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
December 16, 2006

Pros:

leaves face feeling* clean.

Cons:

actually caused more big red zits, really expensive. after a few weeks of use, my skin started getting really rough and uncomfortable. even prescription moisturizers couldnt help with the redness.

since the main ingredient is benzoyl peroxide, it basically strips your skin with synthetic, overly "basic" (compared to acidic) ingredients. nothing soothing about them after a few weeks of use. stay away from any benzoyl peroxide (even the "regimen") that asks you to rub all over face. that is ridiculous. benzoyl peroxide should be used as a "spot treatment" not as a whole face approach. try something more neutral or even acidic (lemon juice works great) as the skin tends to react much better to acidic products. lemon juice stings the first couple uses, but man did it clear up my face. it fades scars too!
October 20, 2006

Pros:

proactiv works on miild acne- that's about it. that's the only pro. the people from proactiv don't take into consideration that not everyone has the same acne, and that not everyone will be helped by BP alone.

Cons:

face had more oil on it, the toner did remove SOME of the blemishes. the acne cleanser was too rough on my skin- and the clarifying lotion only made my skin oilier.

bottom line? don't touch your face. don't touch it no matter what. even when you're in class, at work bored, and want to rest on something? don't rest on your hands, DON'T touch your breakouts, i know it's tempting, to "check" how they're doing, if they're gone- NO. NO, NO. it's human nature to touch your eyes, your nose, and your mouth. THAT'S why we get sick. now imagine all that crap on your face? I'm still a teen, and I'm using Murad right now, as a last resort. I was one of those people that proactiv didnt work for, for whatever bloody reason. But I just thank that Im not one of those people that got cystic acne from using this product. I would've killed someone.
March 12, 2013

Pros:

Leaves skin feeling tight.
Pores look smaller.
No smell.

Cons:

Didn't clear up acne.

Product doesn't help with acne.
March 12, 2013

Pros:

No smell.

Cons:

Broke out more.
Dried out skin.
Increased redness.
Pimple stayed around longer than it would have if i didn't apply the treatment.

It didn't work for me.
August 9, 2012

Pros:

Doesn't smell

Cons:

Burned my skin
Left huge red blotches on my face
Acne looks untouched

Don't buy this! Immediately after I put it on my acne areas my skin started burning. After I washed it off, I was started to see there were red blotchy circles exactly where I put the acne treatment before. It looks horrible and my acne still remains :(
August 5, 2012

Pros:

Smells Good

Cons:

Made my acne worse
Made my face itchy

I've had mild acne my whole life. Once I got married, my acne started to go insane, especially around my chin,neck,and cheeks. I read good reviews on this, and started it. My acne has gotten SEVERELY worse since starting and the whole left side of my face is scared....on to something else I guess. My acne has never itched before until this. It's terrible!
February 11, 2012

Pros:

It works!

Cons:

NOTHING!

if your someone who is struggling with your acne USE PROACTIVE! Its amazing it may dry out ur skin a tiny bit but its amazing!
February 9, 2012

Pros:

cheap-ish

Cons:

too drying
smelled chemical

had better luck with others
February 6, 2012

Pros:

clears up SOME pimples

Cons:

makes skin very red
makes skin literally peel off
burns
way to harsh on skin.

ive used it for the first time and it made my skinn clear up but after a year or 2 it stops working and just burns your face. Its not worth it.
February 5, 2012

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

Greedy, greedy company. That just labels themselves as an acne preventer, yet it does nothing for ANYONE. SCAMM

SCAM

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.