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 9, 2007

Pros:

Has a strong bleach and will make red marks a lot less noticeable.

Cons:

Grainy texture may not be that pleasant.

This should really be separated by the type of Zoderm used. I have the 8.5% scrub (started with the 4% but wanted something more effective). I don't agree with the site's recommendation for a low percentage, a high dosage has always worked better for me. Zoderm is good for this because you don't leave it on to irritate your skin, it gets washed off right away. After trying it for awhile, if you want it to be extra effective, you can put it on a few minutes before you get in the shower and just sit for 5 or 10 minutes, but be careful, it is harsh if your skin can't handle that. It works really well at hiding red marks. I think it's even faded some of my old scars! But your skin needs to be pretty tough to stand up to it, which is why it's prescription only.
April 23, 2007

Pros:

works for me, cleanser can be drying so I use neutrogena moisturizer, wasn't getting the job done with proactiv's moisturizer, don't use the repairing lotion, too drying,use the mask about once or twice a week.

Cons:

can't get it at walmart, etc, but I get it from my local mall, the cleanser costs about 20.00. better than waiting for it to be delivered and paying for shipping.

does work, just have to make sure to moisturize, do get occasional pimples but they seem to heal and dry out and go away faster. so far I have had good luck.
April 18, 2007

Pros:

works pretty good most of the time in clearing up and preventing acne

Cons:

dries your face out a little if you use in excess, but can be helped by lotions

i've been using this for almost forever and everyone always complimented me on my face and how soft and clear it was, occasionally there was times i did break out but face it- that will happen sometimes
April 11, 2007

Pros:

Works very well.

Cons:

Too expensive and tube seems to run out quickly.

I much prefer Dan's benzoyl peroxide, but this is easy to buy at your local drug store.
March 14, 2007

Pros:

Proactiv worked very well for me , My face looks great

Cons:

The customer service is whhy I stopped using it. They were rude and not helpful at all. I was being charged for shipments I never got and shipments I never ordered.

I stopped using Proactiv because of the customer service
March 5, 2007

Pros:

Works well to get rid of acne & it's terrible left behind scars.

Cons:

Doesn't smell too great.

It's a great product, I had no blemishes and it helped calm down my skin fast. I had gotten complements on how great my skin looked. It's worth a shot; this is a totally diffrent product and doesn't burn. I stoped using it and that was the biggest mistake I've ever done, my skin now is very bad and I am buying another package as soon as I find the number for Proactiv. I tottaly recommend.
March 2, 2007

Pros:

Great for mild acne

Cons:

the toner runs out first

Give it time, it will work.
February 11, 2007

Pros:

- Works way better than salicylic acid, imo.
- No excessive drying or funky smell
- Gel based substrate (ie: no messes liquid messes to clean up, readily absorbs into skin, no 'white mask' look)

Cons:

- Would be nice if a dry/'just-add-water', travel-version existed for air travelers (considering the new TSA bans on gel based liquids)

An affordable acne fighting solution with an open community forum that encourages free discussion of the product. Good job Dan. (Note: In addition to the cost of the 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel, I included the costs of the Eucerin Skin SPF-15 Skin Renewal lotion + alpha hydroxy solution + special soap)
February 6, 2007

Pros:

This stuff is amazing. No smell, no mask-like feeling, so easy to apply!

Cons:

My only complaint is that when I received it, it was frozen solid in the tube...but that's what you get with FedEx in February, I guess. :P

I will never go back to another BP product. Thanks SO MUCH for creating this!
February 1, 2007

Pros:

It wasn't as expensive as Proactive

Cons:

Didn't work for me. I am still breaking out.

I have been using this product for a bit over a month and see no difference in my skin. It didn't start drying out my skin until a couple of weeks ago. Now, my face is flakey, whiteheads are popping up and turning into undergrounds.

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.