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
November 6, 2009

Pros:

works like a charm! Acne is practically gone (only occurs for PMS), and my large pores are WAY diminished. Evens skintone and helps buff away old acne scars too. Plus, it's all natural, so I know I don't have to worry about long-term side effects.

Cons:

Nothing, really. On a totally superficial level, maybe prettier packing would be nice.

Nothing tops this! I made the mistake of trying to find something better (and of course, more expensive!) , but NOTHING I have tried has even come close. This is it for me, and if you're thinking of renewing the search, I warn you; you'll be hard-pressed to find anything more effective.
November 5, 2009

Pros:

*Works Well When You First Start Using it.
*Keeps Acne Under Control
*Cheaper Than Other Acne Removal Methods.

Cons:

-Never Completley Gets Rid Of Acne/Acne Comes Back, Not A Long term Solution.
-Get Very Dry Skin/Itchy
-Affectiveness Decreases Over time

It Will Help You, But If You Want A Long term Solution Look Into Something Else. Plus Once You Use It For Awhile It Doesnt Work Very well Anymore. ***Important! Leave It On for 2 Mins At Least. It Will Dry Out the Skin But it Is the Only Way it Will really Work.
November 3, 2009

Pros:

Clears up acne; smooths skin; evens skin tone.

Cons:

It's expensive and I go through it quickly.

Clinique Acne Solutions works well for me, but I need to switch some things up to get the best results. Instead of using the medicated moisturizer that comes with the Acne Solutions kit, I use Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. It's oil-free, light-weight, and it absorbs quickly. This gel has never made me break out or experience flaky skin, as some oil-free moisturizers do. The Acne Solutions cleansing foam and clarifying lotion (toner) do wonders for my skin when I use them consistently twice a day. My only complaint it that the bottles are rather small and I go through the products quite quickly, meaning I have to pay almost $30 a month for skincare (I need to replace the moisturizer far less often.) I love this system; it just needed a few personal touches.
November 3, 2009

Pros:

Great product for a fraction of the cost of others out there.

Cons:

I wish Kukui did not smell like lavender. Love Kukui but sometimes the fragrance gets to me. Have just switched to EV coconut, but like the benefits of Kukui together.

My whole family LOVES your products. We live in south FL but our son is going to school in MN where he is already suffering dry skin. He is running out of your soap and when I suggested he buy something else to tide him over until I could get some to him I thought he was going to have a cow! That will teach him to plan better, lol. Thank you for making a great product. Someone sent me a whole sampler of Dr. Denese (sp?) products that made my 55 year old face break out! I doubt I will ever stray again!
November 3, 2009

Pros:

Cheap, Pills have no taste

Cons:

Pills didn't do anything and the cream was too harsh for my skin

I've recently developed the worst acne I've ever had in my entire life. I used to have perfect skin but now at 21 I have the skin of a 13 year old. It's definitely something internal because even my back has started to break out a bit. I tried the entire month's supply of the pills and it didn't do anything. At least they tasted ok, kind of chalky with a hint of sweetness. The cream was way too harsh on my skin, I get better results from my ProActiv BP gel.
October 31, 2009

Pros:

It cleared up my acne.

Cons:

This product gave me an allergic reaction which eventually ended in a trip to the doctor. I looked like a blimp...but I didn't have acne!!

Use with caution! I thnik it's important for me to note that I was using the version for sensitive skin.
October 31, 2009

Pros:

As a sun loving red-head, I have reeked havoc on my skin over my 55 years. Within days of using the soap and kukui nut lotion my skin was amazingly soft and smooth, my friends have started asking what I am using on my skin. I am HOOKED!

Cons:

ABSOLUTELY NO CONS!!!!!!!

For over 20 years I have used NOTHING but Lancome skin care products on my face and body. I was extremely skeptical and quite the snob, how could Carley's be as good as Lancome?? Well, after reading all the testimonials and looking at and feeling the dry patches of skin on my chest, shoulders and legs I decided what the heck, after all, it was relatively cheap compared to the cost of my Lancome. I started off with the soap and in that shipment they included samples of kukui nut lotion and night time moisturizer. Within days there was a noticeable improvement in the texture and suppleness of my skin (face and body). The following week I ordered the entire Carley's line (it cost less than ONE jar of my Lancome Absolut facial moisturizer) and my skin looks and feels wonderful. I am hooked on Carley's and can't imagine using anything else. What more can I say, Carley's skin care line is AWESOME!
October 26, 2009

Pros:

Clears up acne, typical 3 step program, be patient and you will see reults!

Cons:

Dries out skin (certain areas on my face)

Cleared up my skin- I had a really bad breakouts all over my cheeks and now they are clear again. I purchased the AcneFree Green Tee moisturizer separately and I am happy with the AcneFree products, it's only been a week of use but so far so good. I have followed using it 2 steps a day, with acidophilus, zinc, vitamin c, fish oil supplements.
October 20, 2009

Pros:

Works wonders, no more painful cysts, if I do get the odd spot it is tiny and clears within 24 hours. I have been using it for years, I tried not using it for a while and my skin was horrendous, now I never stop using it. In the shower every morning

Cons:

The shipping costs to the UK are pretty steep but not a lot can be done about that unfortunately!

It does take about a month for it to start working and your skin will get worse before it gets better because it drags all the crap out. In the long run it is well worth it. I use the industrial strength one, even though my acne wasn't that bad, I just found that the regular one didn't work. I love this stuff!
October 19, 2009

Pros:

It works for the first week or so but then its like youre not even washing your face anymore.

Cons:

it dries out your skin SOOOOOOOOO much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and does not work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dont waste your time on this!!

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.