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
August 11, 2008

Pros:

Leaves face feeling fresh and tingly.

Cons:

Didnt really work that well. It also left my skin really dry-its kind of harsh.

buy if you have a few pimples you need to clear up.
August 8, 2008

Pros:

Clears up some areas of my face, brightens the face

Cons:

I still have pimples and those red marks that those acnes left when i used AcneFree are too obvious that people often comment about it. =(

It works in some ways but it didn't totally clear up my acne marks. I've been using it for three weeks now and just when i thought of buying the Power Pimple Peel, i read some "not-so-good" reviews about it, that how it doesn't peel the face, etc. Now, i'm just problematic! I still recommend it for maybe less severe cases or maybe other skin types.
August 7, 2008

Pros:

-Doesn't irritate my skin at all
-Clears up acne
-Doesn't hurt when I put it on

Cons:

Can't think of any right now
The smell could be better, actually.

This is my system: When I shower, at night, I use clinique extra strength on my face, chest and back to get rid of dirt and other crap on my skin. After my shower, I put the Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment on my face, chest and back. I only use the Neutrogena at night, once a day so to not irritate my skin. Within 5 days after using this system consistently, I saw improvement in my blemishes. They seem to be going through the whole cycle more quickly. However, you can't stop using it for a few days after doing it consistently because it can cause the blemishes to return quickly. I love this stuff, and I would recomend it to anyone with moderate acne. I don't know if it is strong enough for severe acne. But, seriously, try it!
August 5, 2008

Pros:

I bought the kit and it helped a little.

Cons:

It dries out your skin and it didn't take my acne away it only helped a little.

It didn't work for me but it seems to work for all of these people.
August 4, 2008

Pros:

Smells good, feels good
Easy Instructions
Cleanser really deep cleans

Cons:

I paid $39.99 for it
Small containers
The cleanser's beads are a little scratchy

i have only used these products for 1 day - and already my skin feels better. The box states what "severe" acne is - and it's on the money which makes me think this is going to work! it says that it also fades scars - we'll see! i had a HUGE cyst and it went down overnight with the night cream - no joke! this thing felt like it had a mind of it's own.
August 4, 2008

Pros:

well... it smells decent .
gets rid of shinyness (if u have any)
it works for the first week or two

Cons:

BAD commercial.. rip off definately .
NOT the same results you'd expect.
DRYS OUT YOUR SKIN..my skin had NEver felt soooo dry before. which made me break out even worse. obviously like peeling off layers of your skin

if it works for you go ahead. for me?? well it didnt really... it stripped my skin off just making my skin irritated && red . acne goes away within a week or two.. but since it strips off your skin ( F.Y.I i have t-zone skin and my skin is mid- sensitive) its going to leave redness behind
August 4, 2008

Pros:

Works extremely well on most types of acne.

Cons:

Gotta keep using it to stay acne free, but it's no big deal to me.

I went to a dermatologist, and he had me get Differin. I didn't have enough patience for it to start working. My girlfriend was suing this stuff for a couple weeks and she said it worked for her. I didn't believe her until I finally tried it out for myself. Immediate results. I have some type of skin condition called Kerutosis Polaris (no clue how to spell it), and it was the only thing I have ever used in my life that cleared it up off my face. Acne too. This is an amazing product. Don't buy ProActive.
August 3, 2008

Pros:

Clears little bumps within a few weeks, and clears redness.

Cons:

it doesnt completely clear the face, and doesnt work totally.

if you have very mild acne use it, more severe, get something else. seriously.
August 2, 2008

Pros:

Does make my skin really red, dosen't makes me fleck, dosen't burn! Helps manage my skin.

Cons:

The container is small. I'm keeping track of it so I will know just how much I will need with the amount I use.

I had to stop using my prescribed med, so I needed something FAST! I found this, and I think I might just switch over to it. I don't feel the need to hide when I first put it on, let my original stuff, I actually look good. Best of all it seems to help my acne almost as good as my 5% bp stuff. Becuase it's not harsh, helping my skin to look great!
August 2, 2008

Pros:

Does the job! Has helped me stay completely clear ever since using it.

Cons:

The bottle isn't travel-friendly (big) and the nozzle keeps breaking

I'm a female in my early 20's with mostly mild acne. Ever since using this product, it has helped tremendously from keeping ANYTHING from forming on my face. I love the fact that it doesn't have any smell and it absorbs relatively fast. Before coming across acne.org, I used to have to pay visits to the dermatologist just to get the same old medicine all the time-wasting time as well as money. This product is VERY affordable for its amount and affectiveness. Bottom line: IF YOU WANT TO TREAT ACNE EFFECTIVELY WITHOUT WASTING 100'S OF DOLLARS, BUY THIS!

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.