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
February 18, 2010

Pros:

The cleanser seemed to exfoliate well and the products did not over-dry my skin.

Cons:

The benzoyl peroxide comes in a 2oz. container and after 6+ years of using the products I still had moderate acne.

The products work to an extent. My skin definitely got worse when I quit using them, without switching to another product right after, but overall the products are not very effective and are very expensive.
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February 10, 2010

Pros:

Please believe the promising reviews, this product does work. It's the first reason why I purchased this product because of all the positive success stories people have on here. Depending on your acne & skin, it can work instantly to about 4 weeks. You WILL see your skin clearing up. If you continue to have mini breakouts here and there than you need to watch what you eat and exercise!

Cons:

-Shipping is high but it's well worth it! -PURCHASE MORE SOAP BARS! My first soap bar was gone in about 3-4 weeks because of how much I used this product every morning in the shower. But it works!
-DO NOT use this over the sink, you'll regret the mess you'll make in your bathroom as this is a perfected made 3 step process, it can get messy! Recommended in the shower every morning!
-Acne is incurable. You will get it all the time unless you change your habits to a healthier you.

Proactive is full of lies and being PAID by celebrities just to promote their product even though they never used it. There 3 step process literally destroyed my skin and left my face dry BAD! Never believe their annoying commercials and they all can go to **** ! I should of known about this product before Christmas last year. But still, it's perfect to have nice looking face of smooth looking skin now than how I was a month to 2 months ago. This product works ladies and gents, works for everyone. Get this, NOW!
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February 7, 2010

Pros:

not really anything

Cons:

Hurt my skin
Didnt improve achne
made face really sesitive
My face became blotchy
burned and felt bad

I used many products and this one was far worse. it really hurt. which was a dissapointment because it looks so promising, but its far from it. I used it once a day for a month and it really bothered my skin and didnt improve achne.. bottom line i wouldnt recomend it
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January 31, 2010

Pros:

good moisturizer.

Cons:

It did not work at all and was expensive.

I used this for a couple months and there were no amazing results. I broke out just the same and my face was pretty much just the same...maybe worse. This was an expensive product that didn't do anything for my skin. So unless you are out of options and don't know of anything else that can help your skin DON'T get this!
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January 31, 2010

Pros:

Clears acne pimples fast
Reduces oil on skin
Affordable

Cons:

Can dry your face out
Doesn't reduce blackheads

I think this product is worth trying out! I have used for a little less than 4 weeks and my acne is nearly gone and I have no new pimples. I do wear makeup on a daily basis. If you are using this product twice daily, I would recommend using a light moisturizer once a day so it doesnt over dry your skin.
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January 24, 2010

Pros:

Great size, Non-Scented, Easy to use

Cons:

Will dry skin out if used too often

This product works great! I have been using it along with the rest of the system (ie: cleanser and mosturizer) for about 3 months and have seen major improvement with my skin. My first week using the treatment I had problems with my skin drying out. But once I started focusing on my t-zone and checks (which are my problem areas), instead of smearing it on my whole face, the dry-ness subsided.
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January 24, 2010

Pros:

nothing this is horrible

Cons:

peels my skin
redens the skin
makes it more noticeable

my ass hole of a dad keeps reminding me about my acne and he saw a proactiv commercial and decicded to buy the commercial looked like it worked but based on the reviews several believe it is terrible i pray they go out of business for fooling me into buying that expensivie crapola
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January 16, 2010

Pros:

Improved skin texture for a time.

Cons:

Effects didn't last and it bleached everything!

It works for a little bit, but for me it only seemed to improve the texture of my skin, and I know it was because the product contained Benzoil Peroxide, but it bleached shirts and my down comforter. Which I can deal with if it is a good product, but this stopped working.
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January 5, 2010

Pros:

Works well.

Cons:

For one thing the price is too much. Doesn't work as well as they advertise.

My acne has not cleared up completely. But if I stop using it the acne will get worse. Its a great product for people with very little acne.
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December 30, 2009

Pros:

Worked for the first two weeks

Cons:

VERY VERY expensive
smells bad
leaves your skin very dry!!!!
after two weeks acne got way worse than before i started!

its expensive and doesnt work!!!! now i have more acne than before and am looking for a new solution!! made skin super dry!!!!! im scared to stop =[ will it get worse?
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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.