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
May 9, 2017
The absolute worst acne product ever. Horrifying
Really bad itchy PAINFULL hot swollen red rash with wrinkly lines on entire face down to neck all the way to behind ears. Look like a burn victim Feels like thick bumpy disgusting sandpaper. A million tiny Disgusting bubbles between layers of skin. At least a dozen cystic acne forming and my skin before this never had more than one in a 2 month period. Feels like some stabbed my a million times with needles. Horrifying. Never had this happen before. My skin is worst than it has ever been. Skin looks extremely dry and wrinkly lines like sunburn. I feel horrified and scared this won't go away. I feel like someone spilled chemicals all over my face and I got a chemical burn. My entire face especially my neck feels extremely itchy and uncomfortable. I just feel so sad and depressed after this. And extra low self esteem. This is the effect after just one use. The "purge" is supposed to last about 1 to 2 months. I can't believe this. I cannot go through with this. What happens if you stop using this after two months? Will your skin stay clear or go back to what it was.?? Because what's the point of going through 2 months of absolute torture
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July 27, 2017
This did not happen to me, at all. I don't sell the product, but liked how it made my skin feel from day 1. I see a few reviews like this so I guess some skin just doesn't react well? I never had a problem.
August 15, 2017
You are allergic to it.
January 1, 2018
Definitely pushers making the above comments... not an allergic reaction - simply the awful product. See my review on the next page... soph_istication@[link removed] very similar story except mine got worse and I’m still suffering with the scars. POISON.
March 9, 2017
I couldn't live without it
Since I was in high school I have suffered from very bad acne, especially because as an athlete I constantly am getting hot and sweaty. I tried numerous medicines and solutions both over the counter and prescriptions and went to several dermatologists - nothing really worked until I ran into Unblemished. At first, I will admit the transition was a bit rough, but it is always difficult when your skin is adjusting to new products. But once I had adjusted, my skin cleared up and except for an occasional pimple now and then, my skin is perfect - smooth, clear and beautiful - When one does appear, I apply Step #3 at night and by morning, there is no trace of it. I love these products and I order extra to be sure I never run out. I couldn't live without them - and I am loving the way my skin looks and feels. Nothing works for everyone - I am glad I finally found what works for me. No scam here.
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January 15, 2017
Amazing
After battling with adult hormonal acne and trying so many different products, I finally found my holy grail. It's a high dosage of benzoyl peroxide so obviously it will dry you out. The number one thing that I recommend when using this product is to ONLY use it on areas where you have acne. Avoid the mouth and under eye ares, as they are prone to dryness. And remember to moisturize.
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January 8, 2017
A whole lot of eh.
I used this years ago when I first tried to to my acne under control. It worked at first, but stopped a couple of months in. It also made my skin SO dry and SO agitated. For the large amount of money you have to pay, it really isn't worth it. I feel like they approach skin care in a one "cure" helps all way, which is just not true.
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April 9, 2016
Nope Nope NOPE!!!
First acne treatment I ever used on my skin back when I was 16, with the encouragement from my stepmom (as she uses it to this day). She said it works great for her, for me on the other hand, it was the beginning of the rapid downfall of my skin. It made my face so PAINFULLY dry, and my acne even more painfully horrible. It made me develop cystic acne that took so long to get rid of. My skin is also very fair, and it caused me to become so red! Maybe this product works for some people, but for me it was horrible. My skin is far too sensitive for this product. Benzoyl Peroxide is not for the sensitive skinned, not at all. HOWEVER, the sulfur face mask was decent for spot treatments. But even that was not enough to fight my acne. I would not recommend this product, but it seems to work for some people. But if you have sensitive skin definitely be careful.
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July 28, 2015
Absolute Lies
Again, the makers of Pro-Active bring another yet failed product that fool teens like me into buying. Been using it for two years (due to forgetting to cancel my subscription) and has not been working since day one. Don't even bother with this, go see an actual dermatologist and get a prescription, I know I should've.
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June 27, 2015
It's okay
I've recently started using benzac 2.5. It's been about 2 weeks now and I haven't noticed any big changes other then my face been really dry. I went to the doctors and got prescribed a cream called differin and my doctor told me to use it along with my benzac cleanser and benzac gel. I was told to use this for a month and see how my skin goes but as some people are saying they've had results in the first week but yeah i recommend this product but just be aware of how dry it will make your face I find it burns even to put makeup on Every skin type is different so might as well give it a try
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September 14, 2015
I had the same experience when I just started using Benzac. Only after about one month or so, it started working. Its been about 2.5 months now, and I had about 2-3 pimple, which were very minor and passed quickly. P.S Make sure to apply sunscreen when you start using BP, because it makes your skin super sensitive and prone to PIH!!
November 14, 2015
Hi Gemma, I'd use a different cleanser because the cleanser you're using has fragrance in it.. It lists 'perfume' as one of the ingredients and then in brackets.. the ingredients in 'perfume' aren't all so great.. Maybe find something a bit more gentle.. or at least doesn't have fragrance, bad alcohols and essential oils..
May 24, 2015
DRIES OUT YOUR SKIN!!!
it works to clear acne, but i have to stop using it because all the Oxy products are drying out my skin!! i cant handle my skin being rough and dry so I'm going to try a different skin care line. i won't ever recommend this to a friend, awful that it dries out the skin so much!! too bad because it really does clear acne but cant handle the dry skin anymore.
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February 19, 2015
The worst customer service!
2 years I have been trying to resolve issues! Now being vocal, I have called, cancelled, sent back and still dealing with issues! Don't order, they will make your life hell!
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February 15, 2015
Don't do it!
DO NOT order proactive yes it works, but they will charge you every month even if you cancel they will still charge you. I moved states and changed my address and I'm having to pay for boxes they are sending to my old address! I've called 4 times to give them my new address and they still can't get it right. They won't refund my money at all I've had to get a lawyer they've taken so much money from me. Ordering proactive was the worst mistake I've ever made. Do. Not. Do. It
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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.