seeing the commercials and infomercials and such I was expecting my face to become clear and blemish free like they show to the public. They make this stuff look like a miracle worker. It deffinately isn't. It gave me far from what I was expecting. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS!
October 8, 2007

Pros:

None.

Cons:

Dries out my skin, made me break out worse than ever!

Ever since I started using Proactiv, my skin has been worse than ever before!! I am breaking out into large cysts that I NEVER had, and they are taking forever to go away. My skin is dry and itchy and not improving in the least. My forehead and chin are covered in large spots, some of which are oozing blood! Using these products was the worst skincare decision I have ever made!!!!! Now let's hope I find something that will fix all of this damage!
October 8, 2007

Pros:

I did notice a slight improvement and it made my skin less oily. I liked how the products felt very light, fresh and clean.

Cons:

Too expensive for my budget. My skin also became dependent on it and if I missed a day or two I would break out. It also didn't get rid of my acne.

For me it didn't work miracles but it did work a bit. I was so excited to try it after wanting to order it for so many years and finally having it. It made my skin less oily and I did notice a bit of an improvement but it was not what I had hoped for. I break out during that time of the month and Proactive didn't seem to help with this problem at all. Unfortunately I'm allergic to sulpha drugs so I couldn't use the mask. My skin has become dependent on it to the point where if I miss a day or two (which often happens when waiting for the next package to arrive)I will break out. And it's definately too expensive for me because I live in Canada and it worked out to be about $60+ every two months. I have cancelled my subscription (which scares me because I'm so dependent on it) and I am now starting Retin-A, I actually just started it tonight. I've also been on Minocin for the past few years which helps a bit too. I pray the Retin-A will work for me without the horrible side effects :S
October 5, 2007

Pros:

I've tried everything and nothing ever worked for my skin. This has been the only product that has ever worked. I have been getting comments about how good my skin looks.

Cons:

I still occasionally get a pimple here and there but they are a lot smaller. I can only use it once a day or it makes my skin excessivley dry.

Affordable, product works, try it
October 5, 2007

Pros:

i like the exfoliating grain of the cleanser, i dont like to go without it, i like the smell of the toner, i love the wieght of the lotion. it has been the best thing i have tried so far. they make make up toooo, if only i could afford it.

Cons:

the price has to be in my budget to buy it. but it far less then what i was paying a dermotologist for his retin-a, antibiotics, acutain. i am looking for an alternitive cuz of the price.

i have been using it for over 7 years. if i use it all together faithfully, in the right doses, it works very well. if i get oily or have a break out i use the mask, if i gat dry i use more of the lotion more times a day. it has never irritated my skin like i hear others say.
October 3, 2007

Pros:

I have slightly less zits. My zits heal faster after erupting. The severity and size of the pimples have improved.

Cons:

The regimne worked very well the first 3 weeks of so, then I had a MAJOR problem for about a month. It seems to be calming down again. I will continue to use it b/c its working better then other things I've tried.

There are more pros than cons. It wont work miracles but it does help.
September 30, 2007

Pros:

Affordable. Works well. Same results as ProActiv but cheaper. Can buy it in stores or order online.

Cons:

Bit runny

I used Klear Action for several years after I started developing acne in my 20's. I started with ProActiv but switched to Klear Action and never had any breakouts. Unfortunately, my skin may have developed a resistance to both PA and KA, as neither work now. I'm even trying to do research to see if my move a year ago where I had to start using city water instead of well water has somehow had an adverse effect on my skin. I have recommended this product to friends and family though, because for years it was a miracle for me!

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.