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
October 20, 2009

Pros:

It started working 2 weeks after I started using it.

Cons:

It stopped working 3 weeks after I was using it, and now the pimples I do get are worse than the ones I had before I started using it.

It does not work for everyone.
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October 18, 2009

Pros:

smells ok , toner works ok

Cons:

does not work turns skin red dries out your skin

do not buy this product
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October 15, 2009

Pros:

makes your face feel more clean than it was

Cons:

after a while it stops giving results even if you do the steps consistantly,also makes your skin feel cold and oily after a while,so i have to dab my face down with paper towels

works for a while if you stick to it and dont mix the steps up
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October 2, 2009

Pros:

great price, better than ProActiv, better than any product out there! it really works.

Cons:

It takes a bit of patience to see results. It can cause skin to be a little shiny, but it still keeps your face clear.

I'm a 28 yr old female, and I've suffered from acne since i was 10 years old. I tried everything in the stores..neutrogena, stridex, oxy, noxzema, clearasil, ten-o-six, nature's cure, sea breeze, clean & clear, acne free, burt's bees, clinique spot treatment, ProActiv, and none of that stuff worked. When i bought this Klear Action kit, it was on sale, so I tried it for a week. On the box it said that acne may get worse the first week before results are visible, and I did break out the first week, but not too severe and only a couple small pimples. but the second week I saw my skin getting better and better. I kept using it, and it totally cleared me up. I had no pimples on my face. It really gives you relief if you've suffered from acne as long as I have. I highly recommend it.
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September 22, 2009

Pros:

it seems to refine at the beginning. I felt like my face was sooo clean.

Cons:

It doesnt last long. I have been on it for almost a month and havent really seen a change. I have blackheads and whiteheads that I cannot seem to get ride of. I dont know if i will continue.

Products do not work as well as the people say that it does. I dont think it works any better than over the counter clearasil or nutregena products!
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September 5, 2009

Cons:

none

I ordered this product about a year ago, but was afraid to use it because of all the negative reviews. So instead I've spend about $1500.00 on expensive products at a skin care center. Well about a month ago I just could not afford to buy from the skin care center, so I said what the heck I have the proative in my cabinet, I'll just try it. I wish I had done this a year ago my skin has never been so clear. This product dis work for me and I love it. My skin is clear and soft. But I also do use a good mositurizer. I highly recomment it.
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September 4, 2009

Pros:

Keeps skin clear, Works fast, Doesn't dry out skin, Quick and easy to use

Cons:

None!

I've been using Mary Kay before, and that cleared my acne, but it dries out my skin and doesn't clean thoroughly. I always go back to Proactiv because not only does it clean thoroughly and get rid of every trace of dead skin cell there is, but it doesn't dry out my skin at all. Plus, it's a 3-step process that doesn't take more than 3-5 minutes, so that's a plus for me in a busy school morning.
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August 21, 2009

Pros:

easy to use. fast. affordable. you can take it on the go. doesnt overly dry out skin. greatly reduces size of pimples and redness overnight.

Cons:

none! i love it.

i was just trying benzoyl peroxcide 10% for the longest time. and after awhile it felt like it wasnt making any difference. i heard some buzz about this product. so i tried it...the first night. oh my god. woke up and some pimples were gone. most, greatly reduced in size and redness. which is strange because its only 2.5, and it works better for my skin...hm.. the greatest part is, is that as the days go on. ive been using less and less makeup, because i dont need it. and i was one of those girls that caked on makeup to hide blemishes, NOT ANYMORE. all i get by now is with mineral face power. oh. and the smoothness. my skin feels soooo soft. i did have to go to three different places to find it, but that just means you have to buy in bulk. doesnt matter, if it keeps my skin like this its worth it.
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August 20, 2009

Pros:

It clears my face. It removes acne and scars.

Cons:

Dry skin

The most effective product that i use in clearing acne and scars. It is the best thing ever!!
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August 15, 2009

Pros:

Iv only been using it for 2days now and its made my spots much smaller and i will carry on using this product.

Cons:

I put it on at night and woke up and by my cheek were really red like id been sunburnt! But reading everyone's comments, the same hs happend too them.

-
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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.