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 5, 2009

Pros:

im a big fan of this site and told a friend about it. neutrogena BP isnt available here in d philippines so i had no choice but to try Panoxyl 2.5%. im on my 2nd week now and it works ok. i can see improvement. zits are gone.

Cons:

makes ur skin red and itchy for the first few days of application.

i used Panoxyl 3 yrs ago and it cleared my skin for 6mos. after i graduated, my pimples were back. i used Panoxyl again but it didnt work. now im trying my luck again. i just thought of trying it. following Dan's procedure this time.
February 5, 2009

Pros:

got rid of most of my acne

Cons:

dries skin out a little
still get a couple pimples
a bit pricey

i've tried a lot of things, but this is just about the only thing that keeps my face fairly nice. i don't have as many breakouts, but i still do get a few pimples. if you have the money, i would say give it a try
February 3, 2009

Pros:

It seems to work decently well after about a month for me, but clearly it works better for some.

Cons:

After that magical month, it no longer has an effect. It seems to be the factor that causes big red cysts zits to appear. It makes your skin very dry, especially around the neck so make sure you use moisturizer. Expensive. MAKES YOUR SKIN SUPER DULL.

Product starts well, sucks later. I could handle the dryness since it was giving me decent results. It stopped causing acne that formed in huge bunches and I just had randoms which I could deal with. It seems though that it doesn't really stop acne from coming, but gets it to go away in about 3 days to a week. Unfortunately even though its clearing those, new ones keep coming in. Now, and the reason I'm even looking on these sites is to find out why my skin is so dull. I usually got a tan going on and couple weeks ago I put my arms beside my face...basically I'm brown in the arms and pale in my face like I havn't been outside in years. After checking it out, I think its the benzoyl peroxide that causes the dullness and pale face but it's just really annoying being that pale. So I just stopped using it like 2 days ago and nothing too intence has happend yet. I'm starting to see new acne forming in new parts so that sucks. Any info on the dullness let me kno @ sousa.j@[link removed]. thanks
February 3, 2009

Pros:

Clears up acne really well.
Generally makes face cleaner and shiny

Cons:

I suspect it turned my eyebrows and fringe completely orange.
stings sometimes

It works very well if used daily. KEEP AWAY FROM HAIR. I know it turned my fringe and eyebrows completely orange as my hair is the darkest around and it is winter so no sun could possibly bleach it
January 27, 2009

Pros:

On first using it, it completely cleared my skin up and smoothed over bumps on my forehead.

However i've had to start changing from how often I use it to try and find the right balance so I don't get too dry skin.

Cons:

After a while a started to get a fair bit of dry skin. Mind you I did have combination skin to begin with and my sister who had more oily skin has found it hasn't dried out hers and her spots are still gone!

it wouldn't stop me using it thoug

If you use this, you're gonna need a moisturiser -i'm yet to find the perfect one, If only they could release a specific moisturiser designed to work with quinoderm! It works, oh it does work.. but after a while you'll need to find a balance finding how much to put on, how often, when to put on your moisturiser (as you don't want to stop the quinoderm working).. As it varies from person to person you'll need to find what works for you. I'd recommend it, especially to those with oily skin. I bought a bigger tube in the UK at a local pharmacy for £4something
January 26, 2009

Pros:

Cleared skin up, affordable,

Cons:

Slightly drying

I have tried a lot of skin products and nothing has worked as well as Proactive. Compared to other brands, it is very affordable. I also really like their make up and concealer sticks - again very affordable.
January 25, 2009

Pros:

after a day using it, my acne flattened and my little brother told me some red spot were kinda fading i mean like lessions.. my face is less oily than usual *duh the dryness

Cons:

it turned my face red, tight and very dry

its really working even having a moderate severe acne finally something that works
January 23, 2009

Pros:

Works really fast, clears up acne and evens out skin tone

Cons:

remember to wear sunscreen when going outside

it's awesome!! cleared up my face very quickly and effectively...i started to see results overnight...which is a big deal because i live in a tropical climate and the humidity makes it less than ideal for your skin... after my skin was clear i stopped using it and washed my face only with baking soda for a few months and it was still fine... broke out again later on due to stress and had to start back using it again...but my face has cleared up in no time!
January 20, 2009

Pros:

I have tried expensive and inexpensive and nothing has worked. I was so amazed that after just a short time (2 wks) I have no problems! It's fabulous - my daughter uses it as well and I've given samples to my friends! THANK YOU!!

Cons:

None I can think of.

fabulous product. Simple to use. Great for travel with the samples included with EVERY order. I've never had such great skin since high school. Yes, I'm one of those adult onset moderate acne people! My daughter is using the product and a friend's daughter is trying it as well. I can't say enough good things about your products.
January 20, 2009

Pros:

It works!

Cons:

May quit working

I've only had it for a few days, and i tried it for the first time last night, this morning i could already tell a difference! It's 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.