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
April 7, 2012

Pros:

None

Cons:

Does nothing for my skin

I started drinking alkaline water (X20 sachets) [link removed] and my skin is so clear now!!!
April 7, 2012

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

made my pimples worse
redness

ive been using this product for about a week now and it makes my pimples worse, and makes them really red =(
February 6, 2012

Pros:

Cleared (most of) my skin
Made it softer

Cons:

Still get frequent blemishes
Extremely drying
My skin still gets oily mid-day
Toner runs out very fast

I started using this product about a year ago. I was fourteen and I was fed up with my acne that had been moderate/highly moderate for the past two years. I saw the commercials and decided to finally give this product a try, seeing as I had been all over the board with about five or six other products. I ordered it and it was shipped to my house. I began using it and I broke out, but then after about a month or two my skin began to become clearer, but I still couldn't get rid of the acne. After about six months my skin began to begin to clear up for the most part, but I was never fully clear. I still use it now (along with Neutrogena Moisturising Lotion, which seemed to be the only thing that worked) and I'm tired of looking into the mirror and seeing acne. I'm about to switch products.
November 28, 2011

Pros:

It's a wonderful product! It's made my face cleanup so much. It's a miracle Ive tried EVERYTHING for my skin and nothing works like proactive does. I absolutely love it! And the refining mask.. Is my best friend!

Cons:

None

Buy it. It's worth every penny
November 9, 2011

Pros:

NOTHING, NADA, ZIP!

Cons:

- the toner burns so like WTF?!
- the cleanser feels like soo not cleansing..
- the refining mask didn't work for me, it made the spot i put it on DRY & made the pimple darken..so again wtf.
- the matifying moisturizer was good, but DIDN'T moisturize.
- made my skin very dry, and just ew.

okay, so im 14 and i have some pimples when i'm about to start my period, so my mommy got this for me for it and yeah. THIS THING SUCKS. LOOK HERE : IF YOU WANT TO WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS THAN THE MURAD ONE, GO AHEAD. but seriously, get something better than this.
October 7, 2011

Pros:

Clears skin

Cons:

- has bp

use it
July 17, 2011

Pros:

Works pretty well
Clears up tiny whiteheads

Cons:

It takes a long time to work, a few weeks
dries out my skin a tad
takes a long time to apply

It works pretty good but it takes a long time to start working, when it starts its AMAZING!
June 18, 2011

Pros:

The lotion smells nice

Cons:

I think it causes more problems then it does good. I went from a couple issues a week to a couple issues more a day. My face looks likea target hit with bird shot from 100 yards out.

I WOULDN'T buy this product again. I got better results from Wal Mart brand facial cleaners. I personally think proactiv hired make-up artists to make these commercial people look like haunted house spooks then washed it off to reveal a face of someone without any problems to start with! It's not letting me send it as a 1 rating so if this does go thru, don't read into my rating there.
April 8, 2011

Pros:

Easy to return if you havn't opened package. Does work

Cons:

Too much

If you don't like the cleanser they also give you a toner lotion and mask (the mask does wonders!) so it's good for how many chi=oices you have.
July 18, 2010

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

EVERYTHING!

K so this I have been looking into a very long time. It sounded like the wonder cure. I have very bad cystic acne along my jaw and I have cysts on my cheeks and some whiteheads in other places on my face. Wow, I had no idea my face could get worse! I really wanted this to work with all the amazing reviews and the refund policy was nothing I could turn down... Unfortunately, it didn't work for me and I personally think that all these great reviews for this product are fake and made just to out way the bad ones... Idk but PLEASE don't fall for what I did!

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.