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
March 25, 2009

Pros:

ProActiv is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Cons:

I have to use it for the rest of my life as my severe acne is genetic.

I have severe cystic acne passed down from from my father. I'd get pimples in lines, pimples developing on pimples turning into a mega zit, you name it. My pimples also take at least a week to disappear, even now, if I do get one. And being of Filipino/Spanish descent I have plenty of melanin in my skin, so scarring was inevitable. ProActiv changed my life. I have confidence now. I have cheekbones where I previously thought there were none because of the severity of my acne. For those who say it doesn't work: if it worked on me, it'll work. It took six months for me to be clear of all pimples on my face, and I stood by it. Two years later I am still thankful for listening to Jessica Simpson lol. Being gay, appearance is EVERYTHING. Before ProActiv, I never thought I was attractive at all. I thought I'd be a virgin until I died. Let me tell you; my boyfriend is HOT :) I can also pursue my dream career in the beauty industry, hairstyling. ProActiv works, and it takes everyday commitment.
March 25, 2009

Pros:

Improves, but doesn't eliminate bumps (adult acne)

Cons:

Burns and reddens my skin; dries my skin out.

When I use the product as reccomended twice daily, my skin gets VERY irritated. I can only use the once per day because the burning becomes too painful if I use it more often. The product works somewhat, but it is by no means a "miracle" product for treating acne.
March 20, 2009

Pros:

It dries you out at first... but then it does clear your skin....
you get flaky but with anything... when you have eccessive oil... you will have flay & oily skin....

Cons:

you dry out then it clears up, the back and forth...I've been using it for 2 years... it does clear u up but doesn't stay clear for months at a time...

for me... even if it doesn't stay clear for months at a time... it's worth the clear times that it does give my face.. it has helped me more than regular foamy cleansers/washes...
March 20, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Dried out skin, smells bad, made acne worse

All this product did was make my acne worse and dry out my skin. I've used it for a year, and I have experienced no results. I'm canceling my shipments today.
March 19, 2009

Pros:

For the first 2 weeks my skin cleared up alot. Skin felt Soft & Smooth.

Cons:

After 2 weeks my skin got used to it and started breaking out again. I am still Perservering with it however still in 2 minds about it.

Undecided
March 17, 2009

Pros:

High potency

Cons:

This product gave me chemical burns on my face with scabs that have not healed after a week so far.

Be VERY careful when using this product because it has a very high dose of chemicals. If not careful, you can easily burn yor skin and cause redness and scabbing. The first day after using it I felt like I had mild sunburn, then red marks and scabs began to develop.
March 17, 2009

Pros:

Cleared skin completely.
Eliminated ALL redness from pimples. and even all over my face.

Cons:

the fact that you cant miss ONE time. though its easy to keep track of

amazing stuff clears acne
March 17, 2009

Pros:

Didn't use it long enough to see how it works. But because of my skin's first reaction, I see no pros.

Cons:

I bought the AcneFree sensitive. Immediately after my first use of the cleanser, my skin felt like it was hot and burning. My skin was a bit red as well. I did not feel the need to continue the product based on such a fast adverse reaction.

I would not recommend this product, especially to those who have sensitive/dry skin like myself. I thought the sensitive formula would be gentler, but it was not. I have used other products containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide before, and never had a bad reaction to those. Maybe some dryness, but I have never experienced burning skin like this. I know some say to keep using it and it'll get better, but I'm not risking a worse allergic reaction with continued use. I am taking it back to Walmart next chance I get.
March 17, 2009

Pros:

It helped me get rid of acne in 3~5 weeks

Cons:

It drys your skin but i use lotion so it doesnt matter

It's very good for acne :)
March 13, 2009

Pros:

Clears up mild to moderate acne.

Cons:

Very drying on older skin.

It is the best over the counter product I have used. Have suffered with acne since I was 13 and am now 38 and have tried everything. The sensitive line worked better for my skin type. It was much less drying and still worked well. If you don't use all three steps everyday you will still breakout.

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.