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
April 22, 2009

Pros:

good price, easy to use, convenient, quick application, gives your face a fresh feeling

Cons:

dries out your face, skin will flake and peel once in a while, monthly supply (which probably means that once you stop using it then acne will come back)

I've tried so many different home remedies and products (including Dan's regimen). Personally I find this to be more convenient and faster than Dan's regimen. Both have similarities (3 step process). When I first started using this my face began to flake and peel like crazy. This is normal because it is taking off the dead skin that needs to be exfoliated. The whole 3 step process takes about 10 minutes. I've been using this for about a month now and my face is looking A LOT better than it was before. I have a few breakouts here and there but this is the only product that has given me results at a comfortable treatment. The downsides are the dependency on this product. If you stop using it then chances are your acne will come back. And it also dries out my face quite a bit so I put on a 15 SPF Moisturizer and I'm fine. The smell of the toner is bad at first, but once you get used to it it smells refreshing. I'm going to keep using this for another month to see if I completely cl
April 20, 2009

Pros:

Smells nice, and easy to put on.

Cons:

RASHES on my cheeks, irritating, and dries our your skin which results in flakes.

It itches, and it dries out your acne and if you do a simple thing as blushing it will make your face heated making the rash worse. Make sure you have no emotions putting this on! I don't know about the results after a few weeks but I wouldn't want to go through that again.
April 20, 2009

Pros:

Used for over four months. Didn't get rid of ALL my acne, but got most of about half. Lasts a long time.

Cons:

I got dry skin in some areas of my face, when the bottle got wet, the labelling started peeling off, making it look gross/horrible.

Overall, I have tough skin, and it works well with it, A little pricey, but if you are tired of trying so many things, this might work for you. I realized, many people say it doesn't work for them, but I think it's because their skin type doesnt fit with it, AcneFree seems to be made for a certain type of skin. Wayyyyyy better than ProActiv though.
April 18, 2009

Pros:

It looked attractive.

Cons:

EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had highhopes for this, but they were quickly shattered. It made my skin DRY, FLAKY, BURNT!, and it made my acne the worse it had been ever! I'm STILL recovering from the hyperpigmentation it left me along with the acne scars! DO NOT USE THIS! DO NOT USE THIS! ITS DOWN RIGHT HORRIBLE! I thought maybe it would get better but I used it for 3 MONTHS! And I regret everyday about those 3 months. I was in serious pain. I couldn't smile without it hurting because of my cyst acne it gave me. And I got it on my cheeks, I usually get on my forehead but no no no. I got it on my cheeks. Use Image Skin Care.
April 17, 2009

Pros:

It fricken works. I stole some of this sh*t from the store yesterday. and I used it last night. I woke up like halfway through the night and i barely had any pimples.

Cons:

Drys skin a little but just don't wash your face the next morning. Just rinse your face off with water. Only use it at night because if you use it in the daytime it is bad against U.V. rays.

Ummm. Get some. Try it. Buy it. Steal it ( that's what i did ) It's fun to watch acne disappear. :D
April 16, 2009

Pros:

Benzoyl Peroxide, and great botanicals. Also the green tea moisturizer is GREAT.

Cons:

Price and size of products. (also some have fragrences, make skin breakout)

3.5/5 stars.... DEFFINATELY try it, but doesn't work for everyone. I will write in again in about 3 weeks to see how my treatment is going then.
April 16, 2009

Pros:

Simple to use, affordable, effective, and fast results!

Cons:

Having to remember to take the pills

Should definitely give this product a try if you've already tried everything else! This is the first product that has worked for me. Initially, the cream made my skin really dry but I used it less and less and now I only apply it on the occasional blemishes that I get. My face is now smoother than ever. The only problem now is I have acne scars, but I've been using an acne peel so they're slowly fading, but I would rather have the scars(which I can cover up) over having pimples anyday.
April 13, 2009

Pros:

This helped get rid of 40% of my acne in just 2 days I was amazed!!!!!!

Cons:

Dries out your skin

I really thought this product was not going to work boy was I wrong I recommend putting moisturizer 15 minutes after you put the oxy bp.
April 12, 2009

Pros:

This product really helps fade the spots left over from previous acne bumps, helps prevent acne, overall, it makes my skin look more even.

Cons:

It is a little drying and a little pricey.. It hasn't completely got rid of my pimples as I still get one here and there, and that difficult pimple will sometimes stay for a while too.

I was skeptical about this product since I've tried just about everything without having any fantastic results. After a couple weeks I noticed my skin looked more even and the red spots were fading away. I'm still getting the occasional break out, but I'm hoping that will subside as I've only been using it for a month and a half or so. Overall, I'd say to give it a try!
April 10, 2009

Pros:

Definitely got rid of a bunch of my acne. Works really fast.

Cons:

Can be very drying & sometimes leaves a white film. Pimples tend to show up (for me) if discontinued... so just keep using it!

Used it on a pimple that I felt was about to surface (that painful kind) & it didn't even show up the next 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.