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 19, 2010
I do not recommend this product. It does not work. It irritates the skin. Also I had two charges on my account in the same week. I explain to my son that the best option is to have a doctor look at this face and determine the best course of treatment. Also to remind him that nothing would work over night. I encourage anyone trying to use this DON'T. Your are better off going to your dermotologist and let them decide what is best for your skin. The key is to communicate and let him or her know if you prefer pills or topicals. They will get you the best results.
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March 16, 2010

Pros:

-clears up light acne

Cons:

-Makes face very irritated feeling
-Doesnt keep face consistently clear
-expensive
-takes forever to ship

I have been using proactive for around 3 years. I have gone thorough times where my skin is near perfect looking and not so perfect looking on proactive. It works better sometimes than others. Worked a lot better than prescribed topicals. It may work for you, everyones skin is different.
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March 15, 2010

Pros:

It works with mild form of acne
Can last you a while if you used wisely
Nice smell (i guess)

Cons:

Way to pricey
burns a bit

Now i have bought this stuff like it was some kind form of candy. I had mild acne in 6th grade and this was the stuff i would use . It held my acne at bay and then it broke out like crazy when i started 8th grade. My skin for some odd reason got used to it and then it stopped working. I would recommend this for people who are having a mild form of acne but for like cystic acne, maybe don't try unless you want too. (Note, its been a while since i used this stuff so i dont remember prices)
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March 11, 2010

Pros:

This is an awesome product! It is a little pricey to buy the items seperate, but it is well worth it. I have actually paid more for other products that didn't work as well. I would definitely recommend this product. A lot of stores are sold out of the clearing moisturizer because it works so well, but I just ordered mine from [link removed] and it was already shipped out this morning!

Cons:

None that I've seen yet...

Awesome product.
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March 10, 2010

Pros:

Starts working immediately, gets rid of alot of the redness in your skin, does not dry my skin out, makes skin very smooth

Cons:

None.

This product works amazing! The first night I used it I woke up with less redness in my skin, a smooth and clearer face overall, and added radiance. I have used this product a little over two weeks now and the results just keep getting better. For the first time in my teenage and adult life I have an almost perfect complexion. My only concern now is finding a product that will get rid of my old acne scars so that I can go without makeup and feel beautiful. I picked up Neutrogena's Fight and Fade gel last night though so I will let you all know if that helps with the acne scars. At the present time though I could not be happier with the results this product has given me. I have tried everything from ProActiv to Dermalogica to Clean and Clear and other store products and nothing has given me these kind of results! Buy this product!
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March 3, 2010

Pros:

- Clears up large pimples
- Clears up small red pimples
- Clears up blemishes
- Works FAST
- Smell isn't that bad

Cons:

- Dries up skin
- Causes itchiness first 4 days
- Tingles a little

It WORKED for me within the first week. After about the 4th day my face started to itch, got red, and started peeling. At that point, I reduced it's use from twice a day to only once at night. I found that using Neutrogena Visibly Even moisturizer and AcneeFree was the PERFECT combo. I continue using AcneFree at night before bed, and during the day i dab on a little moisturizer. It's great because Visibly Even evens out your skin tones and softens, and AcneFree keeps it clear of blemishes! And the best part, I got it on sale at Walgreens for half price, with an included bonus of the extra moisturizer!!
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March 2, 2010

Pros:

This product smells nice. That's about it.

Cons:

Severley dries out skin. So much that it hurts to smile! Also, it causes a lot of redness, and stings and burns when applying it. Causes little blackheads and whiteheads to go away at the beginning, but HUGE zits to form. Especially the Refining Mask... DO NOT USE IT. It causes the worst breakouts ever.

Biggest waste of money ever. Do not try this product. Ends up causing more breakouts, and a lot of pain when huge pimples form. Also the drying is horrible. Not worth the money at all. Try Roc products instead. A LOT cheaper, and much better quality. Proactiv is the biggest rip off ever. You have been warned!
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February 23, 2010

Pros:

natural ingredients, smells nice, huge bottle, comes with extras, doesn't dry too much, no complicated instructions, no alcohols, great coustomer service but most importantly: works!

Cons:

no spf

i was very skeptical at first because this product just seems too good to be true but due to all the good reviews i bought it anyways. note: i had really bad adult acne that started late in high school, my skin was already starting to heal but i continue to get small unwanted pimples on my most oily places, and many scars from the acne that had gone away. my skin type is oily-normal for those who want to know. anyways it took this product 3days to clear out some of my newer scars and is working slowing (but much faster then without this product) to clear out the rest. i love it so much that i have also bought more moisturisers and recommended it to my roommates (who was suffering like me), my boyfriend and my boss. i also love the natural soap and i can say now that i'm on my way to recovery! do note that not all people have the same skin and that you really have to have patience with your self and your skin to have good results. i have tried many things like proactiv, murad and many more over the counter products and it just didn't work. and also do follow the simple instructions because it keeps your skin from drying and the soap is just super great! if you do end up buying it then you should save the extra $8 by buying the night and day moisturisers because they make my skin fill so nice and clean unlike many other moisturisers and it comes with all natural ingredients!
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February 23, 2010

Pros:

Absolutely cleared up my acne. I thogoughly enjoyed it until I found my allergy.

Cons:

Contains Benzoyld Peroxide and I am allergic to it.

With my moderate acne I was able to take this product out of the regimen and I am still fairly clear. I use the natural soap, daily moisturizer and night moisturizer now. When I start to get any acne I place a small dab of the night moisturizer on (even if not at night) and I am able to keep the acne under control. My skin looks beautiful now. My red marks are nearly gone after a year of their regimen. Thanks Carley's.
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February 22, 2010

Pros:

makes skin feel fresh & clean. works well for oily skin b/c it dries the skin out just enough.

Cons:

may breakout if you stop using it. run out of the cleanser & toner long b4 the repairing lotion.

I really like what proactive has done for my skin. But I have to tell you that I use it along with other products to get fabulous results. I use the proactive system every morning. At night I wash my face with a 12% glycolic cleanser by Mdformulations. Then I apply at fade cream called Triluma. It has hydroquinone & tretinoin in it. My skin is smooth, even, and clear! I love it! Unfortunately, these products are very expensive. But worth it, if you want to have confidence and not be ashamed of your skin.
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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.