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
April 9, 2009

Pros:

I use this along with retin-a and have only gotten two pimples in the last 6 months. Works great. Love the cleanser. Had used everything else prescription and over the counter and this has worked the best!

Cons:

I have very sensitive skin so the product burns and leaves my skin dry and flakey, especiall the lotion, which smells like play-doh (but pimple FREE!)

Product works like magic but can make your skin really really dry.
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May 30, 2017
Didn't work for me
I used this product along with the face wash that is suppose to match with it. After day one I had a horrible breakout and so I assumed it was just the beginning and I would have clear skin after. However my spots only got worse on my forehead and my chin for 3 months. Whenever I applied the cream my spots would burn and i thought it meant that they were working but my skin never cleared. I stopped using the product and only after a week there was a massive change and my skin was clearer but still spotty. If anyone knows any working products please tell me. I've had so many spots for so many years it has definetly lowered my self confidence.
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August 29, 2016
Sucks..
I used this when a lovely relative noticed I had acne and decided that it would make a great christmas gift... They are obviously a lovely person. So, I tried it anyway, it is terrible. It just dried out my skin, made my face more inflamed, and basically bleached everything. I mean, I didn't pay this much to bleach my face.
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July 28, 2016
Truly amazin
I never ever write reviews online but I just had to this time. I've always had problematic skin: sensitive, acne prone and very oily. I started getting acne on my face when I was in high school and it went away after a few months. After that I only got one pimple every month or so until about a year ago (when I just turned 23) I started getting massive pus filled cysts all over my cheeks. Things got so bad that people who hardly knew me started asking why my skin got so bad. By then I had already tried Tea Tree Oil (from The Body Shop) and it seemed to work for a few days but it only got worse as the oil just irritated my skin. I started looking online for something to help me before going to a dermatologist. That's when I heard about Benzoyl Peroxide. After reading great reviews, I went ahead and bought this at a local chemist. I got a 5% variant of Benzac AC. It has been about 4 weeks and my skin shows a noticeable improvement. All the old cysts have dried up. I still do get pimples on my cheeks but they all dry out much faster and they don't leave behind a scar and they're also not as big as they used to before. I have high hopes for this and I think in a few more weeks I will be completely clear skinned (a first for me) Even though your skin might get very VERY dry, it will become much better over time. A MUST try if you suffer from acne. Update: I started using it in June 2016 and today is 13th July 2017. I'm now completely pimple free. I do breakout during my PMS time but it goes away after a couple days. After my pimples started to reduce in their size and number, I switched to the 2.5% of the same product. Also, moisturizing is key. After I started moisturising, i've noticed lesser bumps and smaller pimples (whenever I do breakout). I'm using neutrogena oil free moisturizer if anyone's interested.
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March 22, 2017
Hello, do you recommend to leave benzac 5% ac gel on face overnight(approx 7hrs?) , if not, how long should i leave it on before washing it off? Thanks!
May 19, 2017
Try it on face for a couple hours at first to make sure it doesn't become irritated.
May 19, 2017
Try it on face for a couple hours at first to make sure it doesn't become irritated.
May 19, 2017
Try it on face for a couple hours at first to make sure it doesn't become irritated.
July 16, 2017
What facial wash do you use?
July 17, 2017
I have not been very consistent with my face wash. I used to use Dove soap and now I'm using The body shop's tea tree foaming face wash. For me the face wash has never been a factor to help or hinder in healing my acne.
July 3, 2016
Cleared my acne
I had raised skin colored bumps on my forehead which created a very uneven skin texture. whenever I stood under a light the bumps on my forehead would become really obvious especially since I have oily skin. I used benzac ac every night and at first the bumps turned red and became pimples which I assumed was the skin purging so I continued with it. my skin did start to dry out after a while so sometimes I would apply cetaphil moisturizer instead of benzac at night. by week 3 there was a noticeable difference as my skin slowly started to smoothen out. after a month all the bumps are now gone and my forehead looks a lot better. definitely worked for me so do try it out to see if it works for u!!
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June 23, 2016
Bad, especially for sensitive skin
My acne got worse while using this. Also, it sucks for sensitive skin. Pretty much ended up with red, raw skin, which can only be described as looking like I had a chemical peel... Yep, would not recommend!
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April 1, 2016
Do not buy this product
I had cancelled all my shipments from proactiv because i was leaving for basic training and from basic directly to my year long AIT. I decided i wouldnt need any more of their product while i was there. I had also removed my credit card information because i heard all the stories about proactiv being "shady". I figured without a credit card on my acount and with the costumer service agent over the line telling me my shipments have been cancelled that i should be in the clear. Today almost two years later im again trying to cancel my proactiv shipments but this time im paying for two years of shipments that should have never been sent to my home address. Hopefully this time im done with this greedy company... Im so pissed. Besides their terrible way of doing business the product worked well for me but i would not recommend it to anyone just for the fact that i dont want these people getting any more money or scamming anymore customers.
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January 27, 2016
best product!!
this is amazing i love this product ive been using for a year and it works wonders on my skin!ill definately continue using it
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November 11, 2015
IT WORKS, & IF YOU THINK IT DOESN'T IT'S B/C YOU'RE NOT PATIENT
I'm actually pretty shocked at a lot of the reviews I'm reading about the treatment product. It is clearly explained that this product will cause flakiness and dryness of the skin, yet there are so many users complaining about exactly that, and warning others not to use this product in their reviews. I bought the system about 2 years ago (8oz) and it worked wonders for me. I will be honest, eventually, I stopped using the cleanser and moisturizer altogether (I ran out of the cleanser first, and just used any other mild soap) as for the moisturizer, I dunno, I just didn't care to use it ONCE MY SKIN GOT USED TO THE SYSTEM. You see..when you first start out, because you are applying benzoyl peroxide on your face, and because this is new to your face...it will dry and flake. So be sure to use the moisturizer. The severity of the dryness/flakiness wasn't so bad for me, I have a normal skin type. If you can be patient and wait out the "hardening" process, then it's all peaches and cream afterwards. I do not recall waiting for an extensive amount of time for this dryness and flakiness process to end. My 8oz bottle of treatment has finally run out after 2 years. This product literally deserves 5/5 stars. It's effective, it's long-lasting, and the price is decent for the amount of product you get. GIVE THE SYSTEM A TRY, AND BE PATIENT. IT DOES WORK. *****this review is not meant for those who's face apparently "got worse" (not due to flakiness or dryness, but due to literal breaking out even more than before having used the treatment) so, no need to argue with my review about how it DIDN'T work for you. Respectfully share your own review if necessary.
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September 29, 2015
Good stuff
Been using for about 2 weeks now alongside Cetaphil skin cleanser, and so far everything is great, my acne isn't completely gone but it's definitely calmed down and skin isn't as oily and pimpley as it usually is, it's a bit expensive at £10 a tube, but it's definitely helping more than anything else I've tried, the benzyl peroxide really drys out your face but use it alongside cetaphil skin cleanser and all is good, will be buying again.
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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.