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 3, 2009

Pros:

EVERYTHING!! NO ACNE!! SMELLS GOOD!! CLEAN FACE!!

Cons:

NONE!!!

YESYESYESYESYESYESYES!! GET IT!! LIKE MAGIC!! I LOVELOVELOVELOVE IT!!!
May 31, 2009

Pros:

non.nada.i thought it would work because some people said it would.

Cons:

did not work at all for me.
Expensive
got scammed

i had acne for a few years.and it was really BAD! i went to fairveiw and by the way im not rich im normal so i went and this lady told me she would sell it to me for 100 dollars and she said it was the price and it was raised. so i was desperate and so i bought it. It did not work at ALL for me
May 30, 2009

Pros:

works straight away after applying it to the skin
reduces stop size and gets rid of them
skin feels smoother after applying it on

Cons:

smells
stings slightly

best cream for getting rid of spots and it works straight away!!!
May 28, 2009

Pros:

-It really works! It dries up your pimples and speeds up the healing process.

Cons:

-It removes the pimples but it leaves scars. It also gives this unbelievable itchiness.

The lotion makes it veeerryyy itchy but if you have self control, it's bearable. I noticed a pimple growing two days ago and so I applied the lotion for two consecutive nights. Right now, it's still there but it is on its late stages. I use this with ProActiv Renewing cleanser (WHICH IS THE BEST PRODUCT I HAVE EVER USED!) and proactiv toner.
May 27, 2009

Pros:

Gets rid of acne quickly, leaves face feeling clean

Cons:

Stings, leaves skin dry

I tried this about 5 days ago. It worked great! But two days after starting it, I started getting major headaches. Apparently, it was being absorbed into my bloodstream and causing my blood to thicken and all that great stuff. So if you want to take the chance you can, but keep some detox handy just in case.
May 26, 2009

Pros:

It worked great! I used it the night after I had a huge breakout and the next morning I had barely any acne at all. I also prevents the pimples from coming back. This stuff is just amazing.

Cons:

A bit of dryness, but it was expected and can be cured by a bit of moisturizer.

It is really great stuff; I recommended it to some friends, all of which love it just as much as I do. It works amazing, try it for yourself.
May 24, 2009

Pros:

clears up skin well with consistent usage over a few months

Cons:

takes a long time, and if i skip one day i'll break out. expencive

i really like this stuff, but it takes a really long time to work, and if you skip a day or two, you break out. but consistent usage leaves a beautiful face.
May 20, 2009

Pros:

This stuff works wonderful. I have tried every other kind of acne medication and nothing worked. I stumbled across this on ebay and thought I would try it. I never expected it to work so well. Now its all I will ever use!

Cons:

I can't really say there is any negative about it. My skin dries out a little and starts to peel but I just put a light moisturizer on and everything is ok

You should try it. It works very quickly to heal any breakouts and to keep you from breaking out.
May 18, 2009

Pros:

it does work and it mostly cleared my acne

Cons:

it dries your skin and feels weired

its the best stuff i have used for years good job
May 17, 2009

Pros:

Works fantastic and fast. Leaves my skin smooth, doesn't irritate or over cleanse. Truly knocked my adult acne out. If I do get a breakout, which is rare anymore, I give that area a little more attention and it's gone in about a day.

Cons:

Due to the absence of harsh chemical preservatives, the last 1/8 of the bottle tends to loose its effectiveness. It still exfoliates and leaves your skin smooth, just make sure to reorder before then so that you can keep those zits zapped.

It works great. Doesn't overdry or irritate. Can be used on the face and the body. Your skin actually craves this after a few days of use. The price is excellent, you get a very generous sized bottle. It is fragrance free, so no irritation there. I have not found anything else on the market that works as well as this product. I have been using it about 4 years and battling adult acne for approximately 11 years. I went off this for awhile just to see if there was anything else out there. Many $$$ and lots of irritation later I went back and don't ever plan on quitting. This company also includes a homemade bar of natural soap with every order and samples of their other products such as moisturizers for acne prone skin. Oh and one more thing, their shipping is FAST! I just cannot say enough good things about this product. It truly is a miracle worker.

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.