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 11, 2007

Pros:

I've been using this for about a year. For the most part it keeps my skin clear (only the acne..I still have scars and red marks). Every once in a while I'll flare up a bit, but that's probably do to hormones.

Cons:

If I use too much of the lotion my face dries out a lot. Use a tiny bit.

I've had moderate acne for 11 years. I've tried everything out there except for Accutane, and that's only because I can't find a doctor around here licensed to prescribe it. I found one an hour away but she wouldn't give it to me because I didn't live near by.. said "I need to be close to you incase anything happens!"..whatever. A few friends of mine, who's acne wasn't nearly as bad as mine, had been using AcneFree so I figured I'd give it a shot. It works the best out of anything I've tried. I recently flared up pretty bad.. I think it was a mixture of pms and this non oil free sunscreen I had been using when going to the pool. I bought the AcneFree Severe to try that since it says it works faster. I've been using it for four days and so far my face is just insanely dry. We'll see. I might switch back to the normal AcneFree.
April 30, 2007

Pros:

cheap and over the counter unlike proactiv which it has compared itself to.

Cons:

doesn't work, period.

i suffer from a mild to moderate acne problem. i've been dealing with this problem for about... 2-3 years now. i've tried proactiv, but didn't work the wonders for me. but when i saw this at a store, i decided to give this a shot. what a mistake... i think it irritated my face rather than calming the acne down. i used it for about 3 weeks, then i couldn't stand my skin feeling so dry and irritated.
April 24, 2007

Pros:

Step by step directions were easy to follow.

Cons:

I began developing nasty, hard pimple lumps that I never had before. They would grow and were very painful. I left them alone until I had to pop them to get relief. Then they scarred badly. Customer help consisted of more expensive products.

It did not work for me. In fact, it made my acne worse and the additional products further emphasized my problem. Now I have dry skin, scars, and still the zits.
April 19, 2007

Pros:

Nothing really...

Cons:

This really dried out my skin, and it really aggrivated the skin directly around my eyes so I looked like a racoon. It also gave me contact dermatitis on my neck.

It might work for younger skin, but I'm using Fruit of The Earth Aloe Vera Gel 3x per day and Aveeno Moisturizing Bar, and I'm much happier... and clearer!
April 14, 2007

Pros:

I personally like the cleanser, because it has little beads that exfoliate, so I feel that it does a super cleaning job. It gives me a squeaky clean.

Cons:

It is very expensive. What I do to cut down on the cost to have them send me three kits every six months. That way, my order is above $100 and I get free express shipping. Basically, it's costing me about $200 a year.

Continuing from above. They do not give enough product (the bottles are too small, I dont' know how the kit is supposed to be enough for two months). The toner stings. I have noticed that I have had to increase the amount of repairing lotion in order for it to have an effect. The system does not have a pleasant smell. Worse thing to do is use the cleanser after the sulfur mask, and you will smell like rotten eggs (probably a formation of H2S - hydorgen sulfide is in effect). My face is now worse that what it used to be. I think I will not be ordering any more of this product. My mother told me that my face has aged, and I guess this is confirmed by the other reviews. I don't know what to do at this point. I thought Proactiv was going to be my solution, but that's not the case. I believe I must increase my intake of water as well as my servings of fruits and vegetables, exercise and hope for the best. I have been using it on and off for 4 years now but am stopping. Any suggestion?
April 9, 2007

Pros:

clears skin up

Cons:

bit pricey

that it reeli cleared my skin up within the first 3 days. after about a week my skin started gettin red and irritated but then i stopped scrubbing soo hard with the cleanser and didnt apply as much repairing lotion and ym skin felt grate is was smooth and there was no more blemishes i love it
April 9, 2007

Pros:

clears/dries breakouts

Cons:

very dry, sensitive, irritant, painful skin after application

It works. It worked for me before. I had intensive laser surgery done on my face because my acne was that severe, i was prescribed Benzaclin and it worked for me.. HOWEVER I was refused refills after 3yrs of usage and for a month I stopped using it after so long of continuous usage..and I broke out all over my face a couple weeks later. I am still suffering. The doctors finally gave into my plea and re-prescribed me benzaclin, the breakouts are worse, more painful.. i can't bear them. It hurts my face to smile. I lost all my confidence within weeks because of this. Basically if it works for you- stick with it !!
March 19, 2007

Pros:

It works no matter what skin type you have. They have different products for everyone.

Cons:

Can't think of any.

In the beginning I had to use the gentle formula because the 'basic' was too intense but then about a year later I moved up in product. At only 25 dollars a month it is worth the 10 minutes a day to have clear skin. If anyone has any questions call and talk to the people at Proactiv they want to help you be successful. Try buying from the local carts in the malls the poeple are a bit more knowledgable than on the phone.
March 6, 2007

Pros:

It clears up most acne. Simple 3 steps and you're done.

Cons:

Throughout the 6 yrs I used it I had numerous really bad breakouts. I also started developing large deep cysts on my chin. Stopped using Proactiv and the acne made a major comeback, but the cysts went away.

The product works well, unless you're sensitive to ANY of the ingredients. For me, my skin reacted bad to the fragrance added to the product, and the Zinc Oxide in the moisturizer is an acne trigger for me. If you do not have a lot of sensitivities then it will probably work for you. It does bleach towels and clothes and everything else.
March 1, 2007

Pros:

Nice size tube I suppose. I kind of like the design on the cover too.

Cons:

Watery, doesn't work, somehow more drying than other BP products with higher percentages (including 5% and 10%!)

Doesn't work for me. I can't believe there's so many positive reviews! Kudos to you all, but wow, I have semi-moderate acne and this product just seemed to make it worse. I followed the regimen for several months and it didn't work. If this product was less watery and combined with some other ingredients, it could be good. But for now it's mediocre in my opinion and I am literally amazed there's so many good reviews!

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.