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:

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November 24, 2010

Pros:

None

Cons:

Had small area on face but broke all face out

I ask for the item not to be shipped. Another package was shipped. Now have to pay shipping to me and back. Not to mention have to make sure notification that it was returned before can get refund of 49.95. Is not a good company for customer relations. Would not order the product this way at all.
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November 9, 2010

Pros:

None

Cons:

I used this for everyday for a month. After the first week my skin was horrible. Red, inflamed, dry and I had more pimples than when I started. I thought it was just a purging stage. By the end of the 4th week after no improvement on cystic pimples and a many more whiteheads and bumps than I usually get I stopped.

Only 2 days after I stopped the whiteheads and blemishes cleared up completely. I am sure it was the proactiv hat was causing them as I wasnt using or eating anything different. It didnt work for me and made my skin much worse. However its the only line that works for my cousin. Bottom line if you have the time and money you can try this stuff. If it doesnt work for you though move on to something else. Right now I am using Duac and have had the best results out of all the acne products I have tried so far. Good luck on your search.
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November 7, 2010

Pros:

It actually works. I'm 38 and nothing has ever worked on my face, but I have beautiful skin now, three months after starting use. (I have rosacea as well as ongoing acne problems, and have had problem skin since I was 12).

Cons:

The first two months were a little rough, as my face was red and a little painful as I got used to the product. BUT - I don't really think of this as a con, because that's completely gone, and nothing is left but gorgeous skin.

I AM SO HAPPY. This is truly amazing. Thank you.
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November 4, 2010

Pros:

gets rid of acne fast
inexpensive for such a big bottle
easy to use, doesn't dry out skin if you use the lotion too
odorless

Cons:

have to wait for it to dry and then use lotion over it, takes some time

This stuff works amazingly. I have used so many bp products throughout the 13 years I have had acne. None have worked as well as Acne.org's regimen. I have always had very tiny bumps all over my forehead and cheeks along with breakouts of actual pimples. This product got rid of both. It worked within weeks. I wash with just a regular soap (Dr.Bronner's liquid soap or Dove bar) and then apply this after my face is dry. Watch the videos of how to apply the stuff, and how much to use, they are helpful. After it dries you apply lotion over it. If you don't use the lotion your face will feel really dry and weird. At first I was kinda nervous about putting lotion on my face because it's kind of a taboo when you have acne because you feel like anything that touches your face will clog your pores and give you more zits. But that obviously didn't happen. I use the Acne.org lotion and it works fine, and it doesn't have an odor, which is great. This is the first time in 13 years that I have not had zits. I do occasionally get one on my chin or upper lip, but I have not had one anywhere else since I started this and all my little bumps are gone. It is still shocking to wash my face and feel that the skin is smooth under the soap. I find myself wanting to recommend this to strangers that I see with acne because everyone should know about this. I have gotten compliments on my skin and my sisters have asked me what I have been doing to my face to make it so clear. I feel kind of dumb for not trying this before; I just thought if you've tried one bp product you've tried them all, but this really is different. I don't know if it's the formulation or the amount used that works and I don't care. All I know is that I will be using this product for a long time. Thank you to everyone that reviewed this product and steered me towards it.
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October 29, 2010

Pros:

cleared up acne right away, and after a full month skin was completely clear

Cons:

drying!

The system really helped my blemishes, however I noticed after a few days that it was way too drying for my skin, and I had oily skin before I started this system! I use this morning and night, but after the moisturizer I have to apply a good amount of cetaphil lotion all over my face, and heavily on my eyes and neck to keep my skin moisturized and not super dry; there is no way I could use this line without applying cetaphil afterwards. Overall, this line is pretty amazing, I have no more blemishes and I actually have to worry about making sure my skin is moisturized enough now; before I had to worry about how my skin was too oily! By using this line I have gone from oily skin to combo/dry skin because of the products' drying power. I recommend this! Just know you will have dry skin with continued use!
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October 24, 2010

Pros:

just sat here for five minutes..couldn't think of any

Cons:

drying, irritating, burning, stinging, expensive.

let's just say they should be called the harsh cleanser, burning toner, and stinging lotion...add drying to all that and that's proactiv for ya Im really dissapointed because it sounds really good when they describe it to you...but there's a reason this company gets such bad reviews and it's because unless your face is a GIANT pimple your skin will freak out if you use this! If I got the GENTLER one I would be horrified to see what the less gentle one was...jeez I only used this for two nights and I have itchy, inflamed (and still broken out) skin. Yuck. Don't buy please- I plan on returning soon.
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October 12, 2010
This company is a scam...they continue billing your credit card even after you cancel your account. DON'T START IT.
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October 6, 2010

Pros:

I found none

Cons:

didnt work and terrible customer service

purchashed proactiv after using almost everything on the planet for my acne. Once again no luck. Thats not the bad part tho..after i returned the kit they charged my debit card with a "hold" and caused me 2 overdraft fees. 70$. And then after i called and faxed them a copy of my bank statement i still cant get a straight answer when i will get my money back..if i do. And if thats not bad enough..today I have another charge on my debit card for a new kit of proactiv. I supposedly have to wait till it gets here and then send it back to get my money. And the customer service was so rude..the lady basically told me they are an international company and my small order wasnt that important in the shipping department. So im no 93 dollars in the hole with these ppl and really nothing I can do abt it.So buyer beware!!!!!
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October 3, 2010

Pros:

none

Cons:

1. I got more acne after using this product.
2. Pathetic customer service
3. Even worse shipping process

i never had acne in my life, few days back i had an acne attack... so i thought of using proactiv after seeing the promising advertisements... i ordered it on 08 Sept... it was suppose to be delivered on 14 Sept... it didn't when i checked my tracking number it said undelivered due to wrong address... i checked my account and the address i gave was correct... called customer care' he told me sorry, their system had it wrong and will send the package to me again' which would take 15 days and should be there on Oct 2. I got angry as it would be almost month after I asked about it'. So without asking his supervisor he said I'll ship you a mini kit for free and said use it till you get your own package'. (I guess this kind of mishaps always happens in proactive that they keep a free mini trial pack ready for customers) I said yes for it' I got the mini trial pack with in 7 days' used it and saw a rapid increase in my acne' so I stopped it for few days' and the acne started healing'. On Oct 3' when I didn't get my actual pack I called customer service again' they started giving me a scrap about filling a form and then they will send it to me' which mean it will take 2 more weeks before I see my actual package' well of course as this does not work for me I cancelled it' got a free trial' and realized how proactive make fool for people in need for a clear acne free skin' Don't get into this' don't buy it' I wish they had a "0" rating... i would have given that
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September 5, 2010

Pros:

Works, great price

Cons:

None

I use the Acne.org benzoyl peroxide treatment, moisturizer and cleanser with great results. I'm a 26 year old woman and still have not outgrown acne so I'm thrilled to find something that keeps my skin about 90% clear. I could probably get to about 99% if I were diligent about using all three products every day.
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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.