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
March 31, 2010

Pros:

Worked the first couple weeks.
The ON THE SPOT clay mask was useful .

Cons:

Stopped working after a while.
Made my skin very dry.
Worsted my acne after I stop using it.
Small bottles.
Charges your credit card every month unless you cancel.

- I would get 3 pimples on my forehead and some blackheads every now and then. When I first used Proactive, the first week it seemed to make it better. But it made my skin dry and the "lotion" they include does not moisturize at all. I had to use another moisturizer to keep my skin from looking completely flaky and dry. Then after 2 weeks' I actually thought Proactive was working untill out of the blue It stopped and my acne was back. Then, I stopped using it for merely a week and my acne was MUCH worst than it was before I started using Proactiv. I started using it again but it did NOTHING. I continued to break out all over my forehead and I even started getting pimples on my cheek and nose which never happened before. At the time I didn't know that they charged my credit card every month so I continued to receive monthly packages of more Proactiv products. Untill I called and canceled. Overall Proactiv is overrated and it does NOT work for everyone. Right now my skin is back to normal, I completely got rid of Proactiv 4 months ago. I use another drugstore brand Acne wash and it works amazingly.
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March 26, 2010

Pros:

-Natural
-Leaves skin soft and smooth
-Gets rid of acne
-Doesn't dry out skin badly
-AWESOME customer service
-Fairly inexpensive

Cons:

-Bleaches towels
-May take a while to even begin seeing results

I use the Kick A** Formula. I began about 2 months ago, and my acne has improved dramatically. My moderate facial acne is absolutely gone! I didn't really have hope that it would have any effect on my back acne, however, seeing as no product or treatment has ever put a dent in it. But hallelujah! Carley's is a miracle! My back acne has improved so much, and it continues to improve all the time. For the first week it was amazing: my acne way clearing and my skin felt great. Then I started breaking out in cysts and large pustules on my chin and cheeks. But I took the advice of Stephen and I stuck with it. Soon after, the new breakouts started to go away, and by the one month mark, my face was CLEAR! I have just begun to see results on my back and chest, but it's getting there! The thing is, you have to use it like they say, or it won't work well. So please please please make sure you're doing it right (washing the treatment off completely with the natural soap is key). I have also noticed that if I miss even one day, I will break out. The samples they send are awesome. They now have me hooked on the Midnight moisturizer which I ordered with my latest shipment, and upon recieving this shipment I got TONS of free samples (but I also bought 4 items). The customer service is unmatched! Before I ever ordered, I e-mailed tons of questions, and they politely get back to each one, usually just within hours of sending it. They are SOOOOO helpful. As many have said, shipping is $8 no matter how much you order, which I guess might be pricey if you like... just bought a bar of soap. But they actually paid $10 to ship my last order, so they LOST money there! Lastly, the natural soap is my SAVIOR! I'm allergic to sulfates, and I used to get bad itchy hives all over my body. Not anymore! This is by far the best soap I've ever used. I even use it to wash my hair! (Just use conditioner afterwards or else your hair will feel sticky.) My advice: STICK TO IT!
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March 18, 2010

Pros:

-Affordable
-Huge tube and bottle
-Last very long
-Easy to apply
-Dries quickly

I started this product a few weeks ago. Within the first week I could tell it was working. I was still breaking out, but not as often. Also, my skin was looking healthier. I have used many products before. I used Proactiv but got off of it because it was too costly. I tried many other products like Carely's, everything at Walgreens, and the cons like AcneTix and ProNexin. I didn't have a lot of knowledge of BP but it did work with Proactiv and is working again with Dan's Regimen. It's been about 3 weeks on the BP. I haven't broken out in the last few days.
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March 8, 2010

Pros:

Shrunk Cystic Acne, Smooth Skin, Better Complexion, refining mask is their best product. Cleared cystic acne within 4 days. Now im just left with brown spots.

Cons:

Doesnt do anything for brown spots or blackheads, expensive, small bottles, celebrity endorsed is annoying.

I've tried the acne.org regimen but everyday I could feel the thick layer of bp and lotion on my face making it feel heavy and gluey. Proactive worked great, I know it doesn't work for alot of people, but try to keep a healthy diet, and make sure your not allergic to bp. You MUST research "how to use" videos on youtube and research on google. There were many mistakes I made the first time I tried it. When to use it, how much, how long to wait after shower, etc...but second time around I followed the directions to a T and so far so good. Good luck everyone. On top of the 3 step, I used refining mask (spot treatment every night, and full mask 2 times a week after the renewing cleanser) and spf15 moisturizer. Haven't tried the other products. fyi. im 27 with asian skin.
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March 4, 2010

Pros:

Didn't burn when I first applied it on my pimple, unlike the other products I've tried, worked immediately...for ME.

Cons:

None, I love this thing! And it was so cheap!

I've worked for so many companies that sell products for acne, I tried it all. Everything either burned my face, dried it out, or just didn't work. I only use this at night because it dries white. First I cleanse my face with my aveeno clear complexion cleanser, then I used my Clarins toner for oily/combo skin, then I apply my daily serum from clarins"multi-activ skin renewal"...zap on my clean and clear persa gel on my pimples and apply my aveen clear complexion moisturizer. The clarins products are very expensive but the other products were cheap. I've had acne since I was 14, I'm 22 now and I can happily say I'm acne free :)
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March 3, 2010

Pros:

from my experience...NONE

Cons:

doent really work like advertised. takes time to apply. expensive

not worth spending all that money on. instead what worked for me is drinking braggs apple cider vinegar 3 times a day and applying to face 2 times a day. Seriously look it up. it really works...also make sure to exercise and ive found that if I get a good sweat going once a day that really helps!
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March 1, 2010

Pros:

So far...
My skins texture and tone have improved and a few blemishes are beginning to improve

Cons:

It burns a little after all 3 steps, and it makes my skin slightly red for about 20min after.

I have been using NEW Proactive for 4 days and I am happy with it so far. I have dry skin everywhere on my face but my T-zone which is a lot more oily recently. I was hesitant to try it, because really dry skin can be just as uncomfortable as oily skin. I am 26 yrs old, have never had a problem with acne and have just recently started breaking out really bad. I believe I have adult acne. I have not been told that by a dermotologist, but It just makes sense :) I was using Clinic's 3 step system for normal to dry skin and I just didnt think it was working anymore for me. I was curious about Proactive and had heard positive and negative reviews from friends so I decided to make my own decision about it. Remember, everyone has different types of skin, this product might not be for everyone. It doesn't mean there is anything wrong with the product if it doesn't work for you. Also if your skin has not been deeply cleansed in a long time or never at all your skin will get worse before it gets better. Your pores are being cleaned out and it doesnt happen overnight. For me I like the NEW Proactive so far, I can feel the cleanser cleaning my skin. It is slightly exfoliating and does not have soap in it so it doesn't foam. (someone on this thread said that was weird). The toner is not very drying and feels good after the cleanser. The treatment feels moisturizing at first then as soon as it dries so does my skin. So I also use a light moisturizer, depending on your skin type you might not need to. My skin feels softer, fresher and my skin tone is improving. I do have red spots where I did have blemishes, those are fading as days go by as well though. I also noticed the main ingredient in all the products in the 3 step is water. That is good, it means the medicine is the only thing drying your skin. All in all I think you should try it yourself, they do offer to give you your money back if you are not happy with it and 30 days is plenty of time to make that decision.
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February 27, 2010

Pros:

ABSOLUTELY NONE

Cons:

WHERE DO I BEGIN?

I CAN'T BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW HORRIBLE THIS PRODUCT IS! First off, my acne never got better at all while I used this. I would say it got worse if anything. My skin BURNED and STUNG like crazy when I used it. After about a week, my skin dried up SOOOO bad. It was literally like I had on one of the clay masques that you put on your face. (Believe me, I am NOT exaggerating) When I even smiled or laughed, I felt my skin "crack". I couldn't even put make up on because it looked so disgusting when it sank into the dry cracks in my face. It was the worst experience of my life, and it took about a week and a half after I stopped using it for my skin to go back to it's normal texture. I would never reccommend this product to anyone. I can't believe that they are actually allowed to sell this.
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February 24, 2010

Pros:

None

Cons:

It's a long process to wash your face every morning, blocked pores, caused more acne in places where i didn't have acne before (chin, forehead)

I know this works for a LOT of people, but it didn't work for me. I followed the directions perfectly for over two months and didnt work. I switched back to my prescription 10% BP wash and I can already tell it's getting better. The reason I switched was because I wanted to use something more natural and this had such great reviews. Best of luck if you try it, it may work wonders for you.
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February 22, 2010

Pros:

-GOT RID OF MY ACNE
-EASY 3 STEP SYSTEM
-LESS OILY FACE

Cons:

-DRIES OUT SKIN
-MAKES SKIN MORE SENSITIVE TO SUN

AFTER A MONTH AND A HALF, I FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH MY SKIN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER 10 YEARS. THE FIRST WEEK, MY FACE WAS RED AND DRY, BUT IT HAS SINCE GOTTEN USED TO THE PRODUCT. AROUND THE THIRD WEEK MY SKIN WAS NOTICEABLY CLEARER AND HAS CONTINUED TO IMPROVE. A FEW MONTHS AGO, I WOULD HAVE NEVER LEFT MY HOUSE WITHOUT MAKEUP, NOW I DO IT AND FEEL CONFORTABLE. THE CONFIDENCE I HAVE NOW IS WORTH THE MONEY 100%. MY SKIN STILL HAS FLAWS BUT I CAN STAND TO LOOK AT MYSELF IN THE MIRROR NOW. IM NOT SAYING THIS WOULD WORK FOR EVERYONE, BUT I WOULD DEFINITELY ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO TRY IT.
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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.