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 24, 2007

Pros:

My boyfriend has very severe acne and has been using Proactiv for over a year. He says it did help his acne A LOT when he first started using it.Only REDUCES the amount of breakouts for people with severe acne.

Cons:

It only reduces breakouts. Because of Proactiv, his skin is always very oily, it stains clothes and when he stopped using it for less than a week, his skin broke out worse than it ever did with red, enflamed pimples that are very painful.

Apparently, it only reduces (in my bf's case, greatly reduced) acne but never actually completley clears your skin. The price is outrageous considering it didnt do the job the commercials say it's supposes to do. I'm sure there are better treatments around. Although, my boyfriend and I are still looking for a good, simple treatment for his severe acne.
August 21, 2007

Pros:

The product is easily attainable, and theres always an skin expert behind the counter! You can figure out exactly the products YOU need to best suit YOUR skin.

Cons:

With some people your skin will initially worsen, which causes some to discontinue use, however this is a normal skin reaction.... your skin has to get used to the product, and after a few days, your skin will be gorgous!

All of my life I've searched for a product that actually works on my acne....I've tried everything over the counter, proactive, acne free, just about the entire shelf at any drugstore, I even went to a dermatologist, and still didnt get the results that I have seen with Clinique's products! Nothing compares! The best part is, everything is allergy tested and fragrance free, so it's sooo safe to use! My dermatologist recommended me to use all of their makeup as well, and i could kiss her for it!!!! My skin is the best its ever been! I get compliments on how beautiful my skin is.....and everytime I tell them... All Thanks to Clinique!
August 18, 2007

Pros:

I've used this product for a while, and it works great! Being only 2.5% concentration, it's gentle on the skin, and does a great job getting rid of mild to moderate acne.

Cons:

Pricey for the amount you get. Plus, make sure you carry a cloth with you if you sweat a lot (like myself). It'll leave an annoying milky residue on your face (especially while exercising outdoors in the heat).

Overall, this is an fine product. However, I still prefer Dan's product over this one for the simple reason that it's a gel-based formula. Neutrogena On-the-spot is not very good to use in the summertime if you sweat heavily, and it does occasionally clump up when using a moisturizer (because it's cream-based). However, it does get the intended job done and I would still recommend it to most folks.
August 16, 2007

Pros:

~ Reduces redness within the first couple days
~ Cleanser feels like it actually CLEANS skin
~ Night cream tightens your skin a tiny bit so you know it's working!

Cons:

~ Cleanser dries out skin a little but is helped a little with the day cream
~ Hasn't quite reduced the AMOUNT of pimples yet.

I've been using this product for a week and I love it! I can feel it working and it has definitely reduced the size and redness of pimples, however there has been no change in the amount of pimples. (hopefully that will change with continued use) Cleans and refreshs my skin in 2 easy steps... Morning: wash with cleanser and apply day cream Night: wash with cleanser and apply night cream SIMPLE! Give it a try :)
August 16, 2007

Pros:

was cheap, easy to use, doesnt smell! works great on normal and oily skin! not dry or sensitive (which i have!) made my skin tone look more even.

Cons:

repairing lotion is kinda watery..made my skin super dry and peel like crazy!! kinda broke out more around my jaw and chin.

not for sensitive skin! if you dont have sensitive skin give this a try..and give it time too. ive been using this for over 2 weeks now and its help my overall skin tone, but it makes me break out a little more. i did what most ppl said to wait it out and after the drying was over and done with, my skin would be used to BP. but it kept drying up and irritated my sensitive skin more..but if your thinking of trying this product! give it a shot..you'll never know unless you try! youve got nothing to use expect a lil bit of money and pimples hopefully! best of luck to everyone who is going to try this product! i dont regret getting it..it helped me see that BP is not for sensitive skin. i recommend to everyone with normal and oily skin! not sensitive skin!
August 15, 2007

Pros:

it clears your skin for a short time. it makes your skin feel clean

Cons:

it dries your skin A LOT!! it doesnt really work. waste of MOney!

i have been using this product for like about 2 and a half years. and i was so stupid, i didnt even have acne. i got 2 small pimples and then i saw this commercial on tv how proactiv makes your skin look so beautiful and it stops breakouts, so i went ahead and bought it. since that day, i jus wish, i could go back in time and never have used this product in teh first place. this product ruined my natural oil balance. I dont have severe acne, but i dont have a clear face either!
August 12, 2007

Pros:

it's easy

Cons:

it doesn't start working the first day or the second

they need to actually tell the truth when it's suppost to work
August 12, 2007

Pros:

Cuts through the oil. I got out of the shower feeling cleaner than I ever had with any other type of acne cleanser or soap. This has not dried my skin out at all. Using 4%.

Cons:

My acne has not completely cleared up yet, but it has only been 2 weeks so far. (and in the middle of the summer)

My derm prescribed it to me for my shoulders/back and I've also been using it on my face because it feels SO much better to get rid of the layer of oil that I have. Worth it for that alone. I got out of the shower wondering if "this is how normal people feel when they are clean"? ;)
August 9, 2007

Pros:

probably the best cleanser that ever worked for treating my breakouts.

Cons:

dries out skin, make sure to use a good moisturizer.Your face gets red for the first few days of use but,it will eventually go away.

give it a try!
August 9, 2007

Pros:

strongest BP soap out there

Cons:

doesnt lather at all,slips off your skin if your skin is to wet, and you have to leave it on for a few minutes for it to work. Also very gritty, the bp is not well milled.

this is just a BP wash. my derm told me to not "slap it on", but to let it sit for awhile to let it work. this is hard to do for back acne in the shower...very annoyin procedure. it is very drying. I'm not sure how its supposed to work, exactly, if your sin doesnt really absorb the bp, unlike dan't product, which is rubbed into your skin and left there to oxygenate. I noticed that the grains of BP in this wash are so large I can feel the grit without lookin for it. very weird. super expensive without insurance converage.

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.