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 8, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

made skin feel really dry and my skin started to peel a lot by my forehead and mouth.

it is so strong that it actually makes your skin worse, and your breakouts don't go away. my skin felt so tight and the moisturizer didn't even work! the cleanser had a weird scent and honestly, you're better off with drugstore products instead of this line! it is a waste of money and of course in the beginning you think it will work like magic, but seriously it doesn't at all!
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October 5, 2009

Pros:

I've used proactiv for years and it worked wonders. My face was clear in about a month.

Cons:

You must stay consistent. I felt dependent on the system and did not like how it bounded me in that way so I sought to "escape." This was not a good idea. About a month after switching off of it, I broke out all over and was miserable.

It worked for me and may work for you too. Just stay of it if it does work, there's no point in trying to get off something that has been working for so long. I've tried acne.org "treatment" and feels like i'm putting too much BP on. PRoactiv's recommended dosage of BP was a dime sized amount and that worked for me. The proactiv BP just leaves your skin a bit oily. I am going to get back on the Proactiv system soon. I regret ever trying to get off of it! :(
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September 26, 2009

Pros:

Clears stubborn acne, leaves skin smooth, works relatively quickly.

Cons:

Medications leave skin a little dry and the chemicals have a tendency to age skin quicker -- need a GOOD night cream.

People write, "I have tried everything," and I am no different. I am 26 and have struggled with "stubborn" acne since I was 12. After a horrible turn with Proactiv (a product which I believe is very bad for your skin and would not recommend long-term to anyone) I went to pricey products that seemed to work well, i.e. Kate Somerville, Kinerase, Biotherm, Phytomer, and Erno Laszlo. With all of these products, my skin would look great for about a month and then would get used to the products and the acne would reappear. A few months ago I went to my beauty product go-to, Allure's Best of Beauty list, and read they suggested Neutrogena. In my years I had become a bit of a product snob, believing that the pricier, more organic products would be best. Alas, I was wrong. Neutrogena's acne kit has consistently made my skin beautiful. Hands down. I still use a Kate Somerville peptide cream at night to help reduce the dryness. Bottom Line: Neutrogena = Miracle.
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September 14, 2009

Pros:

good moisturizer and topical treatment
ease of use

Cons:

didn't work, to be a club member you have to set up automatic shipments and if you try to lengthen the time of shipments it customer service won't allow you to.
pricey
cleanser doesn't clean at all

Multi step program, need to wait a few minutes between each application, my acne worsened, customer service is a joke! They didn't adjust my shipment request like I asked and charged me anyway. The system didn't reduce my acne, but actually caused more pimples that I couldn't clear up. However, it didn't dry my face out like other products I've used. Definitely buy in the mall first...don't pay for shipping!!!
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July 20, 2009

Pros:

I found this cream excellent cleared up my achne in under 2 weeks, stops break outs completly i love my new skin!

Cons:

if you dont moisturise skin becomes dry.

If you have mild to moderate achne this is perfect for your skin, use it when you wake up and go to sleep for perfect skin.
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January 25, 2009

Pros:

I have struggled with acne my whole life: been on everything imaginable, including Accutane twice! Nothing has ever worked. I started using these pads 2 years ago, and I swear they were made for my skin. My skin has been PERFECT ever since.

Cons:

I have no cons, seriously, these pads are a dream come true. I am obsessed. If i feel a blemish coming on, I just wipe it once with the pad, and it disappears. Dont give up hope if nothing has worked for you, try these pads!

These are great for when you come home late from going out and are too lazy to wash your face. Just wipe off your face (i use Ponds clean sweep, also amazing) and then follow up with Stridex Power Pads. I haven't had a zit since I started using these (2 years ago!!!!), something I never though possible for me! They work on blackheads, whiteheads, everything. I wipe my whole face with them to prevent anything from popping up, but you can also spot treat. They are so easy to use!! The pads are really big too, so if i just use a corner to spot treat, I fold up the pad and seal it in its little wrapper again so that I don't waste it. I can not thank Stridex enough for making these, they are literally a life saver. I feel so confident now not having to worry about my skin. I know that as long as I am taking care of my skin by using these, I will look flawless. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! please never stop making them!
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March 16, 2017
Customer service starting to falter
I've been using Proactiv for over 10 years now and my skin has stayed quite clear with the occasional flare ups. Most recently I've been getting more flare ups so I called in to see if they could send me a spot treatment. Before I called today, their customer service had been impeccable; no wait, courteous reps, and they always let me try the different moisturizers for free in the winter when my skin got dry. The rep I had today offered for me to pay $20 for the pen and $16 for the blemish treatment. I asked if they had samples since I don't want to try the product and dislike it and waste it. That wasn't an option. Quite disappointed since these are things the company usually gifts me for free and they even note on a flyer in my monthly box and I can receive free product gifts, samples, and sneak previews. Hoping this was just a fluke rep since in the past the company has bent over backwards.
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December 16, 2016
WORST ACNE TREATMENT !!!
proactiv is by far the worst acne treatment I have had mil acne for a while an I bought proactive thinking it will help my acne it made me breakout even more so if you are considering ti buy this product do not waste your money!!!!
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September 19, 2016
Product used: The Regimen
Thank You Acne.org!!!
So after using the Acne.org regimen for about 3 months now, I've decided to drop by and write my review. This regimen has SAVED MY SKIN and I am very grateful for that! I started using the regimen on 5th June. First, for the cleanser, its recommended to use 2 pumps each time but I only use less than half a pump, lather it well and its cleanses well! I love the cleanser because I find it so mild I don't feel any stretchy feeling after washing! Skin feels soft and supple! So I'm on my third month now and I've yet to finish my 8 oz cleanser! Next, for the benzoyl peroxide treatment, for the first month I used it 2 pumps every time and it didn't burn/sting/extremely dry my skin at all. I started seeing results really like just after 2 weeks. After 1 month my skin cleared up pretty well so for maintenance, I started using 1 pump every time. The same goes for the moisturizer! After 1 month+ I started adding the acne.org 10% AHA into my routine. Oh yes btw one thing I don't like is the price! For a Malaysian like me the currency conversion rate is so high plus the shipping fees! Not budget friendly for a college student, but it's definitely worth it in my opinion! My skin now remains clear with like 1-3 breakouts once in like a month? I used to break out regularly like every day on areas such as my cheeks and forehead. I'll post a before and after pic in the succeee story so if you're interested to see my results, go see! :D
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November 16, 2016
Hello my fellow Malaysian, may I know how much was the total cost of this product and how long did it take for the product to arrive. Terima kasih :)
August 16, 2016
no
Works at first but when your skin's getting used to it the pimples comes back
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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.