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
September 19, 2009

Pros:

Very good price

Cons:

Red marks!!!
Lots of little pimples
Makes face VERY red

not a good product. i had decent skin before using this (a few pimples here and there) and after a week of using this product, my face was covered in red patches and pimples. not at all satisfied
September 17, 2009

Pros:

Have used for over 3 years now; great product, natural ingredients, non-irritating

Cons:

none

Use the natural soap as shaving cream too; face has never been better. Repeat customer for several years, speaks for itself
September 13, 2009

Pros:

It helps for like the first 3 or 4 days -__-

Cons:

IT DRIED MY SKIN OUT LIKE CRAZY! I stopped for a while and decided to try it again but it just dried my skin out! especially the toner. So i stopped using that. The foam cleanser just dries out my face even more. I dont even know what to do now.

DRIES OUT YOUR SKIN AND MAKES YOU BREAK OUT MORE. I guess it doesnt happen to everyone so it can work on others.
September 13, 2009

Pros:

3 Easy steps, free spot treatment with box purchase!

Cons:

Took away a few pimples, but overall BURNT the first layer of skin off my face. I had waaay dry skin around my cheekcs and nose for a week after I STOPPED using this.

The cleanser is nice and mild, doesn't hurt. The toner feels fresh and clean, but you can tell it's really working. The Lotions BURNS! its not even a lotion, it's a time released benzoyl peroxide cream, therefore, your face never really gets moisturized. When I put the lotion on my face, it instantly hurt. Within 15 minutes my cheeks were red and inflammed. This is a product that you should not use if you have mild/moderate acne. It is made of cheap chemicals that basically take the easy, unhealthy route to clearing your skin. However, the spot treatement works miracles, I put it on at night and it takes away the swelling and redness. I only used this product for about a week and a half, day and night (as directed on box). Be careful of scarring.
September 6, 2009

Pros:

I got it to help the pimples on the right side of my face & the redness went away as well as the size of the pimple.

Cons:

This product cost me more than I paid for it! The entire right side of my face swelled up where I used the cream, severe irritation.

If you have an idea that your skin is already sensitive, no matter how incredible the brand name of Clearasil is, pass on this product!!!! I don't recommend this product if you aren't sure of your skin type. The company listed all of the '' When using this product'' taboo but it came to pass with me so I can't recommend it.
August 31, 2009
This stuff is AWESOME!!!! I don't know what i'm gonna do when you retire Dan! I'm already worried about that! :)
August 31, 2009

Pros:

It left my skin almost acne free. This ONLY LASTED 2 weeks.
After 2 weeks, my acne returned the exact same way it was before.

Cons:

Only temporary benefits.

It depends on your skin type. I have VERY oily skin, mostly white heads on all my face. I am also very sensitive. So the product made me bright red after using the night mask. I kept on using it in hopes of giving the product a chance to work. But Nope.... It did not get better.
August 31, 2009

Pros:

Within a couple of days of using this product I had no new spots forming and the old ones had begun to fade so it worked very quickly

Cons:

It dries the skin and used it morning and evening for three days and woke up in the morning with a VERY puffed up face. It said on the leaflet that it can cause temporary facial swelling though and I wasn't going out that day for which I'm very glad.

The product definitely works, but if you only have mild to moderate acne then be careful that you don't use too much. I think once every other night will be enough for me as I'm still trying to exfoliate all this dry skin off lol
August 28, 2009

Pros:

Ok pretty much the only pro is the mask that comes with the package it makes most zits go away if used properly (not over using)

Cons:

-only worked for the first week
-missing it once will cause in a HUGE breakout with stinging feeling
-my face is much worse then when i first used it......

-works great the first week but then makes your skin much worse bringing bigger zits and more white and black heads. -huge break outs after using (if missed treatment once) and it pretty much changes your skin. -if you have sensitive skin this is not the treatment for you and if u think proactive is the best sollution cuz u see it on tv u are dead wrong -but hey it works for some people but if u have moderate or mild acne this is NOT for you and i wouldnt throw my money away.
August 26, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my cystic facial acne, and bacne.

Cons:

Bleached towels.

My face never felt dried out and I never used a moisturizer with it. Great if you have oily skin and nothing else works. :)

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.