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 4, 2007

Pros:

WELL IT SMELLS ALRIGHT. AFTER THE FIRST STEP YOUR FACE FEELS REALLY FRESH N CLEAN.

Cons:

YOU HAVE TO USE A LOT OF MOISTURIZER BECAUSE PROACTIVE DRIES OUT YOUR SKIN. PLUS REDNESS OCCURS, WHICH REALLY SUCKS.

THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A NIGHTMARE. MY FACE RIGHT NOW IS AT ITS WORST, THANKS TO PROACTIVE. FOR SOME PEOPLE IT WORKS BUT IT IS NOT A PRODUCT FOR ME. I HAD CLEAR SKIN WITH MINOR BLEMISHES. NOW I HAVE TO WEAR MAKE UP TO COVER UP THE UGLY PIMPLES. I USE TO ONLY WEAR POWDER, NOW I HAVE TO APPLY FOUNDATION TOO!
October 4, 2007

Pros:

works for a little while.

Cons:

Stains clothing, your skin gets dependent on it so if you stop using it you break out again.

I didn't need this product but my aunt had bought it and after she received it realized she ordered the wrong thing. It was never opened so she gave it to me. I heard all the rave reviews so I decided to try it. I got the occasional zit so I figured it couldnt hurt. I used it for awhile and when I ran out I just didnt order anymore since I never really had a need for it anyway. Big Mistake. As soon as I stopped using it I broke out constantly. And I noticed all of my clothes and towels were stained with huge bleach spots. So now I am stuck with zits and I need to buy new clothes. Thanks Proactiv!
October 2, 2007

Pros:

It works for me! Previously I have tried numerous products, and my pimples still comes out big and painful, after proavtiv, my face clears up and i feel great :), not conscious anymore that others are looking at my pimples :)

Cons:

a little inaccessible to buy in malaysia

i guess you can try it out and see if it works for you, for me it's really a blessing that my face can finally be clear and pimple-free! :)
October 1, 2007

Pros:

gets rid of acne and blackheads

Cons:

can dry out skin a little

Great product! really helped my skin
September 30, 2007

Pros:

So far it seems to be clearing and preventing new acne, doesn't dry instantly, spreads nicely, doesn't leave behind the white reisdue of neutrogena on the spot.

Cons:

It makes my forhead and nose shiny, It's not a greasy shiny though because I tried wiping it away or rubbing it in but it's already dry!

This product is wonderful, to solve my problem above I use the neutrogena on the spot for my forhead and nose then I use Dan's BP for the rest of my face.
September 27, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up acne on forhead which was main problem. Not an endall but keeps it in check if your consistent with cleaning and treatment (cream). It does dry if over applied but all acne creams do this. A good mosturizer (non-comodegenic)can balance

Seems to help with diet alterations such as increased water intake, less sugar and fried foods.
September 26, 2007

Pros:

Definite improvement. I get fewer pimples and less of the really bad ones. My skin is not perfect but rarely embarrasses me anymore. No more of the pus filled zits, only bumps. I like the mask

Cons:

Expensive, doesn't work perfectly. But, I sometimes get lazy and don't use the toner every time.

Won't get rid of EVERYTHING but gets you to a point where you only need a bit of makeup to look like you have perfect skin.
September 25, 2007

Pros:

It doesn't dry quickly, easy to spread.
Cleared up my breakouts within a week (a miracle!)
A very large quantity and it doesn't smell.

Cons:

Sometimes is leaves a burning sensation on my face if I don't use moisturizer (at night). Otherwise its fine. It does dry your skin like all benzoyle products but thats what moisturizer is for.

This product give you the most bang for your buck. 4 OZ is more than enough for a long time. The consistency of the gel is much better than any spot treatment or those little 1 OZ tubes that other companies make. I've used alot of different benzoyle products and various acne treatments and this one has worked the best.
September 25, 2007

Pros:

cream is odor-free, spreads easily

Cons:

pills are probably snake oil

The best benzoyl peroxide cream I've found. No nasty smell like some brands. Cream is thin and spreads easily unlike some thicker brands. Makes my face feel light and clean. I buy the two-part system (since they're not sold separately) and throw away the pills. You can buy the men's or women's version since the cream is the same.
September 25, 2007

Pros:

made my skin feel smooth and refreshing. didnt dry out my skin like most creams.
i liked the mask too.

Cons:

Didn't work.

Didn't work for me. I break out probably with 4-5 pimples a week and this treatment didnt do a darn thing.

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.