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
June 18, 2011

Pros:

Doesn't tighten skin

Cons:

None so far

I just bought this at my local pharmacist. Quite pricey, but I just started using it so I'll see how it works! For a cleanser, I'm starting to use Spectro Jel Cleanser for Combination Skin. Hope it works!
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June 10, 2011

Pros:

Reduce Redness
Heal Fast

Cons:

Dry and may irritate the skin for first time user

I just bought the Neutrogena On the spot Treatment for less than one week, i can see that the pus came out after two days of applications, which is more effective and faster than other medicine i tried, However, skin may be dry and flaky, thus moisturizer is recommended to use.
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June 7, 2011

Pros:

great value

Cons:

peely when dries

It works fine, but I'm going to opt for a more expensive option for daytime. Once I moisturize, this turns white and peely. I'll still use this at night though.
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May 31, 2011

Pros:

- works! I think.
- gentle...because of the 2,5%

Cons:

- nothing yet

Used severall of products...you can name it, and I used it. This one is working! It's not irritating, attracts good and the smell is not very bad. Im using it for one week no, so I cannot say a thing about long term. I will give a update about one month. I have bought the big kit, with the cleanser, treatment and the moisturizer. Price is with shipment to the Netherlands.
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May 30, 2011

Pros:

-Works Great for first two weeks or so

Cons:

-Burns skin
-Stings
-Super expensive

I loved this product at first, it cleared my skin instantly! But, after the first two weeks I noticed my blemishes and breakouts were coming back! I had still been using the product consistentley, but the "acne fighting ingredients" Stopped working! I WOULD NOT suggest you to buy this product.
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May 26, 2011

Pros:

Definitely helps treat acne

Cons:

A bit overdrying at first

A great addition to my acne regimen. This is indeed overdrying, but applying cetaphil lotion right after use does the trick.
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May 20, 2011

Pros:

Good value and quantity.Love the smooth light texture. Absorbs quickly. Works to control acne!!

Cons:

Can bleach stuff, clothing and bedding as well. Can cause burning sensation on sensitive skin around eyes.

For years I've suffered with adult acne. I found relief in using Proactiv, but it was expensive. Then I found acne.org site and was turned on to the regimen. It's basically very similar to Proactiv, the key is the 2.5% BP applied to clean skin. I only buy the BP and use OTC cleanser & moisturizer. My teenage daughter also started having acne and so we started on this at the same time. We buy 8oz size and share, this lasts us 6 months. The way I figure it up, I spend $40 over 6 month period for all our products, a $10 sav'g over Proactiv and I now get enough product for 2 people rather than just myself. I love, love, love it!!!! And so does my daughter!!! It really works!!! NO MORE ACNE! I use moisturizer before applying BP and now don't have issues with spreading BP into sensitive areas. Avoids the burn and still same great effects.
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May 6, 2011

Pros:

Excellent product, lasts a long time so great value.

Cons:

None

In my opinion it's the best product around for acne. It also leaves my skin smooth and feeling extremely clean. I reorder when required and would never use any pharmacy brands ever again. Cannot believe the negative responses are entirely truthful, everyone is different fair enough but the product is way more effective than anything I've ever used before, over many years, which is why I keep reordering. And the soap is (I think) chemical free so excellent for washing face, hair and body day to day. This works for me!
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April 9, 2011

Pros:

Gentle on your skin

Cons:

expensive
not potent

I started using pro active years ago, and it seriously use to be really good. in the last couple years though they changed their formula to "New Proactive" and it totally screwed everything up for me. Those of us who used old pro active probably remember it PREVENTED acne super well, not so much got rid of existing acne, but if you could get your face clear, and use pro active every day it stopped acne in its tracks. Heres what noticeably changed about proactive... the toner use to be extremely potent and strong, it use to tingle and sometimes burn sometimes when applied, but it went deep into pores, giving you a refreshing feeling, as well as giving your skin a certain glow, now the made the toner significantly weaker due to people who complain about it drying out their skin... also the repairing lotion, which use to be more of just a bp ointment, is now actually more of a moisturizer with bp in it. So before i stopped doing proactive it would leave my skin extremely oily - no longer gave me the proactive skin glow - and had even less power than it had before (It was already never good at getting rid of acne, just good at preventing and now its preventive power was significantly weakened).
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April 6, 2011

Pros:

Very Effective
Fully Absorbs
Invisible
Light Weight

Cons:

Price & Availability
Bleaches clothes

I am a 30 year old male who has finally gotten his acne controlled thanks to this web site. Here is my regimen. I am not sure which pieces are making the difference, but I think it's how I wash my face and the acne.org treatment cream. Morning: Wash face in shower with Cetaphil Anti-Bacterial Face Bar. Evening: Using wet fingers, but dry face, apply Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser to face. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, I usually watch a bit of TV. Wash off, dry with towel, wait a couple minutes. Apply generous, nickel to quarter size dollop of Acne.org treatment to face. You can see it slopped on there for about 10 - 15 minutes, eventually it absorbs. Go to sleep. That's it. This improved my acne 90%. I used to always have a big zit or two on the horizon, now it's rare. At first I also used Witch Hazel wipes occasionally Clean & Clear Dual Action 2% Salicylic Acid Face Moisturizer during the day but now I don't and I don't see a difference. As an older guy, I have more oily skin so don't seem to need much moisturizer. When I feel dry, I use Cetaphil face 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.