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 30, 2011

Pros:

works pretty good and cheap

Cons:

irritations and it burns

terrific and very good deal
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March 12, 2011

Pros:

cleared up

Cons:

if i stopped using it for one day, acne doubled by the next day

shipping was long

It worked as long as i used it once or twice a day, but if i missed a day it showed. acne would instantly show up
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February 21, 2011

Pros:

Leaves skin soft, doesn't dry skin out, control oily.

Cons:

Renewing Cleanser contained beads.

First of all, I ought to tell you guys that I'm 19 yo and have very sensitive oily skin (I'm even irritated by Cetaphil Lotion, which is for sensitive skin). After reading bunches of reviews about Proactiv, I was hesitated to buy it or not; Then I decided to buy CLEARASIL, which was working really well for resizing pimples, but it also dried my skin out and left a lot of dark spots. Then, I gave up with Clearasil, and tried Proactiv Solution. So I drove to the mall to get it, and after made the payment, held the item on my hand, do you believe that the clerk told me, "you may have more acne before it gets better!". I was like, "Wait, WHAT? Seriously?" The night when I first used, I was scared of what the clerk said, but nah, I was amazed because my skin was too soft and smooth without redness. Until next day, I checked my face carefully and NO new pimples popped up, It meant I was not irritated. --Cleanser : I don't really like it (I hope it could be in foam formula), but it worked okay, this is the first time I've ever used a Cleanser contained beads without irritating skin. Thank God! --Toner: Like I said, I have oily skin, but the Toner controls excess oil perfectly, I love it. --Treatment : Because it is gel, so it can absorb really fast, doesn't make greasy. Finally, I will keep up with Proactiv, because I'm too sick with my 5-year acne experienced in my life. I wish I could tried it before, instead of using a bunch of brands selling in Walmart. One more thing is I need to thank one of the reviewer in here, she/he said people should give it a try, bc everybody's skin is different.
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February 21, 2011

Pros:

-clears up most acne

Cons:

-expensive
-burns face
-leaves scars
-does not 100% prevent acne
-bottles are so small for the price

ive been using proactiv for 2 months and it isnt bad but i definitely isnt what i expected from it. Like any other acne treatment it works if you stick to it but if you skip an application (like i did because the BP is too harsh at times) you may break out. The refining mask is GREAT at reducing the size and soreness of new pimples and helps to stop future breakouts.
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February 8, 2011

Pros:

Easy directions

Cons:

Made skin dry (especially in the winter)
Itches/Stings
Red face for while

Although Proactiv is highly advertised on TV with celebrities, I would highly suggest using something else. Visit a dermatologist, I guarantee that he or she will not even recommend using Proactiv. It is tedious, pricey considering its low performance, and makes tiny pimples pop up everywhere. (Due to the irritation)
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February 7, 2011

Pros:

- Got rid of quite a few pimples

Cons:

- Very expensive
- Stung like mad when applied
- Skin became inflamed and red
- Dried skin out till it was scaly and flaky
- Tedious to apply all the different products

I have sensitive, combination oily skin, where I have loads of pimples on my t-zone but none on my cheeks and chin. I'd recommend this if you don't have sensitive skin. I do, and so I had a rather awful reaction to it. It hurt so much when I applied the toner and the repairing treatment I teared and winced. It dried out my skin so much that it became scaly and peeled off in huge flakes, and my friends pointed it out. However, it did actually get rid of quite a few pimples, and lessened the severity of my acne. The whole acne kit also consists of so many different products, and it's really time-consuming to go through the entire regimen, having to wait for everything to dry/get absorbed, so if you're a student or are working it might not be very suitable, especially if you're usually in a rush in the morning. Basically, I think that it'll work for you if you: - don't have overly-sensitive skin - aren't one of the 5% of people who are allergic to proactiv - don't mind spending a tonne of money on something that might not work for you - have lots of time in the morning Good luck! :)
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January 15, 2011

Pros:

It works better than anything else I've ever tried!

Cons:

None that I can think of, except maybe the price, and the fact that now I can't find it anywhere anymore!

I've used a lot of different cleansers and acne solutions over the years, but unfortunately none could help me. I tried Pro-Activ, and that did a really nice job on my skin. Unfortunately I didn't like to wait two months to receive it. One day I ran out and went without it for a couple of weeks. My skin broke out again. I needed something fast, so I drove down to a drug store and I tried Neutrogena Advanced Solutions. I was skeptical at first, but I was desperate so I tried it. To my astonishment not only did it work, it worked better and faster than Pro Activ! It cleared up my skin, the moisturizer kept it from drying out, and I was very happy with the results. I canceled my subscription to Pro-Activ, but now that I can't find this Neutrogena product anywhere it looks like I might have to go back to Pro-Activ. I've tried AcneFree Clear Skin System, and that stuff doesn't work nearly as well as Neutrogena or Pro-Activ. In fact I hate using it, but right now it's the only thing that was mildly helpful. I tried other Neutrogena products, and they also don't work the way the Advanced Solutions Therapy System did. If Neutrogena doesn't put this product back on the shelves, I'm going back to Pro-Activ. By the way, I found that certain make-up foundations will work against the acne products. Ever since I started using Bare Minerals Make-up in combination with Pro-Activ or Neutrogena Advanced Solutions, my skin has been looking great. Some days it seemed like I didn't even need make-up, that's how clear it was! Using any other foundation was a disaster and made it seem like the acne products weren't working. Turns out Bare Minerals is the way to go!
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January 1, 2011

Pros:

- Works when you first start to use it
- Refining mask is great, if you get it
- Softens skin somewhat

Cons:

- Drying to the skin
- Burning and irritation
- Works for the first week or so then stops
- Repairing lotion feels like it's clogging pores
- Could not use twice as directed day due to irritation
- Time consuming
- Must follow directions exactly to have any life changing results
- Frustrating

If you want to try Proactiv, be my guest. Everyone's skin is unique and it may have a different effect for your skin. Apparently, you must follow the directions exactly haw it says on the bottle to get any real results. All in all, it was frustrating and it didn't get me any closer to completely clear skin other than the first week or so when I used my new shipments.
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December 17, 2010

Pros:

CLEARS UP ACNE
helps leave behind smooth, soft skin
helps sooth red marks with cooling properties
one bottle goes a looong way

Cons:

dries up skin pretty bad when just beginning to use

I began using this after reading about the Regimen and finding out that my other facial cleanser did not follow the Rules. I began to use it every day and night, but for my skin that was too much, as it began to dry. So now I consistently use this every night with my moisturizer and spot treatment and have been for a little more than 2 weeks. MY SKIN IS TOTALLY CLEAR! My skin is also very smooth and soft, something I haven't felt in a long time. Try it!
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December 16, 2010

Pros:

Fast shipping

Cons:

Did not work for me:(

This product did not work for me, I guess my acne is too severe, the only think that works for me is the products from [link removed]
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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.