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
September 14, 2011

Pros:

* Smells good
* Cheap
* It does leave your face clean

Cons:

* Too drying
* Doesn't treat acne
* Burns and stings skin sometimes

If your acne severity is light, use this product. My friend and I bought a few bottles of this product, because it was on sale. Unlike my skin which is acne-prone, my friend has very light acne. When she used it for one month, her skin was suuuuper clear. I bought five bottles. Personally for me, I've used this product for about 6 months. I'm on my 3rd bottle, and it hasn't been working! Well, sure, it removed very very few numbers of acne, but right after they're gone, new ones appear again! Yikes! Oh, I've also heard that this product is good for body acne, but I don't have any. I just want acne off my FACE. If your skin is totally acne-prone, do NOT buy this product. Sigh. 2 more bottles to go ...
September 8, 2011

Pros:

The green tea lotion works very well on dry hands.

Cons:

Made my acne worse!

My skin was red and burning right after I used the product. Then within a couple of hours my skin would become very oily. After three months, I tried to cancel my order, and they talked me into the advanced treatment. That didn't work either so I cancelled again. For months they kept sending me more and taking the money out of my account. Then I would have to call again and send the products back to get my money back. This went on for months! I don't recommend this to any one!
September 7, 2011

Pros:

It softens your face
It somewhat clears acne

Cons:

It only works for people with barely any acne :(
It gets use to your skin so after awhile it stops working!

My friend gave me some proactive to try for a couple weeks, It worked at first then it stopped working. :( I would recommend it to people who have barely any acne though!
August 31, 2011

Pros:

Smells clean and fresh
The only thing that has ever worked on clearing my acne
Affordable

Cons:

Bleaches towels
Can be very drying on skin
Once you stop using it your acne comes back fast

I love this product so much. I have tried almost everything that is acne treatment related at walgreens and walmart. Proactiv has really given a new found confidence in my acne free skin. In the first two weeks or so you still might continue to get acne, but don't let it discourage you from this product. If you want to see results you must stick to the regiment and be consistent. You don't get a six pack by going to the gym one time, do you? No! You have to stick to it. And for all those who have problems with cystic acne like me also (ie the hard red lumps under your skin) proactiv of course won't work on those because it a SURFACE acne clearer, if you want to get rid of those you need to go to a dermatologist, cystic acne could also be a symptom of a hormonal imbalance. Bottom line, stick to it and it will work.
August 29, 2011

Pros:

Advanced Face Wash - 3.8 of 5... Fights the acne... and reduces the size of acne.. fights oil!

Pads- 2.7 of 5 BURNS! adds redness temporarily (about 10 mins) does offer some oil control

Hydrating Therapy - 5 of 5 LOVE this... really moisturizers, controls oil so well!, clears acne FAST!

Clearing Treatment - 3.5 of 5 Burns a little.. will clear acne!

Works like magic if you use all these products together! (not at once, but in a day)

Cons:

WASH - Doesn't make your face feel clean..
PADS - Sometimes has a mid of it's own and decides not to work! :s

Clearing Treatment: NOT for daytime applications


Like all other BP products you need to avoid the sun.. for this product it means that with a passion! If you get in the sun your face will burn, become red, and not work!

Overall I really am enjoying this system.. it's one of the VERY VERY VERY few things that is clearing my skin! THE PRICE INCLUDED ALL THESE: Advanced Face wash: 4.0 oz ($8.27) Clearing treatment 1.6 oz (box of 2 so one bottle is 0.8 oz ) ($8.27) Pads (90 pads ($6.88) Hydrating therapy 2.0 oz ($7.99)
August 25, 2011

Pros:

clears skin
makes pores smaller
skin is brighter
gets rid of red marks on skin!
softer skin
increases confidence :D

Cons:

works slowly need patience
can make skin feel a little dry

Okay, so I've been using this product for like a week and a half and I seriously see the difference. My skin is WAY softer. My forehead is totally clearing up and so is my chin. My cheeks still have these little bumps, but they will go soon. I have like 3 noticeable pimples but I think they shall be leaving soon, We'll see! Try this product out seriously.
August 23, 2011

Pros:

this acne product works better than any other product or prescription I have used. Keeps me from breaking out and from being shiny throughout the day.

Cons:

None,

Awesome product that doesn't break the bank!
August 21, 2011

Pros:

- lots of moisturzing components
- cures moderate to mild acne

Cons:

- can be over irritating due to bp in cleanser and the microbeads
- doesnt include moisturizer
- expensive and small bottles

it works for those with mild ot moderate acne, those with moderately-severe/ severe acne should go on the regime or a dermo each step has moisturizing compenents so its not over drying at all! ill rate a four cause it ALMOST cleared my moderately severe acne
August 15, 2011

Pros:

*Reduced acne within 3 days
*dried up acne.
*clear pores

Cons:

*excessive dryness.
*darken skin complexion.
*slight irritation with redness

within 3 days i got my result.it reduces my acne severity and dried out my acnes. 1-2 new acne breakout. bt im satisfied cause i had more acne.im using it for 6 days.but the worst point is its darkening my skin and makes dry.but im happy ,cause i want to get rid of my acne. did not work over acne spot.as i used clindamycin phosphate for 5days it dint work much,though BP worked only within 3 days. :):):)
August 14, 2011

Pros:

Works kind of like proactive

Cons:

-didnt work
-too much hassle
-expensive
-dries skin

I didnt like this AT ALL. It was expensive, it was a hassle, and it DID. NOT. WORK. I did it for two whole months, and nothing changed.... NOTHING! If your acne is so severe that you try this stuff, you might as well go to a pharmacy and pick up some Woman or Men one-a-day-for-teen (or adults) brand vitamins. Those seemed to help my little sis who had bad acne, and it cleared her right up. Check out the baking soda mask too, that works for most.

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.