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 18, 2009

Pros:

Incredible. I've got tons of both prescription and over the counter medications in the past and this is the only product that has started making a difference in my acne.

Cons:

Your skin does get very dry.

I heard it was a great product, but I've heard that about a lot of things butI gave it a try anyway. My acne has been pretty bad for about five years. I do/did wear make-up to cover it, which was not the best decision, but i hate going out in public with my acne. I have been using this for about a week now and I can tell a HUGE difference so far. Especially with the black heads on my nose. It has reduced those dramatically. I have naturally dry skin and this has made my skin very dry but all worth it if its working. I use this with - purpose bar for a cleanser - neutrogena pore refining toner - ponds dry skin cream as a moisturizer - and almay blemish healing foundation when I wear make-up. and this is the first time I have actually seen my acne start to go away.
May 17, 2009

Pros:

not sure yet

Cons:

very drying, especially steps 2 and 3...I started using the whole system, but my skin became extra tight and dry to the point where I couldnt smile or talk because my skin would literally crack and bleed. Now I am pretty desperate so using step 3.

I was blessed with pretty good skin untill I hit my 20s, now its a living nigtmare. All my cheeks are covered in pimples, that hurt and nothing is helping. I threw out steps 1 and 2 as they are way too drying when used together, and now I am using Step 3 (which contains Benzole Peroxide) after I use a salicylic acid aveeno face wash + a salicylic acid clear complection lotion. So hopefully this will work **crosses fingers**
May 17, 2009

Pros:

Clears your acne.

Cons:

expensive. Once you start using proactiv, you have to continue using it.

This product works for me. I recommend you use it for 6 weeks, and if you don't see any improvement in your skin, stop use and return the product for refund.
May 16, 2009

Pros:

oh my god the best acne product ever. it rids acne in the first 2 weeks and leaves your face feeling clean

Cons:

it can dry your skin so try to use in moderation

Amazing, it did everythingy for me. After i finish using it i look in the mirror and feel like a movie star, the pads were even able to rid those nasty hair bumps. I really reccomend this product my skin has not been this clear since i was in elementary school and i tryed it all from proactive to neutrogena but nothing works better than this
May 16, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Dried out/irritated my skin and caused more breakouts.

Try for yourself.
May 15, 2009

Pros:

Awesome

Cons:

stops working after a month tho

i totally recomend it for anyone with acne
May 15, 2009

Pros:

Works well on face acne. Cheap. Easy to find.

Cons:

Does not work on body acne at all. Runny. May make skin peel at first.

Good product for small to medium amount of acne. Works even better in combination with other Oxy brand products.
May 13, 2009

Pros:

good

Cons:

its been two days breakouts are stopped
reduction insize of acne
scars are also lighten

allright
May 13, 2009

Pros:

Cheap. Lathers/foams up only slightly.

Cons:

extremely runny. May be too harsh for sensitive skin.

Lathers up only slightly with tiny bubbles thus cleaning your skin without completely removing all of your skins natural barriers. So far this product seems to be effective in controlling my light acne.
May 13, 2009

Pros:

Affordable
Effective
Natural Ingredients

Cons:

Can dry you out if you over-use

I love this product. I am a former Accutane user and I'm 24 years old. My acne has still stuck around, and when I started using their facial scrub along with their natural soap, I noticed a result in 2 days! Two. Days! It was insane! I love the smell, it's very inexpensive, it lasts you a long time, and best of all - it WORKS! Read their customer feedback on Ebay or their website & you'll be amazed! I wash my face once in the shower with the scrub, then follow with natural soap. I sometimes use it at night before I go to bed - just the natural soap, not the scrub. If it starts drying me out, I skip a day of exfoliation - simple! Love it! Would recommend to anyone!

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.