Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.5
20757 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
March 8, 2011

Pros:

Clears skin fairly fast and keeps on working.(I've used it for years and it has not stopped working after 3 months like Proactiv did.)

It is literally the ONLY thing that has for the most part cleared my acne. (I have had moderate that progressed to severe acne since I was 14, and am now in my 20's.)

The Benzoyl Peroxide Lotion and Retinol last for quite some time.

Cons:

It is a shame they don't sell the Cleanser and Toner separately as those are the items I run out of first, and I end up having to buy the whole package when I only need two things immediately.

After using perscription creams (Differin, Retin A, Benzaclin, Clindamycin, etc.), oral acne medications such as Doxycycline, every cleanser, toner and acne fighting cream brand from Neutrogena to Noxema...this is the ONLY thing that has worked. My acne will probably never completely go away as I have been dealing with it for 7 years and it has never been completely cured for any extended amount of time, but this product keeps it at bay. And every side product they have come out with from the foaming cleanser to the 1 hour pimple patches has lived up to its' promises.
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March 8, 2011

Pros:

Inexpensive, especially when you break the cost down over a year.
Really works!! My skin has never been clearer.
My skin does not "get used to" the product, causing it to stop working over time.
Smells great, unlike other cleansers I have used.
Moisturizer is refreshing, light, and not greasy - keeps my skin from drying, peeling, even in the winter time.

Cons:

I honestly can't think of any to put here, other than I can't just go to the store and pick it up - but ordering online has always been a breeze and the shipments come right away!

I started with the regular strength in college and switched to the "Industrial strength" when that wasn't quite doing the job for me. I am now a pregnant 27 year old, and my skin has honestly never been clearer. I know a lot of my acne was due to hormonal causes, so I was expecting my skin to get worse with pregnancy (as my sister's had). The cleanser + all natural soap duo has been the only thing to ever work with me. I am a pharmacist and I recommend this product to people who come into my store looking for something when nothing else seems to work. The 5% wash is the same strength as the 5% prescription wash you can get in the pharmacy - plus it's cheaper and you don't need to visit a doctor to get it!! As with any benzoyl peroxide product, it has PEROXIDE in it, so it can and WILL bleach towels. I just usually use white wash clothes and light colored towels and I haven't had a problem with it -well worth it to have clear skin! I buy 3 items at a time so I can get the 4th product free. I keep 1 bottle in the shower with me, which usually lasts about 3-4 months. I place the other bottles that I'm not using in the fridge to help preserve their potency. This system has allowed me to order ~ once a year, and I've never noticed any difference in the bottles I pull from the fridge vs. the one I use right away when it's shipped. Bottom line: I've been using Carley's for over 7 years, and I hope they never stop making it. I'd hate to have to find another product that works, smells great, and is relatively inexpensive over the course of a year.
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March 8, 2011

Pros:

-Clears face
-Last a long time
-Actually works

Cons:

-Pricey

I had suffered acne for a long time and was always so embarrassed. I found this stuff though and have been clear since. I bought the 8oz kit in August and have only had to replace my cleanser once, And just today bought another kit. So it may seem pricey, but it lasts you so long and IT WORKS! I recommend it to everyone. And it has worked for everyone that I have suggested it to.
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March 7, 2011

Pros:

Inexpensive, very easy to use, works on face and body acne.

Cons:

wash is slightly runny.

I am 40 year old adult acne sufferer. I have had adult acne for 8 years and my face has not been completely clear in all that time. I have tried everything from proactive to retin-A, Glytone, clearasil, neutrogena, etc. Carly's really works for me and the soap is great. I also began using a knock off clarisonic brush with the soap after the treatment and that really works the blackheads up on chin and nose.
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March 7, 2011

Pros:

Clears acne

Cons:

Bleaches fabric
Dries out and reddens skin

This stuff is pretty amazing. Using it as part of the regimen cleared up my acne. It does irritate the skin, but that gradually goes away somewhat. It still makes my skin a little red even after using it for a few months, but I prefer that over acne. It bleached and ruined a couple of my shirts, but I stopped applying it so low on my neck and don't have that problem any more. I don't need to use as much as recommended in the regimen. Once my acne cleared up I scaled it back some and my face is still clear. That way I don't have to wait so long for it to dry and it irritates my face less. Make sure you do the regimen twice a day and don't skip, though! Every time I skipped even once I'd end up getting a few zits over the ensuing days.
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March 6, 2011

Pros:

Effective at preventing/treating acne
Nice texture, great under makeup
Not drying for my oily combination skin

Cons:

None

I used salicylic acid treatments for a long time but had to go back to BP because my skin was getting out of control. This is really working for me. It is gentle enough to use every day. It is great for daytime as it layers under other products nicely. Great ingredients including tea tree oil. Texture reminds me of Proactiv lotion but I like this better. I'm not seeing any drying with this lotion but I do not have sensitive skin. Bought it at [link removed]. Recommended!
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March 5, 2011

Pros:

I have been using this product for five years. I am in my fifties and have oily/dry combo skin prone to breakouts. I now use the scrub and soap as my daily facial regimen. People compliment me on my complexion. Great products and you know what's in them! Thanks, Carley's!

Cons:

It's not a fancy brand if that bothers you - but I am more interested in a product that works! You know you are paying for the product - NOT the advertising budget!

This is a great company to order from. Orders arrive very quickly and always with a sample or two of something else to try. I love ordering from Carley's Clear & Smooth. I am a very satisfied customer, now my 19 year old son is also a fan. I can't say enough good things about these products. I recently also tried the exotic butter moisturizer and it is excellent!
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March 5, 2011

Pros:

The closest thing to a cure that i've used. I'm 34 and have had acne since i was a teen. I have tried every OTC medicine. Nothing compares to this.

Cons:

None, just be sure to use white towels when drying off or they will discolor

Buy this product. I took about 3 weeks before it started to work. But I was using another product and it does state that it cn take that long to work if yu have been using other products.
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March 4, 2011

Pros:

Great price
Highly effective in clearing acne fast!
Odorless
Absorbs well
Lightweight

Cons:

Over drying if you do not follow the regimen and start SLOWLY, applying a small amount & working your way up to the recommended dosage.

Does bleach all colored material the product comes in contact with. I switched to white towels and apply it after dressing.

Pros far outweigh the cons! Why? Because IT WORKS!! A few weeks into the regimen and my skin is clear. Amazing. I do recommend following Dan's plan closely and begin slowly. I can go out without ANY makeup now after using this product with Dan's moisturizer and cleanser after just 3 weeks. (I also began using AHA, which is highly effective for very dry skin, although it does sting slightly until it dries) My skin was red for the first few days & then it adjusted perfectly. Worth the $, time and effort. Dan did an excellent job developing this product.
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March 3, 2011

Pros:

Works great, super customer service, easy to use. The Clear and Smooth gives skin a nice clean feeling and a good glow. The soap works great and is a good supplement to the cleanser!

Cons:

none.

I have been a customer for years and am very happy with the soap and the Clear and Smooth Acne Treatment. They have specials from time to time, so I listed the "price paid" as an average for a month of cleanser + soap + shipping on my last order.
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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.