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
June 12, 2009

Pros:

works if PROPERLY used..Ü -well atleast for me it did..Ü

Cons:

may cause stinging, burning unpleasant sensations
also made my face oily??
needs PATIENCE..Ü

i have acne until now, but is under control with the help of acnefree. i first had a very red face, then used this product, and saw an improvement after 2 days. my face was not that red, but still red, hehe but better.. this product requires DOING OUR PART (which means following the instructions, sleeping early, water water water, exercise, not touching our faces, etc) to take effect..Ü
June 8, 2009

Pros:

90% clearer skin, helps pimples go away faster, prevents oiliness

Cons:

It took a while to get used to it. I had to go through an embarrassing one and half month stage where my skin was noticeably flaking off everywhere. I also think the shipping prices are too high.

The miracle treatment to get rid of acne! Make sure you follow the instructions exactly. For the first two months I was doubtful about this working until I found out I was using way less than I should have been. Once I started using the correct amount my acne cleared in about two months. Having struggled with acne for 6 years, I have tried almost everything (even Accutane) and nothing I tried got my skin as clear as this. I still have a few small blackheads here and there, but even when they do erupt into zits they go away quickly and are easily covered with makeup. My skin is also less oily. USE THIS PRODUCT. YOU WON'T REGRET IT!!!
June 7, 2009

Pros:

This works real good and keeps your face smooth

Cons:

Leaves some irritation

Of all I've used, I love this the best especially the terminator.
June 7, 2009

Pros:

works really well

Cons:

none

it is awesome in a matter of 2 weeks all my acne was gone it is light weight ane easy to use ive trusted clinique products since i was 12 its been 4 years i love it i love all their makeup and i got my acne kit just 2 weeks a go its awesome go buy it
June 7, 2009

Pros:

Works well initially. Good smell. Leaves skin feeling refreshed and clean

Cons:

Slightly expensive. For me it only worked for a few weeks

It worked well for me for the first 4 or 5 weeks. Then my acne started to come back. I found that cycling off of it for a week then going back on it helps but then it takes another 2 weeks to start working again. For the price it isn't worth it.
June 6, 2009

Pros:

It clears up very small forms of acne such as white heads. I had a lot near my nose and they went away considerably.

Cons:

Did not clear up large red bumps at ALL. It actually made me break out much much more. I am now on pills and prescription topical treatments to clear up.

My face hurt so bad from the break outs I go from this product. Before using this product I decided that despite all the negative reviews I found on this website I would try it. It DOES NOT WORK. Do NOT use it.
June 4, 2009

Pros:

feels so good going on your skin, easy to use, WORKS WONDERS!!!! within a couple of days my acne started to disappear like magic!!!! i have stubburn acne and this stuff works!

Cons:

is very time consuming. takes a like 5mins to apply plus you have to wait until it dries to put on the mositurizer. burns a tiny bit.

I AM SOOO HAPPY WITH THIS PRODUCT!
June 4, 2009

Pros:

First 2 weeks after using it my acne cleared up slightly and my complexion looked more even.

Cons:

- After 1 month worse acne then ever
- Completely dried out skin
- Made my skin paler, almost grayish sick looking

Have been using Proactiv for almost a month and yesterday I had the worst breakout I've ever had. 5 BIG red zits on my cheek which and many smaller ones around them and on my forehead. My skin is completely dried out and feels so unbalanced. The dry skin makes me look older. Never felt so bad about my skin. Very disappointing. Maybe works for some people (which I've never heard of). I regret that I tried it, even if I hopefully can get my money back. I'm now moisturizing with Jojoba oil am & pm and just wash it super carefully - looks greasy, but I know it helps to cure me from the dryness and maybe will get my skin in balance again.
June 4, 2009

Pros:

Quickly removes many pimples, shortens the life dramatically of any new pimples, very simple to use, available at many stores

Cons:

Must use twice a day or acne will return, if you take a 1 day break you will develop new pimples

This product is cheap and much better than ProActiv which i tried using for about a month before, AcneFree has a different type of benzoyl peroxide in it, it dispenses itself on your skin throughout the day instead of the shock theory ProActiv uses, plus AcneFree is available at many stores, all in all this product works very well and will quickly clear up acne and make your skin soft and clean in a few days if used correctly.
June 3, 2009

Pros:

The first time used cleared up my acne

Cons:

After I stopped using for a few months and it broke my skin out worst. I got pimples on places of my face where I NEVER broke out before, and it gave me the BIG under the skin pimples that take forever to go away and still have bad acne.oily skin

This worked for me at first but when I stopped using it for a few months and started using it again I got worst acne from before. I never broke out on my cheeks or neck before and after starting again I broke out there. It has been a couple years since I stopped using and I still have the bad acne proactiv left me with. It also made my skin very oily where it looks like I sweating but I am not.

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.