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 27, 2008

Pros:

It started working immediately, much faster than Proactive. I noticed a difference the morning after I started.

Cons:

I had an allergic reaction to. My face is red, puffy, and itchy.

It works, but if you're allergic to it, it'll make your face feel awful for a day.
March 19, 2008

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

very dangerous. i just used it and i got burn/ rash around my eyes and it is very uncomfortable. BE AWARE IT HAS BLEACH...very bad for your skin.

dont use it. it's not safe
March 11, 2008

Pros:

~works so much better than Proactiv! much less irritating cleanser, didn't leave my skin red
~within 2 days I noticed much clearer/smoother skin!

Cons:

DEFINITELY use another moisturizer! especially with the night cream, its very drying. I use Aveeno skin relief moisturizing lotion with menthol, its actually not a meant as a face lotion but I've found its very soothing and doesn't clog pores! :]

I used Proactiv for a couple years and got pretty good results but decided to stop and see what happened. BIG MISTAKE. I broke out worse than ever. I tried this product and within days saw better results than anything I've tried so far. It's been about a week and I'm still battling a couple of old pimples but for the most part everything is clearing up One thing I've learned is to never let your skin get dry and irritated, it will lead to more breakouts, so when I use the night cream I let it set and then add another moisturizer that keeps your skin so much healthier :] Helped so much with my very oily skin, I've never noticed a product reducing oil and shine as much as this one So far, so good!
February 18, 2008

Pros:

Good price for what you get, it cleared up my skin in DAYS, haven't used it for too long so I don't know whether my skin will get "immune." My skin is not drying out, pores are smaller, scars I've had for months decreased the very 1st time I used it!

Cons:

? None yet!

I am getting married in July and finally decided to seriously attack my acne problem. In the past, I have tried all the creams/pills that dermatolgists prescribe; I paid hundreds of dollars on stuff that didn't work. I even switched birth control pills and gained 3 pounds in an attempt to decrease the hormones that cause acne(men: you are lucky you don't have to worry about that !!). I was 2 weeks away from beginning an Accutane regimen with my Dermatologist. Something tells me that for my relatively mild case of acne, she would get a "kickback" from the pharmaceutical companies for signing me up; that is how pushy she was that I try Accutane(even though it would cause me to have to abort a child if I should become pregnant! Who wants those chemicals in their body if it isn't completely necessary??) My suggestion: try Proactiv, what can you lose? If you hate it, stop immediately and try something else.
February 18, 2008

Pros:

It clears up your face, if you use it everyday.

Cons:

really drys OUT my skin . & whenever i used it the BP would leave white marks on my skin..

I've used it for 4 months. kepts me pretty clear, but so DRY . and the acne always came back if i ever stopped using it.
January 11, 2008

Pros:

Extremely effective, would recommend to anyone suffering from acne!!

Cons:

The exfoliation level can be drying, just apply an oil free moisturizer on top and you will be fine!

I have spent thousands and thousands of dollars on numerous acne systems. This is the one that has worked best for me and anyone I've recommended it to. It's funny how people say that they have used this for a year, seeing as how it has only been available for about 5 months. I would know, I work for Clinique.
November 8, 2007

Pros:

The product works well. I enjoyed clear skin for eight months.

Cons:

The effects of the product appear to wane after several months of encouraging results. In addition, proactive isn't reliable for me during hot or humid periods.

Proactive is a better than decent acne fighting program, but it's expensive and does not produce perfect results. Experiment with other products before you purchase this one.
October 25, 2007

Pros:

it cleanse your face but it does nothing else. it didn't work for my acnes

Cons:

i would recommend anyone to not use it, it is too expensive and it doesn't work at all

it doesn't work at all. i have been using it for two years and it didn't help at all.
September 22, 2007

Pros:

Skin feels nice afterwards.

Cons:

Didn't work for me. Broke out worse when I first started using it and never really got better. Also, very expensive for what you're getting.

It's really too expensive and, in my opinion, is not better than any cheap supermarket brand that I've used.
September 10, 2007

Pros:

Works fast (3 days!!)

Cons:

Dries up my skin really bad.

This product is definately not for sensitive skin. I have a combination oily/dry skin, and I put some on my oily areas (T-zone) and it really controls the shine.

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.