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
February 28, 2010

Pros:

None.other then the fact that you can return it but I still didn't get all my money back

Cons:

I thought this was working will for the first week but then it broke me out and then I got the biggest zit that I ever had in my life .it is also very drying and it will bleach your clothes white...it says that it might stain in the fine print...

Its not natural( I prefer natural products) so your skin will look bad when get older.....I you are using this stuff don't use it around your eyes this will start premature aging
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February 17, 2010

Pros:

Calms my skin down right away, even when I feel an inflammatory spot starting, this will calm it down and stop it from getting worse. My face just feels healthier now, and I'm not getting any peeling like I did with 10% BP. So I'm a convert ot the 2.5%, and this really is the best bang for your buck (no fragrances, fillers, or acne-causing ingredients like in Clearasil).

Cons:

Takes a while to dry; can be drying if used without moisturizer.

Please keep making this product, my face really likes it!
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February 14, 2010

Pros:

doesn't dry skin out, smells nice

Cons:

doesn't work like it swears it does.

it's not worth it.. it works pretty good for about a week and gets your hopes up, then it just stops working, probably because your skin gets used to it. totally not worth the money, and honestly the best thing to do is just visit a real dermatologist. it may be expensive, but atleast they know what they're talking about. DON'T WASTE $$ ON PROACTIV.
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February 13, 2010

Pros:

the natural soap that is comes with is absoultely amazing for my face

Cons:

broke me out with little tiny bumps all over my face...

I bought this treatment hoping it would work.. tried it for about a month and still no improvement so i quite... im just sad cause nothing ever seems to work on my face..
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February 9, 2010

Pros:

Dry, very strong, doesn't work well, expensive, poor customer service, poor delivery.

Cons:

It used to work.

I've used this product for more than a year and after a month it started to work but after a while this product is just a pain. Very expensive compared to other acne products and poor service I ended up refunding my last product and canceling account my. Do not buy this product seriously you won't benefit from it!
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January 31, 2010

Pros:

clear acne and gets rid of blackheads and whiteheads

Cons:

first few days skin get really dry red and achy

i tried everything so i had nothing to loose n within a week i seen wonders that i never saw with other products i used even tho i only use the cleanser and the terminator and its working great give it a try its so cheap and 10x better than proactive more gentler im so glad i found this i just want everybody who suffer with acne to know cuz i know what it it feels to have acne since im 14 and im 24 now adult acne it sucks. try it its great ..hope it works for u too
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January 24, 2010

Pros:

None

Cons:

dry skin, inflamed acne.. need I say more?

Made my life worse than it already is. =(
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January 18, 2010

Pros:

- quick and easy
- cleared acne in 2 days
- keeps breakouts at bay
- blends in
- does not overdry

Cons:

- itchy on face
- sometimes stings

i honestly do not know WHY i never went on Dan's acne treatment before. i just purchased the travel size of BP in case it didn't work, but now im going to be sure to purchase the entire servicing kit! thank you dan, and good luck to everyone! be sure to moisturize after you've applied BP!
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January 10, 2010

Pros:

Starts to clear acne on first day.

Cons:

Drys out skin ...you must moisturize!
Does nothing for pores and blackheads.
Toner runs out to quick.
Can't wear makeup.

I have just started proactive and so far I have mixed feelings about it. On the very first day my face felt amazing and my acne seemed a hell of alot better. I even hoped I could go with out makeup for the first time in years. But now a week into the regimen my face feels dry and painfully irritated. My mom says my skin looks alot clearer and is getting much healthier. However according to friends and the proactiv site itself you must wait about three months before clear skin.According to them the first few weeks are the worse as the regimen starts to work drying out your skin, killing the bacteria. I plan on sticking to it and then talking to my doctor about an alternative regimen if it does not work. As I plan on having clear beautiful skin for when I go off to college in the fall. Wish me luck!
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January 4, 2010

Pros:

Worked well on big zits.

Cons:

Didn't work on small ones (milia).

It worked on my big zits. The others small ones.. Not so much :( But big improvement! :)
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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.