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
June 24, 2007

Pros:

The benzoyl peroxide lotion is gentle enough to use every day, and has a nicer texture than other BP products out there.

Cons:

Overall, PROACTIV didn't really help my skin. After using it for 5 weeks, I was still breaking out - maybe even more than usual. I was getting even more breakouts of smaller pimples all over my chin and jawline. Bigger pimples were also still there.

Do not waste your money on these products! PROACTIV is way too expensive, and the toner & cleanser are basically useless. If you're not going to visit the dermatologist yet, try other over-the-counter acne medications before you try PROACTIV. In all the cases I've heard (over 10!) it didn't work at all, even with people who used it for over 3 months.
June 9, 2007

Pros:

Very effective, the best acne product ever and very affordable, fries up acne very fast!!!!!!!!!!

Cons:

This thing rele works.

USE it 10% benzoil peroxide can rele help your acne...
May 24, 2007

Pros:

My skin felt clean and cool after using. I also think the price is not that bad.

Cons:

I used it for about two months and I had to stop using it because my skin was so dry and it looked like I had patches over my face. I even tried using moisturizer but it still did not help. That's how dry my face was.

I think it is a good product and that if it was not for the dryness, the product probably would have worked better in my case.
May 22, 2007

Pros:

Keeps skin from getting oily

Cons:

Expensive, and you have to use a LOT of it for it to work. Also doesn't seem to go on as invisible as the regimen gel.

Well the bottom line is, it keeps my severe (yes, severe as in cystic) acne under control better than any prescription I've used (never been on accutane though). When used with the regimen it is nearly a miracle. I like the Neutrogena better than the regimen gel, but that is probably because I have oily skin, if your skin is normal or dry then the regimen gel may be better.
May 20, 2007

Pros:

My skin is smooth and the acne is going away slowly....

Cons:

Buring my face right off!!!!

Ok I've used it for about a couple of months....and i have this burning sensasion....it feels like my face is on fire and now im getting red bluches....Has anyone of this problem before?????
May 19, 2007

Pros:

Yerright...i believed it proactiv in the commercials and seeing all those people use it and i wanted to try it too and i got really happy and it felt good the first two days...

Cons:

After a week of usage on proactiv my skin developed rashed and a huge side effect from benzeyl proxide now under my eyes i had red marks that hurt my face really badly and it didnt go away for 2 weeks

Use proactiv if your doctor recommends it to you if you dont have a doctor please go see one before you believe the crap that show you on TV i mean for gods sake look at all the make up they put when they're shooting those...obviosly their skin is going to look beautiful
May 18, 2007

Pros:

It helps in a way for me like it keep the acne from breaking out and helps my face feel refreshed and such.

Cons:

I have very oily skin and I thought Proactiv would help cease the problem. But it doesn't really. Also I've been using this product for a little over a month now and to tell the truth, I don't see much of a difference; it's dissapointing really.

I recommend anyone to see a dermatologist first. Don't think 'cause many celebrities use it and it works on them means that it'll work on you too.
May 18, 2007

Pros:

It leaves your skin feeling nice and smooth and the toner &. cream really works on oily faces.

Cons:

If you do not have a lot of acner, this product is not recommended. It might make your face worse if you are sensitive as well.

I will not completely diss Proactiv Solution because it mihgt work for some people. The bottom line is that if you have sensitive skin, it is advised you might see a dermatologist and get extra advice before trying any product. Also, if your acne is limited, it might just make your face worse. A rash may develop on sensitive skin (sidenote.) If you really need it for bad acne, try it. But i SERIOUSLY ADVISE SEEING A DERMATOLIST. I am not going to NOT recommend it because it may work for some people. But it may not for others. It is up to you and your skin's needs.
May 16, 2007

Pros:

it helps for oily skin

Cons:

didn't work too well for me.

Give it a try.. you never know
May 14, 2007

Pros:

NONE.

Cons:

Harsh, drying, expensive, fragranced, irritating.... nothing good in it.

Bottom line? Proactiv SUCKS big time. I didn't have bad acne to start with (a few pimples here and there)so I tried Proactiv and I ended up WITH acne. I am so sorry that I got sucked into the infomercials. Proactiv is very bad if you have sensitive skin as it will ruin your skin. It gave me more breakouts, it dehydrated my skin and left it with brown spots. I stopped and my skin cleared up within days. I'm using Cetaphil gentle cleanser which is awesome if you don't have a lot of acne to start with and if your skin is sensitive. My skin is now flawless and thanks to Cetaphil. Proactiv sucks, suck, sucks. The "before and after" pictures that they claim are "untouched" are false as I could see the makeup and the lighting in the after shots. Shame on Proactiv and shame on the celebrities for using desperate customers like us into making us believe that this product works. What a load of crap. It's maddening!

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.