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
March 21, 2007

Pros:

it clars you face up well exspecially if you have oily skin

Cons:

none

its one of the best things ive used as a teenager.
March 21, 2007

Pros:

helps improve acne drastically. I strongly recommend this product as it has given my life back.

Cons:

can dry out your skin if u apply a fair bit

Buy it, u have nothing to loose, if it worked for me it will work for u. My acne was quite bad before i started using benzac, it has controlled my acne for over a year no
March 20, 2007
Didn't work for me :-( Now my face feels oiler than ever before. I'll keep trying other stuff (what's the option?).
March 19, 2007

Pros:

cleared up my skin.

Cons:

expensive, discolors all fabrics, rough on skin: makes skin red and irritated

Worked for me. I only use it once a day.
March 16, 2007

Pros:

It works, it is exceptionally priced, it is NOT super drying, and it is sold by a person who has been in a similar situation and knew there was a desperate need for this product. Really, there are only pros to this BP gel!!!

Cons:

I'm not always thrilled with the online order site, but it is a small burden!

I use this, my husband uses this, my teenage children use this. It works and I do not know what I would do if it wasn't avilable. The skin on my face would dry and flake away, or I would go back to trying to cut an expensive 10% BP lotion with some sort of moisturizer (which never worked that well). Thank you Dan!!!
March 15, 2007

Pros:

no pros

Cons:

unlimited

doesn't work!!! I can't believe it!! those *@^&%$!! i got ripped off! i tried it for months and it still wouldn't fade out a little. proactiv sucked!!!
March 15, 2007

Pros:

It would be cheap if it didn't have to be shipped.

Cons:

It gave my skin breakouts. I wasn't allergic to it, it just made my skin horrible. I couldn't put on makeup properly and people actually kept telling me how bad my zits looked.

It's no different to the other stuff. Another false acne-relief dream. :(
March 14, 2007

Pros:

It really works, it doesn't sting, it sinks in well, it doesn't smell,

Cons:

I wouldn't use it too close to delicate areas of skin (around eyes) as they can go temporarily wrinkly -this is true of all benzoyl peroxide and probably this gel is better than most.

It works! I noticed immediate improvement but after 8 weeks of using it as instructed I have skin to be proud of. However, I did only have mild (but worsening) acne. It has got it totally under control. Even if new spots appear they disappear very quickly and don't get big red or painful.
March 12, 2007

Pros:

smells good.

Cons:

doesnt work! can make skin sensitive and kinda hurt.

i used this when i was 12 for about a year and thats when i started to get bad acne! it pretty much stinks! the repairing lotion can make skin fell painful when touched! jessica, kelly, and lindsay may have had good results from proactive(which i doubt)but they are only 3 people, and they also get like weekly facials and stuff like that! dont use it!
March 12, 2007

Pros:

Starts working right away. Skin becomes much more managable. My skin is clear. I occasionally get a blemish, but they are smaller and usually go away in a day.Leaves my skin extremely soft. Basic face washing routine twice a day, Easy.

Cons:

I wish it was cheaper, but if I tally all the other stuff I used to buy that didn't work it's not too bad. I wish the cleanser came in a bigger bottle. Can be drying, but moisurizer takes care of that.

I love Proactiv solution. I have had moderate acne all through my twenties. I have tried everything. This works. My skin is clear and feels soft and fresh. I wear very little make up, and I love how I look.

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.