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
March 3, 2008

Pros:

Effective and Cheap

Cons:

A bit of the smell

I switched over to Clear Pores because of the dryness and pimples which were appearing after I had used Proactiv. Ever since I have been using clear pores, I have witness minimal pimples or skin drying. It's really working very well for me. I would surely like to recommend this product more than Proactiv.
February 28, 2008

Pros:

This is the best I've used yet. No irritation and it smells a lot better than any other acne treatment. The cleanser is amazing.

Cons:

The lotion doesn't smell the greatest.

Works great. No irritation, dryness, redness, anything. Quick results, smells good (except lotion. Lasts 2 months.
February 7, 2008

Pros:

It actually works!

Cons:

None

Thank you!
February 3, 2008

Pros:

Keeps skin clear and beautiful!
No white residue
Feels smooth and silky to put on skin

Cons:

Can bleach fabrics
Can leave dried up residue around the dispensing hole (no big deal)

This stuff has saved my life. I started on the regimen using Oxy 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream which did work well, but left that white residue, and came in a tiny bottle. This stuff feels MUCH nicer to apply and lasts a whole lot longer. Also, my skin has never looked so good! I started getting acne in grade 4. I've been on tetracycline from the dermatologist (which made me very nauseous) and tried many other acne products. Nothing has compared to this. It's so easy to use, and best of all, very cost efficient! I can't sing its praises enough. I tell EVERYBODY about it. I even look at old pics of myself where I THOUGHT I was having a good acne day and cringe because it is such a drastic difference! What a self esteem booster to have clear skin, finally, after all these years!
February 2, 2008

Pros:

no pros at all.i had pretty bad skin to start,but nothing like it is now.ive been taking it for two weeks.i tried the peroxide cream at first but it is way to drying.now im gettin huge systic acne and never had it before

Cons:

i even started breaking out on my chest and back.i wouldnt recomend this product to anyone

it sucks!!
January 31, 2008

Pros:

PRo activ works good it has decrease the acne that has once appeared on my face.

Cons:

When i use Pro activ i have to put extra moisturizing cream on my face to reduce the dryness of my skin

Buy it believe me its worth it, i used to be afraid to go out in public becase of my acne. When i was introduce this product i immediatk=ly tried it and it cleared my face up.....later i get so many compliments!
January 27, 2008

Pros:

They have great customer service.
Works on my nose where there are blackheads

Cons:

Increased Breakouts everywhere else except nose

My skin reacts differently than my nose I use this product only on my nose where I get blackheads because it increases breakouts everywhere else and i haven't found another acne product that works. I'm scared to use any other acne products.
January 22, 2008

Pros:

A great BP treatment to take on your travels.

Cons:

Expensive, a lot of packaging but if used just for travel, that is actually a plus.

Not feasible for everyday use. I use either the Neutrogena On The Spot or Cleanser/Mask w/ 3% BP for everyday. But when I travel, these are a godsend. You can get a full day's use out of each pad if you wrap it in plastic.
January 8, 2008

Pros:

Less whiteheads & smoother skin. The whitheads disappeared within 3 days, and havent returned! I have quite fair skin, and it actually made my face quite tanned. I also like the fact the product is more or less unscented.

Cons:

Very dry skin during the first 2 weeks. You must use a moisturiser. You must increase the dosage slowly, otherwise your skin will become very sensitive and incredibly dry.

You need to be patient, your skin won't become perfect overnight. The dry skin is a pain, but I would prefer to have dry skin to very oily skin! In my opinion I think the benefits are well worth the side effects such as dry skin. It's very cheap to buy in the UK (about £3 although I got mine free on prescription basis)Overall I would recommend that everyone should try it, I think its a brilliant product!
December 15, 2007

Pros:

MAKES MY SKIN SOFT AND NOT AS OILY AS IT USED TO BE

Cons:

I KIND OF WISH IT WAS ALL IN ONE....BUT 3 STEPS ISNT THAT BAD

I HAVE TRIED PROACTIVE, BENZACLIN, MURAD, DIFFERIN, ETC AND NOTHING WORKED LIKE THIS. I HAVEN'T BEEN ON IT THAT LONG BUT I SEE A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT. I HAVE NO MORE BIG UGLY PIMPLES. JUST A FEW SMALL ONES.

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.