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
April 5, 2008

Pros:

makes skin soooo soft and smoothe it minimized my pores and cleared up acne right after i washed my face i noticed a difference! I LOVE THIS!

This is good try it!
April 3, 2008

Pros:

sometimes makes skin feel fresh, thats about all

Cons:

costly
doesnt really work

as i started out with it, it sort of cleared my up, but then my skin stayed at the same amount of acne (mild) for 3 monthes. i finally stopped using it recently and changed to something else which i got perscribed by my doctor, and its working good Dont use it, its pretty much a scam
April 2, 2008

Pros:

Eliminates acne - fast Goes on smooth - does not clump under my makeup Dries quickly and dries clear - skin felt soft to my surprise

Cons:

so far - even though I was careful to avoid the eyes it somehow crept near that area and it cause the skin under my eyes to puff up a little , very slight itching (so far) and today ever so slightly red Cant get in UK!

Have used this for a week - am very impressed so far. Skin is very close to 100% clear in just a few days. I have mild but consistent acne. I am hoping I do not experience any "initial breakout" Am worried also about my skin becoming dependant on it. The best bp I have ever used - very convenient and easy to wear in daytime too.
April 2, 2008

Pros:

good

Cons:

none

good
April 1, 2008

Pros:

Works amazingly well. Goes on clear, which is a step up from the neutrogena 2.5 BP.

Cons:

Contrary to what is stated in the products description it does clump up under make-up, but in the scheme of things I dont care. My skin is fantastic thanks to this stuff and the neutrogena BP.

Use it! It is cost effective, goes on nicely and it has improved my skin 100%. I feel as though the neutrogena 2.5 BP might work a little better for my skin so I rotate which BP I use just because it has been working for me and using this BP keeps the cost down. However, I must prefer the consistancy and feel of this product. It soaks in better and it goes on clear so I don't have to wander around the house at night looking like a ghost.
April 1, 2008

Pros:

Started working after just a few weeks. Skin felt smoother, fewer breakouts

Cons:

After about a month, month and a half, my skin became extremely red from the cleaser. It started flaxing but was still really greasy feeling. My breakouts came back as well. Definitely not worth the money.

Will not use again. Not worth the money or trouble
April 1, 2008

Pros:

None really. The mask is not horrible for spot treatments.

Cons:

Pretty much everything. I bought it for my teenage son, and from the beginning, he wasn't able to tolerate the toner or the "repairing lotion" (a misnomer if ever there was one). The cleanser seemed to make things much redder and more inflamed.

Don't use this product! It's a racket and the "club" is the biggest scam going. The customer service reps were really nasty when I tried to withdraw. I don't understand the celebrity endorsements but I guess money talks. DO NOT USE!
April 1, 2008

Pros:

Can actually leave skin feeling fresh.

Cons:

A little bit too expensive.

I suffer from what is called 'vanity acne'. Only a real problem for me, i mean whe i talk about skin problems with others, they simply reply with 'you have good skin. what are you talking about?'. I looked to ProActive to acheive the flawless complexion that we all strive for. I found that when i started using ProActive though, my skin actually got worse. I had more spots than I ever did before. Once i discontinued use, my skin reverted back to it's old self. Although i get the odd spot once and a while, it's bearable and nothing a bit of concealer can't hide.
March 31, 2008

Pros:

-Evens skin tone
-Feels refreshing and clean
-Works!

Cons:

-Moderate to severe drying

This product does have the unfortunate effect of drying your skin a lot, but after using for a couple of weeks, that reaction seemed to fade. I have seen significant improvement in my skin. I have not seen this much change in any other product that I've used!
March 30, 2008

Pros:

In a couple of days, the acne on my back and chest completly cleared up. As long as you use it frequently, it works wonderfully.

Cons:

Once you stop using it, acne comes back.

One of the best acne products I've ever used and I highly suggest it to those suffering from mild to severe acne.

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.