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
May 15, 2011

Pros:

-Leaves my skin soft, clear and fresh feeling
-Pleasantly scented
-Easy to apply

Cons:

-The routine gets a bit 'meh', especially while travelling.
-Dries out skin, but all good skin treatments recommend moisturising immediately after cleansing, which the Proactiv instructions so state. My skin is perfect afterwards.

I've always had a problem with enlarged pores over my nose, oily skin and terrible breakouts, especially just before my usual monthly routine. Before purchasing this product I did read reviews and found 60% of them are rather nasty, however what people don't specify is how they use the product, what their skin tone is like and what their skin routine was prior to using it. One quick note - if you never were right into skincare then yes, the product will cause redness, dryness and flakiness because a. your skin isn't used to being deeply cleaned and b. you didn't moisturise. Don't take all the outright negativity straight to heart. Me personally - the product works perfectly for me. After 4 weeks of cleaning my face twice daily my skin resembles a model's flawless face in a magazine, even without makeup. My pores across my nose and cheeks are almost invisible, my skintone has evened out and always looks fresh, and my skin is rarely shiny and oily looking. It's always soft and smooth to the touch. This product is by far the best I've used in my long history of trying to get my skin under control. It is a bit on the pricy side but you pay for quality. I'm extremely happy with it and I don't hesitate to recommend it to other people.
March 20, 2011

Pros:

worked for awhile.
huge step 1 was sold seperate (that was always the one that ran out first)

Cons:

dried out my skin so i had to use a moisterizer.
3 steps it too many

i have a few little pimples usually and this seemed to help it, but then stopped after awhile. i also got prescribed "clindamycin phosphate gel usp, 1%" almost 2 years ago so i always applied that after all 3 steps. i dont like products where its 3 steps (acnefree, proactiv) but thought i'd try it and it did the job for awhile. i have light to moderate acne sometimes, with dry skin so i have always had to use a moisturizer after washing my face
August 5, 2010

Pros:

nothing at all

Cons:

really dried out skin. makes your face tight

dont buy this product i mean if you want to waste money go for it. the only result i was was it reduce like one black head. no joke its a waste of time.
September 26, 2011

Pros:

-Reduces Redness
-Dries out existing acne

Cons:

-Does not help with preventing new acne from forming

I would recommend this product if you have light acne, but for moderate to severe types, it's not worth wasting the time or money.
July 28, 2011

Pros:

Large pimples became smaller

Cons:

Doesn't help get rid of acne.

Don't waste your money just another product that doesn't work! I will make your acne slightly smaller but doesn't get rid of it. Than over time it gets used to your skin and doesn't help at all..
July 29, 2010

Pros:

non

Cons:

its awsome

its great
December 25, 2009

Pros:

it didnt really do anything but it still made some of my acne smaller

Cons:

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August 10, 2009

Pros:

THE FiRST DAYS U CAN SEE A DiiFERNECE.

Cons:

iiT DRiiES 0UT MY SKiiN
THE VANiiSHiiNG CREAM BURNS MY EYES EVEN WEN FAR AWAY.

ii'VE BEEN USiiNG iiT F0R AB0UT TW0 WEEKS. iiTS D0ESNT SEEM LiiKE iiTS W0RKiiNG! ii THiiNK iiF ii WAiiT A LiiTTLE L0NGER iiT MAY W0RK..ii'VE HEARD iiT iiS REALLY G00D BUT ii WANNA SEE THAT iiT W0RKS 0N MY SKiiN!
June 23, 2011

Pros:

the scrub clears my face up alot, and i LOVE the toner gets all my dirt off m face & clears up my black heads very well. The green tea lotion helps my skin me very morsterized

Cons:

with out mosterisure it drys my face out.

IT DEF CLEARS SKIN QUICK, it may cause dryness but so does alot of other face washs thats why their is LOTION to put on after wards. it clears my acne up amazing & i LOVE THE SPOT TREATMENT my zits get smaller over night.
March 24, 2011

Pros:

Money Back Guarantee

Cons:

Developed worse, more painful acne than I had when I started.

Products that work should speak for themselves. Beware of fake reviews.

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.