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
October 2, 2008

Pros:

Works great for acne! Six words: Use it, use it, use it. All teenagers out there from high to light acne by it! It works great!

Cons:

Dries out a little,so use a moisturizer, (you should've been using one anyway :P)and bleaches towels, so use white ones.

For perfect skin like mine. Use it.
September 30, 2008

Pros:

it reduces redness, and treats/prevents acne very well

Cons:

it smells kind of bad, but you get used to it =)

i have had acne for a year now and nothing worked except for this. i use this every night before bed and when i wake up the redness is practically gone! it made my skin smooth and i have a reduced amount of pimples. if you are suffering from acne try oxy.
September 27, 2008

Pros:

Um....

Cons:

Made my face incredibly oily with the worst breakouts I have had in years.

I have mild acne with occasions bad break outs. Unlike many people, I found that the repairing lotion made my skin very oily. I can't remember the last time my skin felt this bad. Of course, when trying to cancel my account, the rep treated me to a lecture about how I need to wait for it to work because of my "cycle of acne". Isn't the whole point to break the cycle???
September 26, 2008

Pros:

Works quickly, no smell, clears up skin

Cons:

Dries out skin a lot. Even with moisturizer, my skin looked a little scaly

I broke out and reached the lowest point of my skin quality. I was so incredibly depressed and I didn't even want to talk to people and I'd cover up my mouth when I spoke so people wouldn't look at my chin. I started using this and within 2 days I saw results; the pimples were slowly fading away. Within a week, my skin was noticeably smoother with very few bumps. It dried out my skin like crazy, but my skin became a little used to its drying nature, so it's not as bad anymore. Just try it- you have asolutely nothing to lose!
September 25, 2008

Pros:

This product is very good. My face always breaks out around my mouth and acne free took care of it all! My face is so smooth and I finally feel confident. I highly recommend!

IT WORKS!
September 25, 2008

Pros:

Price. I purchased my kit at Ulta (19.99) and used their $3.50 off coupon, so it was SUPER cheap. Great oil control, unlike Proactive. Terminator 10 (sold separately) worked very well for "spot treatments"

Cons:

Did not help or prevent acne. If anything, I broke out MORE and my skin developed white heads (which I had never had before!)

You get what you pay for!
September 23, 2008

Pros:

didn't dry my skin, can wear under moisturizer & makeup

Cons:

a little pricey for size, didn't work that well

i had been using a 10% bp product and it was drying my skin too much, so i wanted to try the acne.org lesser % bp product, but before spending too much money i went for the alternative on-the-spot cream at the drug store for a trial run. after switching i got some more big under-the-skin pimples and some whiteheads. didn't seem to be working enough. i switched back to 10% at night but do use it sometimes in the morning under moisturizer and makeup.
September 21, 2008

Pros:

It totally works, and it prevents break outs

Cons:

Makes my skin a little oily

It's a great product. It's expensive, but worth the price.
September 19, 2008

Pros:

Eliminates nearly all acne on my face. Great consistency and price.

Cons:

If you sweat a lot, it'll carry down your neck and start to bleach your shirt.

This treatment really is a God-send. I'm not really sure what I'd do without it. It has greatly restored my confidence.
September 18, 2008

Pros:

nice packaging, very light, amazing...at first

Cons:

EVERYTHING BESIDES THE PROS!

I tried this product when I ran out of my Garnier Pure SOS anti-blemish pen. BIG MISTAKE! Firstly, this thing was EXPENSIVE. I paid around 14 bucks. I ASSUMED it would work based on the price, but I was SOOO wrong. So I tried this when I got home. I washed my face with my Spectro Jel for combination skin, put this stuff on my forehead, nose, little bit of my left cheek and chin. (The directions say to put it all over the infected area) I followed up with my avon maximum moisture gel (which is FABULOUS, by the way) and went to bed. Next day, I woke up and my face looked alot better. I continued this routine at night and after a couple of days...BAM! The product showed its true colours. Ok, heres the lowdown. - My forehead was AMAZING! It did wonders! I only had scars left, but I'm working on those... -My left cheek was nearly gone (mind you I only had like 3 pimples there, but still...) -MY CHIN AND NOSE WERE DISGUSTING! I had HUGE zits! About 12 altogether!

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.