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 7, 2009

Pros:

It worked very well with my acne prone skin.

Cons:

My skin felt tight the first two days.

I had small pimples under my chin and cheeks. It eliminated those pimples in 3 days. Now my skin is clear. It also help keep my skin even. I used to have oily skin but not anymore.
May 6, 2009

Pros:

-

Cons:

I broke out into a massive rash on my forehead after using Clearasil ultra. It got worse and worse until my eyes wouldnt open and i ended up in the emergency room. They ended up on IV antibiotics and steriods. i wrote in but they ignored it!

IT IS A DANGEROUS PRODUCT AND IF ANYTHING DOES GO WRONG THEY WRITE BACK TO YOU A FEW TIMES THEN JUST IGNORE YOUR FINAL RESPONSES AND NOTHING GETS DONE!
May 6, 2009

Pros:

Reduced inflammation from existing acne, more even-toned complexion, visible reduction in pore size

Cons:

Makes your skin tight and dry if you overdo it

Personally, this product worked from the very 1st time I washed my face. Immediately smoother skin was revealed from the exfoliant beads in the cleanser. 1/2 hour after I washed my skin, the swelling of 2 cysts had gone down significantly...enough to where I could cover them up without them hurting. Yay! The toner feels soothing & the repairing lotion is great IF you use a very small amount. I'm talking tiny...barely enough to leave a thin film. The only problem I had with the system is the drying and tight feeling. That's easily remedied by cutting down your cleansing time & applying less pressure when washing (but don't wash for any less than a minute!) I'm serious. Something about cutting down the wash time too much makes this product ineffective.. I find that using small, gentle, circular motions work best. I recommend avoiding the Oil Free Moisture with SPF 15 if skin is cracked or dry as it tends to sting...OUCH! Otherwise, it's a great addition to the kit!
April 23, 2009

Pros:

I developed acne in my mid forties, this products really works!

Cons:

It totally ruins my wash clothes and stains my pillow cases? Does anyone know of another product that doesn't bleach everything out?

Definetly works on the acne. Weigh the pros and cons of the bleaching fabrics.
April 21, 2009

Pros:

It really works!

Cons:

May cause a "flare" when first using. Be persistent, give it time, don't use other products. After about 1 month or so it will clear up your acne.

I've had acne for over 45 years. Yep. It isn't completely gone -- I'll get the occasional bump here and there. However, Carley's Clear and Smooth and the other Carley's products (moisturizer and anti-aging cream for acne-prone skin) have made a real difference for me. Also, I switched to mineral makeup. I'll keep using Carley's!
April 20, 2009

Pros:

gets rid of pimples FAST, wearable under makeup, doesn´t sting or hurt, for me ZERO side effects

Cons:

none

most effective product i have ever used, affordable. my skin looks clearer and i have only used it for a week!!!
April 15, 2009

Pros:

Clears up existing pimples.

Cons:

Does NOT prevent breakouts, nor does it prevent future acne.

I've tried this product for about 3 weeks, and I have gotten more pimples that I've started out with! I've started small, and gradually used more, but I still breakout. What's worse is my acne was light before, and now its severe! The cream dries my skin very quickly, and it irritates my skin. Though it might be because I'm not using a proper moisturizer(mines irritates my skin when its mixed with Neutrogena). You can try this product and see how well it is. Personally, it'd help if you have 1-2 pimples, but certainly not many.I'm going to try Dan's products and see how well his does. RECOMMENDING ONLY FOR LIGHT PIMPLES!
April 12, 2009

Pros:

Clears up acne FAST.

Cons:

Can cause mild dryness.

After buying the Acnefree Terminator as a spot treatment, it worked so great I decided to try the AcneFree Sensitive Skin formula. It cleared up my skin right away. During the three weeks I've been using it, I have only gotten two very tiny premenstrual pimples and even those cleared up overnight. It can cause some mild dryness, but that is easily fixed with a little hypoallergenic mosturizer. I'm completely satisfied with this product.
April 11, 2009

Pros:

can't think of any

Cons:

Harsh, bleachy, and drying. I'm convinced now that it made my acne worse.

I used this product from the time that I was 13 to 23 years old because I started to have pretty bad acne and my mom had me start using it. I stayed with it for a long time because I believed that if I stopped using it my skin would get worse. Finally a few years ago someone convinced me to try more gentle products. First I switched to Aveeno and things got a lot better, then I switched to Burts Bees and I'm amazed to find out that I now have clear skin. Like magic. I'm aware that everyone's skin is different. My skin is sensitive and a little on the dry side. If you aren't getting anywhere with products with Benzoil Perozide then I strongly recommend trying something more natural because it's probably irritating your skin. The BP and bleach in Proactive is harmful and not worth it. My sister still uses it and she has terrible acne but I'm convinced that if she just tries something more nourishing and less drying she'll be a lot clearer. I think I almost have her
April 9, 2009

Pros:

Rather inexpensive compared to other treatments for acne.
Don't need a prescription.

Cons:

Benzol Peroxide (Proactiv's active ingredient) is extremely harsh and irritating.

Not recommended. I had moderate acne only along my jawline. Not only did Proactiv fail to clear it up, but caused smaller red pimples all over my face, much like a rash.

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.