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
September 28, 2008

Pros:

best cleanser out there!

Cons:

none

i use the 10% benzoyl peroxide version and i cannot live without it. i wash my face with it every morning and use my perscription stuff at night. it makes my skin feel so clean and it also prevents breakouts. ive been using it for over a year and will never use a different cleanser. it is strong so i dont know if its best for people with sensitive skin.
September 26, 2008

Pros:

Best acne product you can buy. Its the only thing that has actually worked on my skin.

Cons:

Makes my skin dry if I use too much. Doesn't work too much on whiteheads

Gets rid of cystic acne FAST
September 25, 2008

Pros:

Evened out skin tone, skin texture improved some.

Cons:

Regimen takes a lot of time, I developed a lot of small acne bumps under my skin on my cheeks and jawline. I NEVER got acne on my neck before and now can't get rid of it in those areas. Lotion makes face sticky and not as smooth as I thought.

I didn't have bad acne before, just wanted to be able to have consistently nice skin but Proactiv did not accomplish that. It costs a lot, is hard to get, and is harsh on your skin. I also noticed more fine lines on my face - around my eyes and laugh lines - than before and I am only 25!
September 25, 2008

Pros:

none!

Cons:

it dried out my skin and was so harsh it left some scars.

this product is ridiculous. i've heard it works for some people but honestly, its a scam and its waaay expensive. my face was red and irritated and flakey when i used this, and my pimples were just as bad. the reason the lotion still makes your skin irritated instead of calming it is because it's medicated too. everything about this product is way too harsh.
September 25, 2008

Pros:

i dont have any to report

Cons:

my face has broken out very badly..i was only trying to get rid of a small amount of acne now i REALLY have acne..it hurts really bad, my face is red, and my skin is VERY dry..

I'm not sure if I'm allergic or something but my face looks God awful..It may work wonders for people with severe acne but others should beware...
September 24, 2008

Pros:

cleared acne, smoothed skin, cheap

Cons:

using 3 things. have to use it everyday or it wont work.
sometimes repairing lotion makes skin look a little oily.

i had bad acne and tried everything over the counter and a few prescriptions ..never worked.. the proactiv works!!!... the toner stung a little and if it was used within hours of the repairing mask smelled rotten! - but after a month or so of using it everyone complemented my complection.. looked like i had been air brushed. cleared my acne really fast, and i just love how it makes my skin look and feel.
September 22, 2008

Pros:

The product goes on clear and does not clump with lotion. The bottles contain alot of product for a good price.

Cons:

I've been using Duac in the morn and differin at night for awhile. However, my face was drying out way too much and the Duac clumped with everything. So i purchased this BP and used in for several weeks but it irriated my skin really bad.

Its way to irritating for my skin but would be great for those who have oily skin and toughter skin.
September 20, 2008

Pros:

Goes on smooth, dries quickly, does not over-dry.

Cons:

The packaging gets a little annoying. Even using the method Dan used, I've had to cut the bottle open at times just to get out the rest of the product out.

This is the best BP treatment I have ever used. I have extremely oily skin and it dries as I smooth it over my face. I have never used a gel BP before and I must say that it is fantastic. It (along with the rest of Dan's regime) cleared my acne up completely within 2 and a half months. I don't have a single blemish on my entire face. That's unheard of considering my history of acne.
September 19, 2008

Pros:

With the cleanser, toner and lotion, acne was less noticeable

Cons:

Did not completely clear, though! Also, it worsened after discontnuing

Didn't really improve my acne; it made it worse when I stopped using it, but not severe. For a product/regimen that guarantees results in 3 days, it did nothing in 3 weeks. Too bad I lost my receipt. I bought the entire Ultra set, because it was on sale, and this treatment was a bonus. I've also tried using it in place of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in the regimen, and it dries like toothpaste on your skin but doesn't work. Gross.
September 19, 2008

Pros:

actually gets rid of blackheads and stops oily skin. a really great spot treatment that cleared isolated pimples in a few days with twice daily application.

Cons:

is quite thick and gritty.

i have cystic teenage acne and an extremely oily face. prescription oral antibiotics in addition to ziana gel helped stopped pimples but nothing helped for blackheads. zapzyt works on pimples. but one of its amazing strengths is its ability to get rid of blackheads and stop oil. just apply to the middle of forehead and on nose in the morning and blackheads will go away and you will stay shine free.

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.