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
August 12, 2008

Pros:

slightly cleared up my acne after using the complete system consistantly DAY & NIGHT every single day for a couple weeks.

Cons:

still have at least 10-12 pimples at a time/bumpy skin that especially doesn't look very good in pictures might i add.

basically, it only works for people who's skin have good reactions to benzoyl peroxide. which mine doesn't, so i'm left too afraid to quit using it, since i'll probably just break out 10 times worse than ever. then what am i supposed to do??
August 11, 2008

Pros:

It works extremely fast, i would have never guessed that it was going to work, I tried proactiv and that was a failure i tried the regular acne free and that was also a failure but the acne free severe kit was the one for me

Cons:

It seems like it just leaves a little bit of acne left but nothing bad

I would recommend this to people who have tried every creams on the market with no success, This actually does work, I am one of those people that acne has never Gone away for me what ever i tried, but after discovering acne free severe my skin looks amazing now, Just make sure you use the steps every day when told to or it will not work
August 7, 2008

Pros:

it works pretty good for someon

Cons:

nothing?

i used to have mild acne now i get maybe a couple every now and then and i use this stuff every other day almost
August 6, 2008

Pros:

It helped me a little

Cons:

It made me break out even more.

It doesnt really work
August 5, 2008

Pros:

It cleared some acne.

Cons:

Exspensive,lotion burned skin

I do not recommend this product.The commercial was a a big lie.
August 4, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

-didnt work
-dried face out
-made face burn like hell

i was reeally dissapointed with proactiv. i thought maybe it would be the thing to get rid of my acne, but it didnt work for me at all!!! not only did it not have an effect on my acne, it completley dried out my face and made it all flaky and it burned like a mf. i dk if i was using it wrong or what, and ill probably try it again, but whatever the hell was in that stuff did NOT like my skin.
August 4, 2008

Pros:

Cleared my skin up in a few days, the 3rd step (lotion) is fragrance free and is good if you're sensitive to strong smelling perfumes/lotions.

Cons:

Made my skin really dry (and I have oily skin). Don't apply the lotion twice a day as they suggest! Use once a day or every other day!

I only got the acne clarifying lotion, and use with Clearasil daily face wash. Works really well, but make sure you apply sparingly or you will definitely experience dried out, flaky skin!
July 25, 2008

Pros:

This stuff works very well, I am a very good looking kid but i have mild acne. It makes me so mad but since the oxy my face looks really beautiful!! Also after useing this stuff use spot treatment with regular peroxide and over night it all disapears

Cons:

Do Not use rubbing alchohol with this it makes every pimple become more infected.

THis product works great for me. Its worth way more than the price. Get the whole package: Daily treatment (this stuff): Cleansing pads: and Oxy Soap.
July 25, 2008

Pros:

cheap, delivers quickly, large bottle lasts forever (a little goes a long way), chemical free, cruelty free, lots of free samples come with your purchase :)

Cons:

none :)

My family has always suffered from terrible acne, especially me. I tried all the stuff on the pharmacy shelves and I even when to a dermatologist (what a waste of money btw). When I became vegan I decided to order this product to see if maybe it would help. My skin has never been so clear before. All my acne on my face, back, and chest are completely gone and my scars faded away quickly too. My skin is baby soft and I barely wear make up now. I highly recommend ALL of carley's clear and smooth products.
July 24, 2008

Pros:

Toned down acne, the refining mask was pretty good as an on the spot treatment. Didn't make things worse. Helped scars heal

Cons:

Never could finish the job! It would get me close but than another few would appear. DID NOTHING for blackheads!!! Overpriced

It is better than nothing, BUT it never completely healed me or kept acne away. Blackheads still remain same as before Proactiv did nothing for them!

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.