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
May 15, 2009

Pros:

SMALL PILLS....CHEAP....

Cons:

STILL NOT 100% EFFECTIVE IN MOST PPL....UR STILL GONNA GET BREAKOUTS AND STUFF BUT NOT ANY BIG ONES

BEEN USIN THIS PRODUCT FOR ABT A MONTH....HAVENT HAD ANY MAJOR BREAKOUTS BUT IF UR FACE IS HAVIN A BAD DAY U MIGHT STILL GET ONE OR TWO PIMPLES
May 13, 2009

Pros:

Very calming on my inflamed acne! The exfoliant bits are not harsh at all, just be sure to massage very gently. Its soothing but really kicks butt on my pimples. Didn't experience any flare-ups when I first started it. Smells wonderful.

Cons:

None so far

I have tried TONS of Acne products, everything from Proactive, to Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, Clinique, Alba and others. Desperately searching for something to stop my awful acne! I have had acne since my early teens, since turning 20 it seemed to take a turn for the worse. In my search for a cure I ended up aggravating my acne and making it worse with harsh chemicals. After stumbling on Carley's I'm so happy to say that its working to soothe my troubled skin. My acne is slowly fading away. It's such a relief, as anyone with acne troubles can understand. I use the Clear & Smooth cleanser along with the natural soap and follow up with the daytime moisturizer for acne-prone skin. It's wonderful on my skin!! And I LOVE the smell of each product, very subtle and sweet. The customer service is great and there's nothing to lose with the money back guarantee. So if you're looking for an all-natural cure, I would highly suggest trying Carley's.
May 12, 2009

Pros:

It has cleared my acne and is'nt as expensive as people say

Cons:

the process to apply takes too long

This is a very good product it does take too long to apply and if you stop using it your acne comes back. But it sates that it is NOT A CURE FOR ACNE so i did expect that.
May 11, 2009

Pros:

proactive works at first.but if u use it too long,like 2 years,yur skin becomes immune and starts breaking out.it doesnt cure acne but it clears up what u already have.

Cons:

bleaches yur skin.if u stop using it, yur skin will be worse than before u started

i recommend it
April 25, 2009

Pros:

It cleared up my skin pretty well and the fragrance isn't very strong so it won't irritate the skin very much and it made my skin softer. It doesnt take up much time using Proactiv. When you buy Proactiv, you will LUV the refining mask.

Cons:

Sometime you will get flakiness and dryness on the skin if you don't use the moisturizer

IT WORKS.. and if you use it as directed you will conquer acne
April 24, 2009

Pros:

Has kept my skin "under control", showing consistency.
Cleanser has a very light scent I like.
I like the balance of the 3 products, the cleanser is a little grainy but the toner and BP settle things down for me.

Cons:

May take a little while to build a tolerance for those who have sensitive skin.
Takes initiative to find an affordable deal.
Living in a dry climate makes it a little more challenging.

I've used the 3 step for years and though it doesn't give me flawless results, it has been the most consistent. I've been back with it for about a year and live in Montana which is quite dry. I wash once a day and that seems to counteract it. OTC stuff seems to not be as powerful, and that includes the all natural stuff. I would give this system a shot if you haven't, and just be patient with it. Be gradual with the usage and see where it goes.
April 18, 2009

Pros:

Within the first few uses, i saw a difference. Everyone noticed how well by face was clearing up - even though it did look sunburnt!

Cons:

Goes red, dry and flakey but calms down within weeks if you use moisturizer

My face was red and very dry - but only because i used it twice a day. Because it did this to my skin i stoped using it for a few days and my spots came back so i decided to use it again only this time i applied it once a day like it says on the instructions lol. If you do stop using this product your spots come back which is why its recommended you use it for over 3 months and use a really good moisturizer such as palmers cocoa butter which also has vitimin E in it (: now my skin is really good.
April 18, 2009

Pros:

It WORKS! brightens and tightens skin, even texture and tone

Cons:

(read bottom line)

This is the most amazing thing I have ever used and I have used a lot (proactive, biore, differin, zianna, etc.) However, 1st step causes skin to be soo clean I am amazed that it doesnt take to much moisture. I can honestly rub my hand accross my face and have the squaky sound. 2nd step- is drying causes face to be red temporarily. 3rd step- very light, needs more moisture. The side effects like redness and irration seem extreme but only last for about 10 minutes, then you get the most amazing skin. I have had moderate to severe acne for the last few years and this is the best thing I have ever. I even was asked to model for a skin care line all thanks to CLINIQUE!!!
April 16, 2009

Pros:

clears up skin in 1 day

Cons:

dries out skin bad

it clears up skin fast and it makes your pimples not come back
April 12, 2009

Pros:

None!

Cons:

dryness, increased breakouts, costly, horrible smell

It is definitely not for sensitive skin. It is too harsh. While my acne has never been extreme, I scar very easily from the acne I do get. The only thing it did is make it worse. I used it for three almost four months before I couldn't take it anymore. This is obviously for people with SEVERE acne who must sacrifice moisture for clear -- but dry -- skin.

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.