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 7, 2007

Pros:

Seems to be drying out pimples. I have only been using this product for a few days. Skin seems clearer.

Cons:

Drying. Use a good lotion with it, or even vitamin E oil.

I have combination skin (some parts dry some parts oily). My skin is also very sensitive to products.I have been having really horrible deep pimples. Almost cystic like. I put this cream on them a few times in one day and it really seems to be drying them up. I wouldn't recommend putting it all over your face. Use it at night and then wash off in the morning. It seems to be working well. I don't know what its effects are for long term use though as I have only used it for a few days.
April 9, 2007

Pros:

It works

Cons:

It burns and it smells of alcohol

It was better then proactiv
March 14, 2007

Pros:

It controlled most acne problems I had. All my big pimples and most of the painful stuff went away and never came back. I had pretty bad breakouts when I began the product and after a month, everything cleared up dramatically.

Cons:

Although it cleared up major stuff, I discovered that if I missed using it for a day I would have an immediate small breakout. I had to experiment with frequency of use, time of year, etc. until I finally found a daily routine that worked.

People's skin is different. I think that if Proactiv doesn't start improving your skin after a month or two, you should stop using it and look to other things. I also think that you should try different combinations. I've found that if I wash my face in the shower twice with the cleanser, rarely use the toner, sparingly use the moisturizer, and treat bad spots with hot water and facial mask before bed, I have fantastic results. It's really all about experimenting and finding what works. But of course, don't go out and mix prescription medicines or anything.
February 23, 2007

Pros:

Works so much better than proactiv,clears skin quickly and extremly cheap and can find it at any drug store

Cons:

makes your face sorta red but it goes away after 10 minuts or so

I had 2 cyst that had been forming and there gone now or at least there going away really fast cause i dont even feel them any more, i've only been using this for 4 1/2 days and it already did all these things the best acne product i have ever used better than this clear skin regimen use it its amazing im gonna stick with this for a while
February 7, 2007
i dont know why u guyz paid so much... i bought it here in greece and payed only 5euro. i dont know though if we re talking about the same thing.its a gel named brevoxyl 4% in a white pack with blue-green stripes.i 've been recommended it by friends.i havent seen results yet...i just used it for the first time.sry if my english is a lil bit killed but im greek and only 15yearz old with no certificates.
February 4, 2007

Pros:

not much..

Cons:

very dry and major allergic reactions.

the first time i used this product my face, right after my face became a red balloon. then i tried to give this product another try and the same results came back and it made my skin REALLY dry. i do not recommend this product at all.
January 6, 2007

Pros:

doc gave me wrong stuff he was treating me for acne but i had dermatitis wat a joke made it worse.

Cons:

none

for acne spots and oily skin i suggest silicol skin its around 7 pound for a tube can be bought over counter and is amazing. it is used as part of a normal skin routine can be used as a face pack/mask contains natural ingredients so no steroids etc and basically has a drawing effect which dries up the oil and basically sucks out impurities and refines your pores can be used on normal skin but is designed for acne skin. excellent product to try.
January 4, 2007

Pros:

Not that expensive

Cons:

Didnt work in the long run.

Worked for about 2 weeks then stopped working. My dermatologist laughed at the though of the use of proactive and the people at proactive had comical reaction of a dumfounded "What??" when I told them that it stopped working.
December 26, 2006

Pros:

The smell is pleasant. I've never had clearer skin since I was a child.

Cons:

Expensive and you have to buy a whole system.

I have really sensitive skin and less than moderate acne. Going through the 3 step system dried out my skin really badly. I'm aware that this is common for a few weeks but the dry skin lasted longer than that and I was using a great moisturizer at the same time. Eventually, I decided to only use the Repairing Lotion 2x a day and the Toner only in the morning. My skin is still clear as when I was following the 3 steps but without the icky dry skin. I only use the Cleanser when my face feels like it needs it.
December 21, 2006

Pros:

This bp gel blends very well into my skin and it does not ball up. Most importantly, with the exception of a few little ones every so often, I am clear and people can't even believe I ever had a problem with acne!

Cons:

I get a little dry but that is to be expected and my moisterizer ( Lac- Hydrin 5 plus a few drops of Jojoba oil) takes care of it.

This is the shining star of my regimen. It has cleared me up the way nothing else has done. You have to give it a couple of weeks to really purge your skin, but it is soooooo worth it.

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.