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 22, 2016
Don't bother
Not only did this not work for me at all, it bleached all my face towels. Imagine, it is dying your cloths and your putting that all over your face? If this worked or works for you, that's amazing. It just didn't for me.
This Was Helpful

14 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 27, 2016
good for acne skin
i have very very oil skin and I had suffered from Acne problem and i had tried a lot of things before i found this and after been using this for 1 month it cleared my skin but dont overus cuz it could dry out your skin
This Was Helpful

14 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 2, 2015
Don't waste your money, go see a dermatologist.
There's nothing special about Proactiv products. I was way better off buying gentler products at the drug store that didn't sting and turn my skin red. The only thing that this company is good at doing is making commercials. Don't trust them with your skin, go see a dermatologist if you're worried about acne.
This Was Helpful

14 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 18, 2015
Waste of time and money
Terrible product. My face has been red, itchy and swollen for the past three days because of Benzac. Numerous trips to the doctors have had to be made, Doctor strongly recommends not to buy either. Horrible product.
This Was Helpful

14 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 23, 2016
This happen to me now! :( what did you use after that?
August 22, 2016
Its just normal , after 1 week its no longer itchy and red but after 1-2months you will be amazed on its great result :)
August 22, 2016
Its just normal , after 1 week its no longer itchy and red but after 1-2months you will be amazed on its great result :)
August 28, 2015
STILL WAITING FOR REFUND
I am beyond upset with your company. My son tried your products and they weren't strong enough for his level of acne, so we returned the 2nd package we received the day we received it and called and cancelled our membership. We have YET to get our refund and they initially told us it would take 4-8 weeks and it's been over 12 weeks!!!! Unbelievable to us that they continued to take our payments yet refuse to return our message or refund our money. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! Save yourself a major headache!!!
This Was Helpful

14 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 26, 2015
eww
I honestly don't recommend this product to younger teens. I am 14 and I found out that it broke me out! Proactiv + is wayyyy better!!! If you don't end up buying it. I also recommend the Neutrogena rapid clear stubborn acne. It helps over time, proactiv + works instantly for my oily skin.
This Was Helpful

14 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 3, 2015
It will change your skin's life
I'm 20 with border line moderate acne. I've had acne since middle school! I've been there tried that and everything failed. Finalllyyyyyy I have found my holy grail. This stuff is very drying at first and it may be annoying, especially if you wear make up (little rough patches will be normal at first). But if you stick to it and remember to never skip the moisturizer, your skin will transform completely. Not only is my acne 95% cleared up, but the texture of my skin has changed in such little time. I thank the AHA moisturizer for that part. I can't believe my skin could look this good again! Please give it a try if your looking for a solution and be patient and positive and follow the regimen religiously (:. Also, diet and stress are a big contribution to your acne. Following the regimen but eating horribly and not having the best hygiene (I.e dirty pillow cases and sheets) will not clear up your acne. Excercise, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and follow the regimen and you will notice a difference!!
This Was Helpful

14 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 14, 2015
Waste of money
I was beyond excited to try proactiv when I bought it. For the first week I saw no improvements or changes. Then the second week, BAM! My face was as red as a fire truck. It burned the crap out of my skin. It was so drying face that my face would peel. It was a waste of money and not worth all the hype that it is given. Would not recommend to anyone.
This Was Helpful

14 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 1, 2015
Product used: The Regimen
THE ONE FOR YOU
I have been a loyal customer to the acne.org regimen for about two years now. I had tried everything, Proactiv, Clinique, drugstore brands, they all worked for a little time or did not work at all. I found this site and did my research and decided it wouldnt hurt to try something new. I am SO happy that I did, this has cleared my skin and I only recieve about one monthly zit. I love this regime and I will stay loyal forever. If you are on the brick of giving up, give this a try! It will work for you!! PS: I had very oily skin and was very prone to breakouts but on this regimen it has reduced my oil production!
This Was Helpful

14 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 22, 2015
Terrible product
We used proactive+ on my teenage daughter's skin for 3-4 months. At first we thought we saw minimal improvement. My daughter had little to no acne scarring when we started this product. Now her skin looks worse, horrible acne scarring(she used it twice a day as called for and never picks at her face),no improvement in acne. We cancelled and are seeking help from a dermatologist to fix what they messed up. Stay as far away from this product as you can!
This Was Helpful

14 user(s) found this helpful

Report

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.