Topical Antibacterial
Efficacy
54%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Benzoyl peroxide clears the skin completely when applied correctly.
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.
Used Benzoyl Peroxide? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
January 12, 2024
Product used: Acnecide (Benzoyl Peroxide (5%) Gel)
Controls but doesn't cure
Very drying.
Works at stopping more breakouts but did not completely remove it for despite months of use.
Successfully manages acne but does not clear it.
December 24, 2023
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))
Needs time for results, at least 4 months
You have to stick with this product for it to work. Your face will be red and dry for a few months at least before you see any improvement. I have sensitive skin and my skin was noticeably red when starting this. I ignored the questions about it from colleagues and stuck with it. My skin is still dry, but I get a lot less breakouts. I noticed if I target a new zone it goes spotty, but then clears up. Oil-free moisturiser is the key and drinking lots of water to hydrate the skin. I am hoping eventually my skin will stop being as dry, it's no longer red. I've been using it for 6 months.
October 30, 2023
Product used: Neutrogena (On-the-Spot Acne Treatment Cream)
Worth a Try
I only give BP a 4/5 because sometimes BP is like magic while other times I wonder if it's a curse. I have gotten clear skin from BP but the line between dry and dry af is a constant battle. It's a lot more active of a fix than other treatments might be. I think it's something I'll always keep in for its benefits such as: making my blind pimples and others go away much faster, gentle exfoliation and anti bacterial properties. The side effects I experience are dryness of varying levels. Sometimes the dryness is enough that it gives me smile lines where others it's a minor annoyance that's not visible. If you have painful pimples, inflammation or workout I say definitely give BP a try.
October 26, 2023
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))
Only for agressive and strong acne
Good product , but I recommend to use on special prone agressive acne.. it's abit harsh for normal to light acne and normal to combine skin.
October 25, 2023
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Acne Treatment System)
strips the skin
Okay, so
It cleared up my skin
but completely stripped it, so the journey to wean to another brand that isn't so extreme and harmful to my ph levels and skin barrier is hard.
If you do use this, be prepared to have a mini breakout after and have to slowly work your way to another brand.
AND GET PRODUCT THAT HELPS YOUR SKIN BARRIER!!!!
September 30, 2023
Product used: Acne.org (Back/Body Regimen with Benzoyl Peroxide)
Been using the regimen for 20 years now!!!
I’ve started using Dan Kerns regimen in 2005, one year after completing an accurate treatment (that I now regret). I’ve been faithful to this regimen for almost TWENTY YEARS because it truly works. I have tried to stop using it and without fail, my acne comes back. I’m 37 now and had my first baby six months ago, I’m finding my acne is flaring up again. I am not worried, I just ramp up the regimen and use more BP 2x a day (I usually use it 1x a day for maintenance) and AHA. His products are the absolute best and highest quality out there. I don’t know what I’d do without them. Thank you for twenty years of service, Dan!!! Truly from the bottom of my heart. NOTE : it takes weeks of itching to get accustomed to the BP… but then you can use it forever without a bother. If you stop for a few weeks, there will be a bit of itching to restart. Nothing like the first time around. It’s worth it!
September 21, 2023
Product used: Benzagel (Benzoyl Peroxide (5% or 10%))
Great for body acne, terrible for the face.
I'm conflicted on this because it works REALLY well for the acne I have on my butt. But it wrecked havoc on my face. Used 5% wash, left on for just 1 min before washing off, just like I do on my bottom. It made my skin red, peeling, and every day I was waking up to tiny little whiteheads. I used for 2 weeks before deciding this wasn't for me. I don't think it was purging but simply irritation - especially because my face burned/turned red but just applying moisturizer. Since stopping my face has cleared up a lot. I will just continue to use on my butt!
July 20, 2023
Product used: Acnecide (Benzoyl Peroxide (5%) Gel)
Acnecide Routine to reduce Papules Pustules and Erythema
*Review for the Acnecide 5% Face Wash and not the Gel*
I have (had) adult acne in the form of papules and pustules for the past 3 years; I have been using the Acnecide 5% face wash for 4.5 weeks and have noticed a massive drop in the acne lesions on my face. My blemishes are enmeshed with erythema/redness (PIE) which have also cleared a lot. I attempted to use it 3 nights a week initially which caused a rash of redness, irritation and itchiness. I then phased it back in one night a week and increased to three nights a week over a 4 week period. 2-3 times a week seems to be tolerable. I first cleanse with Cera Ve Hydrating cleanser for 90 seconds and rinse. I then massage the Acnecide cleanser onto damp skin for 90 seconds on my cheeks and rinse (leaving it on for longer increases irritation and may leave some bumps/rash -they will go down eventually). I moisturise on damp skin (I've stopped towel drying which has helped loads) which helps to curb some of the irritation and itchiness. Use a patting motion, it will dry naturally in a couple of minutes. Stick at it, I wanted to stop using it the first week because of the itchiness. Use a hydrating cleanser on the other days, I typically double cleanse in the evening (Cera Ve then Acnecide) so my skin can take being washed twice. I'd avoid double cleansing if you have more sensitive skin. I have not found anything else that works as effectively, the routine doesn't feel arduous when you start seeing the results. I noticed a reduction in redness end of week 2 / start of week 3. I get some hormonal acne monthly, these blemishes are turned over relatively fast. I will continue to use it to maintain clearer skin. I have not come across anything else that works as effectively. Don't be put off by the initial irritation, I'm really glad that I persevered with it. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/benzoyl-peroxide/
July 15, 2023
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))
This is the stuff!
20 years of use, only thing that works!
June 15, 2023
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))
Incredible
Hang in there. The product is great and actually works very well. However, my skin got worst but then after all that extended purging acne stage it got better and now looks amazing 👏. I'm glad I stuck with it even through that more difficult period. I hope your skin gets better soon. ✨️ hang in there ❤️ love.