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
April 21, 2007

Pros:

I've used this product for 2 years straight no breakouts only one zit a month that is gone within days. I love this product and will continue to use this product!

Cons:

None

This stuff is great and gets rid of breakouts quickly has no side effects that I'm aware of.
April 19, 2007

Pros:

Proactiv works initially for about 3 months but mainly to even the skin tone ,it doesn't treat the acne and I have been using it consistently for about 1 year

Cons:

This product is really expensive and is not guaranteed to work consistently

A pricey product without the guaranteed results
April 17, 2007

Pros:

If you're not satisfied after using the product for 30 days, it's a money back guarantee.

Cons:

For first time users, offer a two for one free gift for ordering their first kit.

I've read some comments where the bottle is too small. It's because you need to use a SMALL AMOUNT of the product. For those with oily skin like me, the oil-free moisturizer is wonderful as well as the refining mask. I use the mask at least twice a week and my face glows. I'm currently on a 12 week (4 month) cycle in getting a new kit and it's work out great. As long as you use the products in the right order and not mix it with other products, you'll see the results. Just stick with it.
April 16, 2007

Pros:

Has made my skin clear, smooth and with an even tone. No more cystic nodules. Makes my skin glow.

Cons:

The toner runs out faster than the other two. I wish the purifying cleanser was a scrub (like ProActive.) I actually broke out a little when I first used this product, so that may be expected. Since then, it's been all clear.

I've had acne issues for several years, and have used a range of both prescription and OTC products. I really like and recommend this product for anyone who is looking for a good cleanser that will keep your pores unclogged (which is essential for keeping skin clear.) This is not a miracle product and will not give you perfect skin, so it's important to keep your expectations managed. I will say, however, it has worked great for me. Because my acne is tied to hormones, I am on prescription birth control. This, combined with AcneFree, is what has worked best for me. For those that have posted on this site and have had bad results, remember that this product will only go so far. If your acne is moderate to severe, you probably need something Rx like a hormone regulator or an antibiotic.
April 14, 2007

Pros:

makes skin smooth prevented outbreaks but didn't clear up existing blemishes

Cons:

customer service sucks

proactiv is worth a try but is useless if not used consistency and bottle sizes are smaller than advertised.
April 13, 2007

Pros:

not sure yet...

Cons:

it makes my face really dry, does anyone know of a moisturizer that would help? and i always used benzalclin before this..but now if i put benzaclin on my face after the brevoxyl wash it burns a lot....any suggestions?!?

just have a question!
April 13, 2007

Pros:

This works beautifully -- with time. At first, my skin broke out more, but within a week, my skin felt softer and was clearer. Four months later, my skin is wonderful. So soft, and glowing, and no breakouts. I love the soap and the scrub.

Cons:

At first, my skin broke out more, but that was just cleaning out impurities. The scrub has an odd texture, but one gets used to it.

I will always use Carley's soap and scrub. My skin loves it, and one bottle (and one cake of soap) lasts for several months, so it is very inexpensive.
April 11, 2007

Pros:

The price is unbeatable compared to Neutragena, and it works great! No drying (I moisturize afterward). The tube lasts forever.

Cons:

Can't think of any.

Use it as part of the regime and you will experience great happiness due to a clear complexion! I will continue using these products as long as Dan keeps making them. Thank you Dan! No more depressing mornings staring at the pimples on my face!! Yeah! :-)
April 11, 2007

Pros:

I had a couple of pimples only and mostly tried it to clear up annoying blackheads on my nose. The pimples disappeared within just a week of use.

Cons:

The blackheads didn't change one bit, and the system was incredibly drying. My entire face started to peel and flake like I was a leper or something.

Way too harsh and expensive. It might work if you have very oily skin so it doesn't overly dry it out, but for me it only made things worse. I'll take a couple of pimples over my entire face feeling tight, burning, and flaking off.
April 11, 2007

Pros:

see less pimples and severity and duration of blemishes not as bad

Cons:

pricey, does not help blackheads or clogged pores.

not the miracle product they want you to think it is but does help with moderate acne worth giving it a shot.

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.