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 6, 2009

Pros:

well it's not a quick acting thing, takes like hours, over night use would be good, but it's only for ON THE SPOT ACNE, not a face wash or a face cream

Cons:

Can never prevent breakouts,

Average! 5/10 may or may not work! end of story...
September 5, 2009

Pros:

DID get rid of some acne, felt invigorating

Cons:

made my skin dry and flaky, as well as more oily and red at times

This is good if ur skin does not dry out easily and u want to keep your skin acne-free. It is not so great with someone without clear skin and/or with dry or combination (like me) skin. Did not work for me. Too strong.
September 5, 2009

Pros:

Really works!

Cons:

Dries you out really badly to start with

This really does work! My skin is the best it's been in years. I use it twice a day religiously, and I currently have only ONE active spot compared to at least 10 at a time before. My acne is mainly hormonal, and always on the chin/around my mouth. Despite it being hormonal, this does clear it! To start with it made my skin very red, dry and flaky. I almost quit using it but decided to buy a more intensive moisturiser for night time, and it sorted it out very quickly. Now I have no adverse reaction to the cream at all. I currently use the 5% version but I am moving onto the full strength version this week, as I still get very minor break outs. Hopefully the 10% cream will get me totally clear. It even seems to be helping my red marks to fade. Great product all round!
September 5, 2009

Pros:

There were no pros in using this product.

Cons:

Redness and severe facial rash after two days of using this product.

I would not recommend this product to anyone. I have always had clear skin until moving to a new area. My acne was very mild but I wanted clear skin again. I followed the direction on the box and stayed out of the sun as perscribed. After two days of trying this product I broke out in a rash on my face and neck. On the third day the rash became very red and irritated. Then, on the fifth day my face became very dry and a couple pimples formed. My face has never looked this bad. The company was gracious enough to give me a full refund. Don't chance it just use something else.
September 4, 2009

Pros:

worked for a short period of time .....

Cons:

is very harsh and strips skin of its natual goodness, bp is irratating, toner has alcohol and the cleanser is like a scrub so ur scrubbing ur face twice a day.....BIG NO NO

i used this product because i was so desperate and uneducated about acne at that time, this product is too harsh and does nothing in the long run....only works for a short while until ur face gets immune to the bp %. it is not a good idea to be so harsh on ur skin, over drying and scrubbing only make things worse. good luck
September 4, 2009

Pros:

Got rid of the redness

Cons:

I broke out worse than I ever have before - within the first couple days my skin was extremely oil and I was getting bumps all over - emailed the company and the guy was great with different suggestions, which I tried and only made me acne worse.

My acne is worse than ever after 5 weeks of use - and after feeling even more depressed and embarrassed about my acne I finally gave up on this and am now back on BP.
September 4, 2009

Pros:

It makes your skin feel really clean

Cons:

a little dryness, not to much, just put lotion on after you use the cleanser

its great. i think its recommended because it does work, ive only been using this for 2 days and i honsetly see the difference! its really good and works well for people wiht moderate acne
September 4, 2009

Pros:

I saw results in just one day and after a week my face was completely clear. I absolutely loved this product. The one for sensetive skin is with out a doubt the best acne treatment i have ever bought and i have bought EVERY kind.

Cons:

The first day it turned my face a little pink and it dried out my nose a little nit but after a few days my skin got use to it and is completely clear soft and not dry. I love it.

Well the bottom line is that this product works. It may not be for everyone and thats understandable but it worked for me without a doubt. It is the best product out there. It worked perfect on my skin. I have used proactive and skin Id I have used every kind of acne treatment you can by at the store (walmart) nothing worked until I tried this and let me tell you I am seven months pregnant and It still works on my skin when I didnt think anything would.
August 31, 2009

Pros:

It gets rid of pimples, and the directions are clear.

Cons:

My face is severely red, peeling, burning, and sore. My acne got A LOT worse, before it got better, but now that i have NO pimples, my face is absolutely RAW. I couldn't even fall asleep last night because my face was burning so bad.

I followed all directions, and read all the packaging, my acne got extremely worse before it got better, but now my face is HORRIBLY red, burning, sore, and peeling. I don't know what to do whether i read something wrong or not, but i've been doing everything right. I WANT the clear face its given me, i DONT WANT all the horrible side-effects i now have.
August 29, 2009

Pros:

i bought this little tub of clearzit about 5 years ago...didnt really need it then, lost the tub, then had acne, bought proactive, and it made it worse..found my clearzit,,,,, and have only been using it for about 3 days,,,, and it works....

Cons:

stings a little...and only put it where your acne is,,, or your face will turn red...

noticed a differance in the frist day!!

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.