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
August 28, 2010

Pros:

shrinks acne..slowly

Cons:

it dries out skin like no other. DO NOT GET UNDER EYE, im 15 and it burned under my eye so bad i now have WRINKLES under my eye. i am extremely upset

do not buy for your face. it is however working on my back
October 20, 2011

Pros:

Clears up acne in 3-4 days :) it clears up 95% acne and makes skin smooth. I love it. Ive been using it for years. It will make skin dry up a little bit. But overall i love Clearasil its gentle on your skin

Cons:

-Drys up skin very little bit
-gives smooth skin
-clears up acne 3-4 days
-skin is not damaged.

I recomend buying the scrub,daily wash, and pads for under $25. It really works :) So buy Clearasil. Trust me ive been using this product for 10 years and im 16
February 17, 2011

Pros:

none. Didn't like this product at all. It didn't work for me

Cons:

-left my skin very dry.

-didn't clear up the acne. Still got lots of pimples and blackheads but using Proactive also left my skin dry at the same time...my skin was in a mess. kept trying it as everyone told me to give it time.

-took colour out of fabrics.

It was a waste of money for me but I have heard other people say it worked for them. I would not recommend this product. It didn't work and made my skin a mess.
February 13, 2011

Pros:

-Affordable complete system
-Clears acne
-Gives you results in only a short few days (really!)
-Pick it up nearly anywhere!

Cons:

-Not for sensitive skin (they have an acnefree for sensitive skin kit)
-a little redness after using, but it goes away

First off, I have acne-prone skin and oily. This product is the only thing that has helped my acne in I don't even know how long! Since I have oily skin, I don't find out that it dries my skin. It keeps it balanced for me. I find that you have to stick with it. It's been exactly a week for me today and I've used it exactly how it says to be used so I can get real results. I will continue to use this product until something comes up but as for now, I love it. I wash my face first with the cleanser (which is non-abrasive but CLEANS your makeup and oil, dirt), take off eye makeup that's left over, use the toner all over my face and neck on a cotton swab, then moisturize. I love the moisturizer that "repairs" because it truly does! It works when I'm sleeping, and continues to kill my acne. I had acne spots all over my face when I started this and always had to cover up with makeup. This product has cleared my face up like night and day in a WEEK. Now, I don't have to wear nearly the amount of makeup I had to before, and my skin is fantastic! Being a teenager with acne can be difficult, but acnefree can sure help. My acne was pretty moderate to moderate-severe when it was bad. I would say my acne is very light right now, with just some red marks left from previous acne from long ago. Hope this helps! Thanks acnefree :-)
September 14, 2010

Pros:

worked right away

Cons:

none so far

I have had acne for what seems to be forever. I came across this website and decided to try the regimen right away so I went to target and bought this product. PERFECT! I love it. I have been on this for 2 months and am totally clear. I am thinking about buying Dan's BP just because there is more in the tube.
July 7, 2011

Pros:

*3 step
*Amazing stuff! made my face soo much better!
*IT WORKS

Cons:

NOTHING!!

Its an amazing product!!!! Buy it!!!
July 2, 2011

Pros:

Clears skin fast. Works very well. Not that expensive when bought directly from Proactiv. A new supply is sent automatically in time for you to keep using it.

Cons:

It's very easy too use more than you're supposed to, especially when you're anxious to get the results.

This product does work. If you can afford it every month, and the price is only about $20/per month, it is a wonderful solution to your acne. I have had pretty bad acne on my face from the moment i started to get pimples during puberty, and i've been to doctors and dermotologists who have given me perscriptions which have never workd like proactive has for me. I'm so happy there is a product out there that is affordable and that works without having to have a perscription form a doctor.
May 7, 2011

Pros:

-got rid of acne

Cons:

-dryed out skin
-takes FOREVER to work (2 1/2 months)
-dosen't get rid of red marks left behind
-3 step system takes a while in the morning

Be careful if you have sensitive/dry skin, because this will destroy your skin if you do. Overall, this got rid of my acne, but not the red marks left behind.
January 3, 2011

Pros:

You get a lot.

Cons:

Made acne so much worse.

I used this product for six months before giving up on it. It made my skin look SO bad, and I am still trying to recover. When I first started Carley's, I had some whiteheads and blackheads. After Carley's, I developed some cystic acne and hundreds of closed comedones all over my face. My derm told me that the ingredients in this product usually cause damage to the skin and can change what kind of acne one has.
October 8, 2010

Pros:

BEWARE, fake product!!!

Cons:

BEWARE!!!

Do not be fooled! Read the other beware reviews of this product!!!

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.