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
December 8, 2006

Pros:

The gels clears up zits you may already have and keeps them away. I still have a hormonal breakout one a month but it heals in 3 days and I can still keep it under control.

Cons:

should be sold in stores
takes a while to apply
doesn't work as well as on-the-spot I think

I've had acne for 7 years and since I started the regimen my skin has improved dramatically. I used to have severely moderate acne and "bad skin" but now I think it has improved to "good skin." I am usually clear or only have 1-3 little red spots that clear up quickly. I went to so many derms that seemed to pick medicines out of thin air and had no idea what they were doing. Be patient and give it a shot! Don't forget to moisturize; I have oily skin but it helps!
December 5, 2006

Pros:

Started working very quickley for me. Evened my skin tone some. The price is very reasonable considering I was paying way more for other crap that wasn't working. VERY HAPPY with it!

Cons:

The repair lotion is a little too runny. Seems like it should be thicker.

I am 25 & have been suffering with acne since I was 9. For the first time I can actually stand for someone to look directly at my face without thinking thay are starring at the bumps. I have large pores, extremely oily skin & just very sensitive to anything I put on my face. After just a couple of days of using this & started to notice a difference. It has been 1 month now & I just can not belive the difference. When I bought this I was just thinking, "probley some more money I'm wasting". This is the first time my face has EVER been this clear. It, of coarse, is not totally clear which I don't think it will ever be perfect, but it is clear enough to where I can go into public without foundation & not feel like I need to hide my face. As I said before my face is sensitive to whatever I put on it so the only thing I did have to do different is I can't use it twice a day as instructed. When I do it makes my face red. So I just use it at night & soapless cleanser during the day for washes
November 28, 2006

Pros:

it does kill the germ and clean the pore.

Cons:

hate rubbing it to my face. i feel i will have more wrinkle later. :P

i don't like this prodcut because it's so hard to massage into the skin and i feel i am wearing a geisha mask after it. and it's expensive with such a small tube. but it works. but i will stay with Dan's gel. it's easier to apply and it works quite ok too.
November 26, 2006

Pros:

I like how it feels. makes my face clean and it dont feel greasy.

Cons:

none

my face has beening breaking out all the time. i have tried everything from the docter to a dermatoligest to a face specilest i am so sick of my face breaking out. i stayed home from school for 3 days because it was so bad. i was at walmart shoping for the holidays and saw acnefree severe and decided to try it. i have been using this proudect for two days and my zits look smaller. my face looks like it cleared up a little but cant tell yet because it has only been two days. but no new zits have appered so i am excited to see if this works or not
November 21, 2006

Pros:

it feels really clean

Cons:

It didn't work at all for me and it smells really bad. I used it exactly how it says to, two times a day and for the appropriate amount of time. I'm disappointed.

I think it does work for some people. It's just a hit or miss type thing.
November 19, 2006

Pros:

it does help clear pimples

Cons:

my skin was never 100% clear and often felt irritated and was still shiny.

i felt that although it did keep my acne at bay the chemicals irritated my skin somewhat and often left it reddish. i also hated putting the amounts of bp Dan recommended...it was scary to think my skin would need to rely on such amounts bp. i am willing to try other forms of bp, however, in hopes that it will not irritate my skin at all and hopefully i will be able to apply it in smaller amounts. i do believe benzoyl peroxide is a tried and true acne fighter and a treatment we should all try.
November 16, 2006

Pros:

Didn't tear up my skin. When it works it works very well but the problem is ....

Cons:

Doesn't work right away. Stops working after a week of it actually working. Process takes awhile.

You should definitely try it if notjing else has worked for you. However, don't be excited if you buy it. It really didn't help me, but,the risk free trial migtht be a good idea. A dermatologist really is better though. They know your skin type and they know what types of medicines have a chance of working on you. I say no.
November 15, 2006

Pros:

works 4 yo face and has a good smell

Cons:

it takes time for ur skin to clear out but it works

I HAVE ACNE SINCE I WAS 13 YRS OLD IT WAS REALLY EMBARRASIN. WEN I HEARD BOUT PROACTIV I ORDER IT AT FIRST IT WORK VERY WELL BUT DEN I STARTED TO GET MORE PIMPLES. I TRIED DRINKIN WATER I EVEN GOT PILL TO CLEAR OUT MA SKIN BUT IT DIDNT WORK.I EVEN STOP EATIN FOOD WITH GREASE AND DIDNT WORK EITHER.UNTIL I WENT WITH THIS DOCTOR SHE RECOMMENDED ME SOME HORMONE PILLS. AND IT FINNALY WORKED OUT TURN OUT TO BE THEY WERE MY HORMONES NOW MY SKIN IS CLEARIN OUT BUT IM STILL USIN PROACTIV. SO I WOULD RECOMMEND U PEOPLE 2 TRY SOME HORMONE PILLS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 13, 2006

Pros:

None!!

Cons:

Waste of Money, dry/peeling skin, acne gets worse

I used proactiv dilligently for a month, and my acne just got worse. It's one of those products where you see a durastic improvement the first night you use it, but then it just gets worse then it was originally. It claims to be a miracle product, but it's just the opposite. I have moderate acne and highly reccomend Jojoba Oil to anyone suffering from acne like me! DON'T BUY PROACTIV, IT'S A WASTE!
October 30, 2006

Pros:

the best product ever

Cons:

it works very goood and exfoliates

i recomend you use this

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.