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
January 21, 2007

Pros:

Noticed a difference right away, face felt genuinely just - clean. My face has never been oily since. Convienient delivery and didn't have to worry about getting a regimen that wouldn't work well together.

Cons:

My skin became immune to the Proactiv solution and after about 4 months got breakouts again just like before. Hard to keep up with religiously.

I wanted to with all of my heart to believe in Proactiv and gave it 8 months to work its 'magic' on my skin... For the first while Proactiv seemed to (slowly) but surely be clearing up my acne with fewer and fewer breakouts, and a smoother skin texture. I noticed a difference the first time I used it, my skin was never oily again since the day I began the solution and I didn't even experience any drying for the first while. After about 4 months, the solution just seemed to stop working, my skin got incredibly dry (colder weather may have contributed to this) and I began to breakout just as much (but probably not any worse) as I did before I started using Proactiv, and as I continue to use it there seems to be no improvement. For the price, it was not really worth it for me. Like everyone says, your skin DOES become immune to this solution until it becomes ineffective. But everyone is different and its worth a shot if you're desperate...
January 19, 2007

Pros:

works after a couple months

Cons:

makes acne worse the first couple weeks

what the proactiv does is brings the acne under your skin to the surface. then, after probably the first month, it heals it. you cant judge it if youve only used it for a couple weeks or a month. give it at least 6 weeks
January 18, 2007

Pros:

It helps clear skin.

Cons:

It may take awhile for best results

It cleared my skin. I used to have acne as a teenager thenit cleared up as an adult. But since moving here to MD it has returned which I think it's aprtly due to stress. It will help clear acne and it doesn't dry my skin. I also use Neutrogena sensitive skin mouisturizer and glyxolic acid (which will dry your skin). The marks take a while to fade, but the acne pretty much has cleared. I still use it 1x a day. I think it great.
January 15, 2007

Pros:

Since I've started using it, My breakouts have been less, my skin feels smoother and my blackheads are starting to dissapear

Cons:

The repairing lotion caused my skin to become red-looking and itchy, so I stopped using it twice a day and started using it 2-3 times a week in the evenings & that helped alot. Also, I stopped rubbing so hard when using the cleanser, and that helped.

Despite the mild irritation, seems to be a pretty good product. It's the only thing I've tried that actually seems to be working, and I've tried a lot of other pills , potions & junk that done nothing.
January 13, 2007

Pros:

EVERYTHING

Cons:

Having to struggle with my parents to actually believe this isn't some other internet junk acne thing. Show them the reviews, including this one, and maybe they'll change their minds. I'm 16.

REALLY doesn't dry your skin as much as other 2.5% BP's. I was using Proactiv BP for my first couple of weeks or so, and it dried me out terribly. When I got this gel the other day, I could use so much more BP, without getting as close to being dry as if I were to use the Proactiv BP. I can use a full dosage, and my skin will dry up and flake a tad, but that's only because of the cold weather right now i suppose.
January 10, 2007

Pros:

Goes on well and feels clean. No redness or flaking.

Cons:

Works for a while but not completely.

I tried it for a few weeks, and it seemed to be working. However, when I went off the dermatologist prescribed solodyn, the regimen was definitely not enough. It's helpful, but only if used with other medications.
January 6, 2007

Pros:

Felt Clean after use...and made pimple less frequent for a bit..

Cons:

Stings like hell, stinks ,made my skin peel and uncomfortable,not suitable for 2 times a day..too much peroxide..made my green face washer turn bright yellow!

i also had the continuous control mousturiser and another clean and clear "gone in 3 days" mini tube of stuff.this really burned and stang after using it for 2 days...soon after my skin was red and peeling..i've seen little improvement in my pimples...once one was gone (which took days) another would pop up and still be all pussy and hurt. this really was too strong..i've now turned to proactiv and it's nearly been a month. it too dried and peeled after 1 week of use, but i stopped for 2 days and went back on and hasnt peeled as bad..just a few spots..and it's been a bit longer than a week...too early to say if proactiv works, but it's much better than the continuous control system!
January 6, 2007

Pros:

I started using Proactiv when I was 16 and I started to get a little acne. It worked great for several years (up until now). Now I have terrible acne (and welts on my face), and I am still using the product. Maybe I have developed an alergy to it.

Cons:

It worked great for a while, but I think it is now destroying my face.

I thought this was a great product at first, but now it has ruined my face. I went from having a little acne on my forehead to now having huge welts all over my face.
January 3, 2007

Pros:

None

Cons:

Rough, smelly, irritating, bleaches clothes, towels, sheets, etc.

This product made my acne so much worse, I actually began to think it might not be acne. I figured, if this stuff is making my acne THIS MUCH worse it must not be acne in the first place. Wrong. This stuff just sucks and had I switched products months ago I would have been helping the problem instead of aggravating it. The toner compounded the problem even worse. The Repairing Lotion and Revitalizing Mask are the only parts of this system worth using.
January 3, 2007

Pros:

THIS IS THE ONLY PRODUCT I HAVE EVER USED INCLUDING THE VERY DANGEROUS ACCUTAINE THAT HAS EVER WORKED FOR MY ACNE.

Cons:

THE BENZOYL PEROXIDE IS NOT GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN. BUT EITHER ARE ACNE BREAKOUTS

THANK GOODNESS FOR THIS PRODUCT!

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.