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 3, 2009

Pros:

If your first time user, you'll love it. The effect shows starting one full week then pretty much every acne clears out in your face by 3 weeks.

Cons:

If you're lazy then this is not for you! If you miss one day, then your acne will comeback or even worse!!!

I have used EVERY acne treatment and Proactiv worked very well. Once you finish your month, your skin stays clear for couple weeks or months. Later, the acne will comeback even worse than before and Proactiv won't be effective than before. Be caution, once you use it YOU need to stay with proactiv forever and don't miss a single day/night.
June 1, 2009

Pros:

work ok.stillget breakouts especially during menstrual cycle

Cons:

when i bought it someone stole the gel out.It was the last package.so i have not yet used the gel.

works for something that costs 10bucks.so i guess u get what u pay for
May 28, 2009

Pros:

Cheap and somewhat effective dosn't smell and it's easy to apply, kept my face from drying out and flaking.

Cons:

Burned my face, tightness, and SEVERE itching. My face became swollen after the third night of using this product, hence I used the senstive kit. My face is red as can be and it hurts.

I bought this kit at Walmart and thought it would be a great investment, it was for the first couple of nights. It cleared small annoying pimples I had. Unfortunately, a couple of nights later I was awakened by my burning painfully swolle face. I was freaking out because I didn't know what it was. I thought to myself It couldn't be the kit it's for SENSITIVE skin. Well it turns out it was. My face is feeling horrible and I can't take this irritation anymore. But I will continue to use it in moderation when my face has healed. Nonetheless, it still works and it worked wonders on my boyfriend's face. After two days his pimples were close to nonexistant. If you have sensitive skin like I do, just PLEASE, PLEASE use a small tiny amount, do not over do it and you will be content with your results. GOOD LUCK TO ALL
May 28, 2009

Pros:

MADE FACE FEEL CLEAN, SMELLS GOOD

Cons:

MADE FACE SUPER OILY, DIDN'T WORK, EXPENSIVE

IT MADE MY FACE REALLY OILY AND DRY AT THE SAME TIME. THEN WHEN I FINALLY STOP AFTER A FEW MONTHS MY FACE GOT EVEN MORE OILY. I HAD TO BLOT MY FACE EVERY FEW HOURS TO GET RID OF THE SHINE. DIDN'T HELP ACNE. NOT WORTH THE MONEY.
May 27, 2009

Pros:

it dries pimples and very effective..it works fast!

Cons:

makesyour face scaly because it will dry your face and your pimples

i still use it and my pimples are slowly diminishing.
May 24, 2009

Pros:

wasn't hard to use, smell wasn't bad, didn't dry out skin

Cons:

didn't exactly work, no new pimples formed but it didn't get rid of any pimples or blackheads

This product is not worth the price. It does not work even after you wait a while.
May 23, 2009

Pros:

None that I see yet,been using it for over a month and it hasn't done anything,cheap enough.

Cons:

Bleaches clothing/or washcloths.

I bought this as an alternative to Proactive,so far I have yet to see any true results.I use it twice a day as directed and I still have break-outs on my cheeks and forehead plus I haven't seen any difference in my blackheads.I think I will be buying Proactive next ...
May 22, 2009

Pros:

Improves skin texture and reduces acne.

Cons:

You have to constantly use it or you'll break out even worse. It's also harsh to the skin; the moisturizer doesn't seem to be strong enough.

It's a lot better than Proactiv, but you have to stay on the regimen. It cleared up my skin!!
May 22, 2009

Pros:

-None

Cons:

--Dry skin

Didn't really do much for me. No changes in skin at all. Might work for some people, might not.
May 21, 2009

Pros:

Im surprised it actually worked!! THE price, and the fact that its at your need and not on an expensive monthly basis... the company ships Fast.. their product is just a miracle, i cant go without it ONE day...

Cons:

It took me 2 months of patience (i was going to give up)but i knew after the first month that i had no nasty ugly red bumps on my face
So 2 months and im glad i didnt go nowhere

Sometimes it takes a while for some unlike others whose skin clears up in like 10 seconds, stick to it and i think 90 somethin% of people should clear up, just be patient.... Tips-Do the steps real gentle dont overscrub past a minute.. Use the washcloths Do the treatment everyday... Unlike xroactiv this thing doesnt require you to put those stupid steps.. They stink smell bad..and i just got stressed cuz i hated taking 15 minutes to aplly stupid lotions--NOT HERE 1 carleys treatment 2 Put Night Moistorizer 3 Wake up knowing your face is clearing up more.... Plus you cant go wrong with this, the price is awesome as the Treatment bottle last like 5 months- Soaps usually 1 month I HAVE CLEAR SKIN!!

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.