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 9, 2011

Pros:

It works! it is the only thing that HAS EVER worked for me. I have used for about 9 months now. It does not even dry my skin. Although I do use a moisturizer. I am eternally grateful for this product. I have had acne tor 20+ years, until 9 months ago.

Cons:

Can does not last 3 months.
It does dispense too quickly. Need to be careful or you will waste quite a bit.
Cans are prone to dispense poorly or break.
Can does not deliver last of product.
As you can see my only complaints are with the can, not the product. Although the cleanser does run out first. It should come in a larger size than the other two.

Give it a try.
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April 4, 2011

Pros:

Not sure

Cons:

makes a mess of your sheets and towels because the ingredients it contains are so chemically harsh. If it can remove the color from sheets what the heck is it doing to my skin?
Also - they autoship which has been nothing but trouble in my book.

Nope - way too harsh for most skin. If you want something harsh you might as well get a prescription from your doctor.
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March 24, 2011

Pros:

Worked...for about four months.

Cons:

-really dry skin
-bleached towels
-expensive

When I first got it, I thought Proactiv was the best thing. It took awhile to kick in and when it did it was great. However, this greatness only lasted for a short amount of time. And it really, really, really dries out your skin. After about 4 months of use, my acne came back, not quite as bad as before but it leaves red marks. Not too impressed.
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March 22, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

-expensive
-made acne worse
-dries out skin
-rude people

I have never had bad acne, but I have always wanted to try proactive. When I sw that it was on sale, I decided to try it. I was first disappointed when I was only sent a travel size when I thought that I would be recieving a full sized treatment. After about a week with this product I started to notice a few cystic acne marks (which I have NEVER had), and my face was begining to dry out. Another week went by and my face looked HORRENDUS. I immediately stopped using the product. However it has been 3 weeks since I have stopped using acne and I now have a full face of severe cystic acne. It has completely lowered my self confidence and nothing will work against it. I may even have to schedule a dermatologist appointment and spend even MORE money. I would not reccomend this product to anyone EVER. The people who work for proactive were also extremely rude to me when I asked to cancel my order.
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March 21, 2011

Pros:

Cheap
Tasteless
Easy

Cons:

Bp is drying
Makes face red

I am 17 and I tried this from January til now and I really don't think it helped at all. I was hoping it would because of all the great reviews but it didn't. I also do believe in homeopathic remedies so I really thought it should give it a try. And my acne didn't get worse so that's good and when I went off of them nothing changed either. So I suppose it might work for you and really you don't have anything to lose if you want to try. But in my experience, it doesn't work.
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March 16, 2011

Pros:

IT WORKS!
it works!
it works!

Cons:

Very drying in the beginning.

This stuff actually works. I have been struggling with acne for 10 years. I have done pretty much all the oral antibiotics and topical creams/gels and accutane. All of those only temporarily worked, but after I stopped using them my acne came back. I tried Dan's acne regimen in January 2011 and now my face is ALL clear except for one whitehead because I've been stressed out. My skin has never been this clear and soft before (except for when I was on Accutane, but I didn't like that because of the side effects it came with). Honestly, if you have been struggling with acne, please order this! You have to go through a stage where your skin will be peeling off, but in the end it will all be worth it :) I get so many compliments about my skin now and I hope that you all decide to try his regimen out!
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March 8, 2011
I used to products for a few weeks. I didn't like it and I tried to get a refund but they told me it was too late. A year later and I'm sent another package... I called to ask why my subscription wasn't cancelled and the guy had no answer. Now I have to pay for the shipping both ways to and from my house in order to get a refund for a product that in my opinion sucks.
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March 1, 2011

Pros:

This product is amazing
It cleans your face
It makes your skin soft
And clears up acne

Cons:

Absolutely nothing bad about this product

And money is no object

I have used this product "the three step" for about a week. It really works I couldn't believe it. It's like magic to me I've tried everything like proactive and clear and clear ect. Also dint use home remedies like baking soda and tooth paste it just dries out your skin more. The first night I used this I used all three steps + the " yellow" moisturizer surge ***because the step three kinda dries out your skin*** and when I woke up it was amazing it was so soft and cleared up a little it prevented more pimples from forming . The first step really helps with cleaning your skin and the second step really helps make your skin soft and the last step helps misturizes your skin. A week later my skin is clearer and no new pimples have formed it's great my face is literally almost clear it helps with everything and is really quick. I am a 14 year old boy. I know that clinique is for girls but I had no other choose. My mom went out and bought it for me and I'm glad she did. If your a young boy and have any type of acne go gets this or have ur mom go get it no one will now you r using a kinda girls face soap I use it and no one knows not even my family but the only thing they do noticed is my face clearing up. So go get it my acne use to destroy my life I use to not want to leave the house because of acne and now my probes are gone. And now I can be around my family, friends and my girl friend with out them looking at my acne. My girl friend use to hate looking at my acne and she wanted me to do something about it and I did and now she never wants to leave me alone And remember acne is known to strip paint off the wall!!!
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February 11, 2011

Pros:

-Helps maintain a level on your face
-Makes your skin look nice

Cons:

-Pricey
-Does not make it acne go away

I started using proactiv a month ago and was fairly disappointed with the results however it was maintaining my skin at a reasonable level albeit not clearing my face completely. I stopped for a week and I broke out again massively so i went back on proactiv and my face went back to the standard it was at during my initial use period in a matter of days.
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January 28, 2011

Pros:

Effective, Better texture than most "scrubs" or "microbead" cleansers

Cons:

Expensive, Scent

This cleanser may be too harsh for those with moderate to severe inflamed acne since it has bp in its formula, but it has worked wonders on my non-inflamed acne's blackheads and whiteheads. I've used a variety of normal cleansers and scrubs designed specifically for blackheads but this is the only cleanser than left my skin feeling smoother and residue-free. Most "blackhead scrubs" were so mild that they barely did anything, but this one actually feels like it's polishing my blackheads/whiteheads away as it cleans. I use it with Laura's non-inflamed acne regimen (see the message boards) and it's been awesome. It didn't irritate my skin or leave any residue.
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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.