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
February 18, 2010

Pros:

Great value, easy, 1 step, can use favorite moisturizer.Works great

Cons:

None

My first purchase was on ebay in 2001. I've been using it once a day in the shower every since. It really does work. Economical & easy to use. A bottle lasts a long time. I try to make sure to never run out.
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February 9, 2010

Pros:

Cleared my skin up.

Cons:

a little bit expensive

I had been using dan's regimen for almost 2 years, and it had been getting me clear, but not totally clear. My skin on his regimen was really dry (especially on my nose: major peeling all the time) So I decided to try proactiv. So far ive seen awesome results! My right side of my face is completely clear with not even a dark spot! left side is on its way (it was in a little worse shape previously) I think that people that use proactiv think they need to apply alot of the product on their face. Honestly if you use it exactly how they direct you too, it will work!
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February 7, 2010

Pros:

Clears up acne from hours to days, works really,extremely fast, Best acne treatment ever no doubt!. Cheaper than most acne treatments.

Cons:

It takes soo long to dry

I've been using alot of acne treatments for the last 3 years or so and never was satisfied to any of it. I've used Proactiv solution for about a year but never worked as what i expected it to be. Proactiv never really cleared up my face which they actually claim to be the best acne treatment worlwide. I wasn't satisfied with the results so i decided to use Dan's regimen and after 2 weeks i quickly took the phone and cancelled my proactiv account and ended up refunding my proactiv. This stuff is just tottaly amazing!!! I recommend it to everyone and surely you would never ever move to any other products one you have tried this!
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February 5, 2010

Pros:

Skin condition improved in a week and acne seemed to clear up a bit. Effective but over-drying cleanser. Toner's good but doesn't last. Repair lotion is cooling but drys up the skin too much that causes excessive peelings

Cons:

-Celebrity endorsed product
-Pricey

This product is probably more suitable for individuals with light-moderate acne, non-sensitive skin and happy to pay a bit more. Similar benzoyl peroxide-based products can be easily purchase from pharmacies and on-line stores.
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January 6, 2010

Pros:

Cleared up my acne and my skin feels softer than before.

Cons:

None that I've noticed!

I used to use a combination of Clearasil and oil of Olay which worked okay but never completely cleared my skin. When I turned 30 I decided to try the Clinique acne solutions line. I wish I had started earlier! Almost all of my acne is gone, just an occasional blemish or 2 pop up monthly. My overall skin tone has also improved. After years of feeling terrible about my skin this has worked wonders. I definitely recommend it.
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December 25, 2009

Pros:

My advice is that if you feel that Acnefree is avoiding acne and it gives you irration.Please stay with it.Make sure that you use very little amount until your skin get adopted to it.

Cons:

Redness and irration.

I tried every leading acne product in the market, including Murad,KlearActiv, Neutrogena, St.Ives and Clean & Clear (Indian version), Clearasil But I couldn't find the right product for me.So I decided to try Proactiv (It is funny that I haven't tried the 'Most Popular' then yet) I ordered the Proactiv and Acnefree simultaneously. Then the Acefree order came first. So I gave it a try. Then I noticed a noticeable redness. Sometimes it aches me that I cannot sit in my lectures comfortably. But I noticed that my acne has reduced remakbly.I continued Acnefree my acne was lessened but the irritation got worst. So I began use it very carefully. Used very little of the lotion. Then I received the Proactiv order. So I switched to Proactiv and gave it a shot, because the redness and itching effect that Acnefree gave to me was very uncomfortable. And peeling was another trouble. Proactiv made my skin exfoliating but didot stop acne as effective as Acnefree.Then I switched to Acnefree again ,then continued it.I about seven days my skin got used to it. Ever since I am using Acefree It is really great.NOT A SINGLE ZIT THEN. I am completely Acnefree.Thank you Acnefree. My advice is that if you feel that Acnefree is avoiding acne and it gives you irration.Please stay with it.Make sure that you use very little amount until your skin get adopted to it.
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November 21, 2009

Pros:

OMG this stuff is great!!!! I use it with a BP face wash that is avail at wal mart for 4 bucks with a script

Cons:

NONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have had bad acne all my life I have tried every thing even a derm dr who had me on 1000 dollars worth of meds for my combo acne nothing worked I got so frustrated and broke I saw this one day and For a buck I said why the hell not. I love it I have been using it for 5 years in the morning with just a mild none soap face wash, at night after a benzyl peroxide face wash. It works wonders no drying skin or burning or peeling. Just be careful in the sun as with all acne treatments you are extra sensitive. My problem now is my dollar general stopped selling it ..WHY?????
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October 29, 2009

Pros:

This product works amazing in treating my acne. I had been using saylic acid products up until I started using this. I grabbed it in a hurry, not knowing that peroxide was the main ingredient. What luck!

Cons:

I sometimes use this product up to 3 times a day when I want to freshen my skin. Never once has it dried my skin out. NO CONS!

This product is amazing! It works well with my skin and I hope it never gets discontinued. I'm hooked. I only wish I would have thought to switch from saylic acid cleansers sooner. With those, I got nothing but red, blotchy skin that was constantly drying out. This cleanser cleans well and heals acne. It also prevents new zits from forming. It has never dried out my skin and I use it up to 3 times a day. The key is to rub it in, gently, for approximately 20 seconds all over your face. Then, rinse off.. rinse well, so that you don't leave any dirt or oil on your face. Pat dry.
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September 16, 2009

Pros:

good for getting rid of spots, ive only used for a week & can see alot of diffrence, also skin is getting used to product, meaning less flakey skin & dry skin, much more smoother specialy when using moisturizer such as (my favourate) E45 cream.

Cons:

first 4days for me, i wanted to quit & giveup using panoxyl because the DRYNESS is unbeliveable & very FLAKEY plus alot of REDNESS, unless your lucky, just stick with it & i promise you will see results, after a week im very happy with my skin.

be consistent with panoxyl, dont quit on it even if you think the worst, (about scaring) it will improve your spots, & get rid of most of them, if you have mild acne, you will see results within a week like me. STICK TO IT.
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August 19, 2009

Pros:

Clears acne (even hormonal) FAST, no redness or itching, does not dry out skin, does not smell, easy to use, exfoliates

Cons:

The pads are a little larger than needed

Oh my lord. This product is a god-send. I have been suffering from acne (mainly hormonal and/or due to stress) for years and years. I have tried all different products, prescriptions, and home remedies, and nothing has worked. These pads work!! They are amazing. I usually have lots of bumps all over my face, but I only have ONE right now. Yes, one, and that one seems to be shrinking. I absolutely cannot believe how well these work. The pads are a little large, so what I do is I cut them into 4 small squares. I use these squares at different times throughout the day. I think this helps to constantly keep the medicine on my skin. This means that I use one package a day, so the box usually lasts for 3 weeks. This technique really works and I highly suggest it to anyone suffering from acne...hormonal or not.
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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.