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
July 20, 2008

Cons:

The smell is awful!!!

I only used this product for one night and I threw the bottles away the next day. I couldn't take the smell, neither could my husband. It actually made me dizzy. I didn't like the way it made my face feel either. I'm going to try ProActive.
July 19, 2008

Pros:

cleared up all of my chest acne! cleared face too.

Cons:

it was a bit too harsh for my face so i have to use it there is small amounts.

great! $5 for being able to wear swimsuits and tank tops all summer without any embarassment is 100% worth it!
July 18, 2008

Pros:

Clears up skin and leaves it feeling fresh and very clean

Cons:

Takes a while to work for oily skin like mine.

Those that say this thing worked over night are too overzealous and should be cautious about not using it anymore. With any acne product you need to use it consistently and for a while, at least a month, before you see 'real' results. My acne was pretty bad and I had realistic expectations from having gone to a dermatologist the first time my skin became this bad. It will get worse before it gets better, but if you stick with it until you skin gets used to any irritation then this stuff works great. I love it personally and I use it with the maximum strength pads and lotion for the full effect, worked better than proactiv for me.
July 17, 2008

Pros:

it helps at first

Cons:

it works at first..the stops..you'll never have clear skin like they say. even when you use the product correctly, you'll get a pimple or more..
dries skin. reddness..

it works at first. does help, but they lie about the fact that you'll get clear skin. you still end up getting pimples.
July 17, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

severe allergic reaction, possible permanent damage to skin

DO NOT USE PROACTIVE. I used it for three days and on the fourth morning, woke up with a deep red, itchy, burning face with tiny bumps all over. Did not improve after three days and went to see a dematologist today. I got steroid presciption (both oral and topical). Used it tonight. I am really hoping that the bumps will go away. As of now, my skin is completely ruined! Do anyne else have similar experience? Did the bumps go away? Please give me hope...
July 16, 2008

Pros:

PERFECT MADE PIMPLES SMALLER OVERNIGHT. RID ME OF AWFUL OILY SKIN. SMOOTHED MY SKIN. BOOSTED CONFIDNECE

Cons:

BURNED just a wee bit(BUT THAT MEANS ITS WORKING)

this product is ABSOLUTELEY GREAT. IT ELIMINATED THE OIL IN MY FACE. AND IT CLEARED UP THE PIMPLES AND REDUCED THE SIZE IN LITTLE TIME BUUT OVERNIGHT. GRRREEAAATT PRODUCT. BESTUSED WHEN YOU HAVE THE OTHER OXY PRODUCTS!!!!!!!!!
July 15, 2008

Pros:

Cleared Up Acne Fast
Unscented
Cheap

Cons:

Dried Skin Up
Left White Marks On Face
Burns a little, and bleaches.

If you're getting this, mix some moisturizer (preferably from the Daniel Kern store) and oil free sunblock and this product is perfect!
July 13, 2008

Pros:

starts clearing up skin up pretty quick but i have been using it for about a month and two week it cleared ALOT of acne up quick but it seems that some area are more harder to rid of than others

Cons:

i have been using the product about month and two weeks but i dont know if im impatient or has it really stopped working.

it clears up acne not i dont know if completely yet cause i just started using it like i said times before about a month and two weeks but hopefully in about another month i can write back and tell you if it has cleared it up.
July 12, 2008

Pros:

this stuff works great on chest/back acne -- i put it on in the shower, leave it on for about 2 minutes, then rinse it off. my chest acne is completely cleared.

Cons:

DO NOT USE ON FACE -- it will BURN and within 2 or 3 days your face will be red, scaly, and burning.

this stuff is very strong and i will repeat ONLY use it on your chest/back... it works, but if you use it on your face it will literally burn your skin off. also if you leave the tube sitting around too long the oil separates out.. gross.
July 11, 2008

Pros:

It works! I have been through about 3 of these kits. I have used Proactiv and I can tell you this works better, for me at least.

Cons:

The texture of the lotion and face wash has been different with every kit. The kit I bought a couple of days ago seems to have the best overall texture, so maybe they are improving the formula.

It works. It takes about a week to clear things up, but I have had much better, more consistent results with this product than I did with Proactiv. I used the product 2 kits straight, and I took a break from using it for about two weeks. My forehead broke out in all these little bumps with one rather large bump right in the middle. I started using it again a few days ago and I already see clearing take place. My advice... KEEP USING IT if you find it works for you!! Consistency is key with any acne treatment.

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.