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
December 13, 2009

Pros:

The Clarifying Lotion and the moistuizer do work on occasional red and painful acne (but thats about it).

Cons:

The first step does not work at all. You have to use a lot of product to see results. If you don't use it two times a day it does not work. At all. My face seems to have gotten more oily since I began using this product. Bad on black/white heads.

I would recommend this product to anyone who occasionaly gets that red painful acne. I would not recommend this to anyone who barely has any acne, only had white heads or black heads, anyone who has dry skin, or if you have really bad acne. Since the first step is horrible (i've tried both the bar soap and the foam and neither of them work well) I experimented and discovered they didn't work because they have no texture. I now combine Clinque's 7-Day Scrub and their Liquid Soap for type 2 skin and then use the Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion and the moisturizer.
December 8, 2009

Pros:

Worked very well. Results literally within 2 days of 2x a day use.

Cons:

Made my face burn, dry up, and peel. Discontinued a week ago, face is still peeling and/or dry in most places

Works great if it doesnt irritate your skin.
December 5, 2009

Pros:

For about two days, your skin feels incredibly smooth and clean.

Cons:

Then it hits you. You will have MORE breakouts than ever. It BURNS after a couple days, you get the worst acne of your entire life, you get acne all over your face, even where you've never had it before. It stinks and requires 3/4 steps twice a day.

If you are looking to be a grotesque, slimy, pimply monster for halloween, then this might be the product for you. That is the result you will get within 3 days. This was a terrible waste of money because I paid like $30 to burn and pimple my skin. You get terrible, painful, infected pimples like you've never had before. DO NOT try it, even if you are given it for free. It wrecks your skin terribly. I now have to spend weeks trying to get rid of the mess proactiv has made on my face. I stuck it out for about three weeks, doing the treatments twice daily, trying to keep faith, but it eventually hurt so bad I had to give up. DO NOT listen to Jessica Simpson, this easily qualifies as the WORST thing I have ever bought.
December 4, 2009

Pros:

extra bottle of cleanser, makes you feel very clean
a BIG decrease of outbreaks, gets rid of red marks/scarring
severe works better even if your acne isnt severe, takes about 5 days to start working then keeps working, its great

Cons:

it doesnt get rid of EVERY pimple, but most of them. sometimes it stings. sometimes dry skin on my chin but i just use a lotion about 10 minutes after putting on step 3/4. you also need to use all 3 steps twice a day and it kinda gets annoying....

its made my acne sooo much better, i hardly go to wal mart but acnefree severe is about $30 at a drug store but at wal mart its $15 plus a extra bottle of cleanser. it helps and gets rid of pimples, small and big, and helps tone scars and red marks. it also doesnt leave scars as it gets rid of the pimple. also i break out ALOT less. it actually works better than proactive so get it!
December 1, 2009

Pros:

I don't have any pros for this product! It makes your eyes burn!

Cons:

Bought this over the summer of 09 because my forehead would get really oily and break out due to the humidity and was very dissatisfied. The product smells absolutely horribe! Like eveyone says it burns your skin and turns it red!

Product does not work for me! My skin broke out even more and became irritated. Plus I was billed 3 months later and mailed a second package without my knowledge.
November 27, 2009

Pros:

smells good easy to use and lasts awhile

Cons:

when i first started using it it dried out my skin. and it stoped working as well after a couple months

i wouldnt buuy it becase it was working then it stopped working as well and just made it worse
November 20, 2009

Pros:

it clears the red blemish's i had and minimized the size of the pimples

Cons:

drys out my skin and that is bad seeing as how i already had dry skin and im exremly itchy!

im going to keep using it to see if i can get used to it seeing how ive only had it 4 a total of 3 days wish me luck
November 12, 2009

Pros:

clears up acne ALOT. almost 100%

Cons:

dries out my face soooooo bad! allergic reactions too?!?!?!

so this stuff will def clear up your acne. its better than proactive cause the benyol peroxide is time released or somthing like that. it works very fast too. it cleared my face in like a week. but its been years since i used this product cause the first step, which is the face wash, dried out my face super dupper bad! like REALLY bad. my face was so stiff and my skin was like chemically burned and it was cracking! and im not allergic to benzoyl peroxide so it must have been some other type of ingredient in there that i was allergic too. i really want to try it again though cause my acne is so bad right now and that was the only pruduct that cleared up my face 100%
November 9, 2009

Pros:

Affordable

Cons:

i've been using it for almost 2 weeks and my face still looks the same. im starting 2 think it doesnt work.

Not Fast Enough..
November 7, 2009

Pros:

very sleek packaging, clear instructions

Cons:

the smell is terrible (especially the toner), and it makes my acne appear more red after use.

i just bought the three step, plus the extra acne spot treatment. to say the least, the cleanser and toner (step one and two) both cleanse beautifully. the lotion is brilliant as well. however, the spot treatment leaves my acne looking REALLY RED afterwards, and it also leaves my scars red as well. i have only had this product for two days, my skin that does not have acne, but was dry before, is moistruized and soft. i might subsititue the spot treatment for something else less harsh. i paid extra since i dont live in america(:

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.