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 31, 2012
Product used: The Regimen

Pros:

Leaves your pores tight after cleansing
Gives results overnight
Isn't harsh

Cons:

Smells a little weird but not but. You get used to it after the first couple seconds
I ordered the big kit and got the lotion in two 8 oz bottles instead of a 16 oz bottle.

It is an amazing product that delivers on what it say. When you wash your face, you can feel your pores got tighter and your skin feels so clean in a way you couldn't imagine. BP never dried out my skin. Take your time and be patient with the amount you put on. I wanted to put a lot to get results fast, but just take it slow. Lotion hydrates amazingly and doesn't give that weird oily too much lotion feeling. I really wish they hadn't sent me the two 8 oz lotion instead of the 16 oz! I would've waited a couple days if it was out of stock.
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November 25, 2015
Have there been cases of extreme reaction? Is there any kinda guaranty that it wouldn't ruin up our skin? I just want it to be safe and effective.
April 30, 2012

Pros:

It really really work, just do it right

Cons:

It burns but, it will stop

hi all, This product is great the only thing is if you don't know how to use it, it can really mess you up. So hear is the trick,after school or work you should wash you face, then cleanse and tone (almay seems to work best for me). Then apply clear sit for about 3-4 hours or until the burning or tingle stops and about 9 or 10 at night you then cleanse again and use the avon moisturizing facial cream again it one of the best. The moisturizer must be thick on your face and leave it to be absorbed by the pores. When the majority of it has been adsorbed just massage the the remainder into your face. This technique can be used for any time of the day when you have the most time to spare and it prevents the heavy burns and peeling skin and soon no burning at all, it gives your face a sort of dermatological peel. When you apply it consistently and the burning stops, your face feels clean and revitalized. Every morning don't forget to cleanse, tone and moisturize. It the best way for quick pain free results and beautiful face. P.s. it will burn like sh*t at first but toning, cleansing and moisturizing helps and for best results apply it to your entire face.
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April 18, 2012

Pros:

It cleared up my skin fast!!
Easy to use.
Cheap

Cons:

Can dry out your skin but you can use moisturizer and you're good to go.

Overall, it is a great product. I have two pimples on my forehead. I bought this product and had great results. You should try it. Of course, I'm not persuading everyone to buy it due to different skin types. Try it and see if you had results like me.
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March 12, 2012

Pros:

It gets rid of SOME acne.
There was no dryness for me.
Can buy at pretty much any chemistry in Adelaide
Relatively cheap

Cons:

Does not get rid of all acne.
Must use consistently otherwise you will break out again.
Small tube.
White smears if too much application.
Sometimes irritable

Give it a try. Didn't work for me but might work with you When I first bought this and used, it started working (slowly) within one week. I initially had no irritation or dryness - but that was probably due to the fact I had smothered my face with salicylic for the past few months allowing time for my skin to build up and endure the chemicals- (Clearasil). After that week, my skin started peeling and my pimples were more visible. The blackheads on my nose did not all go away. I seem to have concluded that they won't go away unless I pop them .. leaving a pore which gets clogged up leading to another black head. I was pretty much going to give up, but I was told to continue it for 8 weeks because that was when I'd likely see the results. It's 8 weeks soon and I still pretty much am back at square one. But this time instead of having little red pimples, I am developing cystic type pimples that are deep within the skin especially on my forehead and around my temples. From these results, I believe that my acne isn't a result of a dirty face, but a result of hormonal changes requiring a more clinical approach. I've decided to go to the doctor to get his opinion. I am hoping to get prescribed some antibiotics to help reduce the inflammation of the cystic pimples as they hurt. I wear glasses as well and the frame is constantly pressing against them. Sometimes it hurts when I blink as well. Anyway, I'd suggest trying it. It's something I believe would work for those with mild-moderate acne, even though it didnt work with me. If you don't get results, don't fret. Go see you GP. You'll definitely get rid of it in the future with or without products and prescription.
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March 4, 2012

Pros:

Gets rid of acne

Cons:

At the beginning of use, it can dry skin.

I've been using Acne free since January 2012 and it has been such a blessing. However, the first two weeks of using it was horrible! My face wasn't used to the benzoyl peroxide and it was burning my skin badly. When starting out, you have to use very thin layers of the repairing lotion. Once your skin is used to the bp, the redness and irritation will cease. I almost gave up on this product because it hurt so badly, but I started using smaller amounts and now my skin can handle dime-sized amounts of repair lotion. I saw results within two weeks. See a before and after picture here: [link removed]
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February 12, 2012

Pros:

-Saw results after one day of use
-Works fast
-Clears skin and keeps it clean
-Simple and easy

Cons:

-If you skip using it for a day the acne will come back.
-Dries out skin in places around the nose and mouth if you don't use the moisturizer, and if you use products other than this.

Really good and worth its price to the last penny. I fell head over heels in love with this product when I started using this. I'm teenager so my acne is pretty bad but its not totally severe. I've used every single acne product you can think of and none of them have worked like this. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to get rid of acne forever! :)
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January 19, 2012

Pros:

Cleared bumps on my forehead
Skin has a nice glow

Cons:

None

This is the only thing that has worked on my forehead acne, I am 36 years old and have always struggled with acne, I highly recommend this product!!
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January 12, 2012

Pros:

May clear up your skin
Easy to order
Kit is all you need

Cons:

Expensive
May stop working over time

I started using this in my early 20's. After using accutane as a teen, my acne had resurfaced and was as bad as ever. At the recommendation of a friend I tried this stuff and loved it! It completely cleared up my skin....for 2 years. Then it all came back. Story of my life : ) Be wary of the company if you try these products. They sign you up for a month to month plan automatically. You can opt out of it if you call them though.
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December 23, 2011

Pros:

zero! zip! nada!

Cons:

dried out face, did not improve acne, irritated skin

didnt work, i used it for 3 months (as told to by instructions) and i actually got WORSE acne!! it was a total rip off and completely over priced! this stuff is COMPLETE bogus!
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December 22, 2011

Pros:

skin feels cleaner after using, helps control bad breakouts

Cons:

Skin gets a little dry and Irritated

Works better than Proactive and is a better price. Still a small breakouts but nothing major, Used Proactive and I still broke out while using.
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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.