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 26, 2010

Pros:

Along with the other products I use, this cleared my face better than anything I have ever used.

Cons:

The time it takes to do the whole routine consistantly every single day.

My skin problem since I was about 14 (I'm now 40) has been very, very oily skin, large pores with blackheads and red marks left over from random breakouts. I've FINALLY found something works consistantly for me, YEAH!! I only use Proactiv in the evening. I cleanse with the cleanser, follow with the refining mask for 10 minutes EVERY SINGLE NIGHT! rinse off, then use the toner, wait to dry and end with the repairing lotion. In the morning, I use Serious Skin Care's clear wash and follow with Seban liquid for oil control. I can't tell you what a remarkable difference these products have made for my complexion! By the way, I buy Proactiv from QVC, Serious Skin Care's clear wash from HSN or the Serious Skin Care website (sometimes there's a better deal) and Seban liquid (the VERY BEST product I have EVER used for oil control) from the Cooperlabs website. I've had problems with REALLY oily skin and blackheads for years and it's FINALLY under control with this daily routine.
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January 28, 2010

Pros:

I am clearing up. It's my 5th week of being on Acne.org products.

Cons:

Dry flaky skin. Break outs continued.

I feel my acne are more due to stress and hormones. This product would have worked better if i was not under so much stress. I probably go through much more stress than a normal individual. Its my school and my accelerated medicine program. I started this during my break and it worked pretty good initially but as soon as school started, i am down again. I am going to keep up with the regimen as it helps with inflammation and scars. But i am going for a hormone test next week and decide if spiro would be a good option or not. Hope this helps. I would say definitely give it a try. I feel much better than not being on the regimen.
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December 9, 2009

Pros:

Worked as soon as I started using it. Easy to follow regimen.

Cons:

When I was using it....none

Great product as for more than a year it helped me have a great junior and senior year in high school with clear skin and only a few breakouts here and there that would go away in a day or 2. However, just this summer my face broke out horrendously and now the regimen just doesn't seem to work anymore. I still recommend it cause maybe your face won't become immune to it like I think mine did. Well, off to the dermatologist this week now :(
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November 27, 2009

Pros:

sold everywhere, easy to use, clears up acne in a couple of weeks!!!!! works like a charm!

Cons:

dries skin a little, small bottle

I've used this since the summer, and now I've gone from having a problem with acne, to none at all! It works amazingly, I recommend it for anyone with an acne problem!
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January 8, 2017
NEVER PURCHASE THIS PRODUCT
I am a 15 year old , female who has suffered with minor acne since the 6th grade. I have tried EVERYTHING possible to try and keep my acne consistent/ fade scars. I have had many visits to the dermatologist. The dermatologist has prescribed me with multiple creams, cleansers, oral medicine, but nothing seemed to get me where I wanted to be with my skin. I came to a point where I wanted a dramatic change in my skin because I felt like it was ruining my all around appearance, and that was when I was introduced to the most terrible Regimen. Like I said, my face was at the "MINOR" stage with acne when I started "unblemish", and now I'm at a whole Other stage. The first two weeks I was using "unblemish", my skin cleared up, barely had a blemish on it. The longer I continued it, the worse my skin got. I've NEVER had a cyst on my face until I started this treatment, nor have I had acne in certain places before I started this. I decided to stick with it for a full 2 1/2 months because my consultant kept convincing me it was just "purging". Logically, it made no sense because my face shouldn't purge for a good two months. My face should be clear by now, but now, I'm left to suffer with worse acne than when I began this whole treatment. I DO NOT recommend this regimen to anyone, because I was continually reminded "it was going to get better" by my consultant, but it never did. Don't put yourself through this.
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February 27, 2011

Pros:

Works AMAZINGLY. Noticably cleared my skin in one day.
Inexpensive for a complete kit.
Easy to use

Cons:

Dries out your skin a bit...if you use the moisturizer you should be fine though.

Being a teenager, I've had bad acne before. I get blackheads and oil pockets, which NEVER seem to go away, and to top it off, I pick at them, which leaves scars. We went to Target and as soon as I got home I tried it out. The next morning, my skin was smooth and some of my forehead acne had been removed completely. I kept using it and ALL my acne, and scars, are gone! This product is amazing...highly recommend it.
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January 26, 2011

Pros:

It is the first product I have used that I am happy with. My skin feels clean and smooth without any harsh chemicals or fragrance. Their customer service is amazing; they send me free trial products and soap with every order. Can't be beat.

Cons:

None to think of. It's all worth it.

Try it.
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January 9, 2011

Pros:

I have sensative skins and this completely cleared me usp! I have suffered from acne for over 46 years and thought nothing would help me, but Carley, you saved my life! Thank you so much for giving me my life back, TRY IT TODAY!

Cons:

None, Carleys can do no wrong since it cleared me up.

Try it, you have nothing to lose. Just make sure you stay on it, even if you have to get another order. One day it'll just, poof, start working.
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September 13, 2010

Pros:

Clears Acne Fast, Foams, Prevents Breakouts

Cons:

Drys skin, Burns, For me it burned the corners of my eyes

This is probably the best over the counter facial wash out there. It gets rid of all the acne extremely fast. My face has not totally cleared up yet, but most of my acne has faded. Some have completely vanished off the surface of my face. My face used to be just covered in acne (especially my forehead and right cheek), but now everything is finally going away. I have tried everything in the past with my acne but nothing really worked. No over the counter stuff. This changed my life.
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September 7, 2010

Pros:

Not recommended

Cons:

Not recommended

A few years back I ordered this for my daughter when it was advertised for $19.95. I called and was quoted $40.00 and was ask if I wanted the auto-shipped Kit in which I said no. I went ahead and ordered it because my daughter wanted to try it. A month later they went on to send me another order. I did not pay for it because I declined the auto-shipped Kit. They turned it over to a collection agency which I told them I did not order it and the collection agency dropped it. FOR YOUR INFORMATION: IF YOU DO NOT ORDER SOMETHING AND THEY SEND IT ANYWAY YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AND YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SEND IT BACK. IT'S THE LAW. So don't let them screw you the way they tried to screw me and I am sure they have screwed others. I should have wrote the Better Business Bureau and reported them for miss advertising it for $19.95 and charging $40.00. You can check out their track record at: [link removed]
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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.