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
January 3, 2012

Pros:

Got rid of my acne the first few months

Cons:

Dried out my skin like crazy
Cleanser and lotion left a burning sensation on my skin

When I first got Proactiv it was like my holy grail for acne, but I recently got a shipment in and this set is burning my skin and drying it out till it flakes. The cleanser, toner, and lotion all gave my face a burning feeling and my skin started to turn red. Never purchasing this product again.
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January 3, 2012

Pros:

Gets rid of acne fast
Cheap
Works well

Cons:

Drys face

I just started using it and had modrate acne when i started using it on my face now i have light acne and saw a huge diffrence. I even use it on my back and chest acne!
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January 2, 2012

Pros:

OMG NONE!

Cons:

-TOTALLY KILLED MY SKIN!!!
-DRYING OUT!!!
-SO HARSH!!
-SMELLS VERY BAD!!
-TOO MUCH EXPENSIVE !!!
-MADE MY ACNE WORSE!!
-SKIN MORE OILY THAN EVER!!

THIS IS DANGEROUS! NEVER USE THIS!!
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December 31, 2011

Pros:

Refining mask helps

Cons:

The 3 step process Didn't help my acne. Horrible customer service. Scam.

Don't waste your money, its a rip off. Kept taking money from my account after I cancelled and mailed back product. Never saw a refund. I would not recommend this product.
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December 18, 2011

Pros:

The green tea moisturizer works decent.

Cons:

Gave me bumps all over my face.
Severely dried out my skin.
Didn't clear up any acne.

If you have sensitive skin I would stay away from this product. I had a horrible reaction to it. My face became red, bumpy, and I developed patchy,dry,red spots all over my face because of this product. It took over a week for all the symptoms to go away and I looked much worse after using this product. The chemicals in it are too harsh unless you have really tough skin. To top it all off, this product did not even help to clear any acne. All it did was make everything worse. For those with sensitive skin, I would suggest trying this as a last resort.
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December 11, 2011

Pros:

Tea Tree moisturizer & Repairing Treatment were great!
Mask was good too.

Cons:

Face wash was more of a scrub, not a wash.
Wash also stained my towels.
Thought the toner was pointless.

I am 35 years old & my acne is mainly due to medications I'm taking (increases the hormones in the body) & I've tried dozens of products & Proactiv was finally the ONLY thing that helped clear my skin. The face wash would have been much better if they had made it a normal wash instead of the exfoliating one they have which was sometimes a bit too much for everyday, especially if you have an irritated pimple, etc... There really isn't anything "gentle" about it. The toner I thought was pointless so I didn't even bother. Think I tried it twice. The repairing treatment was pretty good in helping my pimples go away, I used it a few times a day.... THAT is what is needed. I think the treatment lotion is pretty decent & I bought a few bottles at a time (got a good price) I agree with a few other people that after a while the wash seemed to stop working.... but then again the face washes really aren't supposed to BE the ones that take care of the pimples... isn't that the acne creams job??? LOL Anyway, I still have my Repairing lotion & my mask that I still use. I also have a facial scrub (actual one.. St. Ives) that I use once in a while. Overall I think Proactiv is an ok product but I think its given way too much hype. Benzoyl Peroxide is what clears skin (Salicylic Acid never really worked for me, never powerful enough) & if you find it (BP) in ANY decent product then you will succeed with nicer skin. :) Recommended?? Maybe only certain products..
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December 7, 2011

Pros:

NOTHING!

Cons:

BROKE ME OUT! I FOUND OUT 7 OF MY PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN RECALLED! SO EVERYONE PLS CHECK YOUR PRODUCTS!!!!

I am BEYOND PISSED WITH PROACTIV! Their customer service is RIDICULOUS! & on top of that there has been a RECALL!!!!!! They emailed me, telling me to enter in the lot numbers that I have. Come to find out the ones I have are RECALLED! 7 OF MY PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN RECALLED! They wont even want to go public about this recall cause it will give them a bad REP! I was on the phone FOREVER, I want my money back!!! BUT INSTEAD THEY WANT TO SEND ME NEW ONES, But FIRST I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THEM TO SEND ME A RETURN BOX KIT TO RETURN THE AFFECTED PRODUCTS AND THEN RECEIVE MY "NEW" PRODUCTS IN ABOUT A MONTH! I WAS TRANSFERED ABOUT 7 TIMES! IT SEEMS LIKE THEY ARE AVOIDING THIS ISSUE!!!!!!! THIS IS RIDICULOUS PROACTIV. YOU SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN FOR YOUR TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!!!!!
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November 28, 2011

Pros:

Nothing!!!!! It is not as it seems it the tv adds, my face actually got worse after the first use!!

Cons:

The products made my skin worse, it was also a complete rip off, especially if you are ordering from Australia, do not order it! They have an unreliable system that is not on time on the first order and you don't get a month to decide before the second order comes, it's more like a week and a half! And then they force you to pay for their stuff which they initially promised would work otherwise you get your money back! Do not buy!

Please use the money on a dermatologist instead... Proactiv is a total scam. I wish I never ordered it. :(
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November 13, 2011

Pros:

Cleared acne
Even skin tone
Readily available at department and nicer drug stores

Cons:

Relatively Expensive (but cheaper than ProActiv)

I posted a review when I first tried this 1 year ago and am pleased to say it's still my product of choice. After using ProActiv for 5 years, it suddenly stopped working for me. I picked Clinique based on reviews and because moisturizer contains 2% benzoyl peroxide as suggested by this site. I've since changed up the Clinique products. Here's my routine: -Clinique Liquid Facial Soap #3 for Oily Skin (Clinique's acne face wash is too drying) -Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion (good exfoliant) -Clinique's Acne Solutions Clearing Moisturizer (this is clearly not a moisturizer but contains the required 2% BP for clear skin) -Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (really does moisturize and leave skin smooth) At night, I only wash my face and do not add an moisturizer or BP as I like for my skin to breathe. Makeup always makes me breakout so I avoid all foundations. Hope someone reads this and finds it helpful!!
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October 11, 2011

Pros:

- Works quickly
- No dryness
- Completely cleared skin

Cons:

- None

I have struggled with horrible acne for 12 years and was at the end of my rope when BenzEfoam was prescribed to me. I had been on countless topical and oral acne medications and none even remotely relieved me of my acne, and many (namely the antibiotics) caused more problems than I already had. I am very pleased with this product and with how quickly it works. Highly recommended.
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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.