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
December 16, 2008

Pros:

Prevents acne; spreads less easily than other BPO products, so it only goes to the place where you apply it; didn't give me side effects (perhaps because my skin was already accostumed to the BPO)

Cons:

Doesn't eliminate existing zits (isn't a spot treatment)

Benzoyl peroxide, at least for me, is a miracle cure for acne. When I'm using it, new pimples don't form. Persa-gel is fragrance-free, unlike some smelly BPO products, and I like its consistency because it doesn't spread so easily. Also, it absorbs quickly.
December 2, 2008

Pros:

it worked in just a few days and its really cheap

Cons:

it does make my skin dry but i dont care as long as there is no acne

it got the job done. if you have tried proactive try acnefree it is awesome. and if that doesn't work go to the doctor to get medication that works too.
November 30, 2008

Pros:

- It works !
- Keeps acne under control.

Cons:

- It only works for a few weeks to one month, then it pretty much does nothing.
- Acne control is mild after a few weeks.

- Not worth the money - TOO EXPENSIVE - Keep looking for other products.
November 30, 2008
For the past several months, I have suffered from continous breakouts on my forehead and cheeks. I have tried everything from Perricone to Retina A and for whatever reason, Neutrogena worked the best for me. I guess its because I have sensitive skin - and milder products tend to work best causing less irritation.
November 29, 2008

Pros:

Easy to use...

Cons:

Drys Skin, Burning sensations (sometimes), Redness doesn't really go away, takes too long to notice a difference if there is any, too expensive. Not for people with sensitive skin.

This product is garbage!! If you have sensitive skin Proactiv will not do anything but make your skin feel or look worse than before. I even tried the refining mask but after the first use my face became incredibly dry. If you're really looking for a product that works you should talk to your doctor. Don't buy any acne treatments you see on tv, you'll just waste your money!!
November 29, 2008

Pros:

Seemed to work at 1 others mentioned

Cons:

Made me break out worse then ever w/ cyst like pimples everywhere .They hurt like hell and I thought it was because I had to go down to once a day use as it was drying my face out but after reading other comments I see I am not alone.

Does not seem to work for me. Acne is worse after using. If nothing else has worked Id say give it a shot but I would exhaust all other options before wasting your time and money.
November 28, 2008

Pros:

It really clears up spots in the first week, smells nice.

Cons:

Face may be red after using and sting when you apply the nite cream.

I have spent many years using normal so called acne treatments and cleansers, and never had any of them work anything like proactiv. My boyfriend bought it for me as i was always giving out about my skin. I thought the price of the set was very expensive and didnt expect it to work. IT DID WORK!! I was so shocked, my skin cleared up in a week. But I have to admit that with a busy life i found the amount of steps to follow a pain. Plus i want to point out to readers that Proactiv in Ireland contains Salcylic acid and tee tree oil not benzyl peroxide like the US version. I wonder why that is? Anyway i stopped using it as it was to expensive to get shipped over and my skin is sensitive and sometimes would peel.
November 27, 2008

Pros:

It works efficiently, It visibly reduces acne in about 2 days.

Cons:

Face is left somewhat white after application

Great product. I use it in conjunction with an astringent, and my face still does not get irritated or dry. It is cheap, easy to use, and very effective. (I use the astringent in order to remove the oil from my face before application, using this product in conjunction with another product is not necessary, it works well enough on its own)
November 25, 2008

Pros:

Affordable

Cons:

Cleared up most of the big bumps and pimples but left minor ones after the first week. Make my face break out in more bumps the next

It's not better than proactive
November 25, 2008

Pros:

very cost effective, easy to use, works very fast

This is an awesome product! I had a bad breakout of cystic acne on my jawline for a month in a half and NOTHING would clear it up. I became very depressed about it because I'm 28 years old and all of a sudden I had ugly skin. I thought those days of breakouts were over! After only 2 weeks of use my skin does not have one pimple. I'm so happy! I really hope this stuff keeps on working because if it does it's really a miracle product!

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.