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
April 14, 2009

Pros:

- made skin feel softer
- took dryness from my skin

Cons:

- price
- I got confused with all the different products (i have 5.)
- stung a little when I first put it on

I just started using it today actually, so I didnt have time to see improvements, but after using the toner, my face got extremely red and stung a little bit. I continued to step 3, and my face looked and felt so soft after it dried. I then applied the moisturizer and it made my skin even softer, and the redness faded. My face isn't dry for now, and my skin has a certain glow to it. I'll write another review in a few days, just to update. For now, it's looking good.
April 12, 2009

Pros:

very cheap, I like the way Dan does business, it works, more or less.

Cons:

It is drying, which makes my skin look flaky under make up and time consuming to wait for skin to dry... wash hands a million times, making them dry as well, lol.

I began using this product as Dan recommended, slowly wk 1) 1/2 a pump only at night, wk2) 1 pump only at night then wk 3) I tried using it in the morning as well and my skin became so dry it was pretty much unbearable though it was much clearer... so I settled for only using this at night. Not to mention, you're not supposed to get this in your eye area and that's pretty much impossible if you wear make up. I still get pimples but they're fewer and far between and it works better than pretty much anything I've tried, well at least with the least amount of side effects.
April 12, 2009

Pros:

with time it took away most of the acne out of my face!!. I believe that using proactiv plus changing your eating habits contributed in reducing my acne to nearly gone status

Cons:

when i first tried it..it made my skin reddish pink as well as making my skin crack and dry.

before i wrote this review I gave proactiv a chance (2months and change) thus far it has not disappointed me. Although you will need a moisture to help deal with the dryness that does come with this product. If you're sensitive skin, as I am, please be aware that there is a possibility that you're might turn reddish but not to much. With given time the dryness and reddish colored complexion goes away as it will truly does leave you with clear skin in the end. I RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT!!!!!
April 12, 2009

Pros:

This product really helps fade the spots left over from previous acne bumps, helps prevent acne, overall, it makes my skin look more even.

Cons:

It is a little drying and a little pricey.. It hasn't completely got rid of my pimples as I still get one here and there, and that difficult pimple will sometimes stay for a while too.

I was skeptical about this product since I've tried just about everything without having any fantastic results. After a couple weeks I noticed my skin looked more even and the red spots were fading away. I'm still getting the occasional break out, but I'm hoping that will subside as I've only been using it for a month and a half or so. Overall, I'd say to give it a try!
April 12, 2009

Pros:

This product keep my adult acne in check. I must use it religiously or my acne will come back. I'm very happy with this product. It was a long search to find a product that suits me.

Cons:

In Canada this product is hard to find. I've ordered it from the US and paid ridiculous border duty. This product is expensive. I would buy only the lotion if I could.

I can't live without this product. Definitely try this if you have mild-to-moderate acne or adult acne. You must use the lotion twice a day. That means your skin always has the lotion on it 24/7! Don't skip and you'll have good results unless your skin has a negative reaction to the active ingredients. It's kept me clear for several years now.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 10, 2009

Pros:

Definitely got rid of a bunch of my acne. Works really fast.

Cons:

Can be very drying & sometimes leaves a white film. Pimples tend to show up (for me) if discontinued... so just keep using it!

Used it on a pimple that I felt was about to surface (that painful kind) & it didn't even show up the next day =)
April 9, 2009

Pros:

Amazing product! They have made the formula better because it used to be watery and didnt work as well. I have used proactiv before but this is just as good! Works great!

Cons:

It would be nice if I could find the green tea moisterizer or if it came with the package.

Graet product, and affordable, proactiv is so expensive, who can afford $38 a month for acne stuff? $17 for the acnefree kit and it lasts a month and a half. Great deal! ;)
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 9, 2009

Pros:

Works in reducing sebum plugs, dries out active acne

Cons:

Slightly expensive if compared to other BP treatments

I had acne for yeas and them my dermatologist sugested I use this and I thought, oh yeah another treatment. I started applying it and for the first few days my sking was little red then my Acne cleared. the plugs dissapeared and acne reduced completely. Try it atleast for 2 weeks before deciding
This Was Helpful

10 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 9, 2009

Pros:

I have normal to oily skin, a lot of surface pimples but suffered from many blind pimples around my chin. Proactiv cleared everything up in about a month, & prevents anymore breakouts.

Cons:

It did dry my skin out terribly - it gives you that really 'squeaky clean' feeling leaving your face feeling really tight. Skin around my cheeks & under my eyebrows started peeling & flaking. Be sure to wash hands well after use as can bleach towels!

A great product to give you a quick fix to acne & blemishes. I have been using Proactiv for a few months now & am still impressed with the results. I personally don't like the green toner, this is what completely dried my skin out. I only use the cleanser, repairing lotion, & oil-free moisturiser & my skin is back to being smooth & flawless!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 9, 2009

Pros:

Clears acne fairly quickly

Cons:

Acne seems to become immune to the astringent after some time, and the product seems to lose its acne fighting capabilities.

It's a fairly cheap "quick fix" and results are fast at the start, but after a few months it seems to dwindle, although my acne is nearly gone. (Started with what seemed to be 100+ pimples, now im down to 2- 3. You get greedy when you once again get a taste of what being clear is like =Þ Try it for yourselves.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report

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.