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
January 21, 2015
Would not recommend
I'm 16 and a sophomore in Highschool. I started X out in August hoping I'd go back to school with clear skin.. Wrong. X out dried up my face, and now I have red blotches EVERYWHERE and have more ance then I had when I started using X out. I do not recommend this product to anyone.
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June 12, 2011

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

It can dry out the skin
Expensive Benzoyl Peroxide product
It didn't get rid of ANY of my acne

I have been using this for almost over a month now, and I've seen no improvement in my skin. My acne almost seems worse. It has dried out my skin and for the cost, Proactiv is not worth it. You can buy a product with BP for far less than the cost of Proactiv.
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March 24, 2011

Pros:

It controls my acne very well. It does not burn like so many other chemicals. Its natural no fillers. directions are easy to understand.

Cons:

You cannot just pick up in a store. You do have to order online, if that is considered a con. Anyone online that is reading this might as well purchase online & not look for a retail store.

I been using this product close to 10yrs. You have to give this product time to work & have to follow the directions! You cannot decide that you are going to make up your own formula of using it then complain that it does not work. When I first started using the product my actual acne got worse WAY WORSE!! but I read the story behind the product on the website it takes hours also, there is so much information about these products. I really started to take notice after about 2 1/2 - 3 months my acne was less on my face, back side of my arms, my shoulders, lower & upper back. The pimples went from looking like large white heads to small red spots. It took time! I had to learn to be patient & not pinch, squeeze or pop my pimples/acne. I just wanted to get rid of them. My acne was painful too not just ugly. I created some of my own scarring & damaged my skin because I use to pinch to get rid of the ugly white heads. I had pimples since middle school into adult life. I have used prescriptions pill & liquid & my good ole enemy acne statin thats of course just my opinion. I say try anything to see if it works before you go bad mouthing it. Once in a great while I flare up, I usually think its the food I eat that affects me more. There are so many allergies, you have to look at the large scope not just carleys clear & smooth products. Maybe a little change of food intake I dont like to call it a diet just maybe eat healthier than what you may be doing. If you eat healthy already maybe its the exercise you might need more of. For me I did a little bit more of the exercise, ate a bit healthy slowed down on fast food a little bit. I made sure my hair gel & hair spray was not landing all over my face as much. I also used products for people with allergies no perfume in my hair products. There are things you can do to make a good change in your life & gain the confidence that you are looking for. This product worked for me I hope you give it a chance & it works for you.
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February 28, 2011

Pros:

Affordable, especially for the amount you get, plus they often include samples of lotions and masks if you want to try their other products. It exfoliates beautifully, clears up stubborn white heads (esp. on chin and sides of mouth) and doesn't make my skin peel or feel tight with dryness. The soap, included with every order, is phenomenal. Although not intended for, I must add Carley's also helped clear up my mild dermatitis.

Cons:

If you leave it around for 5+ months in a hot shower, I think it looses its potency a little which makes sense because all the ingredients are natural with few (also natural) preservatives. Carley's does warn you there's an expiration date.

Totally worth it. No gimmicks, no special "system" to use or several products in a certain order. Simple, once a day, and best of all, it works! I've been using it for over 2 years now and my skin hasn't become "used to" the ingredients, like with Proactiv.
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January 28, 2011

Pros:

Great honest product, that you actually know what you're putting on your face. Most of all, it works!

Cons:

Absolutely None!

I've struggled with acne for almost 20 years and found nothing that would work. About 5 years ago, I tried Carley's, and haven't stopped since. It is the ONLY thing that has significantly reduced my acne. All of their products are great. The soap is awesome - no artificial fragrances, and suds up like a big daddy. I use it to wash my hair with too. My wife loves the lotion, and I love the lip balm as well. Knowing what your getting when you buy something is important. You really are getting the best with these guys. We need more companies like this!
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December 15, 2010

Pros:

I love carley's clear and smooth! it really works! It keeps my skin clear and balanced...amazing stuff!

I would recommend this to anyone! It is better than proactive and is all natural! so its healthy for your skin. none of those chemicals that so many facial washes have these days!
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December 15, 2010

Pros:

Works for my daughter, her skin is much better not perfect but better.
Love the free samples
Love the soap, cleared up my son's rough skin

Cons:

The amount of washcloths she goes through

My daughter has been using this for over a year, she asks for the product and will continue to use it. It's not perfect, she still breaks out especially with stress and during certain times of the month. But it seems to work better than other products we have tried such as Acne Free and many of the prescriptions from her doctor which seemed to dry out her skin, which this product does not do.
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May 12, 2010

Pros:

Begins working the first time you use it; actually works!!

Cons:

Cannot stop using it or you will break out again. I have read that it causes sensitive skin to break out in a rash, however this has never happened to me.

I used this product all through high school and had wonderfully clear skin. When I stopped using it my senior year because I never broke out and believed I was done with acne, I broke out terribly and had to be put on Accutane. A couple months ago, the effects of Accutane began wearing off and I tried everything, including prescribed topical Retinoid creams from my dermatologist, with no results. After making an appointment with my derm to go back on Accutane, I tried this again and a week later my skin looks and feels amazing! No more Accutane!
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March 15, 2010

Pros:

-can clear up your skin if your more oily than not

Cons:

-drys out your skin like crazy

because it dried my skin out as much as it did it ended up making my acne worse. I gave it a month too and it was a no-go.
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January 10, 2010

Pros:

Before starting on the regimen, I had moderate acne with whiteheads, pustules and the occasional cyst dotted all over my face. After 8 weeks, my acne has cleared up 99%! Only red marks and light scars remain, which I will be looking into very soon. I strongly urge you to try this treatment before turning to other options.

Cons:

For the first 6 weeks, my skin was red, dry and peeling all over. Even now, I am unable to adjust to the "recommended" amount, and only use 2 full pumps once a day. However, it is enough to keep me clear.

I also had to fork out additional cash for shipping ;;

Get it! It will bring your acne under control. Thanks Dan!
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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.