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 9, 2011

Pros:

Cheap
Clear up my skin a little
similar to proactiv

Cons:

Cause my skin to breakout even more.

My skin was okay until I used this product. It made my skin worst, now I have to go to a dermatologist because of this. It a waste of money. DONT BUY IT ! go to a dermatologist and have your skin check out.
June 16, 2011

Pros:

nice packaging

Cons:

it didnt work at all! at first, the acne will gt better, and after a month, more acne will come all over again !

use this if u wan temporary beauty. temporary as in a month or two
May 2, 2011

Pros:

- Cleared acne for first two- three weeks
- The repairing lotion is great
- See improvement in first one-two days!

Cons:

- Do not wear anything over the lotion.
- Becomes drying
- Stops working, acne returns
-Skins becomes itchy and irritating
-Expensive (considering effectiveness)

I would not mind paying so much for stuff that works. At first I thought it was a miracle, I have been trying to get rid of acne for years all through middle school I had it and still do. The lotion is great but hard to find separate from the pack. I would definitely recommend the lotion but forget about the other two unless you are looking for an emergency quick fix (lasting two weeks) for an event. Apparently Proactiv has come up with an improved version that I am thinking of trying. Any suggestions?
April 21, 2011

Pros:

Cleanser works great

Cons:

The customer service is terrible! And that is being kind. It takes several calls/ emails to get anything done and the shipping time is forever.

I have been a customer for over 10 years using the cleanser but their frustrating customer service may cause me to cancel my business with them.
April 16, 2011

Pros:

exfoliates well, leaves skin soft, great for adult acne

Cons:

will too harsh for teen acne, can be drying at first

I started using this product 2 years ago (I'm 27 now) and Proactive has really helped keep my skin clear. I think one of the reasons this works for me is because at my age my acne is on the mild side. If your acne is severe (like mine when I was a teenager) then Proactiv probably won't help you. But for adults I think you will have good results...the cleanser exfoliates very well (prevents dead skin cells from clogging pores) and the repairing lotion kills bacteria. However, I don't use the toner because that dried out my skin too much. Also, a word of caution: the cleanser DOES NOT remove makeup! If you try to wash your face with makeup still on, the cleanser exfoliating granules will just push the makeup into your pores and create a nasty breakout situation. I use Clean and Clear Makeup Dissolving Facial Cleansing Wipes (oil free) before I use the Proactiv cleanser and that really works wonders.
March 29, 2011

Pros:

nothing much

Cons:

clinique is not a company that should be in acne care

Clinique sort of portrays themselves as a company that caters to the middle age working woman who still wants a little color. Look at their makeup - it's all very neutral and packaged very un-trendy. Acne is mainly a problem for teens and 20 somethings so either they are marketing this towards older people with acne, or they are out of touch with younger people's skin. I know people with good skin that have used their products and found that it was too heavy or broke them out.
November 5, 2010

Pros:

If you like having clear, acne free skin, then NONE

Cons:

Terrible breakouts, Cysts, Oily skin, Blotchy skin, embarrassment to go outside, rude customer service, 1000 fake reviews on this website and around the web

I used this product a couple of months ago and had very high hopes. I followed their regimen to a tee, and saw my face slowly die. If you actually do your research about this product you will see that there is no way in hell this product can help...it is irritated, the method is highly ineffective, and there are massive pore clogging ingredients in it. Also, please take some time to actually read all the amazing reviews. They sounds extremely fishy to me. I have never heard of an actual person from the message boards getting good results...in fact, everybody seems to breakout terribly. I hope this review deters at least one person from buying this terrible, non effective and manipulative product.
October 4, 2010

Pros:

I have just got it from the doctor, for free!!!
(not the acne.org one...)

Cons:

made my face kind of red,dry and itchy
didn't work at first

The acne treatment was a good try, especially if you have tried everything!
August 22, 2010

Pros:

-Does cause the pimple to feel better, less painful
-Overall appearance might be smaller, it's always a game of chance with this cream
-Doesn't burn or itch, just a slight tingle

Cons:

-Really dries out your skin everywhere cream is applied
-The cream is completely white so it's really hard if you're trying to cover it up

I gave this product an overall low rating because the amount of skin that's damaged from being so dry is too much. (even with a good moisturizer) but the BIGGEST problem I had with this cream was the fact that it actually created more acne on my face. And JUST around the spots I put the cream too... either my skin was just too irritated from the dryness or it's just not a good product for my face. I don't suggest you give it a try, save your money and let that one hard pimple you have just pass and be gone.
August 4, 2010

Pros:

Fun to put on

Cons:

Runs out super quickly. Doesn't significantly reduse acne.

I've used this product in the past. I tried following the steps but they only lasted a couple weeks and are expensive to replace, mentioning they come in such small packaging. Even after using this for a couple months, I expected for my acne to go down, but it stayed the same. This is a waste of money so don't use 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.