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
February 20, 2009

Pros:

Althou this got rid of some redness....

Cons:

My eyes are very swollen! And they are very itchy. Do a test on a small part of your skin before you use it. This happened within hours of using it

Don't use it with out testing it first!
February 20, 2009

Pros:

It works!

Cons:

I can't find it anymore :-(

IT WORKS!!!
February 17, 2009

Pros:

NONE!!!!!!!

Cons:

HAD MILD ACNE AND GAVE ME CYSTIC ACNE! MADE MY ACNE MUCH WORSE ANS SCARED ME!

NEVER TRY THIS!
February 13, 2009

Pros:

moisturizer doesn't make my skin oily, makes a great base for makeup - but make sure to apply with a wedge, NOT with your fingers!

Cons:

Combination of the scrubbing cleanser and night lotion may overdry sensitive or normal skin types, with peeling in the drier areas on combination skin. Use sparingly!

This was a good thought, but the combination of the three products didn't work too well for me. Had the kit just been the facial cleanser and the Day lotion (moisturizer), this would be a much better option - the Night lotion seems to make problem skin worse by overdrying. Best option to apply both lotions is definitely with a wedge, NOT with fingers - helps reduce overapplication. Combination was well-thought out, but perhaps meant more for the most extreme cases of acne, not moderate-to-mild. I would like to see the kit contain only the cleanser and day lotion, with the night lotion recommended as a spot treatment only instead of an all-over treatment.
February 12, 2009

Pros:

Cleanser leaves face feeling fresh
toner moisturizes nicely

Cons:

Repairing lotion leaves skin feeling oily
Only maintains skins clarity for a short while, almost become immune to the product

I have moderate acne around my mouth and chin. I began proactive solution 2 years or so ago and at first i loved it! It made the texture of my skin amazing, smooth and clean feeling. Then all of the sudden it just seems to take a drop. It stopped working. I no longer see any improvement, not getting worse but no better either. I feel as though proactive is too harsh and over time you experience the side effects from the harsh chemicals used in it. I just ordered some murad so hopefully that works.
February 11, 2009

Pros:

WORKS!! and FAST!! I saw almost immediate results. Very affordable (I've spent 10x's as much on stuff that never worked). Easy, not a million steps involved. Really the best thing is it actually clears up my skin!!!

Cons:

For about the first week my skin was dried out, but I have been on it for about 3 weeks and my skin is no longer irritated by the product. Benzoyl Peroxide does bleach clothes, but I just apply it carefully and make sure I wash my hands.

Try it!! I am 31 and have been dealing with moderate acne my whole life! Its only been 3 weeks and my skin has never looked better! IT WORKS!!
February 10, 2009

Pros:

love the cleanser - good light exfoliation on a daily basis.
also like the acne lotion - absorbs well and doesn't feel heavy.
refining mask really does work - they just don't show you on TV that it is white so only use it at home!

Cons:

don't get this stuff anywhere near your eye areas unless you like severe skin irritation. When I do my eyelids get super red and swollen. The toner is only ok - I prefer Clinique 2 or 3 toner, which I can really see get the oil and dead skin off.

I've been using it for about a month and a half. it was totally an impulse buy in the Las Vegas airport when we got snowed in mid-Dec 08. I got it from a machine so paid way too much - the tv offers are way cheaper for first time users. I've had oily skin my entire life - you know how that goes I'm sure. So far this works pretty well. I had been having a good breakout or major zit on a monthly basis and haven't had one since starting this. It's a pretty easy program to follow and hopefully when refill time comes I can skip the toner which I find ineffective. No it hasn't dramatically improved my skin, but my skin also wasn't as bad as those women on tv - no entire areas of bumps for me. What it has done is stopped the breakouts, and even when minor zits appear that mask they mention on the ad really does work in a day or two. It has sulfur as it's active ingredient so it just sucks the oils dry, unlike benzoil peroxide creams which you can cake on but the oil may keep coming.
February 9, 2009

Pros:

My skin took longer to clear up but after about 4 months it is perfectly clear with the occasional pimple

Cons:

It is very cold (-40) on most days and is not humid so my skin got slightly dryer

Great product just remember to continue using even if you do not see great results in a week.
February 6, 2009

Pros:

Affordabilty and immediate results!

Cons:

None.

The results I have experienced were more than I could have imagined or hoped for! I have gotten MRSA infections every year for the past five years. This year the staph infection invaded my neck, chin and areas behind my ears. After being on numerous anitbiotics and oinments for 5 mos, the MRSA cleared up. However, I was left with scars and recurring acne as a result of applying the oinment over infected areas of my skin. Nothing was working for me and the deep pockets of acne infection all over my face and neck were unbearable. Then I found Acne-Free while in CVS. I had been considering Neutragena's Skin ID or ProActive, but did not want to enroll in the monthy programs both offered. It came down to cost; and times are hard living within a waining economy--so I opted to try Acne-Free because it was so easily accessable and affordable. I am so glad that I did! I'm in my mid-20's and I've never experienced such great results. My skin was transformed within 2 days! I highly recommend!
February 5, 2009

Pros:

It worked very well for me for several years. As advertized I would say. The one time I dealt with Cust. Serv. they were very good.

Cons:

The past few times I have used the Repairing lotion, my skin gets irritated, dry, and very sun sensitive about a day or 2 after use. This lasts for at least a week after I stop using.

I was very happy with this product for several years, but it no longer seems to work for me. I am 35 and don't get bad breakouts or anything, but used it when I had some upcoming event that i wanted clear, toned skin for. Not sure what changed, but unfortunately, I am done using this product. I am recommending this product, because it worked for me for quite a while, and anyone should definately give it a try and see how it works specifically for them. I would advise not to overuse, as it seems quite potent.

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.