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
February 12, 2013

Pros:

I have been using this product for years and have to say it is the best for controlling breakouts!

Cons:

None

It works!!!!
January 18, 2013

Pros:

it got rid of my acne/zits

Cons:

it really really dried out my face and my eyes looked swollen

I wouldnt buy proactive again, it made my skin unbearable, it was red, burning, and itchy.
January 12, 2013

Pros:

none really.

Cons:

I think my acne got worse within weeks. I started to see my trouble areas clear up a bit but I got random ones where I have never gotten before.

I wouldn't try it again. I was doing better using the aloe vera plant. Cheap, really dries, and reduces red spots.
January 5, 2013

Pros:

- Kind of worked
- Nicely designed system

Cons:

- A bit pricey (better priced than Proactiv though)
- Chemicals

I used this back a couple years ago. It's somewhat similar to Proactiv and Dan's Regimen (the main ingredient is Benzoyl Peroxide). It kind of helped, yet it didn't satisfy me. The bottles were nicely shaped and designed, and I remember the stuff smelling good. You have to realize though that this is merely a bandage solution to acne. Once you stop slathering chemicals on your face, the acne comes back. Acne is an internal problem. I've been using lemon treatment and it's been clearing me up
December 31, 2012

Pros:

-Works pretty well for moderately severe acne.
-Great cost for amount given (hard to find a better deal).

Cons:

-Drying
-Stains cloths
-I find it hard to do more than 1x/day do to extreme dryness. My body never did get use to it.

This is the best product I have come across so far and I have been using it for years. It helps with about 80% of my acne. I am sure it would be more if I could do it 2x/day, but it dries my skin out way too much. I tried it for months thinking my skin would get use to it, but it never did. But with 1x/day I am happy with the results - Not perfect, but much better than if I went without. I have noticed that some batches I order are better than others, but for the amount of product I received for the price, I can't complain. I use this in combination with Dan's moisturizer too. I wish there was a product that worked equally as well and didn't stain my cloths though :-( I use it on my chest and back as well and any time you sweat, you can kiss your cloths goodbye.
December 27, 2012

Pros:

Easy to use 3 step system

Cons:

Makes skin dry and flaky
Spreads acne to more places
Creates bigger red bumps
Does not work
Expensive
My face got so much worse

I used this product for 7 weeks. After the first two weeks I saw no improvement and after the third week my face got worse. My face got dry after using this product and my face was peeling. I got big red bumps spreading all over my cheeks. After five weeks it started to go back to being how my face was before which was a little better by still had red bumps and my acne was still spread farther on my cheeks than it had ever been before. Its also expensive. I recommend going to a dermatologist.
December 17, 2012

Pros:

Gives you soft acne

Cons:

Does not clear up acne!
Takes a long time to apply!
Expensive!
Ineffective!

I was ecstatic when I received my package. I definitely thought this was the solution to my self esteem. After 5 weeks of faithfully using it and not seeing any results other than soft acne I became a little depressed. I just kept telling myself though that it will work and I just had to be patient. It never worked! Another 5 weeks later I still could not tell an even remote difference! I found a different product and within a few days of using it I saw a difference so it's not like its impossible to cure my acne. Proactiv is not worth your time or money.
December 12, 2012

Pros:

Works well

Cons:

Company with screw you over. I did not receive a delivery, I filled out there paperwork stating I did not receive it so they sent me to collections with out another word. Even though I gave them all my information, because there brilliant people could not put it into the computer, its my fault.

Do not buy from this company unless you want to pay for every item whether you receive it or not or take the hit on your credit rating.
December 8, 2012

Pros:

not at all

Cons:

everything. too much to explain, just dont get this.

i wish i didnt rate this because it doesnt even deserve one.
December 1, 2012

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

Terrible customer service and product isn't great

Don't buy the product. Its a joke.. Canceling is difficult 4-6wks for a refund and customer service is horrible. When you ask to speak to a supervisor they tell you one is not available and someone will contact me within 24hrs.

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.