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 8, 2011

Pros:

None.

Cons:

RED face. Dry skin. Not pretty.

My skin is sensitive, and when you take your online quiz you can rate how sensitive your skin is, i dragged it to the highest level. When i got my Skin ID the very First time i used it, i woke up to my face being extremely red, my mom said i looked like i got a sunburn on my whole face, my skin was itchy and it is soooo dried out. My face is never dried out my skin is usually soft. Now, i have to deal with acne and dry skin. Sucks.. I did only use this product once, but after i woke up.. You could not pay me to try it a second time.
August 18, 2011

Pros:

Reduces redness
Doesn't smell too bad
Soft skin
Not harsh

Cons:

Doesn't clear up acne or scars

This is an OK facial wash. Reduces spot size and redness slightly but doesn't get rid of the spot entirely. Gives you lovely soft skin and doesn't irritate your face.
August 17, 2011

Pros:

smells nice
skin feels soft
all products in one package

Cons:

dries out healing blemishes into scabs
doesn't fade scars
didn't prevent all breakouts

I have been using this product for a year and a half very consistently while on a low dosage birth control and I still see my monthly breakout come during my period. Even when I use the spot treatment on breakouts it completely dries out my pimples and leaves scabs which I then have to use neosporin on for the next week. Im not sure whats worse, a pimple or a scabby dry spot. The only reason I kept using this product was out of laziness and because it was convenient. I am going to try Dan's system paired with supplements and jojoba oil to prevent breakouts and stay moisturized. We'll see...
August 7, 2011

Pros:

smells nice
not drying

Cons:

stings eyes from the fumes
leaves a oily texture on the face

I didn't notice a difference.
July 25, 2011

Pros:

helps my acne

Cons:

too expensive

i only bought the moisturizer because it is the only thing contains benzoyl peroxide. and i have to say it works for me even though i use very small amount. it works slowly so you have to give it time. i would definitely repurchase it since it works. one thing bad about it is the price. the moisturizer which is the only thing work for me costs $$17. too expensive and the i think it's only 2 oz. i may buy dan's treatment since i know benzoyl peroxide works for me. give it a try and take some time. oh another thing is once you use this you cannot quit it, because once you quit, you acne comes back!
July 5, 2011

Pros:

-made my skin none oily since I do usually have very oily skin
-started to see improvement after a month of using it religiously

Cons:

-dried out my skin for a little while,then had to cut back on using it to only nighttime
-made more acne

after using proactiv for 2 months now,my skin is dramatically different,it's hydrated and my acne is almost completely gone.if you use this product twice a day everyday for about a month to a month and a half you will see improvement.dont give up,because I did and people said this wouldn't work so I didn't use it,but then I gave it a try and it's working.there's a warranty on it so if it doesn't work after 2 months,just send it back,plain and simple.
June 29, 2011

Pros:

Worth it! You have to take the pill 2-3 days prior to break out. I know my body, so in early spring and fall. I have to have this product almost daily. Prior to my period, I also have to have it. It stops the break outs and controls any excess oil. For the cost, it is amazing.

Cons:

Definately does what it says so...it dries your face. Too much intake can stop oil from just doing the good things it is meant to do...give you smooth moistured skin.

So.....you got to know your body. If you are 16 and breaking out, take it daily. Stop when the oil seems normal. Always listen to your body. I take mine every other day or twice a day depending on the season/oil condition. Try it!
June 26, 2011

Pros:

Reduces acne

Cons:

Auto enrollment in Proactiv program. (I would prefer to just buy it when I like instead of being enrolled and being charged every month).
Has to be shipped to you/ costs extra for shipping.
No cons about the product itself.
Price.

Proactiv is a good product. It has helped reduce my acne, but I can't say that it diminishes it completely for me, but it definitely helps, and when I do not use it, my face breaks out like crazy, so I know it is doing it's job at preventing acne. It's the only product that has worked this well on my skin so far.
June 25, 2011

Pros:

Dried up my pimples
Cleared my pimples up

Cons:

Dried my face
Made my face red and inflamed
Made my skin tone rough and uneven

You've seen the reviews on tv about how good this product is. Maybe it is a good product and my skin might just be too sensitive for it. Yes it dried up my pimples but it dried it up so much my face got even oilier to replenish itself. For people will sensitive skin, I do not recommend it.
June 21, 2011

Pros:

Kept face clear
did reduce the look of acne scars

Cons:

Worked until my face got adjusted to it

Works pretty well. I did switch the exfoliating wash to the oil free one.

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.