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
January 27, 2007

Pros:

none

Cons:

It completely dried out my skin! It also made my face so red, that it looked like I had sunburn. I've never even had bad pimples. I'm now trying the Mario Badescu skin products. They're very non-irritating!I love them! [link removed]

WASTE OF MONEY
January 25, 2007

Pros:

Plan and simple, it works.

Cons:

It can sometimes dry out your skin a little bit and if you don't use it consistently your acne will return.

This product works great and is very easy to use. It has a simple 3 step system and all you need to do in addition is buy some cotton pads to apply the toner easily. I'm 16 and I use AcneFree twice a day and my acne has dramatically improve. I'm more confident and enjoy having my picture taken. One thing I did notice is that you must use it twice a day everyday or you'll immediately see your acne return but that's no big deal. Try not to even skip one day at all. Once you get into the tourtine, everything will be fine.
January 22, 2007

Pros:

Amazing product- best BP in the world, and very good price for its size

Cons:

None whatsoever, except that it's not sold in stores

Get this product. I was kinda skeptical at first because I had second thoughts about dishing money over online for acne products. However, this stuff is amazing. I am 99% clear and women are actually asking ME out on dates. Get this because you have nothing to lose.
January 16, 2007

Pros:

Not good at all. Burned my skin.

Cons:

Expensive. I am going to try and return what I haven't used.

Don't bother.
January 9, 2007

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

Drys skin, breaks you out worse

Bottom line is that this product is a joke. Any celebrity can promote any product for a fee. Dont believe everything you see or read. ON top of the product not working, The company itself is rude and not willing to help. Watch out for the billing cycle. I cancelled the product over a month ago and they are sitll billing me!! Stay away from proactive and just quit drinking soda's!
January 7, 2007

Pros:

if you put this on after popping open a white head, it disappears by the next day.

Cons:

doesn't do much for those big cystic acne pimples though

put it on your smaller pimples for faster healing time.
January 6, 2007

Pros:

None

Cons:

it dried out my skin and made my acne worse... i didn't have terrible acne before it and it was much worse after.

Acne free is better and less expensive. Proactiv is a waste of money.
December 24, 2006

Pros:

i LOVE how its not tested on animals (unlike other skin treatments) doesnt dry skin out no matter how much u use.

Cons:

sticky. takes a while to get absorbed into skin.

doesnt work well for me. waste of $$$$
December 23, 2006

Pros:

the moisturizer. (deluxe set)

Cons:

it doesnt work. the toner actually makes me break out more and the repairing lotion makes skin soooo dry.

not worth it at all.
December 15, 2006

Pros:

It works for me!!! I've been to dermatologists here and there but nothing really worked. With Proactiv, my skin looked way better and I can use it everyday! And I've got lots and lots of compliments now! It works!

Cons:

It's expensive (but I saved more than going to dermatologists).
My mom wakes me in the evening since I sleep early and reminds me to use the product. My sleep's disturbed! hehehehehe... but it's ok! You have to use it religiously!!

I'm a medical student so you could just imagine the stresses in my life!!! One of the stresses is my pimple problem. I used to have very flawless skin but because of stress (and hormones), I started to have pimples. I've tried so many products and have gone to dermatologists. But by using Proactiv, my skin really improved! I wish I'd get my flawless skin back. With Proactiv (and proper management of stress), I'm hopeful I'll be flawless again. To the haters, I think you should read the guide. It states there that acne cannot be cured unless you get to the core of the problem. You have to balance your activities! You have to manage your stress and diet. If you can't manage stress (all types), then no matter what product you use or how religious you use a certain product, you will always get flare-ups!!! TRUST ME!!! And do have patience when you're using a certain anti-acne product! Patience is a virtue!!!

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.