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
September 24, 2009

Cons:

terrible product made my skin way worse than it was before i started using it. it was so harsh on my skin and so expensive

i would not recomend this product to anyone.
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September 23, 2009

Pros:

It worked in the beginning

Cons:

cost is high

It worked while I was using it. After I stopped my acne was worse than it ever had been. I have acne so bad with out breaks that I never had before. Proactive clearly made my skin worse. It seems to have altered my bodies hormonal balance.
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September 19, 2009

Pros:

NONE!!!!!:(

Cons:

DONT USE THIS 2 DAYS IN A ROW!!
My face got all red and hurting!!
My Eyes Are SWOLLEN!!!!

DONT BUY IT!!! Unless u wanna look like a clown!! Expincive!! BLAHH I WANNA SUE.. NO JOKE
September 12, 2009

Pros:

-Does make your face feel squeeky clean
-You get alot of free samples
-fast shipping

Cons:

- drys out your skin
- fragrance doesn't smell that great
- when they packaged my items my moisturizer exploded inside the box

<-- I USED THE ADULT FORMULA, BAR SOAP, DAY TIME moisturizer AND NIGHT TIME moisturizer + carly's makeup So! Im a 20 year old female victim of acne for several years now. Ive been to dermatologists, used over the counter stuff and nothing seems to work. I came upon Carley's online & decided to try it. BOY WAS THAT A BIGG MISTAKE! i was drawn by the "millions" of good reviews & thought it was worth a shot. I followed directions & did everything like i was suppose to for a month. I started realizing red patches on each side of my face, thinking the beads from the formula was the cause. but nothing of it. Even while using moisturizer my face was still dry and began itching. I then stopped using the product b.c my face couldn't stand it anymore. My face began to itch forever and ever and would never go away. I went to a dermatologist yesterday and she said i had a bacterial infection on my face caused from irritation of the skin. So Ughh! im on medication & will return every
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September 12, 2009

Pros:

the masque sort or takes away pimples if you wear it as a spot treatment at night

Cons:

skin is dry, broke out. I have been trying to give this stuff a shot for over a year and nothing is happeneing

I started using this cause I had somewhat bad acne, nothin crazy..now everythime my skin looks clear I can feel a new cystic like zit coming up on sides of my face I never had zits before and they hurt...and I cant get rid of them for weeks. My skin looks blotching since using it (i have sensitive skin). i have tried so many other products and how long should you have to wait to have clear skin??? its been a year...im dumping this product
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September 4, 2009

Pros:

worked for a short period of time .....

Cons:

is very harsh and strips skin of its natual goodness, bp is irratating, toner has alcohol and the cleanser is like a scrub so ur scrubbing ur face twice a day.....BIG NO NO

i used this product because i was so desperate and uneducated about acne at that time, this product is too harsh and does nothing in the long run....only works for a short while until ur face gets immune to the bp %. it is not a good idea to be so harsh on ur skin, over drying and scrubbing only make things worse. good luck
September 3, 2009

Pros:

NONE!!!!!!

Cons:

entire face turned into a red hot rash, eyes swollen and lid almost all the way closed...cld customer service and they were not helpful...this product is horrible and I'm suing

This product needs to be recalled...we even used the sensitive one.
September 2, 2009

Pros:

it keeps down the larger pimples, it smells good and it makes my face feel clean.

Cons:

the fact is, i have been using the stupid product for two years now and the redness and irritation around on my face has stayed the same all along. if i miss one day, or even just one morning, i break out with a HUGE pimple the next day.

Proactive wasnt a complete waste of time, considering that i dnt have huge pimples when i use it everyday, but i have this bad feeling that whats happening is that my skin is so used to it now that i wont be able to stop it without my face looking like a the face of the moon. its rediculous that i have spent so much time and money on it for two years and STILL have acne.
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September 1, 2009

Pros:

So, i used proactiv a while back, i have stopped using it.ever since i stopped using it i have had reddness and every pimple that comes in becomes dry scabs i hate it so much i wish my skin waaasnt so sensitive now....!!!!

Cons:

i have had reddness for 2 years now, and every acne cleaner has not work so now i have to go to the dermontoligist and see if this helps...! (sad)

Worst acne cleaner i have ever had....
August 31, 2009

Pros:

Got the larger size and bonus step #1 at Sam's Club in the USA

Cons:

Put it on at night for the first time. Burned, tingled. Face turned BRIGHT red and you could see every place I put it on (and didn't!)
It felt AWFUL and my skin was so DRY. If I touched my face the pain was almost UNBEARABLE.

Put it on at night for the first time. Burned, tingled. Face turned BRIGHT red and you could see every place I put it on (and didn't!) It felt AWFUL and my skin was so DRY. If I touched my face the pain was almost UNBEARABLE. Slept with multiple soaked washclothes on my face in an attempt to stop the pain and swelling and get some sleep. Face was BURNING HOT to the touch. Stains EVERYTHING, smells AWFUL. My pimples are so dry they are starting to PEEL. NEVER buy this product! It is so painful and awful. I cannot go out in public for atleast 3 hours before the red starts to go down. Face still hurts to the touch!!!!
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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.