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
January 16, 2008

Pros:

It smells nice and thats about it

Cons:

It didnt work for me, if anything it made my skin worse

IF U HAVE MODERATE TO SEVER ACNE AND HAVE TRIED OTHER THINGS WITH SUCCESS BUT ARE NOW IMUNE TO THEM DO NOT USE THIS IT WONT WORK FOR YOU ages 15-20 i have used many different store bought and perscription medication, i started with Cetaphil when i was in 7th grade worked terribly, i switched to Clearsil in 8th grade and used some of their creams, helped a little but not much, i got a perscription for BenzaClin when i was in 8th grade and part of freshman year, worked ok but failed after a while, then i went on to Benzac AC wash and Duac, these cured my problems for about 2 years then i went back to clearsil, helped tremendously then nothing was working so i tried pro-activ, my skin was not doing so well when i started and after 1 week i looked even worse than before, i went back to my derm. i am on Retin-A and an antibiotic of which i dont kno the name, i havent recieved these perscriptions yet but i am hopeful.
January 14, 2008

Pros:

It was cheaper than ProActiv

Cons:

Did not work at all. Actually made my skin worse.

I thought that it would be the same idea as ProActiv and thought I would save a couple of bucks by purchasing this instead. BIG MISTAKE. Not the same at all. The product dries your skin so bad and the moisturizer did not help at all.
January 12, 2008

Pros:

Worked well for me, smells great

Cons:

DO NOT ORDER DIRECT FROM PROACTIV...you can easily get all products on Ebay from reputable sources for much cheaper. Their billing department is practically 3rd world - have never had a positive experience with them. Story too long to share.

If you like the product, be smart enough to buy it on Ebay & avoid being locked into their stupid automatic shipping/billing cycle & overpaying.
January 11, 2008

Pros:

Made skin look healthy, Eliminated pimples, Face feels incredibly clean

Cons:

Takes a while to fully work...Dried my face out once... Don't like the cleansers texture very well...

The Cleanser: Has a grainy feel, yet they only let you use a dime size.. when you want to use almost a whole bottle. I smells very nice, and the packaging is very easy to use. I apply a Biore cleanser 2x a week after, to close my large pores. Overall? Makes skin feel and look very healthy. The Toner: Ehh..In my opinion.. I'm not a fan of it. It seems to me I could go to Wallgreens and pick up a 3buck cleanser and do that same, But thats just my opinion. The Lotion: You really do have to get use to using such small amount of this stuff, because I ran out of it in almost 2 weeks. I honestly haven't noticed it dye my hair or clothing, so I think I am in the safe zone. I suggest waiting for the toner to dry before applying this lotion. In my daily schedule, I apply a clear, salicyc acid, advanced medication before the lotion and after the toner, to eliminate any present pimples, as the Benzoyl Peroxide is not fast medicating. Refining Mask: use 2x a week an
January 11, 2008

Pros:

Seemed to work ok at first

Cons:

Breakouts keep happening and developed a rash

I bought this for my daughter (12) and I think it is too harsh for her skin. Seemed to clear her up but then a couple weeks later another bad breakout so it didn't prevent breakouts. Lately she delevoped a pink, sandpapery rash on her cheeks. I stopped the proactiv. Not recommended for oily but sensitive skin.
January 10, 2008

Pros:

SMEEL

Cons:

I DOESNT WORK ARGGG

my skin is even worst
January 8, 2008

Pros:

cleared skin quickly and made skin look healthier

Cons:

lotion does sting a little, dries out skin, and made my ace very red at first.

this is a great product much better than proactiv. I use the severe acne free and its defintly worth giving a try. I started to notice results within the first day of using it.
January 7, 2008

Pros:

Worked well for getting me into a skincare regimen. Used it for 3+ years to control "combination" skin.

Cons:

When I no longer needed it (6+ months ago), I tried to cancel my "membership." They practically force you to just postpone your next shipment. Then when you still don't want it, it is a big runaround to try to get your money back and cancel.

It *might* work for you without overdrying. I could never use it twice a day - too dry. Be careful about the commitment you're making, though...if you do not want your skincare choices to be on the same level as, oh, say, a MARRIAGE commitment, then forget it.
January 7, 2008

Pros:

i've been using this for about a week. i haven't experienced any extreme dryness and the product does seem to be helping my skin. dark spots are noticeably lighter.

Cons:

when mixed with water, the product becomes sort of like a thickish lotion and you might want to put it all over your face, but DON'T. i'm sitting here right now trying to appease the slightly red spots around my eyes. it feels like it's been burned..

i think with this product, less might be more. don't use a large amount of it since it's pretty strong and don't put it anywhere near your eyes -- ie. under your eyebrows to a little past under your eyes. make sure you HELLA moisturize after using the product, perhaps immediately after getting out of the shower or patting your face dry. drying out your face doesn't always mean you're drying out your acne -- dry skin also leads to more pimples :p not just oily skin.
January 7, 2008

Pros:

None. It didn't work for me

Cons:

Expensive. Ineffective.

Baking soda works better for me as a topical treatment. The only thing that controls my acne is a strict diet. I cannot have ANY sugar, not even canned, packaged or processed foods that have corn syrup in the ingredient list. No honey, sucrose, fructose. Limit sweet fruits and raisins, sweet potatoes, potatoes. No white flour, white rice, white pasta flour tortillas corn starch. No milk I have to follow the Low Glycemic Diabetic Diet I can have, lots of veggies, fish, lean meat, poultry, beans, salads, whole grain breads n tortillas n pastas, nuts, corn tortillas Check out Larry Theile's website by just googling his name.

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.