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
October 26, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

i hate it!!

it works wonders!... yeah right..
October 24, 2008

Pros:

I use the regimen for my face, so I didn't use it on my face, but this stuff does wonders on my back. I tried vinegar, tea tree oil, salicylic acid scrubs, just about everything. I tried this stuff and it works great.

Cons:

I see that a lot of people are complaining about dryness. The back can usually handle this pretty well so I really have no complaints.

The stuff works on your back. You need something pretty tough to take care of that area and I think this stuff is excellent.
October 23, 2008

Pros:

only been using it for about a day and half now, but seems to already be working. Basically it just dries out your skin but not in ways that other BP's do. The skin really absorbs it so it works well. and you can wear it out in public.

Cons:

the first day i used it i think i used to much so my skin was pretty red, but only for about an hour or so. the tubes aren't very big and they cost just under 20 dollars at the local Shoppers Drug Mart.

This has really worked for me. My doctor put me on Dalacin T and Metrogel for a couple months but when my prescription ran out i did a little research on BP. So far this stuff has done more for me then the Dalacin T and Metrogel did for 2 months. soo bottom line is it works well. :)
October 21, 2008

Pros:

Smells good, improves skin texture and appearance dramatically after a short time, clears up existing pimples very quickly, cheaper than competitors

Cons:

Takes many applications to clear up blackheads and deep cyst-like acne, stings a bit, can be hard on sensitive skin

I've read some of these reviews, and it seems to me the bottom line is DON'T GIVE UP RIGHT AWAY. BP kills the bacteria that causes acne, but it can't kill it if it can't get to it. You have to allow the system time to clear the pores--time to work. As for the bleaching of towels, my suggestion would be to buy a couple of cheap white hand towels to use to dry your hands and face after using the product. No big deal. Small price to pay for clearer skin. Also, I always make sure to pat on a non-comedogenic lotion after step three--as the bottle itself suggests. I did have a problem, though, because I had a lot of breakouts on my neck, and initially used all three steps it, which resulted in a horrifyingly painful and red rash. I can see how someone with very sensitive skin would react badly to this product. Make sure if you buy it you at least use it until it's gone before making a decision. All things take time.
October 20, 2008

Pros:

I am 38 years old and have struggled with acne since my teenage years. I have tried everything including accutane which only worked for a few years. This product with the regimin has been absolutely amazing. Thank you Dan. I have beautiful skin!!

Cons:

Nothing but taking the time to do the regimin correctly.

This product has produced incredible results and there is nothing even close to this product on the market in this volume and at this price. I really have done it all and am so happy to have these prodicts. Cleared my skin in 3 months.
October 14, 2008

Cons:

MADE MY FACE WORSE...IT MADE ME HAVE MORE ACNE THAN I HAVE HAD IN MY WHOLE LIFE. MY FACE WAS COMPLETELY RED,DRY,ITCHY,and WHITE HEADS APPEARED ALL OVER MY FACE...IT IS HORRIBLE!!!

DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT!!!!
October 1, 2008

Pros:

I'm black so it evened out my skin tone and i went out a few times without make up.

Cons:

Just got more and even bigger breakouts. When i stopped using it for at least three days i had no breakouts. I am now using PanOxyl 10 n even though my skin is peeling all the spots on my forehead have disappeared in less than two weeks of using PanO

Obviously doesn't work for everybody.If u get breakouts from Proactive u might have a negative reaction to Salicyclic acid.
September 26, 2008

Pros:

It has made my zits just a little bit smaller, but I've only been using this for a day, so I need to wait some more.

Cons:

you can't cake it on or it will become really dry and annoying.

I've heard a TON of great comments on this. I think it's working, so we'll see!
September 23, 2008

Pros:

This product is less expensive and it dries up pretty fast and doesn't leave that sticky feeling on my skin.

Cons:

None

I have been using this for about a year now and it's pretty good in my opinion. I used lots of product before including Proactiv. In fact I was using Proactiv when I started breaking out in little pimples all over my face and decided to switch to AcneFree which helped clear them up. I don't break out that often and there are times when my face would be clean for months but then would suddenly starting forming huge ones that take about a week to heal. It's pretty much the same with every kind of acne products I have used. AcneFree does help keep those small ones off my face though so that's definitely a plus.
September 23, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

I was using Clearasil, then switched to Acne Free. It made it a lot worse and dried my face out. I switched back to Clearasil and it immediately improved.

It doesn't work.

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.