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
July 22, 2010

Pros:

reduced pimple size
calmed irritation
smelled nice
keeps skin clear for a while
refining mask works

Cons:

EXPENSIVE
causes cystic acne
makes skin VERY oily
stops working after a few years

The system worked perfectly fine until my skin got used to it and ultimately produced an excessive amount of oil, and now my face shines and I continue to struggle with more acne breakouts! Aside from the lotion, the product reaked of excessive oilyness and just made my skin more oily than it already is. It worked for the first few weeks but after a while it stops!! It's EXPENSIVE and it irritated my skin! If you have mild acne or moderate I would recommend it but don't be surprised if you get hit with cystic acne. be prepared.
April 14, 2010

Pros:

None for me.

Cons:

Dried out my skin very badly.
Its hard to spread a layer of this stuff around.
Irritates skin.
When it dries, it kinda looks like powder or something on your face.

This product contains 10% Benzoyl Peroxide which can really dry out the skin especially since its a very effective and powerful chemical. If you were gonna use something that contains Benzoyl Peroxide, I would recommend the Clean & Clear Advantage 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser. It contains only 5% Benzoyl Peroxide and is more gentle on the skin. But let me tell you that Benzoyl Peroxide is a little drying anyway. Its said that it does a great job of washing away excess oil and impurities. But no. I dont recommend the Persa-Gel.
February 10, 2010

Pros:

doesnt dry out skin too bad. repair lotion works well. toner moisturizes well

Cons:

toner gives me pimples and is sticky after you use it. toner also stings

even though the box says that it might break you out at first, it shouldnt have because i was using the same type of products but just a different company before and it made me break out anyways. maybe its one of those 'it gets worse before it gets better' type of situations but i wasnt gonna investigate and find out so i stoped using it after a few days after i noticed it was giving me pimples. but the repair lotion itself works well for getting rid of acne cause ive been using it for a few days and its working good even though its drying out my face. but everything dries out my face so im not surprised. and for the zit zapper or whatever, id say it doesnt work very well. at least not for me. i think doting your pimple with the repair lotion works better
November 28, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

It doesn't work. I've been using it for about a week, and nothing. My face is still the pimply blotchy face it was.

It sucks!
November 18, 2009

Pros:

Works well

Cons:

Burning and stinging and severe redness, completely aggrivated my skin to the degree that I will never use and never suggest to anyone!!!

Side effects out weigh the benefits, will never use again and will never suggest to anyone!
November 13, 2009

Pros:

- works, without a hassle

Cons:

- stings at first
- you must keep using it to keep pimples away

i've used this for a while, bad thing is i get lazy with it i only use the clearasil face wipes, and as it says, within 3 days i noticed a difference sadly i just get lazy with it and stop using it after my face clears, and then the pimples come back you just have to keep using it
November 13, 2009

Pros:

Makes your skin feel smooth and light(if you use it right, not just blob as much on as you think you need). Redness dies down almost instantly after use. Appearance of skin looks smoother and balanced after use.

Cons:

Takes awhile for it to finally get rid of all your breakouts. If you stop using it, your skin breaksout alot, but then eventually goes away.

I've had Proactiv for about 2 years, I stopped using it because it took too long to make my breakouts dissapear completely. I finally started using it again and i'm going to let it do it's magic. Even if it takes awhile. I know my skin will eventually clear up if i consistently use it. I love the way it makes my skin feel. Your skin will feel tight if you use too much of it. Like steps 2 & 3. ( only use a moderate amount of step 2 and a very light amount of step 3 or your skin will feel extremely tight) OVERALL I love Proactiv, and can't wait for the results.
November 13, 2009

Pros:

Clears up the skin quite quickly, overall oily appearance disappeared within days. Product is very good for what is it supposed to do.

Cons:

After 2 weeks of use, my skin became very dry and often irritated when applying the product. It even appeared as if I was peeling from sunburn and I would constantly have to apply lotion for this. I would not recommend ordering this online.

Their online promises and agreements are very deceiving. Whenever they say 19.95 or something like that, they really mean that plus a 30 dollar charge to your card next month. Also, I have tried to cancel these shipments and they continue to bill my card, even after emails saying this would not happen! I have sent emails and wasted a lot of time with Proactiv. They say I could return the package and receive my money back, less the shipment charges, however I never received this package and is just a hasle to get my money back! People do not support this company, they are deceiving!
October 7, 2009

Pros:

It's still hard for me to believe how well this stuff works, even after a couple of years. My 48-year-old face IS clear and smooth!

Cons:

The scrub's potency starts to dwindle after 3 months. I do not need to use the entire bottle that quickly. That's not a cost complaint. I'd pay more for this product.

One of my greatest fears is that the scrub and soap will no longer be available.
October 1, 2009

Pros:

10% BP? Maybe it's just me, but it didn't work.

Cons:

Didn't work well. I've tried many over-the-counter products, and this is one of the ones that didn't work. Somewhat helps, but it makes my skin turn red, and pimples appear in other places on my face where they have never been before!

Desperate for anything to cure my acne! Or atleast, treat my acne! I'm using Clinique 3-step, not for my acne, but to fix the scars and discoloration that the over-the-counter products have done to my face. Soon, I will be trying Dr. Sheffield's ClearZit Acne Cream. Wish me luck!

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.