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
December 13, 2009

Pros:

Mum got it 4 me
Easy to get

Cons:

Smells odd

. Clearing up my skin . Easy to get (boots) .Lots in it (worth it) lasts ages .
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November 24, 2009

Pros:

My acne didn't have to go through that faze of "getting worse before it gets better"... like with most acne products. It has been nothing short of a miracle for me personally.

Cons:

I haven't found any. I did not have a problem with it drying out my skin too much (I read that some readers did have an issue). I wash my face twice a day and moisturize once in the morning prior to putting on Bare Escentuals.

I know that everyone's skins is different... but for me this has been a wonderful find! I saw it at Walgreen's one day and decided to give it a try. I have tried MANY different prescriptions, ProActive (twice), Murad and various over the counter face washes, scrubs, gels, masks, etc. I use the 10% wash (not the bar)
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November 8, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Dried my face so badly I could scrape the skin off. I'm not kidding. Way too harsh!

I used this product just the way it was suppose to be used and it was simply too harsh on my face. Too pricey, too harsh, not worth the effort.
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October 9, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Worst product for skin , disaster!! Made my skin dry , tight , as if removed every drop of moisture from the skin.

DON'T USE THIS PRODUCT, YOU CAN"T HATE YOUR SKIN SO MUCH.
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October 7, 2009

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

No moisturizer, dries out skin, bleed, blotchy

I HATE PROACTIV it was such a waste of money! First they start out with the BP wash and then sting your face with toner and OVER that apply BP My experience: Compare to Acne.org Regimen: acne.org--> leaves flakiness but I can moisturize and wash the dead skin away with the gentle cetaphil cleanser proactiv--> face turns red and blotchy, skin becomes TIGHT and scaly, to the point where if you peel your skin off, it starts bleeding
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September 18, 2009

Pros:

clears up acne and "underground" blemishes quickly, feels like your giving your skin a facial,

Cons:

expensive, needs to be used consistantly daily,

For how bad and horrible my acne was before this product (even though it is over priced) is a miracle for my face! I do not have unrealistic "perfect" skin but it has made a HUGE impact! If I showed you before and after pictures of my skin you would SEE the difference imediately! I saw it on a comericial and tried it for 30 days! Cant live without it! I just hope it continues to work for me! I have been using it for about 5 months or so... LUV IT!!! *Where it says my acne is "Moderately severe" that is how it used to be now it is light and not too noticible.
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September 12, 2009

Pros:

Worked great when I first got it. My skin felt very soft after using it.

Cons:

I've used it for a long time and it has stopped working. I also think the cleanser is too abrasive, especially when I'm having breakouts.

I've stopped used Proactive and I've started using the Regimen.
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September 2, 2009

Pros:

Smells great, made my skin soft, definetly gets rid of small pimples, easy to use, refreshing, and works pretty quick.

Cons:

Does not work well for cystic acne, ordering can be a pain

I used Proactiv for a few years and loved it. I recently stopped because I am developing cystic acne. I recommend this product, especially if you have pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Anything bigger than that, you probably need something better.
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November 17, 2017
Billing issues and not even effective.
NOT EVEN WORTH A STAR! I don't even know how to describe how upset I am. They want me to pay for something I did not receive. I tried talking to them and they would not help me. I even have photos to prove it. I wish I can post it here. So I have monthly shipment and I have been using it for months. Nothing really has changed in my skin. I got a replacement card so obviously my payments would not go through. I ignored it and not changed the card because I did not want to receive anymore shipments. But they still sending me, so I paid for it to be fair. Now, I received an invoice dated August 21, 2017 with the amount of 131.82. So again, I paid for it just so I wouldn't think about it, not knowing if I received it or not. I have too many problems and Proactiv should not be one of them. Then I keep receiving emails that I have to pay this past due invoice amounting 131.82. So I ignored it because obviously I am not receiving anything anymore for a long time and I just paid a check. And its already November and still receiving it and said they will put my account on credit collections. So I looked up my account and see my order history. Even my account is already closed I should still see it, its my right, but there is nothing on it. So I talked to them and tell them my problem. They explained to me that my last check was applied to my FEBRUARY package and they are asking for MAY package. So I told them how would I even know I received that package if I haven't received it for a long time and I cannot see my order history. One of them said they could replace it but they cannot take out the invoice and they changed it to "look for the package if I am not sure if I received it" because she was advised to say it. Okay, how can I look for a package that I haven't received in a long time? That was stupid, I just said okay because I am already upset. So I breath and called again and make them understand my point. First: why are they keep sending me packages I have not paid and my card is not on file. Second: why did they sent a package if I already have a balance from previous package. Third: The invoice I paid is dated August so it should reflect both past balances. The last invoice should have two 131.82 with total of 263. 64. They told me they are giving separate invoices for different packages. I mean, who does that? People who tried to get money from people that's for sure. So my mom advised me to just pay for it so I wouldn't have record. I feel cheated, it is so unfair. I am paying for something I did not receive or not even my fault because I am scared to have record. DO NOT BE LIKE ME. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM THIS COMPANY.
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December 12, 2017
I am agree with you Rainee DO NOT BUY ANYTHING WITH THIS COMPANY
June 28, 2017
The only thing that made a difference
I have struggled with bad acne since i was 11. I had zits on my forehead, cheeks, temples and chin, and blackheads/whiteheads under my eyes, on my nose and on my chin. My acne has always made me very insecure, and sometimes i couldn't even look at myself in the mirror. A year ago (i'm almost 16 now) i began covering it up using makeup, but i still felt so insecure and uncomfortable. I was always so paranoid, thinking that people were staring at my skin and jugding me for it. I have always used natural masks and treatments to cure my acne (or at least make my skin better), and i have tried to remove dairy from my diet thinking that it might be the reason for my acne, but nothing helped. I have always had a strict night and morning skin routine and just done anything to help clear my skin. The only thing i hadn't tried, was to put anything chemical on my skin. I had heard a lot of horror stories about bad reactions and i was so scared it would happen to me. Then two months ago my skin got so bad that i almost broke down crying just looking at myself. So i bought this 5% gel. I honestly didn't think that it would make a difference, and the first 5 days nothing happened. I noticed immediately that my skin got more dry, but my acne didn't change. But after those first 5 days, my skin became a lot smoother, and after a couple of weeks, i could see a difference. I did struggle with dryness and my face could feel a bit painful, but it was worth when i saw and felt the difference in my skin. Its been two months now , and the acne on my forehead, chin, and on the sides of my face, has mostly cleared up. My skin has become more dry, but i just use a good moisterizer to conrol it. I still struggle with some zits on especially one of my cheeks, and blackheads on my chin, but overall my face has cleared up A LOT, and i am now more confident with and without makeup.
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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.