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
July 29, 2009

Pros:

Works and is SO affordable!

Cons:

Apparently the gel was RECALLED by the FDA in Nov 2008! Hence why we can't find it anymore.

We have been hunting down Walmart management for months now - to no avail. Then I find this info which is available on: [link removed]
July 25, 2009

Pros:

I've used this treatment for years, & it works. Previously, I used Proactive Solution. The cleanser was fine, but the toner dried my skin and the lotion had an unpleasant fragrance. Carley's is as effective with less steps & better pricing.

Cons:

If you aren't careful about rinsing, it may bleach your towels and sheets.

I would be lost without Carley's. I've had acne-prone skin since I was a teen and this is the only product I've found that controls the break-outs.
July 14, 2009

Pros:

If applied for a couple consistent nights it will clear up all types of acne--blackheads, whiteheads, papules. You can wear it during the day and under make-up. Fairly gentle on extremely sensitive skin.

Cons:

Has the potential to dry out skin and cause it to flake.

This product has definitely worked for me! When I have light acne it will clear it up within a couple days. Very helpful product in clearing up all types of acne. I've used it on severe papules---acne that has been deep under the skin (and sometimes tried to pop) and it has helped in soothing the acne and improving its appearance in only a few days. It does have the tendency to dry out skin, so only use as directed (a very small amount on each pimple). I usually see the flakiness as part of the healing process. It's somewhat like exfoliation. It's never uncomfortable and is easy to fix with a small amount of lotion.
July 10, 2009

Pros:

It helped with my acne. Helped reduce the pimples.
It doesn't necesarily get rid of the acne.

Cons:

Toner runs out quicker than the cleanser and lotion.

It's good. I've used ProActiv but this one works a lot better. Iuse this consistently, I've seen a big difference in my skin. I have the 3-month supply and it does last you 3 months but I only use this at night.
July 8, 2009

Pros:

It looks good fragrance

Cons:

I hd plenty on my face. All it has done 2 increase my pimples rather than controlling

Dont try
July 6, 2009

Pros:

Amazing product! Clears up skin without leaving it dry.

Cons:

None that I can think of.

I purchase this product for my 18-year old teenage daughter after repeated trips to dermatologists and prescribed acne medicine did nothing but drain our pocketbook. We were patient and planned on waiting the same 8-10 weeks the dermatologist had us wait when we used the prescribed products, but after 4-5 weeks her skin started clearing up, and by the 10th week she was acne free. We threw out the harsh medications prescribed by the doctor, and my daughter even stopped taking the oral antibiotics. That was two years ago. Today my daughter is 20 and is still acne free. She uses the acne treatment scrub (she was able to "downgrade" from the extra strength treatment scrub to the regular), natural soap, and daytime moisturizer for acne-prone skin. My youngest daughter, who is 16, is using the product now, as is my 28-year old. Neither have acne but they do have these small whitehead bumps caused by eczema. Carley's exfoliates their skin, leaving it smooth but not
July 6, 2009

Pros:

I'm 42 with very oily skin. I break out a lot due to the heat in Texas, as well as hormone changes. This product has worked for me like no other. My skin is almost always clear now. I can't say enough about how wonderful it is.

Cons:

The grains in the product seem a bit large, although I don't believe it's made my pores larger or anything like that.

I will continue to use this product because it actually works. The seller is great with communication and the directions are very detailed.
July 4, 2009

Pros:

Doesn't leave skin feeling dry like most other BP ointments.

Cons:

MAKES MY PORES OPEN THEY ARE HUGE NOW!

UGHHHH DONT USE IT
July 3, 2009

Pros:

One of the best, if not the best, products out there. rids acne fast!! prevents new acne from forming

Cons:

must use moisturizer, if you don't your skin will burn a few hours later. acne shows up if you stop using it

This is an amazing product. it clears face of a horrible breakout in about 3 days. but let me tell you something i learned the hard way; do not stop using!!! if you do, acne will come back, this time worse than before!!! luckily the product is so good of ridding breakouts that they went away. but i learned my lesson!!!!
June 30, 2009

Pros:

It works for the first couple uses.

Cons:

I noticed that right after I use it, my acne is so much worse. My face gets really red. I am not allergic. This product works only for the first couple uses.

I thought it was really good for the first couple of weeks and couldn't wait to see my face clear up. After those first weeks, I noticed my acne became progressively worse. I also noticed it wasn't clearing up my face. I was very disappointed. I have tried my acne products to try to get a clear face. I have recently discovered Exposed. I have read reviews and they are a lot different than the ones for Proactiv. I am going to try 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.