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 23, 2007

Pros:

It smells nice, and it has a good consistency. It also comes in good looking bottles.

Cons:

It was a nightmare for me! It made my skin extremely oily and made new pimples form, and when they did, they formed really fast without warning most of the time.

Honestly, I understand that you have to be consistent with this stuff and not give up even if it makes your acne worse initially. Well, I stuck through it for over a month, and it made my face hell! Okay, so not that bad, but still... It made it really oily all the time which was so embarrassing, and it made new pimples and zits form so much faster before I even realized it. After that bad experience I used it randomly a few times a month, trying not to irritate my skin anymore. It didn't really work that great for me that way either. I was extremely disappointed in this product. I really did believe it was the only profuct out there that would help me.
February 21, 2007

Pros:

seems to work thus far.

Cons:

excessively drying/stiff

it seems to be clearing up my skin. I bought it on Saturday, it's now Tuesday night. It seems to be working better on my acne scars than my actual acne. I think for people with mild acne, it would work well.
February 14, 2007

Pros:

AMAZING. My skin has never been better. I can actually see my pores. I had quick results, and it's consistant.

Cons:

It took a while for my skin to get used to it. You must have patience. My acne got a little worse before it got better, but it makes sense why. It's getting all of those toxins out. It's worth it. I wish it were a little cheaper, and in stores.

IT'S ALL WORTH IT. BE PATIENT. Yes it can take a while. Yes, it can get worse before it gets better. Suck it up. Nothing is a miracle. But this is the closest thing to it. :)
February 12, 2007

Pros:

gets rid of pimples for a lil while

Cons:

dries ur facee severlyyyyy..and then your skin peels for a couple of week..afta you stop using it

DONT BUY IT SUXXXX
February 7, 2007

Pros:

It did clear up my skin a fair bit, especially in the first few weeks of use

Cons:

After about a month and a half it seemed a lot less effective and was just way too harsh for my skin. It actually made my skin really fragile especially on my nose. Plus it was a little too easy to use up for a fairly expensive product.

Wouldn't use it again. In fact it was so harsh it made me give up on medicated treatments altogether. I'm now using a natural dead sea mud mask and it's doing wonders especially for the scarring on my face, plus it leaves it feeling ten times better than Proactiv.
February 6, 2007

Pros:

It actually dissapears on the skin unlike the Neutrogena gel. Its light and is invisible but works excellently.

Cons:

Its not available at stores and it sucks to have to wait for it in the mail.

It rocks. Well worth the wait. Try it and see.
February 3, 2007

Pros:

very cheap and IT WORKS

Cons:

uhmm

i got the 3 step and the acne fadewith acne fade peel and mostirizer in one package for 18.99 at wal mart!!!it works!!!
January 23, 2007

Pros:

THIS STUFF REALLY WORKS I VE USED IT FOR ALMOST A WEK AND IVE SEEN A BIG DIFFERANCE ALREADY ITS AMAZING REALLY THE TONER IS GREAT CUZ I USED TO POP MY ZITS AND IT LEFT UGLY SCARS AND THEYRE GONE MY BLACKHEADS TOO AND I HAVNT GOTTEN ANY ZITS AT ALL

Cons:

THERE ARNT REALLY ANY BAD THINGS ABOUT IT EXCEPT ITS HARD TO KEEP UP WITH AND THE LOTION IS A LITTLE HARSH BUT OTHER THAN THAT ITS A REALLY GOOD PRODYCT BUT IIF YOU HAVE SENSATIVE SKIN THEN PASS ON IT BUT OTHER THAN THAT ITS AMAZING

THIS IS ABSOLUTLEY AMAZING THANK GOD FOR PROACTIV IT MAKES MY SKIN FEEL BETTER KEEPS ZITS FROM POPPING UP EXFOLIATES MY SKIN AND IS JUST SUCH A GOOD THING TO HAVE AROUND IVE BEEN STRUGGLEING WITH ACNE SINCE I WAS 11 YEARS OLD IM 15 NOW AND A FREIND RECOMMENDED IT TO ME AND THATS THE BEST THING SHES EVERE DONE FOR ME ITS IMPROVED MY SELF-ESTEEM AND I DONT GO OUT OF THE HOUSE FELLING SELF-CONCIOUS I DONT WEAR FOUNDATION ANYMORE BEACAUSE OF THIS IT ALSO GETS RID OF THOSE UGLY SCARS YOU GET WHEN YOU POP OR SQUEZZE YOUR ZITS WHICH IS A MIRICLE BOTOOM LINE JUST BUY IT AND GIVE IT A TRY
January 17, 2007

Pros:

It works if you use it long enough to see the results and if you use the products in a system that works best for your skin.

Cons:

If you purchase online, the company puts you on an automatic shipping and payment plan without your consent. Be careful - this is a pain!

Everyone's skin is different. Use the product long enough to decide what is best for you by starting out with the system they recommend - then adjust as necessary. What works best for me personally is using the cleanser and toner at night and a basic soap in the morning. The lotion makes my skin too oily so I use a different brand of lotion that works best for me. Finding the right system for YOU is the key...
January 15, 2007

Pros:

i've never had acne, just the occassional pimple. it did clear those up. i use it as a 'spot' solution when i can tell i'm getting a zit.

Cons:

AAHHH!! after using for 1 week, i woke up the next day and my face had a rash..especially on my eyes and eyebrows. so, i stopped using it all together. then, my friend told me to use it every 3 days. so i did that, and now my eye is swollen shut

don't buy it unless you have extremely tough skin and really need it. otherwise, it's way to harsh of a product to use. def a big mistake on my part...oh, and guess what? my next shipment arrived yesterday...and i get to mess with sending it back. or i might just regift it!!

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.