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
May 24, 2008

Pros:

It works and is a natural product. The natural bar soap is the best, it's so simple, but so great. I also use differin gel with major pimple breakouts. I've had acne for 18 years...so, I'm an experienced "product tester." Use it!!

Cons:

The watered down scrub, but not a big deal...it works so who cares?

Just try it. Eat right, take probiotics, eat fresh raw food and juice. And the most important...take psyllium everyday. You'll get clear skin in no time.
May 24, 2008

Pros:

works fast. very affordable and easy to find.

Cons:

can be a little drying if you don't moisturize.

I saw this at the drug store and it was on clearance for 3 dollars. I said what the heck, I'll try it. Well nothing has controlled my oily skin like this. I'm usually very oily by this time of the year. It instantly absorbs into your skin and doesn't take long to dry. I use this during pms and right after my menstrat.after,I go back to my ddf 5% bp. I think I might just stay with this, it really dries up acne.
May 23, 2008

Pros:

This works like magic!!! This is the greatest acne treatment out there and I have tried a lot! I have been taking Proactiv for 2 years now. I will never stop taking this wonderful product. It really has change my life and now have perfect skin!

Cons:

I can't think of any...

This is the best acne medication out there today. I suggest this to ANYONE that is looking for the answer they have been searching for since they hit puberty. I am in my mid 20's and had acne from age 13-22. Acne is gone forever! Thank you Proactiv!
May 23, 2008

Pros:

Meh, works alright.

Cons:

None.

I don't have acne, but I just break out sometimes. I think this product is alright.. started to see changes within a week.
May 21, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

Everything

I purchased this product yesterday and cannot even continue use. I had to call the 800 number and ask them WHY my face is puffed up, red, itching, burning and why it bleached a towel. They told me the active ingredient is a bleaching agent. So for all of yesterday i had been applying bleach soap, bleach astringent, and bleach lotion that you leave on. She told me to return it. DO NOT BUY!!!! My skin is fairly resilient to things but this... theres no going back. My doctor has told me to put a non scented lotion on my face with cold compresses. If you have the same problem i suggest the same route of attack. If interested in the pictures of proof, check out my pictures [link removed]> [link removed]
May 20, 2008

Pros:

-Smells Nice
-Works cool
-Visible effect in 3 days as it says on the package.

Cons:

-Burns a bit (what is normal).
-Dries out your skin. -
-Starts to help rapidly but then slows down its action.

Vell 3 pros vs. 3 cons, hmm... I would say if you compare it's proce tot he price od other medicaments this is the best solution, however has it's disadvantages...
May 20, 2008

Pros:

SEEMS TO SHRINK ALL OF THE IMPERFECTIONS ON YOUR SKIN RIGHT AWAY.... WHITE HEADS, BLACK HEADS, CYSTS.

Cons:

VERY DRYING, MAKES ME ALITTLE ITCHY, CAN BLEACH FABRICS IF YOUR NOT CAREFUL!

OK SO IT HAS BEEN 3 DAYS SINCE I STARTED USING HTIS. I NOTICE A DIFFERENCE ALREADY. MY FACE IS LESS BUMPY. EVERYTHING IS SMALLER. IT DOES MAKE ME ITCHY, AND ALITTLE DRY. THIS IS EXTREMELY STRONG STUFF. I AM USING AN AWESOME MOISTURIZER I FOUND ONLINE FOR DIABETICS. IT IS AMAZING....IT IS CALLED MI FINE SKIN. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED YOU CAN GO TO [link removed]. IT IS FAIRLY INEXPENSIVE AND WORKS GREAT AND IS SUPER GENTLE. ANYWAYS. SO FAR I LIKE THE PANOXYL ALOT. I GUESS ONLY TIME WILL TELL. I WILL WRITE ANOTHER REVIEW IN A WEEK OR SO.
May 20, 2008

Pros:

Ok results, I dont get major breakouts but i will get a pimple here and there.

Cons:

It really can dry your sking if you over use it. I been using the neutrogena face wash in the morning and the acne free at night and my face doesnt get really dry.

It works wonders for some and okay to others. Good price.
May 20, 2008

Pros:

This stuff is prety awesome. good for young guys who shave 2

Cons:

bleaches clothes a bit

GET IT.
May 20, 2008

Pros:

Wow, where to begin? Acne scrub works great to clear up & prevent pimples, even the deep "below the surface" kind, & does it without drying my face out. For best results, follow the directions to the letter & never skip a washing (I scrub & follow

Cons:

Acne scrub is thinner then the other stuff I've used, but then again it also rinses cleaner. I do miss the cool feeling from my old product. It had a menthol/minty feeling that was refreshing. I don't miss it enough to switch back because your pro

I LOVE these products. Everything works exactly the way you say they do & better. My face feels so clean after every wash. It's a nice feeling! I'm 44 & have combination skin... dry & sensitive but prone to enlarged pores & breakouts. Sometimes I think I'll be the only 80 yr old woman with pimples! After my first order was used up, I got lazy & went back to the store bought stuff for a while & boy did I regret that! My face was such a mess. Several unfinished jars later I went back to Carley's. I'll never do that again! I just order larger quantities now so I don't run out so soon. Also, just a note about the company. They are AWESOME! Fastest shipping I have EVER seen (had my stuff in 3 business days) & they always send me tons of free soap & samples that I share, hoping to spread the word. This is truly wonderful stuff & an absolutely wonderful company to deal with!!!

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.