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
May 29, 2008

Pros:

i got my money back

Cons:

It made my skin worse. also the toner smelled like something awful.

I have tried benzoyl peroxide products before and none of them irritated my skin as badly as this had. I was hoping this product would clear a few small blemishes I had, however, I now have a face full of cystic acne after using Proactiv, and they still have yet to vanish from my face, two months after emerging. I followed the instruction religiously for two months and I never saw any sign of improvement.
May 29, 2008

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

Made my acne WORSE!!!!

I actually used this product for a week, My acne was only on my chin,then when I sated taking the pills,from Natures cure...my forehead broke out like CRAZY!! I had huge pimples alll over!! And I NEVER break out ,like that...never have!! So, I figured my body couldnt take the medicine ,bc it did nothing for me!
May 24, 2008

Pros:

AMAZING! clears us everything!!!!

Cons:

must stay consistent with the products, must use all the products together everyday

You have to use at least the first three products together every single day, once or twice a day depending on how dry your skin gets. It does get expensive, but if you use it consistently the product is so worth it. It does not work for some people because they do not follow the instructions and use way too much of the lotion. Just use little amounts of everything and it works great. AND USE IT EVERYDAY!
May 14, 2008

Pros:

it felt nice on my skin

Cons:

omg where can i begin this product sucks my skin broke out so bad i had to switch to another product face felt gressy in the morning

this sucks i was using clean and clear before then i tryed this and it sucks i hate hate it my friends where feeling really sorry for me so they told me what they were using so now i am using clinique's 3 step and to alll you people who hate clinique you are dumb because my skin is cristal clear if you didn't ask for the skin test and just asked for the product your dumber cause they can't help you if they don't know your skin type so they can tell you what right for you
May 12, 2008

Pros:

clears up existing acne, reduces oil, prevents acne, clears up existing acne scars, acne goes away faster

Cons:

dries out skin, makes skin flaky if moisturizer is not used, can't buy in stores, not enough product provided

I used to get hormonal break outs and some cystic acne that would last a couple weeks and leave scars. Now, I only get the occasional pimple which clears up with in a week. My existing acne scars are fading. My face isn't as oily as it used to be. The only bad aspect is that it dries out my skin and leaves it flaky if I don't moisturize. Also, the kit ships every other month and I usually use up all of the face scrub a few weeks before the replenishment is sent to me. Other than that, Proactive is a great product and I would recommend it to anyone looking for ways to help clear and prevent acne break outs.
May 11, 2008

Pros:

It works! Well for me anyway

Cons:

Its's a little liquidy but it's cheap!

I stated this product on June of 2006. It's cleared my skin. I had very bad acne and tried most of the product out there, so I was browsing the web and came onto Carley's and tried it. I made the product into my own. Through out the years of using acne products, I've know what works and doesn't work for me. So with Carley's, the scrub and soap was great but the moisterizer, I didn't like. I stuck with the intructions(very important) The first couple weeks, I didn't see much of a difference but I still kept with it and I am glad I didn't give up because I have been using it for 11 months everyday and it works. I also used neutrogena on the spot acne treatment for the occasional pimples but Carley's did not clear up my dark spots I have but I am using some cream to clear it up; tried bio oil but it's taking a long time so I gave up on it. So basically, you have to form a regiment, find what works for you but my basis was and still is Carley's smooth&clear; the soap which is excellent.
May 10, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

I've been using for over 5 months and I still have bad acne. I have more blackheads than when I started using it.

It might work if your acne isn't really bad but if it's already bad it probably won't.
May 7, 2008

Pros:

Very Gentle, No irritating fragrance, and very effective and affordable!

Cons:

A little bit drying, but not bad compared to most b.p.'s.

Wonderful product, great consistency, and affordability. I wouldn't change a single thing :) Keep it going, Dan!
May 4, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of acne.

Cons:

Within 10 minutes of use, it sent my entire face into a dangerous and painful allergic reaction that sent me to the Emergency Room. My face and upper chest broke out in hives and a terrible burning sensation.

Got rid of acne. Replaced it with hives. Plus, it almost killed me. Covered my face with hives and terrible burning. I don't plan to use it again. If you DO decide to use it, first test A VERY LITTLE BIT of it on a small part of your arm (or something that isn't too sensitive and that ER doctors can reach easily) and wait 24 hours to see if an allergic reaction occurs. For some people (me), it can cause a dangerous allergic reaction. Just be careful. Please.
May 4, 2008

Pros:

-smells great.
-easy to carry around with you
-works good on sensitive skin

Cons:

- dries your face out.
-have to continue to use it daily.

This product works great! You just have to keep to it. the only thing i found worked better was bith control. I facial motrizer would make thing product work even better because of the driness. but, you should ask the doctor or pharmist what lotion you should use on your face. most make it oily.

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.