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
October 30, 2007

Pros:

It works

Cons:

It takes long

I like it
September 20, 2007

Pros:

perfect

Cons:

none

get it!!!!!!!
September 19, 2007

Pros:

works well (Like a real acne treatment should!!)

Cons:

dries face

id rather have a dry face than one covered with zits. the zits that were thriving on my face two days ago are now dry and crusty. which is gross but good. next time i'm goin to try a brand name kind instead of this walmart brand stuff.
September 11, 2007

Pros:

works great!!!!!

Cons:

dries out skin...

it does work well.
August 31, 2007

Pros:

Keeps your skin feeling smoother and moderately reduces your overall acne and number of breakouts.

Cons:

You'll still get the ocasional breakout or pimple here and there though not as severe or noticable as before proactiv

It works, but it's no miracle.
August 25, 2007

Pros:

It clears up your acne.

Cons:

It leaves your skin very dry.

It is a good product if you have very serious acne.
July 27, 2007

Pros:

The first week was awesome.It made my skin so soft by the second day. It also had this glow that I had never seen before on my face.

Cons:

After the second week I broke out in big pimples. I hope if I continue It will go away. I've only been on it for 3 weeks.

Don't give up so quickly
July 24, 2007

Pros:

Has cleared up my acne, feels soothing, prevents cystic pimples, etc

Cons:

makes skin very dry and peely

Thank you Dan for making such a wonderful product! I will continue ordering your bp. It is the best bp product Ive ever used. In just a few weeks, I am clearing up and it has actually removed some of my purplish redish scars that I had for over a year. Thank you so much :)
July 18, 2007

Pros:

Cleared my acne. After using prescription products for years I use this stuff and it's gone.

Cons:

Expensive for how little you get but I think EVERYTHING is too expensive.

Try it. I recently switched back to Triaz 6% and what a mistake that was! I am broke out with two pimples after being clear so long. Unfortunately Walmart is sold out of it. I will continue to use this. I have even tried the Oxy stuff.
April 4, 2007

Pros:

-Doesnt make anything worse
-Less oily skin for about 1/2 hour
-Everyday use for strong skin.

Cons:

-Makes face white
-If not rubbed in, very very very noticable
-Small amount but is cheap

I have very strong skin and i can use it for all over coverage (which i do) Its very cheap (everywhere from 3-5 dollars) so i use it if i run out of products (I currently have been working with cetaphil lotion -greattttt stuff-, natures cure -i dont not use the pills-, proactive, and i am ordering DDF sulfur mask, and tea tree oil, and Peter Thomas Roth sa. acid and wash. I know its alot, but hey. Anything for clean skin, right? Mostly since the average of the DDF and P.T.R. is like, $40, $3 is a huge bargain.

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.