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
December 30, 2008

Pros:

Works well

Cons:

At first it kinda dried up my skin but after a few days, i saw great improvements.

I started using this and it just dried up my skin making it itchy but i told my self i am still going to try putting it on. So days have passed and I saw GREAT IMPROVEMENTS! My skin feels soft,You can't even notice no pimples on my face...But i have sensitive skin so i get a little bit of itchiness when i go out with the sun on my face..But i know i should put on sunscreen. I
December 28, 2008

Pros:

It clears you skin and leaves it clear!

Cons:

It kinda dries ur skin, so use moister.

It works really good.
December 28, 2008

Pros:

I tried it 2 days ago and yet I have beautiful skin, but not totally clear, but I really recommend it!

Cons:

none

Well if you have skin irratations your not supposed to use it but if you dont I recommend you try it. It makes your skin kinda dry after use but that shows your skin if cleansed. I think it is good for people 10+. I love this product!
December 28, 2008

Pros:

Works Great for acne! Makes pimples last only a couple days.

Cons:

Red marks are left longer then if you would have not put anything on it.

Works great for acne, but it is a little harsh on you skin. Red Marks will also be noticable and last longer. Great that the 2.5% works so great.
December 24, 2008

Pros:

it cleared up my pimples well when i started using it for a bad breakout after i stopped using proactiv

Cons:

when i stopped it cold turkey because it was a bit drying and then i broke out like crazy a couple weeks after.

i am back on benzac after stopping it and i am slowly recovering from stopping it coldturkey. hopefully it clears up all the way like it was when i was first on it!
December 23, 2008

Pros:

cleared up some acne.

Cons:

Didn't do wht it said it was supposed to. Dryed out skin.

This product doesn't work very well. My skin is always very dry and it bleaches everything. It does help a little bit, but I am looking for something different to try.
December 22, 2008

Pros:

Clears up skin overnight. Reduces acne very much.

Cons:

Dries skin a lil bit

I use it every night. I put a lot on and it reduces the size of my acne very much. It also seems to be helping with my scars. Doesnt dry my skin as much as other products
December 21, 2008

Pros:

cheap (not inexpensive, CHEAP!)

Cons:

DON'T BUY! My wife’s face is swollen and chemically burned to the point that she can barely open her eyes even after a day of cold packs and antihistamines. We are seeking medical assistance today. I wish she’d researched the product first.

Contains Benzoyl Peroxide, which has a high rate of drying and irritation effects Does not contain Salicylic Acid, Silicol Dioxide or other known anti-acne ingredients
December 20, 2008

Pros:

I am still waiting for dan's gel to arrive so I bought this In the meantime. It seems to work well! Doesn't dry any more than dan's does and it goes on clear and doesn't clump with make-up. Tip for those of you who wear make up, pick up the body shop

Cons:

It's a bit thicker than dan's and therefore a bit harder to spread on. Also,a smaller container. I think I've been using a lot less than dan's.

I'd recommend it. For those of you who say it's drying, you really have to start slow. This drying effect happened to me with dan's gel when I started using it. It's just the way bp works. But once you've experimented with what threshold your skin can take, you'll settle in to a routine and it'll work great!
December 18, 2008

Pros:

Good for slight breakouts.

Cons:

Not for use with moderate to severe acne.

The stars you see on the commercials endorsing this product did not have acne. They had BLEMISHES from having to wear heavy make up all the time. Pro-active is probably a good product for mild to light acne. However, if you have moderate to severe, its not going to work very well for you.

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.