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
December 29, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Didn't work, ridiculously expensive,was like pulling teeth to cancel membership

I paid a fortune for this stuff and was hoping that this would Finally do it. I was let down again. It got a bit clearer but went back to the way it was after using it for a while. Waste of time and very discouraging.
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December 22, 2009

Pros:

no smell

Cons:

didn't help my face acne + GAVE me cystic jawline acne

wanted so badly to work--not only did it do nothing for my face, it actually GAVE me cystic jawline acne. ugh.
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December 14, 2009

Pros:

When used consistently and directions are followed this product is a miracle worker!

I love this product and would recommend it to anyone with tough ance. It is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin. Love it!
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December 9, 2009

Pros:

Has cleared my skin up! I was on Accutane before but afterwards my acne would always come back. I have tried many other products - ProActiv, Mary Kay, etc. None have worked as well as this for me.

Cons:

Bleaches fabric so be careful when using it.

I used Benzyl Peroxide cream (spelling?) a year ago as this site recommends and it worked as long as I was consistent with it. The problem: it was a tedious procedure and it really dried my skin out. This face wash gives me the same clear results as with the cream but without the hassle and dry skin. Plus, it's cheap. Always nice. :) Note: So you girls know, I am also on the pill which I think helps reduce hormonal related breakouts. As well, I use a small amount of Jojoba oil in the morning to soften and moisturize plus a regular moisturizer. I definitely think this product is a life saver for me! I have always had a strange combination skin which was prone to dryness and breakouts. This helps both factors.
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December 7, 2009

Pros:

Clears up skin, fast!

Cons:

A little drying if you use too much

I have tried EVERYTHING to clear up my skin. This works so fast and so well that I couldn't believe it. I've been using this for about a month and haven't broken out since. I only use it at night so it doesn't completely dry my skin out. Definitely recommend this!!
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November 16, 2009

Pros:

Works great with the acne.org regimen! It seems to be doing the job good b/c 100% clear

Cons:

it is a bit expensive and you have to order it. And if i find it at one of those Proactiv boothes in the mall then it is more expensive.

I love it and thinks Dan needs to move this as the recommended product for his regimen.
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November 16, 2009

Pros:

within the first couple of days it really reduced my spots

Cons:

really drys out ya skin, face went bright red n patchy

stick with it n if you can put up with the dryness n redness ova first few days it will work a treat
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November 9, 2009

Pros:

Worked for about 3 months.

Cons:

Ineffective after 3 months.

I would pay anything to have clear skin these days. I'm 25 and I have sensitive skin with cystic acne around my chin. It's really embarrassing. I always had great skin until my 20's. This product requires the use of a light oil free moisturizer after use. It will dry skin. After 3 months, my skin plateaued and stopped responding to this product. It broke my heart, I thought I had found my answer.
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November 6, 2009

Pros:

You see results in a day, and the day after that and the day after that. It is consistent as long as you are consistent. Major life savor.

Cons:

It drys out my skin and if i but to much on its a little gritty, and having dark skin as an african american it can leave white marks on my face but lotion solves it. Also not good for super sensitive skin so beware.

I am a teenage girl in high school and it works wonders! I've tried everything but it only works for about a month and then decides it doesn't want to work anymore, I've tried proactive,clinique, clean and clear, neutrogena, clearsil and acnefree made my skin worse. Zapzyt is a million times better! I just found out they had a pore/blackhead line so i will be trying that soon. It does not get rid of existing scars but i hear aveeno does the trick and if not that my ex used Diana Stalder Black Bar Whitening Lightening Soap and that lightened his scars in a week so i suggest that also.
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November 5, 2009

Pros:

Product does work.....

Cons:

If you can wait 2-3 weeks after they've billed you. Don't even think about calling 'customer service' about your bill, they'll chew you up and spit you out leaving you feeling like a complete idiot! (She even claimed I couldn't read).....

After the first billing of the 29.95 for the kit plus 2 "free bonus gifts", I was billed an additional 29.95, (I assumed this was for the following shipment) A month later I was billed an additional 37.50. To get to the bottom of all the billing and NOT receiving any products I called "Customer Service", after 10min of dealing with their horrible automated directory I finally got someone on the phone, she told me that the 2 "free bonus gifts" is actually a 5 piece kit that comes to about 70 bucks a month! (No wonder 'B' list actors and 'D' list musicians support this product, they can't afford it on their own) The price doesn't bother me, it was how RUDE their "customer service" is... and they'll bill your account whenever they choose....
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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.