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 20, 2012

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

*leaves face:
-dry
-itchy
-red
-burning
*the chemical smell

i had never had acne, but the first 5 days of using this, my face broke out into little bumps all over my face. i was told that it would get worse before getting better, but i wasnt going to risk that chance. i washed my face 3 times everyday for a week with dove soap after using this product and the bumps are gone now! never again will i use this product!! i gave this product a 1 out of 5 rating, but thats only because i couldnt choose ZERO
March 14, 2012

Pros:

None.

Cons:

The step @ which is the toner caused my face to "burn" and I haad to wash it off. Followed by breakouts and rash on face.

There are other acne products which are better than this and more gentle for people who have acne and sensitive skin.
March 11, 2012

Pros:

Brings spots to a head
Reduces redness slightly

Cons:

Does not get spots to go down on their own
Drying to the skin
Does not absorb well

This is my 'emergency' cream for when I have a painful, inflamed, red spot that won't come to a head. This usually reduces the pain and speeds up the process so that I can pop the spot with a Comedone extractor a few hours after applying the cream. It does not get rid of spots on it's own but does make them less aggressive and speeds up the process so that it can be covered up with makeup much easier before an important event.
March 10, 2012

Pros:

This product works for me, I love the way it makes my skin feel freshly exfoliated. I love that I'm not using harmful chemicals on my face anymore! One bottle also lasts a long time (I use it once a day in the mornings, and then I wash only with the natural soap at night).

I bought a small pump bottle and keep it along with the natural soap in my shower. Be very careful and only use white washcloths, because it will stain colored ones. I've recommended this product to my sister...and now she's hooked as well!
February 23, 2012

Pros:

-Cleared acne to a small extent

Cons:

-Irritated my skin
-Stopped working after 2 weeks
-Started making acne worse
-Smells gross

Ugh, I would defintiley NOT buy this again and definitley regret wasting money on this trash. Do not think for a second that your acne will go away completley and stay away completey with this product. It is very harsh on the skin and irritates it like crazy. It did clear a little bit of my acne, like maybe 20%, but it stopped working after about 3 weeks and then after that it just made it worse. If you have sensitive skin, STAY AWAY FROM THIS.
February 9, 2012

Pros:

Softer skin, good clean feeling.

Cons:

Didn't clear my skin.

It simply isn't the magic potion they claim it is. It maintained my skin when it was clearing up, but when I had a breakout, forget about it.
February 8, 2012

Pros:

No pros for me...

Cons:

Didn't do anything...

I tried it years ago, didn't work. Noticed maybe even more breakouts? But I believe that it possibly was from the stress of not seeing results.... I think it may be a good products for those with mild acne. If you have moderate acne, all over, that doesn't seem to go away. Topical products WILL NOT cure you. I have cleared my skin up 70 percent with lots of research and keeping an open mind. I take a variety of vitamins that has helped with my skin so much. A topical item I do use is Milk of Magnesia. Don't shoot it down, read the reviews here on acne.org GREAT STUFF FOR OILY SKIN! Anyway, If you have skin like mine, all over back, chest, (strange though not so much on my face) then you might have an internal issue. online I have read lots of things about the link of acne and insulin resistance. Just do the research, IT ALL MAKES SENSE! I am 18 and have acne since I was 12, I will not stop till I've found the cure! If you have bad acne, none of these mainstream products are going to help you. Now, if you have a couple of blemishes on your face, and just need a good wash, I think proactive can help. If your issue is a little more than skin deep... save your money, there is cheaper more effective products, I would know. I have tried everything under the sun! oh speaking of sun... The sun works wonders too, sun in moderation can benefit you and your acne! Sorry I've been rambling, just want to share some of my advice and not completely bash this product. Didn't work for me, but could work for you. I can see why people are disappointed... I know I was, but I have head some good results too from others. It really just depends on the person. Now if you are like me, PUT THE MAIN STREAM WASHES DOWN! Cure your body, acne is a symptom of a bigger issue. Fix the problem that is causing the acne symptom, and you can achieve clear skin! I have faith I will make my 70% clear skin a 98% very soon! (100% is a little unrealistic I think) :D
February 7, 2012

Pros:

-It works!
-It works!
-It works!

Cons:

Nothing really. I guess, its a little on the expensive side.

I bought proactiv after being so fed up with my acne which has been bugging me for almost 5 years. No one knew I used proactiv and after a few day, a friend noticed and said, "hey, your skin looked a lot better". Compliments keeps coming from that point. It truely changed my life! Its a year after now and Im back to square one - this time, even worse. But thats cause I stopped using Proactiv after 6 month, when I felt my skin looked its best and acne is out my way. Bottomline, proactiv works if you use it consistently and stick with it till...welll, forever. Either way, proactiv gets my two thumbs up :)
January 23, 2012

Pros:

Controlled acne pretty well and that's about it

Cons:

Made face flaky
Made my face irritated
Never really did clear it up

Bottom line is my experience wasn't horrible, it controlled my acne quite well but it never cleared it up. My face always felt dry but never dirty.
January 21, 2012

Pros:

none

Cons:

terrible customer support

I wanted to like this product. It was easy to use and seemed effective for the first month I used it. Then the foam dispensers malfunctioned,instead of foam,it turned to liquid,and sometimes nothing at all. I called customer service and they seemed to think it was my fault and wouldn't fess up that other folks were having the same problem. Eventually they shut down their website and now they say the problem is fixed. But wouldn't you think the company would have notified their former customers and try to make it right with them. The product isn't exactly cheap and I can't remember how many bottles I had to send back,only to have the replacements fail. STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY!!!!!

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.