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
July 31, 2009

Pros:

It's a shame when one finds a product that works and it afforable, the FDA comes along, finds a problem and snatches it from the public....

Cons:

I can't find it anymore !!!

Wish it would come back.
July 31, 2009

Pros:

Zero

Cons:

It didn't do anything to my skin

This product didn't do anything for my skin but cause breakouts
July 27, 2009

Pros:

Everything about this product is good. it deeply cleanses your pores if you use it as described.

Cons:

Proactiv Solution isnt a product that you use for the first week and your acnes gone; you must be religious with the treatment.

-If you're not a patient person; then this product is NOT for you. -If you arent consistent with washing your face; then this product is NOT for you. [WARNING: THE PROACTIV SOLUTION PRODUCT WORKS ON DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND SEVERITIES DIFFERENTLY THAN OTHERS.] Bottom Line? If you purchase this product; you MUST be religious which means two times a day (morning & night) and if you dont see results at the beginning; just keep in mind that the people that are on the Proactiv commercials have different skin types as yourself. So; your skin may take longer to replenish and reactions to the products ingrediants may vary.
July 25, 2009

Pros:

The price is great beacause the amount of the product you receive lasts a long time. Along with the price, the quality is not comparable by any other products out there.

Cons:

Have not found one yet and don't forsee ever finfing a con.

I wanted to let you know about my results. I have had a slight problem with acne since my I started college in '98. In 2007 I had a miscarriage and my acne went out of control. I went to the web and found a product that was highly praised (not ProActive). I tried it and found out that I was allergic benzoyl peroxide. After that disaster, I sought help with a dermatologist and he got the large issues under control once they came about, but did not help prevent it. Before my acne became a horrible problem I had never worn makeup. After my miscarriage I relied on makeup to help cover up with breakouts and my biggest reason for makeup was to cover the red marks (which my Derm said were mild scars that could take 6 mos -1 yr to go away) left after the acne had passed. I continued with the prescription from my Derm and tried a product from the store with his prescription and I was able to keep myself mildly happy with my complexion. I still wore makeup. When we got pregnant again
July 25, 2009

Pros:

clears acne, no strange chemicals, skin responds well, doesn't dry out skin

Cons:

Relatively short shelf life compared to chemical-laden drugstore brands, but really not a problem

Worth the money. Tried samples accompanying shipment; made me certain I'll buy them in full size! Product I feel good giving my pre-teen to use. He uses the Kick @ss version alternately with the regular one; when his skin looks good, he sticks with the normal strength and when it flares, he goes for the Big Guns to kill stop the acne cold :)
July 24, 2009

Pros:

Works quickly. The past month w/o Duac has been awful for my skin & overnight, this has taken the need to pick away. I used it with a face lotion for sensitive skin. I don't FEEL my acne, if that makes sense.

Cons:

The first time using the cream, it made my eyes water. (Used less this morning and was fine.)

I have struggled with painful acne ever since I got pregnant 14 years ago. It was only two years ago that I got a handle on it using Duac but the doc doesn't take my insurance. I haven't had time to find a new dermatologist and tried AcneFree, which only made things worse. Sores all over my chin, where I NEVER get acne. At 2 boxes for 9.99 at Walgreens, I thought, why not? Nature's Cure is worth a try. I do wonder if the pills are a placebo to get us thinking we're managing things from the inside out but it doesn't matter, it gets the job done.
July 21, 2009

Pros:

Reduced pimples, acne within a few days

Cons:

Drys skin if too much is used

This is the only product i used and it works wonders for me. I can't live without it.
July 19, 2009

Pros:

I've used this off and on for about 3 years and if I use it consistantly is works pretty well. Doesnt clear my acne completely but does decrease my breakouts and the cleanser makes my face feel clean. I read people complaining about the small bottles

Cons:

at first it made my skin extremely red and dry. Also caused a severe burning sensation but this stopped after a week or so of consistant use.

if used consistently it can improve your skin.
July 18, 2009

Pros:

Feels great on skin, clears most pimples, helps to reduce oil

Cons:

Very drying, smells harsh, refining mask fails to perform, does nothing towards blackheads and under-the-skin-red pimples

I've been using Proactiv for nearly a year now, simply because I've found no better alternative, but the fact remains that this product has a lot of undeserved hype. It actually made my acne worse in the way that I can't stop using it for even a couple of nights, or I'll pay for it in the morning. It's also seriously drying and their oil-free moisturizer is horrible (although if you use a different moisturizer, you can combat the drying effectively). Overall, however, it's a reasonably good system. I had pretty bad acne before and now my breakouts aren't severe unless I miss a night. It's no miracle product, though, and it doesn't clear up everything right away.
July 17, 2009

Pros:

clears out most of acne, easy to use

Cons:

dries out some areas, starts and stops working after time, if use is discontinued break out occue ALL over the face even in places where acne was not present before.

It works, I'll give it that. It cleared up most of my acne but only after a few months of constant use. But then, just as acne was about to completely disappear, it stops working and acne grows worse. I've heard when this happens, you're supposed to stop using it for a while and start up again after a week or so. But, for me, that was not the case. I stopped using it and this only made it worse. I broke out all over my face. I mean everywhere! Before Proactiv, I only had acne around my forehead. I now have horrible acne all over my face. I would not recommend because its affectiveness will eventually fade and your acne will be in far worse condition than before.

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.