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
January 2, 2009

Pros:

...sorry to say but...none at all.

Cons:

Sting like hell first time applying it. After 1 hour of using, skin start becoming very oily. Pimples still appear like usual. Skin very red after using for a while, also very dry and start peeling.

Doesn't worth the price at all...and it doesn't work for me. I have oily skin, f.y.i.
January 1, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my frontal feature acne. Dried out my acne. Was extremely cheap (got it on sale at Walgreens). They currently offer a rebate on their website and they have a money back guarantee!

Cons:

Dried out my skin, just needs to follow up with some lotion

So far it seems to work. Not sure why it didn't clear up my acne along the jawline, but perhaps that flare up was due to stress. My forehead has cleared up greatly. I am almost done with my first bottle and will purchase another bottle. It's a MUST TRY, especially with the MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. Remember, all products takes time. There is no one day miracle cream.
December 31, 2008

Pros:

confedence booster
clean feeling

Cons:

way to expensive and if you stop you break out like crazy!!!!!!!!!

well i have been useing this product for about 5 months and it worked like magic the first 2 months i was soo happy but soon it stoped working i started to break out again it was horrible my mom told me to stop but it only mad it worse once u start useing this product you have to keep useing it even when you have a little pimples left or you will break out and it would be worse than before i think it was a waste of money i wentfrom light to a bit over moderate acne severity. It works for a while the your skin gets prone to it so i dont recomend it but if u think it will help your skin you go buy it.
December 31, 2008

Pros:

Works fast and well

Cons:

It stops working!

I used Proactive for 3 years, I had perfect skin...my whole family had bad skin. But one day, it totally completely stopped working. I had the worst year of my life trying to find a new system, and my acne is worse then when I started using it
December 29, 2008

Pros:

Reduces redness, skin feals clean, light acne scars are starting to fade, clears up acne!

Cons:

A bit expensive, makes skin a bit dry but I recommend using Clinique's dramatically different moisturizing GEL after using the three step system, it works very well!

It is well worth a try! Nothing has ever worked like this for me. My skin is no longer red and is free of acne. Sure I sometimes get one or two pimples but they are gone the next day. It is by far the best product I have ever used.
December 29, 2008

Pros:

It really did leave my skin perfectly clear, porcelain and smooth

Cons:

I wish the results lasted!!

My mom ordered proactive for me in high school after Differin wasn't working. I can honestly say my skin cleared 100% remarkably fast, and was totally smooth and not dry (I have oily skin, this could be why). I didn't even need a stitch of makeup, which has never happened again. But like everyone else says, it is VERY hard to ween yourself off of it; it stops working after a few months because your skin grows used to it. Then you use more in desperation even though you keep getting zits. It's a quick fix, but not a long term cure. The bottle sizes are ridiculous, too. Not worth the expense. Try it if you desperately need a fast improvement (aka a date tomorrow night), it probably will work. But don't rely on it forever!
December 25, 2008

Pros:

It WORKS!!! Also, it's very inexpensive compared to other brands and very easy to use. Fast delivery.

Cons:

Not one that I can think of.

I have had cystic acne for almost 20 years and used so many different treatments. Everything from Arbonne to prescription medication and nothing has worked like this product. I cannot say enough good things about it. If you're considering buying it, it's money well spent. After day 3, I only used powder instead of liquid foundation for coverage. I have not been able to do that since my teens.
December 24, 2008

Pros:

It delivers really fast, positive results

Cons:

Can be drying

I have very, very oily skin that is also sensitive and flakes around my chin. My freshman year of college I had such a bad pizza face that the derm gave me retin-a and duac, but they took so long to work I started using the PanOxyl bar and the 10% gel together (I would NOT recommend using both if you don't have very oily skin). My skin was so dewy and flawless that summer I couldn't stop looking in my rearview mirror. Three years later I have bad acne again, and I again used PanOxyl with great results (however, I made the mistake of using BenzaClin after my skin cleared, and I broke out again!!). Great stuff, I always go back to it no matter what
December 21, 2008

Pros:

cleared up my face and left it soft and smooth! worth the price!

Cons:

takes too long to apply...

great product. however, i have found that almost EVERY product i use on my face dries out my skin. i read up on the internet and its the same for everyone else. so, right after i apply the product i sponge on a little oil of olay, an inexpensive charm. it doesnt affect the medicine and keeps my skin moirsturized.
December 16, 2008

Pros:

This product is horrible very disappointed with the false advertisement with proactive. this dumb thing made my pimples come out even more and bigger. I hate it regret spending my money and time.

Cons:

Please do not waste your money on this product

Please dont waste your time on this product. it makes your acne worse. take my advice and the other hundreds of people advice/reviews out there.

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.