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 9, 2009

Pros:

+Works well
+Gets rid of acne
+Does not burn your face

Cons:

-Has been linked to skin cancer
-FDA has classified as 'safety unknown'

I rather have acne than skin cancer.
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November 16, 2009

Pros:

Smooth and clear acne free skin

Cons:

A slight dry, chapped feeling but hardly noticeable after putting on a moisturizer. I've tried other highly recommended cleansers that leave my face feeling like it has a plastic shield on.. this will not dry out your skin like that, just moisturize!

Great product. I've been trying everything and recently stopped using sulfur soap after it failed to clear up my skin. Like many of the other reviews said, I saw results in two days. It was really incredible because usually I have to wait weeks of following an elaborate regimen to finally get clear skin. For those that also have blackheads, they have not been totally cleared. But I was mainly concerned about having red acne all over my face, especially on my cheeks. I still have some minor scarring but my breakouts are gone! My skin looks and feels healthy. I'm still amazed that this has been at the drugstore all the years I've been spending money on wasteful creams and lotions. I urge people of all skin types to go out and give it a shot!
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September 25, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

It doesn't clear up my acne, seems to make me break out more.

This product sucks
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March 9, 2016
Wouldn't recommend it
I had really clear skin for years after suffering from acne in my early teen years. My mom had saw a commercial for ProActiv and ordered it for me. It worked amazingly for me at that time. I am now 22 and I had a random flare up of my acne. My whole chin was covered in pimples and they would leave ugly purple scars even if I didn't touch them. A friend of mine had started selling the Rodan and Fields products and told me this Unblemish regime would work wonders for my skin. The first week nothing really happened. The second week, my skin got even worse. She assured me this was my skin "purging" itself of all the bacteria that was in my pores and it was totally normal. I am now on week five and my skin is a nightmare. The spot fading toner is almost making my scars look worse and I have tons of whiteheads whenever I wake up in morning, along with red bumps everywhere. I contacted her again about it and she finally caved and said we should consult the Rodan and Fields helpline. It's been about four days and no one has gotten back to us. I went to see my dermatologist today and he told me to return the product. He said he has only seen mediocre success with it, but most people see no results. I'm sad I wasted five weeks on it, but happy I caught it before the 60 day return period ended. Might work for some people, but I won't be recommending it to anyone. My friend also withdrew from the company after her boyfriend saw the same issues I did with his regime.
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June 1, 2016
Is your skin sensitive? You probably should have started with the Soothe Regimen! I had very mild irritation which mimicked mild acne. I started using Soothe and my skin has never been better!
September 8, 2016
Do not use the soothe products. They are also garbage and a waste of money.
April 11, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

A COMPELTE RIP OFF!!!

This company is a TOTAL rip off. I ordered this product for my niece and it did absolutely nothing to improve the acne on her face. I called to cancel my subscription and was told I had to return the product in which I did. I was initially charged $19.95 for the trial. The very next month I was charged $39.95 for product I no longer had, so I called again and was told another shippment was sent 3 days prior, now keep in mind I had cancelled my subscription the previous month and sent the initial product to them and yet they were still charging my account and sending products. I returned the second shippment and received a refund of $39.95 a month later, then they charged another $19.95 from my account 4 days after I got the refund. I had to actually call my bank and cancel my bankcard to avoid future fees from this company. DO NOT BUY, it's a trap and they will continue to bill and send you products, and keep in mind also that you have to pay to send the product back everytime!!
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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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February 15, 2011

Pros:

I have been using this product for over 10 years, and it's the only thing that's worked for me. I'm so glad I stumbled upon this product online. It makes my skin feel clean & fresh. It has cleared my acne & subsequent breakouts. I'm in my mid-30's, and can testify that this product is amazing. Definitely worth the money, and lasts for months & months.

Cons:

None. Period.

I love this product, and I will continue to order it as long as it is available. Thank you for creating such a great treatment.
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January 22, 2011

Pros:

Carley's Clear and Smooth is a product that works where others failed. The price I pay for Carley's Clear and Smooth is very reasonable and I get alot of product for my money. I even get free samples of their other products with every order. If I have any questions about their products I always get a quick and helpful response. They also save you money on shipping charges by combinding multiple orders together where other companies would charge you more. 5 THUMBS-UP IN MY OPINION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cons:

I can find nothing wrong with Carley's Clear and Smooth.

Carley's Clear and Smooth is a wonderful acne treatment product in my opinion. I have bought several other acne treatment products over the years but none of them have worked as well as Carley's Clear and Smooth has for my family. Carley's Clear and Smooth may not work for all people but you do get a money back guarantee if it doesn't work for you so what do you have to lose!! NOTHING!! My son has cystic acne and Carley's Clear and Smooth Industrial Strength Kick *ss Acne Formula for Teens worked where no other product would so it is a great product in my opinion. My son is happy and has more self confidence now and that means the world to me so THANK-YOU Carley's Clear and Smooth.
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November 19, 2010

Pros:

Clean and natural, leaves skin feeling great, really works

Cons:

Worse small breakout at first, but normal when clearing up skin

This stuff really works. I have adult acne and firmly believe in this product. I don't like using harsh chemicals on my skin that can cause you to be dependent on. I can use this product for flare-ups and then not use it for a while and do just fine. Highly Recommend!
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October 5, 2010

Pros:

-Dries up spots FAST
-Helps with blackheads and milia I find
-Excellent on just popped pimples
-Also great on large, painful inflamed pimples. (Ugh... don't you hate those?_

Cons:

-Very drying, need a good moisturizer like honey or olive oil
-Can leave skin red and flaky.
-Can bleach pillows/clothes etc.

I really like this product. I'm 15 and I've struggled with moderate acne since I was about 10. I've literally tried everything out there. I used to use 5% Benzac Ac but didn't find it helped much... My friend reccomended Panoxyl 10% to me and gave me her old tube for a trial. I find it works pretty well! It's super fast at drying up pimples. One bad thing about Panoxyl is that it can leave you with purpleish acne marks/scars.... This product hasn't yet cleared up my acne but it's certainly improved it! I've been using it for about a week now.. I'd say if you've got moderate to severe acne, give Panoxyl 10% a try! But make sure you follow it up with a good moisturizer!
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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.