Acne.org Products
Topical Antibacterial
Efficacy
54%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Benzoyl peroxide clears the skin completely when applied correctly.
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.
Used Benzoyl Peroxide? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
January 22, 2017
Product used: Acnecide (Benzoyl Peroxide (5%) Gel)
Lifesaver
I love this cream. I have never had perfect skin but lately it's been really bad. Dermatologist said it's hormonal as it's all around my mouth and jaw area. I feel like I've tried everything but nothing works. I recently started using acnicide 5%. Been using it for about 3 days now. Morning and night over my entire face. Already I have seen amazing results. My skin is so dry but not sore at all. I apply this and then let it dry and put a tiny bit of savlon over the spots. I have also been taking lymecycline 408mg for about a week. My skin is clearing so quickly.
ErikaW
May 30, 2017
Me too I love using acnecide my skin is finally free!
November 8, 2016
Product used: The Regimen
Life Saver
Let me start off by saying that I didn't follow the regime to a T. Instead of twice a day, I applied the benzoyl peroxide only once a day the majority of the time because I didn't like applying makeup over it. Despite this, my skin improved slowly but surely. As of right now it's been 4 months of application. My skin acted up after I used foundation that had gone bad. My skin flared up and I was left ugly scars on my cheeks. After trying just about everything I came upon this treatment. When I first began my skin was left irritated. The benzoyl peroxide burned and the moisturizer burned even more, especially around the nose and mouth area. My skin was left very dry and putting on foundation became a flaky situation. I followed the instructions diligently but had yet to find any prominent results. The condition of my skin didn't change. It was still acting up and now it was dry as well. I considered dropping it, but since I still had a lot of the treatment left I kept going. This time I skipped my T zone plus my chin and only targeted my problem area, which were my cheeks. My condition got better visibly, slowly. The bp stopped burning, the dryness became more manageable and my scars faded. I don't even remember when last I had a pimple. I only have three advice from my experience. 1. Be diligent in applying/washing off the benzoyl peroxide as advised (10-12 hours, no longer!).
2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
3. Be patient and monitor your skin. If it's working you'll see it (even the smallest visible improvement) I'm not here to tell you that this product will work for everyone. But for the sake of your future skin, it's good to have patience with this treatment. You're not going to shed 20kg permanently in a few weeks, so don't expect to have flawless skin within that time either. Everything permanent is done over a long period, so just be patient and get to know your own skin.
September 22, 2016
Product used: The Regimen
Feel confident in your own skin
I've had my fair share with the depression and lack of confidence that acne can bring. I tried everything from Retin-a to epiduo to even natural products like Lush. This is the only thing that cleared my skin, and when I say cleared I mean I only get one pimple very rarely. I'm going to try and make this short and sweet, so please if you're considering buying this product just do it. If you're sick of having acne bring you down I highly recommend it. This truly gave me my confidence back
September 3, 2016
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Acne Treatment System)
Essential Skincare
I love Proactiv Solutions. I use the original system... not the newer Proactiv + system. I have Oily/Normal Combo skin, and I did experience some dryness when I first started using Proactiv. I found I had to back off a bit at first. Unless you're straight up super oily all over, I recommend easing into the Proactiv system. Start using it only at night for the first week or two. I also recommend using an oil free moisturizer once the Repairing Treatment dries. I like Proactiv's Green Tea Moisturizer for night and the Oil Free Moisturizer with SPF 15 for day.
August 29, 2016
Product used: Rodan + Fields (Unblemish)
Not For Me
I was recommended this from a family member, but I had much worse acne than her. I spent almost 200 dollars on this product, which included a facewash, toner, a lotion, and an acne treatment thing. It says to use it for atleast 6 weeks to see results, and I did, but to no avail. I told this to my local consultant, but she urged me to continue to pay for the product and get another set. I complied, even though I had my doubts about her intentions. I did another 4 weeks before giving up and stopped my prescription. In the end I wasted money for no results and a dry face for almost three months.
January 12, 2017
Sorry you had that experience! Our son has had severe acne for the past 5 years and first we tried everything over the counter and then for the past 3 years though our dermatologist different levels of prescription acne products: sulfur wash included and last but not least antibiotics and finally steroids and result were always positive at first but nothing really worked!!! When a friend reached out to let us know about Unblemmish and the 60 day money back guarantee we asked our dermatologist first and with her approval our son started the regiment and has been using it for 2 years now with great result. However, that being said we were not informed of the aggressive normal preakout that would occur about 5-6 weeks in and our son was distraught, under and wanted to quit , but what could we do ??? The consultant let us know this was normal and part of the product working we decided to stick with the regiment for a total of 90 days and boy I am glad we did😊Our son has great skin now and he is less self conscious now...the instructions clearly state that this is normal and the consultant should have warned you😔
February 16, 2017
I've always thought it's very convenient that the consultants insist it takes about 90 days to see results. Of course, at that point, you are outside of the return period. Funny how that works. As an aside, these products were horrible for me, too. After studying the ingredients list a little more closely, it's pretty obvious why. I hope you've found something better!
July 16, 2016
Product used: PanOxyl (Benzoyl Peroxide (10%) Acne Foaming Wash)
Follow acne.org instructions when washing with this
Do not scrub your skin with this!! Gentle method is best just as acne.org recommend washing. A good moisturizer is important. This product has reduced my back acne to almost zero. Excellent product and a good over the counter alternative. Down side is the excessive drying of the skin. Maybe a lower % to start is better.
June 29, 2016
Product used: The Regimen
Good Bye Acne
I NEVER write reviews but I would like to help someone if possible. Background: Acne runs in my family, all my siblings and parents had it as teens and I never had anything more than a few pimples until I turned 18. I literally woke up one day and had terrible cystic acne. I used Retin-A for years without much success. I have tried every skin treatment possible. If you have adult cystic acne and think absolutely nothing will work without going to a dermatologist, GIVE THIS A TRY! My acne is 85% better in not even three months. It is so worth it. Now, here are the cons you will have to deal with: Flaky skin, no matter how much you try to moisturize. Time consuming regime. Bleached sheets, costly regime that takes about two weeks to arrive (I find that one kit lasts me about two months, using two pumps of cleanser does not seem necessary to me) Is it worth it to be able to take photos again, and look good when you have makeup on? Yes. Finding the perfect regime for your skin is not going to happen over night. You have to keep making alterations until you find the perfect balance. Do not give up. Tips: Start easy with the Benzoyl Peroxide, your skin will tell you when it is ready for more. Use coconut oil instead of jojoba oil if you need additional moisture. Mash up an avacado once per week and use as a facial mask for incredibly soft skin. Do not use any scrubbing devices. Give yourself extra time in the morning to do the regime correctly.
May 13, 2016
Product used: AcneFree (24 Hour Acne Clearing System)
not for me
it worked fine until after awhile it stopped working like it used to. It cleared up my acne but it made my pores more visible and my skin really dry and flaky.
May 11, 2016
Product used: Proactiv+ (3-Step System)
LOVED this product, amazing follow up to Acutane treatment
Background on my skin type: I have had severe topical and cystic acne for over the past 10 years - acne that carried over from my early teen years into my 20s. I went through a round of Acutane, which of course, worked wonders, but Acutane only permanently cleared up my cystic acne while my topical acne quickly returned. I have naturally oily skin and I wear a full face of acne-solution make-up daily that also works to dry out my skin. I have tried everything under the sun to cure or at least maintain my topical acne, and Proactiv+ has achieved this for me. When I wake up in the morning after applying the 3-step process at night, the results are instant. My skin is tighter, zits from the night before have receded, and my skin looks much healthier. The only way I feel comfortable and confident NOT wearing make up is when I use this product - a struggle of self confidence I have faced for many years now. In summary: If your skin is naturally oily and can withstand products that will harshly dry you out, or if you have been through a round of Acutane already and your topical acne has returned (if you can handle Acutane, you'll have no problem with this product), I would highly recommend giving proactive+ a try. After I complete the 3 step process, I use Cetaphil moisturizer for sensitive skin to help prevent excess drying out of skin.
January 31, 2016
Product used: Acnecide (Benzoyl Peroxide (5%) Gel)
Best product I've used so far!
The only over the counter product I've seen that states you need to give it a go for a whole month and if that doesn't work go to see your GP or a dermatologist! At first, trying this with huge urgency I used twice a day with another product containing glycolic and sacrylic acid and basic burnt the skin off of my face.... Lesson learnt. Cut down to using this gel once a day at night time, and within a week the difference was incredible. I suffer from cystic acne after stoping the contraceptive pill, and a month in, this is the first time in over a year I don't have a spot on my face, just scaring. Have just purchased the acnecide wash and will be getting the cetaphil moisturiser soon. Highly recommend this!