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
October 28, 2007

Pros:

Since I was a young girl I have had terrible redness and small persistent pimples that would never go away. I have used proactiv for one month and they are gone! My skin feels so much smoother and I am no longer embarrassed about blemishes :)

Cons:

My face went very dry, but I carried a moisturizer around with me and it went away within days! It is a little pricey for a student but I was spending nearly as much every month trying different products that weren't working.

I'm very satisfied with this product. I have more confidence because I no longer have to think about whether or not I have a pimple because I don't! My skin feels great and the tone has evened out, it even helped with my rosacea! Be sure to use it consistently and read the labels and be sure that you know what you are doing, twice a day everyday and it will work :)
October 22, 2007

Pros:

Works like a charm, I have had trouble with moderate breakouts in the past, and as long as I am diligent about using this, my skin stays clear.

Cons:

Tends to dry out skin, doesn't work unless you use it regularly and consistentl... ie NOT an emergency solution that will fix a sudden breakout but more of an overall maintenance thing.

Wash face with gentle, non-irritating soap (I like Johnson & Johnson Purpose soap or the tea tree oil soap from the body shop... don't use an acne cleanser that has benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in conjunction with the vanishing cream as it will irritate your skin), pat skin dry, immediately apply vanishing cream in a thin layer over problem areas. If I put on aloe vera gel a few minutes after, I don't have problems with redness, flaking, or dryness.
October 21, 2007

Pros:

Shipping intervals, mix match of products (if needed) and EXCELLENT customer service

Use this product as directed otherwise you will experience drying. If you opt for the 3 piece kit be sure to use some type of moisturizer with SPF to prevent drying and minimize sun exposure. With any skin care product you have to use it more than a month or two to reap the benefits as well as using only the dime sized amount
October 19, 2007

Pros:

None that I can think of. Oh wait, the dermatologist gave me a month of samples so it was free.

Cons:

Made my face swell up and my breakouts even worse. Burns a bit. Too thick.

I got this from my dermatologist after expressing concern that my skin was intollerant of BP. He didn't listen and gave me this cleanser. My skin has never been oily or greasy, but after using this, it became that way. It felt thick and awful, and I kept getting more clogged pores. I also got blemishes in areas that were usually clear. My face swelled up the first week I used it. I could hardly open my eyes. I thought that perhaps it was a freak occurrance so I let my face heal for 2 weeks and tried it again. Unfortunately the same situation occurred, so I won't use it again. Maybe the dermatologist will listen this time.
October 19, 2007

Pros:

Moisturizer is good. My skin feels smoother and cleaner. Breakouts haven't been reduced, but they clear up a bit faster.

Cons:

Can cause severe dryness. Has not seemed to reduce my breakouts much, if at all. Some days it even seems worse than ever. ***CAUTION!!! THE PRODUCT GIVES NO WARNING THAT IT WILL BLEACH YOUR CLOTHING, TOWEL, PILLOW CASE, ETC!!!***

I want my money back. Along with a new towel and pillow case.
October 19, 2007

Pros:

Big tube! Dries clear! Not over-drying! Zits heal faster - not as red or severe!

Cons:

Not available in stores in Canada.

TRY IT - IT REALLY WORKS!!! I've been using DK's regimen gel for about 5 months. I'm totally clear now (took about 3-4 months) except for the few days during my cycle when I get 2-3 zits, which only last a couple of days (they used to last up to two weeks and they are much smaller in size now and way less severe). I was ready to give up and try Accutaine when I stumbled across this site. I suffered from acne for almost 25 years and nothing has worked as well as this. Nothing. I've never been this clear, and I feel like I've been given my life back! Thank you Dan!!
October 17, 2007

Pros:

celeberty endorsements

Cons:

i used proactive for 5 months. I saw results within two months but after another few weeks, my skin got worse. for me, the worst thing about it was that it made my skin look extremely greasy and shiny.

it looks good in the box and has neat packaging
October 16, 2007

Pros:

It really works. Really.

Cons:

Bleaches fabrics.

After years and years of over the counter and prescription drugs, I am truly blessed to have found this product. It has changed my life.
October 14, 2007

Pros:

It Cleard up my skin fast!

Cons:

It bleach's towels! And can be drying. i dont use the moisturizer i use my own.

I have been using proactive for about 5months! and im very happy with it.im also on a low antibiotic called doxycycline. Which has also helped! The only thing im unsure on is can you use proactive for years.? or is it jst for until your skin clears up? It has worked for me! my skin is clear!
October 13, 2007
Pretty good product. Doesn't dry out your skin...However you MUST be consistent or you will not notice results

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.