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
August 25, 2009

Pros:

Awesome product, have light acne probs but being 28 its way past annoying. First used prod today at 3pm, by 630 my three blemishes had noticably reduced, and one hour after applying pm use now are just red areas. I'm elated to find my prob's solution

Cons:

none as of yet. my face tingles a little and might dry a little bit, but well worth it.

I worked for a business called EDS where we did inbound call cs for guthy renkor. In addition to all the other crap, proactive was there number one call for help/service/sales. This product is half the price of proactive, and after all the training I received I was anticipating a notable decrease in my acne around a week. Never would I have guessed this product would do same day care. My only advice to those not getting results like I am is to continue care, using twice daily, every day. I hope everyone is as happy with the product as I am!!!!!
August 23, 2009

Pros:

This really works!!!

Cons:

None that I found so far

I literally just started using this about 2 days ago....It has amazingly reduced my acne and any that may have been forming. I am using the Clearasil (Rapid Clear) one and it has definetly worked so far!! Give it a try....Chances are you've tried everything else right??
August 22, 2009

Pros:

Starts to work shortly after you start the regimen but then stops working and leaves your skin feeling dry.

Cons:

After a couple of weeks it seems like it makes your skin worse. Too drying.

I tried it thinking it would really help. I have dealt with moderate to moderately severe acne issues for about 10 years and was very hopeful with this product line. I continued to use this line because I wanted to give it a fair shot but I am totally disappointed with the results. It has never cleared my skin except for a little at first and I dont know that that was just coincidence or if it was the products. It is very drying and I seem to have more oil production in my T zone area now.
August 21, 2009

Pros:

Have two teenage girls. they love it. I am 56 years old and was having problems with my complexion a few years ago. I started using the Kick *ss and haven't had a problem since. We are never out of it.

Cons:

None.

This is my 6th or 7th bottle. Won't use anything else.
August 17, 2009

Pros:

It really works! My face cleared up.

Cons:

It is drying, so I use a moisturizer with SPF regularly.

Im 14 years old, and my skin type is normal. I started breaking out on my forehead and nose, so I tried Proactiv. It cleared up my skin right away. The first step, the cleanser, is exfoliating and it makes skin feel soft. It has benzoyl peroxide, but not a high amount. The 2nd step, the toner, does not contain benzoyl peroxide and isn't drying. The 3rd step, the repairing lotion, is not moisturizing as it may lead you to believe. The repairing lotion dries out ur skin unfortunately, but it's the most important step. I only use it at night, so now my skin isn't as dry. Just remember that u hv to moisturize with a non-comedogenic and oil-free moisturizer with at least SPF 15 so ur skin is softer and u get sun protection. There are also solutions for sensitive skin and an extra strength formula. U can't go wrong. I've had no problems with it bleaching clothing or towels. My face also hasn't changed colors like ppl hv said (yeah I dont know why ppl wld say that??). Get proactic :)
August 16, 2009

Pros:

Clears up acne, and leaves skin oil free

Cons:

It burns after it sits for awhile

This is without a doubt, the best treatment I have EVER used. I've tried 10 different brands and this one was PERFECT. I was so excited when I saw the results. Honestly.. within the first day it was obvious how well it worked.
August 16, 2009

Pros:

dries up oily skin and big white pimples .

Cons:

some burning , and causes to much redness and inflammation .

works for me ?
August 14, 2009

Pros:

it really works and im black

Cons:

you should buy it

this is better then anything i ever used before
August 14, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my skin
gets rid of pimples and those annoying big bumps that hurt
works relatively fast on little pimples

Cons:

leaves a mark of the pimple. sort of like a scar that goes away after a while, but they tend to leave a 'brown' mark
using it too often (more than 2ce a day) leaves face red and often dry

This product has become a part of my daily skin care routine, and I have to say, it's one of the best acne products I've used. I was surprised to see how fast it worked when I first started using it (little pimples were 'gone' in about 2-3 days). But what I've noticed in the time that I've used it (and maybe this is just me), but when the pimples are 'gone' or the swelling has gone down, they leave a brown ish mark or scar, which takes a while (if ever) to disappear. This might just be me, because I have relatively white skin for an asian girl, and the marks it leaves are really noticeable on my white skin so it makes me angry. But overall, I'd say this works fairly well
August 13, 2009

Pros:

It works really fast and almost clears every trace of acne.

Cons:

It is drying.

I definitely recommend this product. It works great for my skin. But I'd say you'd need moisturizer. I use Aveeno Positively Radiant or Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing gel. (:

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.