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
May 4, 2007

Pros:

gooooood!!!!!!!!!

Cons:

GOOOOD!!!!!!!

VERY GOOD ,GO FOR IT.
May 3, 2007

Pros:

Pretty much completely cleared up my skin after 2 weeks or so. Really helps skin.

Cons:

Dryness, kind of annoying to use.

Clear skin. If you don't mind dryness and some soreness, buy.
May 1, 2007

Pros:

smells and feels clean

Cons:

This stuff made my face swell,red,itchy,peely. I had moderatly clear skin prior to use of pro active. If you have sensitive skin DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT.

Be very cautious when using this product.
April 30, 2007

Pros:

Fresh feeling, nice fragrance, can use all over body, improves acne!

Cons:

Very harsh and drying. Makes skin itchy if u dont use lots of moisturiser. VERY EXPENSIVE!

I used Proactiv 2 times a day for 2 months, just like the steps say too. Problem was, for 3 or 4 weeks i didnt use moisturiser!! my skin was terrible. so, i combined jojoba oil and moisturiser to my 3 steps, and that cleared up the flakes. my skin was slowly getting less sore and less breakouts occured. my skin was on track--but--then school came back! i had no time in the mornings and i couldnt stand going to school with shiny moisturiser like skin! so, i changed to simply doing my face at night. It has slowed my clearing, and my acne is popping up on my nose, and i get the occasional pimple, but i just pop it and it goes quickly! Proactiv hasn't cleared my skin like on the ads- but it is so much better than before, and my face doesnt hurt. i've been using it once daily on weekdays, and sometimes 2 times on weekends, and i have the occasional pimple, some breakouts and oiliness on my nose, but its better than before! One problem- AU$69 for what u get is WAY TOO MUCH! but do try it!
April 28, 2007

Pros:

works very well but skin must be cold before applying and chilled once applied.

Cons:

very drying. Need to find a non oil based moisturiser, I found that Active Moist from Dermalogica is really good.

I had extremely severe acne for many years until I found a book called 'The Acne Cure' by Terry J. Dubrow. I picked up this book for like 2 dollars from a book sale on the off chance it could do anything to help..after 2 long stints on acutane without effect i was pretty much willing to try anything. I can't even stress how incredible this book is! It has a three step program which when done correctly makes it impossible for acne to survive...the steps breifly - 1) use a cleanser with the active ingredient Salicylic Acid (I use Dermalogica anti-bac skin wash) leave on skin for about 30 seconds before washing off. 2) apply glycolic acid (I use Eventone Glyco Peel) leave on approx 3-5 minutes. 3)This is the long step but the most important. Applied normally Benzac AC will dry up your acne but will not stop it from coming back. It needs cool temps to be able to dig deep into the pores, you must cool your face with ice before application then once applied cool further. READ TH
April 26, 2007

Pros:

Easy to use, clears your skin!

Cons:

A little drying at first, like most BP products. You get used to it though. Be sure to use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil as well.

I love how the cream is more like a thinner gel, it makes it so much easier to apply/absorb. I hate trying to get thick/chalky creams to absorb into my skin, especially when you have to rub them in over painful bumps. Doesn't leave ANY white residue. CHEW the pills, don't swallow them whole. I remember trying this in 8th grade and the pills had no effect because I wasn't taking them right. Give it 4-6 weeks so your skin and body can adjust, it's not going to work overnight. Never skip a day and your sking will look lovely.
April 25, 2007

Pros:

-Keeps acne "at bay".
-Price per ounce.

Cons:

-Recommended BP application method is irritating, unfortunately it doesn't work 'wonders' by simply applying it on real quick.
-Time consuming

Obviously NOT better then any prescribed products. Definitely good for a "last resort" for acne but definitely will not make your skin crystal clear. I have used it for 3+ years and still have 1-2 cystic lesions at a time.
April 25, 2007

Pros:

I love this product! Been using it 4 almost 3 years! I am always getting compliments about how soft and flawless my skin is. This stuff works, You just have to use it right. Have the right steps for your skin, Moisturize, be consistant & give it time

Cons:

The people who say this doesnt work is mainly because they over used and dried themselves out, didnt moisturize or use SPF or gave up to soon. Proactiv is worth the money because it works. Don't order it go to your mall and visit a kiosk there!

Just have common sense. Nothing is going away over night, yeah it can be drying but proactiv has more than just the 3 main steps. Those other steps help the core products work better by preventing the sensitivity. Everyone has different skin so just because it didnt work for someone you know doesnt mean it wont work for you. If you go to your mall they will most likely have a kiosk there that sells it and they are very helpful and can set you up with what you need to get started. If you dont like it they have a 60 day money back guarantee. SO why not! I am just so passionate about this because I used to have bad acne and would never get compliments on my skin and now I do and its wonderful!
April 24, 2007
This product can cause intense allergic reactions that they do not mention on the commercials. After using proactiv, I have woken up woken up with eyes so swollen I can barely open them. Also, I have a rash on my neck. I was not immediately allergic to the product, but I seem to have slowly developed an allergy. I do not recommend putting something so toxic on your skin!
April 23, 2007

Pros:

Dries us SOME pimples

Cons:

at the same time....DRIES UP ENTIRE FACE AND IRRITATES PIMPLES INSTEAD OF HEALING THEM

Proactiv is not intended for for everyone and is not as glamorous on TV. to make it fair, they should show some of their failure stories instead of their fake ass success stories. if u've tried OTC medicines and it doesnt work...THEN DONT WASTE UR TIME AND MONEY ON PROACTIV.. detox works wonders! look it up! being proactive is about clearing out acne NOW. but detox is clearing ur body and SKIN of toxins that force the skin to break out

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.