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
November 2, 2009

Pros:

NONE! Starts to work then just dries the crap out of your face.

Cons:

Customer service is HORRIBLE, and the WORST reps I have ever spoken to in taking care of an issue. I woudn't recommend this to anyone, if you want it buy it at the mall, and forget the ordering service, THEY SUCK.

Bottom line, it takes like 2-3 to ship to you, then if you dont receive it, they wont expedite or rush you another one, you have to wait again for 2-3 weeks. So in not receiving my order and asking them to cancel my account and credit my account for the order I did NOT receive, they said they would send out this so called "affidavit" in order for them to issue my credit. Well I dont know if they are headquartered in SYBERIA, but the form itself takes 2-3 weeks for delivery (its a piece of paper for crying out loud). So called in after the time frame of NOT recieving my "affidavit" and the second rep said "there is nothing here that they ever issued it out" so she issues it out, wait another 2-3 weeks still not receiving it and call back and ask to speak to a MANAGER, well you can't speak to a manager, you can speak directly to billing, you have to tell them so they can write it down and NOT DO SH*T ABOUT IT. If they were accredited you'd see a BBB complaint!!!
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October 28, 2009

Pros:

everything love this product the only thing that has ever worked for me

Cons:

takes some time to use the ptroduct about 10 min also some of the products runs out faster then the others

i started to use this when i was 16 worked wonders it was the only thing that worked for me! i stoped using it and my face cleared up and stayed that way until i got pregnant so after i had the baby everything broke out again so i tried murad HATED IT! went back to proactive and my face cleared up almost over night!
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October 19, 2009

Pros:

works the first few weeks

Cons:

doesnt work after a while

dont buy it
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October 18, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my smaller bumps on my face and minimized the red acne I had and red splotches on my face.

Cons:

Dried up my skin really badly around my eyes and mouth.

Proactiv works better for some people rather than others, and can really dry up your skin.
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September 27, 2009
I did not like this product at all. I used it today and I had an allergic reaction. My cheeks swelled up and it had a burning sensation. My face looks horrible today. I will never use this product again. I'd rather stick to Dove.
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September 24, 2009

Pros:

-easy to use
-can purchase with your groceries
-WORKS!

Cons:

none!

I got this when I turned 17. I would get random pimples on my forehead. I have tried Proactiv, Clinique, DDF, retin-a micro, AcneFree, just to name a few.It's not vanity- it's desperation...you guys know what I'm talking about. I thought it was losing efficacy after about a year...but I was getting pimples because I was drinking wayy too much coffee, and eating sweets too sporadically. (Blood sugar is crucial when fighting pimples-research it) I'm back to using this during the day, with retin-a micro at night. I really like it!!
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September 6, 2009

Pros:

Works VERY WELL with my skin...ca be purchased w/out a perscription...doesnt take months to work....visible change within a week...after 3 weeks, my skin was looking great!

Cons:

Pretty expensive w/out perscription...does
lighten skin of darker complexion...

I used this product once..it worked like a charm....then i stopped cuz i didnt like how pale my skin was gettin....tried other products n they didnt work as effectively as Solugel 4. Went back to using it after about 2 yrs, and I am totally not regretting the decision!!!!!!!!!!!! However, i have to use it once a day instead of twice. Its a GREAT PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!
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September 4, 2009

Pros:

Clears up acne like a beast.

Cons:

Dries out skin sometimes, smells weird. xD

I was not expecting such a cheap product to work - - proactive always looked good, but it didn't work for a month for me. So I tried the Oxy Overnight Vanishing cream for 3 days....all my blackheads, whiteheads, and acne disappeared! I had it really bad up in my forehead area, but now I can wear my hair up with no embarrassment! Needless to say, Oxy has pulled through for me and I hope you buy it soon! By the severity of my acne, below, it was that, but now it is clear.
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August 27, 2009

Pros:

Does work with consistancy. I started breaking out on my forehead pretty bad a while back, proactive got rid of it. I find it works best when you use alot of the repairing lotion.

Cons:

Dries out your skin. Over priced.

Over all this product works well for me. Does work. Makes your skin look way better, evens skin tone, gets rid of acne. I know for some people i know it didnt work as well asit does for me, but it IS worth a try.
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July 24, 2009

Pros:

It works incredibly well and very quickly. It cleared up by acne within a few days of use. I have been using it every day or every other day for over a year now and it has never failed me, as long as I use it consistently.

Cons:

Dries out skin a little too much at first, especially because I used it like three times the first day (bad idea) but after awhile your skin will learn to tolerate it. I recommend using a moisturizer with sunscreen in it.

I LOVE this product! I have tried every other acne gel, face wash, pills, masks, EVERYTHING, but nothing has worked this well. I'm surprised it's not more popular-- I have a hard time finding it here, not because it sells out, but because a lot of places don't seem to sell it. Or, if I do find it, it's all the way pushed to the side on the bottom shelf. Probably because the packaging is "boring" looking, but that doesn't matter because the product is worth every cent.
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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.