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
April 18, 2008

Cons:

all it did was give my friends acne i really dont think it works at all...and my other friends that used it, it did NOTHING!

just dont get it
April 17, 2008

Pros:

Helps keep acne (only) somewhat tolerable. The ONE thing that I really like about Proactiv is the refining mask.

Cons:

Doesn't take care of acne, just helps a little. Noticing puffiness around my eyes, heard that benzoyl peroxide has recently been said to age the skin! CAN'T just order refining mask, you have to buy the 3 step stuff. A bit too pricey.

My skin often still breaks out, & when that happens I'm wondering if it's because of Proactiv. It messes with the PH level of my skin, making it either too oily or too dry or a bad combo of both (and I use the proper recommended amount, and have also tried paying special attention by using less or more of one thing or the other). I've been using this for over a year, only because I thought it was the only thing that would at least keep my acne somewhat down, until I stopped using Proactiv & started experimenting with other products about 1 1/2 weeks ago. I'm seriously considering stopping my business with Proactiv. It's overrated.
April 15, 2008

Pros:

This product got rid of the majority of the Acne I had. Thats the only good part.

Cons:

It dried out my face so much, I used Bath and Body Lotion just to get my face to normal (not including acne). The Toner (blue stuff) really burned, and the lotion they gave me was no good whatsoever. It took awhile to get back to normal.

I would not really recommend this product to anyone. My friend uses it and thinks its amazing but she still has acne on her face and its been a couple months for her. I used it for a couple of weeks and I hated the burning sensation from the Toner and the Lotion did no good. I also hated it when people really made fun of me because my face was so dried out. I stopped using it about a month or so ago and now my face is not dried out it just still has a little acne (I never had a lot to begin with but I didn't want the big red dots on my face, smaller would be nice) So I am about ready to give up, I need to try something else out.
April 14, 2008

Pros:

like someone said it works on mild acne like where you have very very very little.

Cons:

For me it had huge cons. To this day I regret using this product, instead of clearing the acne it produced scars on zits were.

I don't really recommend it. It didn't help it just made it worse. The only reason why I'm still using it is because I paid way too much to just throw it away, but I learned my lesson and never agaim will I use it.
April 13, 2008

Pros:

The pill doesn't taste like anything . . . fairly easy to treat, made my back acne go away

Cons:

cream stings my eyes, pills don't work for me

The pills worked really well for a friend of mine, but for me it made my skin purge like CRAZY it made about 3 of my cystic acne that I'd had for a few weeks surface. I started breaking out all along my temples and my cheeks, areas which I've never had pimples on before. I started to think it was just one of those things were it gets worse before it gets better but it had been over a month and a half and nothing was getting any better and I started discovering several reviews saying how it would work for a good six months and then their acne would come back . . . with rage. . . so I decided to stop. After I stopped I've been breaking out constantly . . . cystically, I'm 20 years old and I'm getting acne that's worse than what I had during my prime puberty years. I have a Derm appointment in two weeks
April 13, 2008

Pros:

My face is clearer.. my skin tone is now even. the product is gentle and soft on the face (any i have sensitive skin). I wouldn't however recommend people to get high hopes about the product clearing your face if you have pimples literally everywhere

Cons:

DON'T STOP USING IT... I had a kidney infection and i couldn't use the product for a week. It was HORRIBLE.!

When I first saw proactiv I said to myself "Why on earth don't I have this product"? I went to a kiosk at my shopping centre (mall for the americans) and after a few days everyone who talked to me noticed results! Mind you I don't have acne (well on my chin there is) but it worked great. I would also like to say that I know that a lot of you guys who have problems with the product but I doubt half of you did a PATCH TEST!! to check if you had problems with the product before you started using it. it clearly asks you to in the booklet "face the facts". Anyway, I'm happy with the product and I didn't find it expensive.
April 10, 2008

Pros:

U CAN SEE RESULTS IN THE FIRST DAY.

Cons:

U HAVE TO BE CONSISTANT WITH IT AND FOLLOW ALL 3 STEPS ALONG WITH A MOISTURIZER.

I DONT HAVE ACNE BUT I HAD A FEW PIMPLES ABOUT 5 ON MY CHEEK, I HAVE TRIED MANY PRODUCTS FROM DRUGSTORE PRODUCTS LIKE CLEAN AND CLEAR TO VERY EXPENSIVE PRODUCTS LIKE DERMALOGICA. PROACTIVE IS THE ONLY PRODUCT THAT ACTUALLY WORKED! =)
April 10, 2008

Pros:

Easy to use

Cons:

I could only give this product 4 weeks. My skin broke out in a rash all over my forehead and after discontinuing use, which was about a week ago I still have this rash. Also,my acne became severe, all over my cheeks.

I realize this product has worked really well for lots of people, I just wasn't one of the lucky ones. It might work for you though.
April 10, 2008

Pros:

I hope it works. Bought it from Dollar General.

Cons:

Dries

Hope it works.
April 5, 2008

Pros:

works well

Cons:

bleaches clothing

This works very well use twice or three times a day. Just do not get it on clothing it will bleach

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.