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 3, 2014
Product used: The Regimen
Consistency is the key
I have been using the Regimine for about four years. I am in my late 30's and have tried everything. Over the years, I had hoped that I was "over acne" and have attempted to switch to competitors, but nothing works better. The Regimine is a basic process that works better than anything else. It takes consistency and patience with drying time. If you can take some time on your skin, it will work better than any other product you will try. Cleanser: The basic cleanser works very well with any skin type. The key to the cleanser is washing your hands first, then preparing a good lather in your palms before washing your face. I actually had a recent abdominal surgery and used the cleanser to clear my incision because it is very basic and good for sensitive skin. BP: I love the generous bottle with the pump. I have learned that you must wait for your skin to dry completely before applying the BP, otherwise, you will minimize the impact of the BP and potentially dry your skin. Lotion / AHA: I use one pump of lotion and one pump of AHA and mix them in my palm. You must wait for the BP to dry completely, but this step is critical. It may not seem logical if you have used other product, but the use of lotion soothes the skin and helps with an even texture. It is a magical combination. If I feel like my skin is dry in the winter, I also combine a bit of Jojoba oil. Overall, plan for your skincare. You must allow drying time between each of the three steps. A good multi-vitamin and water is a great addition to the Regimine. Be patient with your skin and follow the Regimine exactly. You will see results.
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November 30, 2014
It works! :)
Downside first: It dries out your skin, so moisturize and avoid eye area! Upside: It has almost completely stopped my breakouts. I've been using this for 6 months, but saw results within the first few weeks. I truly wish I would have given this a chance earlier. I've had moderate acne for around 10 years, and it would have saved my skin from a lot of scarring. Advice: When moisturizing after this treatment (even after you let it dry), don't moisturize the under-eye area with the lotion you've just been spreading around your face. Some of the BP mixes with that lotion, and you don't want that getting anywhere near the delicate skin around you eyes. If you want to hydrate the eye area, wash you hands first and then apply your moisturizer to that area.
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October 5, 2015
that explains why the skin around my eyes has become more thin, thank you.
October 29, 2014
Awesome!
I love this product! It really helps heal the blemishes and my pimples. I had been using many different products but none of them really worked for me. I could see the difference in my skin after using it just for a few days. It does dried out my face but it helped dried out and kill all the pimples. I only used it on my cheeks where I had many pimples and black scars. My skin looks a lot clearer now. I don't know what my skin type is but in my life I had never found any product that would help heal my dirty face. Then I found this! I would love to encourage everyone to at least try it because I know how people felt when dealing with an awful face. I had really low self-esteem but now I'm happy everyday for my face. My last suggestion is that when using it try to avoid your lips too because it can dry them out. And after using it you can use a moisturizer for your drying skin and you will be all good. I use jergens by the way. Thank you and I wish you all good luck!
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January 4, 2013

Pros:

DEFINITELY works - but only if you give it time. Mattes your skin and doesn't overdry it.

Cons:

This WILL bleach your hair if you aren't careful. It takes about 4-6 weeks to kick in and it has a bit of a funk to its smell. The bottles are a little small; they usually last about 1-2 weeks at a time.

I had acne all along my mouth, forehead and sideburns. It was pretty damn awful, until I picked this up at Wal-Mart. 4 weeks later, and I stopped breaking out. 3 months later, and all I have to worry about is scarring. Make sure you follow the instructions on the bottle. Would definitely recommend this.
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April 7, 2012

Pros:

It WORKS
Easy to use
Pleasant smell
Flexible steps

Cons:

Can dry out skin
Expensive
Long postage time

I feel like this product really works for me and i wanted to post this review for everyone that is thinking about trying it. PLEASE TRY IT The people posting on these forums are the small amount of people that it hasnt worked for therefore they want to have a whinge and a cry about it. The people that it has worked for carry on living their happy acne free lives without thinking about people like us who read these forums for guidance and support. Im 19 years old and i had horrible acne for about a year before now. i finally tried proactiv and it has shown great results (took about two months). I have quite bad scarring now, but they will fade over time and luckily it can be covered with make up. Ive had soooo many comments about how clear my skin looks, its amazing! I kind of made my own routine: 1. In the morning i cleanse with the proactiv scrub then apply jojoba oil for the scarring. I tone with cold water. Waay cheaper. 2. In the evening i cleanse with a neutrogena cleanser that removes make up really well and then benxoyl peroxide the sh*t out of my face with the proactive repair stuff. This routine works wonders for me but people need to realize that EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT! Follow the proactiv steps first, then if it starts to dry out your skin,, dont give in,, chop and change the steps until they work for you. I hope this helps.. I truly believe that it can work for anyone if they persevere.
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February 29, 2012

Pros:

-Products feel gentle and do not irritate skin
-Dermatologist designed

Cons:

-Does not work for everyone
-Made me break out SEVERELY the two times I tried it for long periods of time
-I have heard many complaints about it

Didn't work for me, but for some people, it's their miracle worker. It just depends on the person. I am an R.N. and I personally believe that smearing layer upon layer of products on your skin just unbalances everything. You're better off with a simple, basic regimen like Dove soap, witch hazel, and an oil-free moisturizer.
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January 30, 2012

Pros:

Doesn't smell
Haven't noticed any bleaching?
Cleared Acne. Stopped new Acne.

Cons:

none.

This stuff saved my life guys. Please try it. Before half the bottle was gone my acne was no more. I say thanks to one of the reviewers below who really made me by this. Without his review i wouldn't have given this product a chance. My story: Suffering for 6 years. Tried EVERYTHING but accutane. I had given up hope. I used to think how I didn't want to die and people see my funeral and say "look at his face..." I also didn't want my kids in the future to say whats wrong with daddys face? Yeah i was messed up... Pretty tough skin. I can handle Benzoil peroxide and salicylic acid no problem. Like his review says....use it for about 10 mins- less started off and work ure way up to 10 mins. Unlike him i use salicylic acid first to get rid of the pimples i already had and to open up my pores and clean them out good and get them ready for this stuff. Then I immediately use this OXY stuff. I also only use this about every 16-20 hours. he stated he needed to use it twice a day... I also used AHA souffle from alpha hydrox to get rid of the red marks faster. My face is 98 percent clear and once my hyperpigmentation goes away i will me 99 percent clear. Thanks to everyone and this board for helping me for over 3 years. Just bought the 4 pack from Amazon for 20 dollars :) Good luck to you all. Never give up.
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January 25, 2012
Product used: The Regimen

Pros:

I love benzoyl peroxide, It's quite a bit, lasts me an average of 3 months. You can't buy in most local stores so It's a great bargain. I also love the cleanser in the shower, although I haven't been ordering that very often, I plan to in the near future! :)

Cons:

I'm not a fan of the new moisturizer. The old version was great. Tends to have a yellow tint on my pale skin and not as watery consistent.

I love all Dan Kerns product minus the moisturizer.
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January 20, 2012

Pros:

Clears acne and simple blemishes in a reasonable amount of time
Normalizes skin tone
Quality Product

Cons:

Very Pricey
Must incorporate other Clinique products with the Acne Solutions line for it to work

Works good if you use it consistently. For starters I have very oily skin, especially my cheek and forehead areas. I purchased my Clinique products a month a ago, and they have cleared up my acne alot. I am still working on eliminating the dark spots on my cheeks, chin, and forehead. They were very very dark at the start of using Clinique, and now they have lightened up just a little bit, but not completely. My skintone seems to also be evening out thorughout the process. Here is my weekly skincare routine. Hopefully it helps someone else. Products I'm using Clinique Acne Solutions Cleanser Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion Clinique SPF 50 Sunscreen Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector Clinique Super Exfoliating Scrub For Mornings I use: Cleanser Clarifying Lotion Sunscreen Dark Spot Corrector (Must use with a Sunscreen to prevent future dark spots) For Nights I use: Cleanser Clarifying Lotion Moisturizing Gel Dark Spot Corrector Weekends I use: Cleanser Exfoliating Scrub Moisturing Gel Dark Spot Corrector VERY IMPORTANT: One thing for people using the dark spot corrector. If you use it with a sunscreen, eventually you will no longer need it. Because it will help to clear up your current dark spots, and then you will only need the sunscreen by itself. So the corrector is temporary but the sunscreen is permanent.
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September 20, 2011

Pros:

Works quickly
Removes redness
Reduces swelling

Cons:

Price
Slightly drying

I came across the regimen about a month ago. I have tried soooo many things and spent sooo much money trying to find products that would work for my skin. I decided to first purchase On-the-Spot before purchasing Dan's BP (just to make sure I would have the same results I've heard so much about). I used it twice a day following Dan's regimen and I couldn't be happier. My skin has never been so even toned and clear! I first cleanse with Cetaphil gentle cleanser, then (after waiting five minutes to dry) I apply the 2.5% BP. I finish it off with Cetaphil lotion. Since the tube is so small (.75 oz), I decided it would be more beneficial to order Dan's BP. Hopefully it will work just as well! My only complaint (aside from spending eight dollars for a tiny tube) is that it is slightly drying. But a good moisturizer should help that. There is a slight burning sensation as well, but it's not painful. It kind of feels like a minor sunburn. As I continued to use the BP, my skin got used to it and the burning sensation disappeared after time.
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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.