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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April 20, 2011

Pros:

Works fast, leaves skin soft

Cons:

none so far

I don't have acne perse, just a few pimples now and then. I have pretty oily skin and this seems to have helped that a lot. It has also made my pores look smaller and evened out the redness in my skin. I tend to get quite a few pimples on my upper arms, so I've been using it there too and it's helped a lot so far! I have never had anything help this area before, so I'm definitely happy something is working! I haven't experienced drying skin like some other people have noted, but like I said, I have oily skin so that could be why, or maybe it's because I've only been using it for a week.
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April 15, 2011

Pros:

This is a good product that works fast and effectively....it looks like clean and clear just made a new customer..=)

Cons:

It may dry the skin a bit but that's why we have moisturizer for...

So far the best product I've used
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April 2, 2011

Pros:

I do like the easy 3 step system and there is a Proactiv stall at my local shopping centre so I didn't have to 'sign up'. I am find it a good acne 'management program' after clearing my severe acne with harsher products.

Cons:

Never use up all the three steps at the same time, I always have left over toner and seem to use up the repair lotion first, as the bottle is half the size as the wash and toner.

I have struggled with acne for years. I had beautiful skin in my teens and acne hit me in my 20s. I first tried Proactiv 3 years ago, however, it did not work. My acne was too severe for this product and I needed start an acne program provided by my doctor (read my blog for the amazingly effective, inexpensive treatment I used! It works and I want to share my secret!) that cleared my skin. I started to try Proactiv again a couple of months ago. I was reluctant so I only purchased Step 1 - Cleanse from my local stall and I continued using my other products rather than the 3 Step System. My acne got worse (this is normal, the skin 'renews' itself by drawing out imperfections under the skin) and started to clear after about a month. When I had almost run out of the face wash and my other products, I purchased Proactiv. It is definately working!! It is clearing the minor blemishes and is great as a management program after the doctor's treatment cleared my severe acne. I do experience drying of the skin, but seems mild after using such high % BP in my previous treatments. I just apply oil free moisturiser over the repair lotion. I cannot stress enough that you SHOULD NOT use Proactiv as a means of make up removal. You are not cleansing your face effectively if you are trying to remove make up. Wash your face with a non-comedogenic face wash, like Cetaphil to remove make up, and a mild eye make up remover. That way, your skin is make up free and is cleansed deeper when using Proactiv. I know how harrowing acne is, be patient when starting your treatment. Acne treatments not only help current blemishes but draw out all hidden imperfections (those ghastly bumps). Your skin will get worse before it gets better, so start your treatment and wait a few months before giving up on the product! You also need to review your make up.. details on my blog of a great product! Hope this has helped :) Let's win this fight against acne!
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March 28, 2011

Pros:

NON

Cons:

small
overpriced
bad for sensitive skin (don't even try it)
no decent warnings about allergy reaction

I have acne on my forehead and I always wanted to try proactive. I ordered a promotion set, it came in small bottles. Anyway, i started to use like direction said and got severe allergic reaction: red rush all over my face! I looked like a walking sand paper! It made skin dry, looking terrible. I stopped to use it right away. Even now, after 2 months, my face is covered with tiny pimples. Bottom line: if u like your face and u have sensitive skin - DON'T BUY IT!!!!! Natural organic treatments are much better!
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March 27, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

The products do not work and the customer service is horrible. They still charge me even when I have not received the goods.

Since their products do not work, I called to cancel the following shipment. And the customer representative talked me into having another shipment in 6 months. The shipment has never come; however, they kept sending me bill. I called to tell them that they should not send me a bill, as no goods were mailed to me and I need to cancel my account. They blamed the postal office and told me I still need to pay because it was out of 60 days. That's totally outrageous. Why do I need to pay for something I have never received. I'll never buy anything from this company, as it is not professional and ethical.
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March 3, 2011

Pros:

I've only been on this for 5 days and my skin has cleared up somewhat. But I'm assuming its a little too soon to tell. Definitely noticed my pimples dried up after only one day!

Cons:

Very drying and stings my cheeks. I tried to put the regular moisturizing gel over it but its not helping all that much.
Noticed some nodule pimples on my cheek after this but I'v heard it gets worse before it gets better.

Clinique definitely has the right ingredients to combat moderate acne. However I don't think that purely drying out the skin is the best solution to getting rid of acne. When your skin is overly dry it will react by creating more oil to make up for this deficiency, (hence the hard pimples below the surface I have found on my cheeks).. I'm still going to continue to ride out the next few weeks perhaps my skin will become used to it. Good luck!
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February 16, 2011

Pros:

-doesn't sting so much like other similar products

Cons:

-I haven't seen a noticeable improvement
-Dries out skin

Not impressed.It didn't made my skin worse but not better.(I have mild acne with many tiny imperfections here and there)
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February 16, 2011

Pros:

Works if you keep up routine.

Cons:

Pricey.
Recommended amounts to use are inaccurate.
Horrible customer service.

If only their customer service worked as well as their product. After numerous order screw ups, and being 3 months without any product because of it, then my account being made inactive for no reason or contacted regarding it, i finally just got some off ebay.. For a cheaper price. It worked well for me, but you really have to use more than they recommend to see any results. Had some irritation when first using it but gave it a chance and continued using, it subsided. The oily feel/look people describe i found is the 'repairing lotion'. You have to really give it a good rub in or it will leave your skin oily feeling/looking. Overall, source it outside the company for a more hassle free experience.
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February 9, 2011

Pros:

Works.

Cons:

will badly dry your skin if you're not careful.

I'm 31. I've been prone to acne since i was 14. Its horrible being an adult and still having multiple pimples all the time. so when i was 30 i came across this site and decided to give it a try. couldn't hurt i figured. wow am i glad i did. skin wise this has been the best year of my life since i hit puberty. though i have modified how i use it over time. now i use it every other day. i put it on, and once it dries compleatly i use a dry bath tower and GENTLY rub my face clear of any grittiness. then i apply a fair amount of oil of olay regenerist (because i'm allergic to the moisterizer on this site as i am to many many things). on opposing days i apply the AHA+ followed by the regenerist again. every 6 or 7 days i give my skin a break and just moisterize. every morning i apply sunblock. never leave the house without it. the results- my skin is clear and soft and i'm happy each time i look in the mirror.
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February 1, 2011

Pros:

ProActiv visibly cleared up my skin in one night. My acne is not completely gone, but some of the acne has dissapeared or has been reduced in redness or size.

Cons:

If you rub too hard with the Renewing Cleanser it will hurt any sores you have and/or make them bigger.

ProActiv really works for acne, especially severe acne like I have. It clears up my skin too. But the bottom line is that you have to wash your fae with just plain warm or hot water to open up your pores. Note: my dad gave me this to use (I am 14) so I did not have to pay
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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.