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:

it works if used correctly

Cons:

makes your face look red and can irriate your skin

i've used proactiv for a while, then went off it, now i'm back it's working well you just have to use the right amount which is very little.
May 20, 2008

Pros:

NONO

Cons:

Dark flaky and dry patches on skin

I will never use this cream again and i suggest those of u with sensitive skin dnt either
May 19, 2008

Pros:

Works well, face cleared up and stayed clear

Cons:

However, my hair and clothes/towels bleched.....mostly my hair from a dark brown to blond:(

Works well for many people.....head the warning though...this may blech your hair and clothes.
May 16, 2008

Pros:

Now I know proactive is not for me and not to trust evertything I see on TV

Cons:

super dry skin, irritation, burning/stinging not matter what moisturizer I put on my skin (I've tried many)

I regret using proactive. After 1 application, my face dried out like crazy and it has been like that for a few days now. Clearly the direction they provided are not very accurate and the commercial was a hoax. Terrible experience.
May 15, 2008

Pros:

it calms skin and reduces redness

Cons:

does not fix breakouts in fact it caused more breakouts for me dried my skin like no other it took me about to weeks to get it back to normal

the tv lies this stuff is NOT gold in a bottle!
May 11, 2008

Pros:

It works!! I'm really shocked to see all these reviews that say it didn't work for them. I've been using it for 4 years now and whenever I stop using it, my acne returns. I've tried other products only to have my acne consistently return! It works!!!

Cons:

The smell isn't that great and it's very thin and runny but if those characteristics are what make it take away acne so well, then I'd rather they stay the same!

I use this 4 my back & have noticed that 1 bottle lasts me 86 days, so I always order 3 at a time to save a few dollars. That's only $7.57 per month but still, I thought I could figure out how 2 save money by finding something cheaper so I stopped using it & started spraying my back with things I read about on the Internet such as apple cider vinegar or rubbing alcohol. I also tried Nature's Cure Body Acne Treatments Spray. All of these things caused my acne 2 return! I went 2 the dermatologist yesterday & since I had stopped using this product in order 2 try 2 cut costs, my back was a mess. She said she'd give me something 4 my back & I told her I have something that works & showed her the bottle & told her I wanted 2 see if she knew of anything cheaper because I didn't want 2 be addicted 2 it 4 the rest of my life since it's a little more than $21 a bottle. She told me that if this is working for me 2 keep using it because her other recommendation was a $30 a bottle product.
May 10, 2008

Pros:

-my face is not as red
-when i do get the ocasional pimple it is gone sooner
-hardly ever break out any more

Cons:

-can overdry if you forget to moisturise, but if you moisturise there is no problem

Being 13 I am very self concious of my aperance. Since commencing the use of proactive I feel that my confidence has returned. I am so glad that I tried it, it has dramatically improved my mild acne. I noticed a HUGE improvement even after 1 week of usage. The refining mask is great! I HIGHLY RECCOMENT THEE USE OF PROACTIVE.
April 19, 2008

Pros:

- Cleared some pimples

Cons:

- Dries skin
- Only works for awhile

It took about a month to get rid of my cystic acne. Now I only get mild acne, but Proactiv doesn't seem to be working anymore(I've been using it for 2 1/2 months now). Plus, it makes my skin really dry. =(
April 18, 2008

Pros:

well nothing really

Cons:

it didnt work:( expensive, very drying (to the point where you start getting wrinkles, and they wont give you a refund!!!:@

I went to the clinique counter after reading good reviews about it..and I really wanted to like it and I wanted it to work..but unfortunatly just like the other 100 00000 acne products I have tried, it didnt work:( I was talked into buying it and I spent like 120 dollars and the worst part is that they told me if it didnt work I would get my money back and I went there today and they wouldnt refund it!!:@ Please dont waste your money on this crappy product, Im not kidding! I HATE ACNE and now I have to find another product..I am thinking about trying the tea tree oil line at the body shop, I really hope it does..if youve had good experiences email me please:) figure_skater282@[link removed]
April 17, 2008

Pros:

It works!

Cons:

If you use it more often than recommended, you may have some sensitivity issues.

I am 31 years old and have tried EVERYTHING! I used to spend hundreds of dollars that I couldn't afford on extractions and specialty products. I have had significantly less break outs and my skin is beginning to look clearer, more even-toned. I love this product!

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.