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
May 20, 2009

Pros:

Great BP gel. Goes on smooth and comes with a very generous amount.

Cons:

None at all!

This stuff works great to clear my skin and is some of the best BP out there.
May 19, 2009

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

Did not work for me, gave it 3 1/2 mths and it broke my severe acne skin out even worse then before.VERY disappointed, but that's my skin, not to say it would not work for you.

everyone's skin is different, I thought it was worth a try but now I know "AcneFree" is not for me.
May 18, 2009

Pros:

cleared up at first

Cons:

made my skin over dry around mouth when I would talk and eat I could feel my skin cracking.
Made my get cystic acne on my chin and bottom side of face

I purchased proactive because a lot of friends have reccomended it, but also some hated it, so I figured it workes differently for everyone. I ordered mine from the shopping channel so proactive memeber ship does not have my credit card number to keep billing me which is a plus. But if you have seen the commercial with Jessica Simpson with her before picture of the acne... that it how my face looked after the product. Deffinately would not reccomend it, I would recommend VICY NORMADERM it comes with the face exfoliating cleansing gell toner and antiimperfecting hydrating care.. 39.99 for everything
May 18, 2009

Pros:

Very little acne, but still the occasional zit

Cons:

My skin IS smoother, but there are still tiny bumps on it and some redness

If you need something that will only slightly improve your acne because you really don't have much or break out every once in a blue moon, I suggest using this product.
May 17, 2009

Pros:

Not to expensive. Works for certain people.

Cons:

Didnt work for me.

I has minimal amount of pimples to begin with. Since using this product i have has more acne than ever before. Alot around the bottom of my chin and side of face. My skin also looks dry and grey. I have rung the call centre and they have advised me to purchase the facial mask aswell (another sales pitch i guess). I recommend people to try it for themselves. Just because i didnt work for me doesnt mean it wont for you. I am really disappointed as now im left with more acne than i started with, but i could work differently for others
May 13, 2009

Pros:

Gets rid of forming acne and existing acne. Lightens Scars. Really helps on giant under the skin zits.

Cons:

Drys out skin, as stated

It gets rid of basically all your acne, you may still have a few bumps but nothing completely gets rid of ALL your acne. I have moderate acne i used this before but when i started using epiduo i broke out with cystic zits I stopped that and started this got rid of my cystic zits in two days. There is no IB with this. I love it. You do need a moisturizer. I use cocoa butter and St. Ives vitamin E lotion.
May 12, 2009

Cons:

I had a billing dispute for $45.90 and was turned over to collections.

Proactive is not a reputable company to do business with. Watch what you are billed for and what they ship to you. It is hard to resolve a billing issue with them
May 11, 2009

Pros:

it really works as benzoyl should work,
skin clearly smooth after washing off
it dries the pimples without any damage to ur skin

Cons:

it itches after using a while
it dries skin, but it could be good for greasy, oily skin people

Good. it works but u can try testing ur skin and asking a dr, b4 using it
May 8, 2009

Pros:

Feels nice to use, and is really light, so easy to put on. Smelt good not overly fragrancy.

Cons:

A little bit irritating after a while. Quite overpriced for what it is.

Worth trying did help a bit but I just wasnt very consistant with it.
May 8, 2009

Pros:

Works well, simple to use, cheaper, and at least as effective as any other things I have used, including Pro Active. Shipping is fast and customer service is excellent.Not a huge corporation. Shelf life of about a year. I depend on this product!

Cons:

Will bleach some fabrics, like any BP treatment.

A great, more down to earth, less chemically product, supplied by truly great folks who really care about their customers, and will do what it takes to ensure satisfaction. Very effective, yet economical. I can't say enough good things about them.

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.