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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September 10, 2016
Yes or No?
I've been using this for 16 days and my cysts are still there 😭 Should I stop or should I keep using it?
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September 29, 2016
Use it for 4 weeks then see if works
September 8, 2016
Product used: The Regimen
It works!
This is the only treatment that we found that worked for my teenage son! Over the course of two years, he's tried everything except Accutane - which he couldn't use due to a liver issue. But he's tried light therapy, laser therapy, aesthetician, strict dietary restrictions, antibiotics, dermatologists, and all Rx and OTC topicals known to man. As a last resort, I said "Let's try this" - he was hesitant as he was sure it was going to be like all the others, but to our surprise, it actually worked to clear him up! He had moderate acne, not super severe acne, but it was enough that we spent thousands of dollars trying to find the right treatment. He felt like two days after starting the treatment, he was noticing a difference. It probably took a good 2 months for it to completely clear up. And his skin looked great! It was actually smooth! I never thought his skin would look so great again! Very thankful we found acne.org!
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July 3, 2016
Product used: The Regimen
Got My Confidence Back!
I deliberately wanted to come and write a review because I want people to know that this regimen has definitely worked for me. I read the reviews of others before trying it and saw that some discovered amazing results in a few weeks... well I received results in a matter of days. I've been using the treatment for only a full week as of today and already my face has cleared up and stayed clear. Now, I don't have severe acne most of the time but I do have those rare flare ups where my skin gets red swollen pimples and I get those hard painful ones that you feel like everyone can see. But I can say that so far, my skin has consistently stayed clear and the tone gets more even every day. I'm usually terrible about staying on a routine but when it comes to this stuff I make sure I don't skip on the schedule. Using the acne.org regimen has made it where I don't even wanna wear foundation anymore in fear that it would jeapordize the wonderful results I've had so far. But honestly, I don't even feel like I've needed it. It's truly made my confidence go up & I will definitely continue using this product.
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June 18, 2016
Please don't go for this
This is the waste product,Please don't go for this. I have used it, which made my skin black in color and as well as no improvement in acne/scars removals. Instead of this you better prefer the normal solutions which are in available @ medical stores. Waste of Money and time.
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June 16, 2016
10 weeks and my face got worse
Skin type: normal/oily I used Proactiv for 10 weeks and my face got progressively worse with more redness and breakouts. It worked for my sister and best friend though hence why I cant give it less than a three; it just doesn't work for everyone.
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May 20, 2016
poor
Pretty poor quality. It made my skin very oily and it really didn't do anything for my breakouts and was super expensive.
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April 1, 2016
Product used: The Regimen
Great but not for everyone. Please read.
Let me begin with some background knowledge, I'm 17 and I've have had acne for approximately 3 1/2 years now. Sometimes it's just a pimple here and there, but other times I break out excessively, and being a junior in high school it sucks having to deal with acne, as it would for anyone. I've gone to two dermatologists but the topical gels they have prescribed to me only work for a short period of time. Before starting the regimen, I had about 4-6 pimples nesting on my face, so I decided to take care of it before it got worse. I used the regimen for about 3 months and my acne got worse, but I kept using it because I heard it "takes time" for some people. Furthermore, I determined that the Benzoyl Peroxide and my skin just weren't "simpatico" with each other. I no longer use the Benzoyl Peroxide but I still use the cleanser along with the moisturizer and have seen my face start to clear up. I'm not saying that the Benzoyl Peroxide doesn't work because there are many success stories, but for some people it might not due to various reasons.
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March 6, 2016
Everybody should know about this product
I literally tried everything to treat my acne in the last 10 years, but only this product helped. I even tried benzoyl peroxide before prescribed by my dermatologist (it was combined with antibiotics), but my skin reacted terrible to it that time, no matter what I tried. I have really sensitive skin and not only acne but also eczema sometimes, so even my daily skincare is a bit complicated. I read that this treatment is not suitable for my extremely sensitive skin, and I asked my dermatologist and she literally forbid me to try it. But I tried anyway and it took a bit longer for my skin to adjust, but after more than 3 months of suffering from itching and terrible flaking suddenly all irritation disappeared and my skin started to look better than ever in my life!
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January 29, 2016
it works
i have been using this benzoyl 2.5% for 1 year and it works for me it doent dry my face off but it doesnt clear all 100% but im happy with the result and will continue use it
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January 13, 2016
NOT for sensitive skin!!!!!!
I got this product because i was looking for an acne solution for my sensitive skin. I thought this would be the perfect product. I used it for 2 days (twice a day) like the instructions said; my acne did clear up, but my skin started breaking out in a red rash. I stopped using the product and this morning I woke up with HUGE bags under my puffy swollen eyes (it looks like someone literally beat me). My face is itchy and looks sunburned with little red bumps all over my face. I am not allergic to any of the ingredients so I don't understand why my face looks like this. All I can say is if you have sensitive skin like I do, DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT! It will cause you more pain and embarrassment than it't worth. I am very upset with the results and had I known what this product would do to me, I would NEVER NEVER NEVER even considered buying it!!!
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July 31, 2016
Hi, I've just read your comment and I wanted to tell you that my sister had the same problem as you had with the bags under the eyes and the sunburned face. But she reduced the dose and then she was okay, Her skin went perfect, No more acnee and scar. So maybe you should had reduced the dose or take it one day on two.. Or you're juste having a bad reaction to this product.

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.