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
March 21, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

not only did this not help with my acne, it also made my skin look older and dryer. in addition, canceling the membership took several attempts - they just kept sending the stuff and charging me

don't do it
March 20, 2009

Pros:

CLEARS SKIN VERY VERY VERY GOOD!!!!!!!!!! AND REALLY HELPS OUT WITH OILY SKIN!!! I HAD VERY OILY SKIN WHICH I THINK MADE ME BREAK OUT!!!! BUT PANOXYL 10% STOPPED THAT!!!! AND NOW..... SO FAR DAY 5 I'M CLEAR (KNOCK ON WOOD) *KNOCK,KNOCK* IT STAYS

Cons:

IT CAN DRY OUT UR SKIN BUT NOT TO BAD!!! WEIGHT IT!!!! DRY SKIN OR UGLY ACNE!!!!! I'LL TAKE THE DRY SKIN!!! NE DAY!!! AND IF IT DOES DO IT TO U BAD!!! JUST MOISTURIZE! BUT I DIDNT HAVE THAT BAD OF DRYING!

IT WORKS............ ITS NOT TO EXPENSIVE! AND U ONLY HAVE TO USE A SMALL AMOUNT SO IT LASTS!!! JUST DON'T GET IT IN UR EYES!!! LOL I USE CLEARASIL ON MY EYES TO REMOVE MY EYE MAKEUP THEN I JUST USE PANOXYL ON MY FACE!
March 18, 2009

Pros:

It works. The scent is very light and fresh. The Proactiv Money-back Guarantee if you aren't satisfied.

Cons:

Can be a little drying if you have sensitive skin, but nothing too terrible, and it's fine if you get a moisturizer.

When used properly, it works great. It only takes a few weeks (1-2 for most people) to start seeing good results. If you are not satisfied, Proactiv offers a full money back Guarantee for your first 60 day's, so there is no need to worry about wasting money on something that might not work for you. It doesn't take long to use, and you can use the face cleanser in the shower to save even more time. The scent is very light, and it doesn't mix or clash with any scent of cologne or perfume you might use. It doesn't leave your skin oily. It isn't something you will have to buy once a month, but usually once every two months. Most people use it twice daily, but I only use it once daily and I get the same results, and I only have to buy a new kit once every 3-4 months.
March 16, 2009

Pros:

well i have been using this for 6 months already and my skin is great i love this cream at first it does sting a litle but i gives u great results.U get best results if used at ight before going 2 bed just apply a thin layer.

Cons:

none

nothin that i have tried works better not even proactive
March 15, 2009

Cons:

it dried out my skin horribly
didnt get results
itches sometimes

dont use it its a waste of money try something else now im trying lemon juice hopefully it works better
March 15, 2009

Pros:

reduces acne

Cons:

slightly dries skin
lacks a toner

i'm 16 using this system for over a year. it has worked really well for me. i use to have bad acne and once i started using this it reduced it so much to the point where i only have 1 or 2 pimples to worry about. When i forget to use the system, or atleast the "night" lotion i get random break outs. so i guess that means it's working well with me. the system might not work for everyone but i know it's been perfect for me. the only issue is i currently have a random dry spot on my chin, it's not horrible, you don't really notice it. i don't know if it's a result from the system or what. i also am dry on the corners of my mouth (i do not drool. haha) but yea... i like it. i don't use the moisturizer though. only because it's only SPF15. i use an SPF 30
March 13, 2009

Pros:

I've only been using it for about a week, but i am noticing some results. Plus, its fragrance free, which is great, because the fragrances used in most acne products make me break out even more.

Cons:

It is EXTREMLY drying and it leaves my face red and itchy the whole day, but I hear it goes away after awhile.

I've tryed EVERYTHING. Everything. This is the only thing thats actually worked. and FAST.
March 8, 2009

Pros:

The only good thing I can say is that it was easy to dispense. I would have said affordability, but I can't even say that since it cost me more in Benadryl to combat the swelling and pain.

Cons:

Horrible skin reaction; swollen, red, itchy and painful. My skin under my eyes is so puffy I can see it in my peripheral vision.

My husband and I bought this product thinking it would be similar to Proactiv. We couldn't have been more wrong. On the bottle it states "Gentle Exfoliating Formula with Benzoyl Peroxide". I'm not so sure where the "gentle" comes into play. Considering I received this reaction after only two uses, it seems to contain a harsher ingredient than Proactiv. Needless to say I will be happily coughing up the extra cash and going back to Proactiv.
March 8, 2009

Pros:

- It works
- The exfoliating cleanser felt nice, but maybe that's just because I love exfoliants
- The price is not bad at all for what it is

Cons:

- Like ANY product with Benzoyl Peroxide, it can dry your skin out a bit, so it may become flaky. Simply use any moisturizer and you won't have this issue. I think people definitely exaggerate the whole "dry skin" thing.

This product simply works. I used Murad before it which gave me limited results but hardly anything. With ProActiv I havent got any major pimples and the ones I have gotten are probably just because I missed the treatment a few times. But Ive missed up to 3 treatments in a row and my acne did not go back to normal (something I couldnt say about Murad) Reading these reviews, you will see that this product clearly gets some insanely mixed reviews. So perhaps it doesn't work for everyone. But the ingredients in it are proven to work and it HAS worked for many people. At this generally affordable price, its worth a try.
March 8, 2009

Pros:

Really does work after a month ppl said my case did clear up

Cons:

Takes longer for dark spots

Better than proactive and leaves skin looking great

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.