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
July 16, 2007

Pros:

works great!!
fast, super effective, cheap, good consistency..

Cons:

a lil burning/tingling,,,but only in the very beginning...and also use sunblock!

i have been using tazorac and it cleared up my cystic acne..however i was still suffering from some mild acne mostly on my chin...so i began washing with the oxy 10% bp wash..and applying the 5% lotion only on my chin...its my lil miracle!!! it really works..take it from me..i have super stubborn acne on my chin..and this is the only thing that has worked!!!
July 13, 2007

Pros:

It left my skin feeling very soft, for a little bit at least.

Cons:

I had a severe allergy to this product. My eyes swelled up so tight that i could barely open them. This was my first time using a B.P. product, so it may have been an allergy, being one of those unlucky 1:1000 that is allergic. Discontinued use.

If you have sensitive, pale skin, you might not want to use this.
July 13, 2007

Pros:

It made me feel good about myself. It clears my skin and softens it but I also still have my share of break-outs and blackheads. It gave me confidence.

Cons:

The price and the toner can burn, but only on an opened cut or pimple.

I love this product, Ive been using it for two years and my skin is fabulous. Although, at times I will stop my use of it out of laziness or because I have ran out of product, and when I do I break out very badly--its very important to keep your use consistent. I couldnt imagine using anything else on my skin; it is worth the extra money.
July 11, 2007

Pros:

This stuff is awesome.. It works really well. I bought it before and it helped out a lot and i am now using it again.. And you can buy it in stores!!!

Cons:

NONE! ok well maybe the toner does run out pretty fast, but thats fine.. :) not gunna complain..

i bought this stuff a while back, it really helped.. but i really wanted to try proactiv, im bad about wanting the most expensive things.. well once i ran out of my first bottles of acnefree i got proactiv, it worked for like 3 months and then stopped and made me break out really bad. decided to stop buying proactiv and im back to acnefree!! this stuff is awesome!!
July 10, 2007

Pros:

Works fast. Takes the pain out of the acne.

Cons:

When you first start using it, it does dry your skin.

Amazing product with the best results. I never had acne until I graduated from high school and then I spent hundreds of dollars on products that "sorta worked". I started using this and pimples clear up overnight. It is still working for me years later.
July 10, 2007

Pros:

It is inexpensive and works after a few days

Cons:

My acne came back after a couple weeks and is not responding to this product

do not recommend as a long term acne solution
July 9, 2007

Pros:

it works! i've been using dan kern's regimen for about two years now, and the difference is remarkable. now i get one or two blemishes per month, not per day. clear formula goes on great.

Cons:

paying for shipping.... a small travel size and a bigger "economy" size would be great additions, too.

the best product i've used.
July 8, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up acne very well.

Cons:

Took about 2 and a half months to see the full result and the price.

I don't understand all the bad reviews. I am 23 years of age and have had acne since I was 13. I began using Proactive when I was 21 and I haven't looked back since. Although when it did clear my skin up i got light spots in the areas where my acne was the worse (I'm black). But using the refining mask cleared that up as well. I just don't understand, this is the best product I've ever used. I even used to go to a dermatologist who prescribed me Retin-A, which didn't do anything for me. I guess different medications work for each individual.
July 7, 2007

Pros:

simple 3-steps

Cons:

leaves the skin feeling irritated, is harsh, and burns.

IT SUCKS. my face (which was of really minor acne) is now swollen and red from that crap. I HATE IT
July 7, 2007

Pros:

it works quickly and is effective but you have to continue using it to keep skin clear!

Proactiv works pretty well unless you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide. Use it once a day for the first couple of days, then increase to twice a day to reduce irritation. I used proactiv for 2-3 months last summer (2006) and it kept my skin from having major breakouts (i have moderate acne), though I still had small ones every now and again. I stopped using it because I thought I could get the same results from OTC products.. my face stayed clear all year until about 3 weeks ago.. I just re-ordered it and cannot wait to begin using proactiv again!

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.