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
November 29, 2008

Pros:

it gets ride of your acne surprisingly fast!

Cons:

none.

i like this product alot, i use Persa Gel 5, not 10, but it works really good, better than anything else ive tried, which is EVERYTHING. i recomment this to anyone.
November 15, 2008

Pros:

It seemed like it was working and made my spots seem smaller

Cons:

My face is so dry and irritated and red I had to stop using it after only 3 days.

I have never had skin problems and when I got pregnant I started breaking out really bad. I ordered proactive (after I consulted my doc) and started using it. After 3 days my face is so dry and irritated it stings like crazy to put regular face lotion from a dermatologist on it. I won't use it anymore!
October 27, 2008

Pros:

If you have normal skin to oily, this will help. Just make sure that you are not sensitive to any peroxide or acid

Cons:

If you have sensitive skin, this product will inflame your skin! I have sensitive skin and it made my face red and inflamed!

It doen't work on sensitive skin!
October 24, 2008

Pros:

NONE!!!

Cons:

Worst product ive ever tried!!It made my skin so much worse and left me with scars.

DONT USE IT
October 23, 2008

Pros:

It cleans your skin really, really good. It cleans it too good.

Cons:

It really, really dried my skin out and makes it itch and peel especially around my mouth. It burns really, really bad when you apply it to your face. Almost unbearable burning sensation

I have paid much more and much less for better products at Avon and Clinque. I do not like the way it dries your skin out so badly. My skin looked and felt much better before I ever started using this stuff. I do not like the auto ship and pay every 60 days. I am cancelling and trying to send what I have back. It is not worth it at all. I am very dissappointed with Proactiv.
October 9, 2008

Pros:

THIS SH*T LEFT RED MARKS ALL OVER MY DAMN FACE!!!NOW I LOOK LIKE IM ALWAYS BLUSHING!!DON'T USE THIS SH*T!!!I DON'T KNOW WHY ALL THESE OTHER PEOPLE ARE TALKING BOUT BURNING??
BUT MY FACE LOOKS EVEN WORSE NOW!

Cons:

MY FACE BETTER LOSE THESE RED RASHES THAT I GOT FROM THIS OR SOMEONE WILL DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!

DON'T USE IT
September 5, 2008

Pros:

All natural, gentle

Cons:

It's hard to do all the steps when you're pressed for time - wash with natural soap, apply exfoliator and wait 30 secs, then wash with natural soap again.

I love that it's all natural and really hoped it would work for me. I read where some people said it would get worse before better, but honestly I didn't notice a change of any kind and I have been using it for 2 months. I think it might be for those who have mild skin problems or are allergic to the chemicals in soap. I had such hopes and I really wanted it to work!!!
August 16, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

none

it did nothing for me but that might just be because of my skin type. face stuff doesn't work the same on everyone.
August 15, 2008
At first when I started using proactive, I was thirteen. It worked amazingly! then after a while, it doesn't work good, and your skin is in TERRIBLE dry condition. I can't move my face.
August 8, 2008

Pros:

Skin felt clean thats about it.

Cons:

Biggest con is that it didn't work! VERY dried out skin. Lets just say this I didn't have Jessica Simpsons skin after 4 months of use.

Just get a regular bar of soap and virgin olive oil too keep the skin from drying!

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.