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
February 15, 2011

Pros:

-Keeps skin clear
-easy to use
-comes in large bottle
-feels great and really works

Cons:

wish it was cheaper!

At the beginning your skin will react to the product making your skin dry and begin to peel. It takes at least 2weeks or more for you to see clearer skin. YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW THE REGIMEN STEP BY STEP. I have been using Dan's regimen for 2years now and love his products. My skin has never felt better and i love putting makeup on it. I do get the occasional blemish but it goes away fast and doesn't bother me like before. I follow the regimen exactly the way Dan suggest and my skin just keeps getting better each time. You must be consistant with his products to see the actual results. Good Luck!
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February 10, 2011

Pros:

-Cheap
-Dries up pimples

Cons:

-BURNSSS
-Makes skin very red

I only use this stuff when I get really bad pimples, because this stuff is hardcore. 10% BP is no joke, but for some reason this stuff seems even more powerful than any other 10% BP I've come across. When I put it on my pimples at night, wake up the next morning it is reddd red red, & this redness will last all day or longer. It will dry up your pimples after a couple of days, but I suggest you use a Q tip when applying it to your pimple so you can put a small dab on, that way the redness will only be a tiny little dot instead of a big one, which can easily happen if you apply with your finger. I can't say I recommend this stuff, because even though it will dry out your pimples, it literally does burn your skin, & has given me chemical burn that is very painful. So be careful with this stuff, start out with very little & see how your skin reacts to it before covering your face in it!
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February 9, 2011

Pros:

There was nothing at that I liked about it.

Cons:

Expensive

I have tried Proactive for years. It has never cleared anything up for me. Maybe it's the type of acne I have idk. The only thing that has helped me is benzaclin gel.
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January 30, 2011

Pros:

-left skin feeling refreshed
-skin feels smooth
-can see some changes very fast

Cons:

-expensive
-doesnt work as fast as i hoped

i am 14 and have had acne since i was about 12. i got so tired of using all the products in the local stores, so i ordered proactiv. many say that it causes dry skin but i have VERY sensitive skin that drys out easily and proactiv didnt dry it out at all! it works pretty good but im not seeing fast results, and im using the product as instructions say to. this morning i woke up with ANOTHER blemish. i will continue using this product,and hope it works faster. i recommend it, it will probably work well for you.
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January 7, 2011

Pros:

Reduces acne and leaves skin soft

Cons:

Dries out skin in certain areas if you use too much of the lotion, expensive and bleaches towels, face cloths and pillow cases.

I've been battling mild to moderate acne for as long as I can remember. I'm 28 and my skin was fine for a while, just the odd pimple now and then. But all of a sudden I started to break out these last few months really badly. I remember Proactiv working wonders for me as a teenager so I thought I would try it again. I'm on month number three and I've definitely seen an improvement. It has reduced my acne by a lot. I'd say my best advice with this product is to be patient with it. It doesn't work right away, infact my acne flared up a lot at first. But as the weeks have passed it has gotten better and even people I know have told me that. My best advice is to use the product twice a day. I use a smaller amount in the morning just so that my face won't dry out during the day, and a larger amount at night. For instance a dime size of cleanser in the morning, followed by best judgement of toner, then really small amount of lotion. And at night, I use about twice that. Everyone's skin is different (I have the combination oily skin) but hey, it might work for you as well.
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January 3, 2011

Pros:

liked the refining mask

Cons:

harsh
expensive
dried out skin
didn't work

At the time I tried proactiv I had horrible skin. It didn't work too well and dried out my skin. I believe that when I stopped using it, it made my skin even worse. It was extremely frustrating and was too harsh for my sensitive skin. The isolaz treatment really helped my skin from the damage caused by proactiv. I wouldn't recommend it but everyones skin is different. Proactiv wasn't the right treatment for me..
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December 9, 2010

Pros:

-next to none..

Cons:

-dried out my skin too much.
-broke me out to "deep clean my skin"
-no beuno

It just irritated my skin and made me feel stiff in the face, It ruined my week. :(
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December 8, 2010

Pros:

Clears acne
keeps pimples from forming

Cons:

Easier to sunburn

This product will save your life. I have many blackheads and am prone to cystic acne and this product helps all of those things. I was so depressed over my acne and I literally tried every product out there and spent ridiculous amounts of money. Finding this was the best thing that ever happened to me. My skin cleared so fast and I never have breakouts anymore and on the rare occasion that I do, BP clears it up overnight. Anyone struggling with acne NEEDS to try this. It is affordable and works miracles.
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November 30, 2010

Pros:

Feels good on

Cons:

Didn't clear up acne
Made acne worse
Hurt
Poor costumer service

I have bad acne and scars on my cheeks, and light acne elsewhere. After trying $400 prescription treatments with no results, I finally decided to try Proactiv. I figured if so many celebrities and regular people loved it that it must be good. I went in with a good attitude and was absolutely convinced that positive thinking and a good treatment would finally clear up my acne. I was wrong. Initially, it's feels very good. But after a few days I started to notice a lot of irritation. I know that there's usually a two week "detox" that you have to go through, so I waited and waited. After almost two months I was still getting extremely painful lumps on my cheeks and irregular acne everywhere else. I think Proactiv may work for some people, just not me. I know that costumer service really doesn't make much of a difference, but when I took it back to the kiosk where I bought it the lady tried to fight with me. She said I hadn't used it long enough and I had a reaction to benzoyl peroxide, which I've been using since the age of 11 with no side effects. Overall, a bad choice.
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November 18, 2010

Pros:

-Went on my skin very smooth
-Doesn't burn like most benzoyl peroxide
-Feels great
-No residue
-Smells normal
-Large tube

Cons:

none at this time i only have been using this a day so i can't comment how it clears me up but it went on great, because its a gel i have no residue, and I CANT even feel i have it on my skin

I've tried SEVERAL different benzoyl peroxides and this is hands down the best. I can't believe that it leaves ZERO residue what so ever and i can put it on without being self concious about wearing cream. It's very light and i can't even feel i have it on
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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.