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
April 8, 2008

Pros:

Works pretty well, especially for the price. it dose leave a little white film(like everyone says)but for the most part it works well. it dose help get rid of extra oil.

give it a try. its cheep.
April 5, 2008

Pros:

SLS Free, has BP in it, large size for good price, only have to use it once a day in shower. Try it risk free: you will get your money back.

Cons:

Way too harsh for acne prone skin! A SCRUB is going to irritate your skin and aggravate your acne!

I tried and tried this product for almost two years, but no matter what it never cleared me up 100%. Irritation alone can aggravate acne, and that's exactly what this scrub does. They have a great idea that chemicals and allergies can cause acne, but so can scrubbing it! That's why it has made some people's acne worse; it was way too harsh for their skin. I have tried everything (proactive, herbal supplements, differin, anti-biotics, birth control, that stupid "cure your acne in 3 days" etc.), but I have finally found something that works. The Acne.org's Regimen. I've been using it for 6 months, and I've been 100% CLEAR (not one pimple) for about 4 months. However, Carley's Clear and Smooth company is good on their guarantee, so don't be afraid to try it. I LOVE their soap and moisturizer, and I use them with the acne.org regimen. Although they have a great philosophy on amazing natural products for low costs, this acne treatment won't work for everyone. BUT the Acne.org Regimen wil
April 1, 2008

Pros:

good results
i loved this product so much!

Cons:

nothing is wrong with this product except for the smell!

i love it so much!!!
March 30, 2008

Pros:

well..i like teh container.. instant foam XD..
n my skin feels clean aftr i rinse..i like that =]

Cons:

after i rinse...my pimples and zits and such are left red (but after a while the redness recedes temporarily)
my acne used to be so-so..not so bad...but now..i have more breakouts than ever. and they're huge, red and UGLY!

i guess it's okay, and since everyone's skin is different it could work for some people..but it really didn't do a lot for me and my skin. in fact it made it worse. now when if i run my fingers over my forehead..its all bumpy and nasty and uneven. before it used to be smooth with only the occasional pimple. my cheeks are dotted with ugly red mountains which are sooooo noticeable.. now..i end up looking horrible in any pictures that are taken and there's nothing i can do about it!! i really regret buying this product knowing that my skin used to be clearer than it is now. clean and clear my foot. :@
March 28, 2008

Pros:

Works for a while

Cons:

Expensive, dries your skin out..

I tried this products for over two years. It worked for about two years,but stopped working after that. It dries your skin so bad. It bleached my skin, so many of my red spots faded out. But it bleached my clothes, towels, and pillow cases, also...It is really strong medicine, so I won't recommend if you are sensitive skin type.I don't like the fact that it only works for a while. Expensive!
March 27, 2008

Pros:

great!! clears everything, wakes you up in the morning, skin feels softer and smoother, smaller pores, less oil

Cons:

it kinda smells like wet paint.

It's amazing. I have used this product for around 4 or 5 months now, and my skin has NEVER looked better. It clears everything, removes all oil and makeup, and it's even gentle around the delicate eye area. It's a tad on the pricy side, but seeing as i pretty much swear by everything clinique, i was expecting that. I first got this product by winning it through the clinique beauty boot camp giveaway. And within the SECOND week i began to see noticible results, by the end of the first month, my skin was flawless. I've found that this prouduct works best when you start with the clinique rinse off foaming cleanser to remove excess makeup ($17.50 5 fl. oz.) then use TWO pumps of foam on a WARM damp washcloth. PAT dry. Then follow with a generous amount of clarifying lotion, followed by lots of the moisturizing cream. then, i like to follow with the clinique dramatically different moisturizer($23 4.2oz)and all about eyes rich($27.50 .5 oz)This combined gives the BEST results I've ever
March 23, 2008

Pros:

Leaves your face with a clean feeling

Cons:

BURRRRRRRRRRRRRNNNNSSSSSSSS!! Do not use it if you have sensitive skin! In my first month of using it, my face turned red!!!

Okay, I've been using this product for a long time. I kind of have sensitive skin and my poor skin cannot handle the three step system. So I usually ignore the toner. I will cleanse and medicate. The only reason I'm still using Proactiv is because I bought it in bulk off of Ebay. I'll only use the toner after the cleanser if I was wearing makeup. I still feel burning, after 1 year. I don't think it really helps prevent acne, it just irritates the skin. But obviously, everyone's skin is not as sensitive as mine!
March 22, 2008

Pros:

You won't get any new acne.

Cons:

Does not clean/remove acne.
Drys skin.
Makes face and acne look red.

Don't buy it.
March 19, 2008

Pros:

I used this stuff for about 2 months and it cleared my skin completely for about a week.

Cons:

After that week i started seeing my acne reappear day by day i didnt change anything in my routine.

It was a quick high for me no long term effects it was just a temperary clear up.
March 18, 2008

Pros:

for me it worked; i used it for about 5 days & i did not get one zit or pimple

Cons:

too much BP is not good; cause skin irritation; somewhat redness, makes skin super dry

after 2-3 days i noticed that my skin was getting tighter & stiffer; but i continued to use it because i thought that was just the side effects no biggy! well i was wrong...after washing my face for the last time & putting the repair lotion on my face, my skin started burning then after that i stopped using it. The next day my face got very very DRY & even with the moisturizing lotion i could feel the tightness in my skin. Now some part of my face are DARKER then the other cause i think my skin got BURNED due to over whelming BP.

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.