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 18, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

everything, including their billing frauds..

I ordered the online trial kit for 19.99, and it didn't suit me as it was too harsh, so they sent me a gentle formula which didn't do anything and rather increased the breakouts..so I never used any after a couple of weeks. They called me to ask me how it was and I told them that it doesn't suit me so don't send anymore product. However, they kept sending me the 3 months supply and I sent the packages back every time. Now because I didn't get any refunds and kept paying monthly from my credit card (automated payments) I asked them about the refunds... and they flatly refused saying that they didn't get any packages back!!!! Even when my post office confirmations showed 'delivered'. My only mistake was that after confirming the delivery of the packages I lost my postal tracking receipts as I thought the work was done. They are asking me for delivery conformation numbers after 4 months of delivery in order to get me any refunds..!! I think these are their new tactics to collect money from people as they completely ignore your requests of not sending any shipments or closing the accounts and keep sending the products and then not give us any refunds... Be careful people, don't waste your money on these accounts, if you really want to try it buy it from your mall, their are proactive counters in every mall these days.. I've learned my lesson the hard way!
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October 11, 2011

Pros:

works!

Cons:

none

So i used this product almost all thru hs bc i have suffered with acne since i was about 15, (i am now 21) and it always has worked for me. Not too long ago i started breaking out really bad, worst than ever, and it was totally my fault, bc i thought since my face was clear i could go to sleep without washing my face and i could use all diff types of make up WRONG!!! and i thought the system stopped working so i went to proactiv and used it for 3 weeks and made me break out even more! :( so now i realize i made a mistake of not being consistent with the neutrogena system and now im returning proactiv to get my refund and now im back to neutrogena in hopes it will start working like it used too, i will wash my face day and night no matter how clear my face is and i will only wear bare minerals or neutrogena cosmetics bc sadly there is NO CURE for acne, there is only treatments. Sorry neutrogena for my horrible decisions lol i promise to be consistent and loyal to get my confidence back! :)
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October 6, 2011

Pros:

Completely cleared my acne when using it... keyword "WHEN".
Made pores smaller.
Skin was so smooth.

Cons:

Expensive.
You have to use it ALL the time for it to work.
YOU ARE STRIPPING YOUR SKIN.

Don't get it. Please. If there is one thing I wish to accomplish in life it's to let people know that Proactiv is NOT gonna help your acne, it'll just strip your skin. I first got acne about 5 years ago. Nothing severe, and mainly due to the fact that I was going through puberty. I bougth it, it cleared me up, and I kept using it and stayed clear for the next couple years. Then I decided I wanted to stop, and I broke out like crazy. So I kept using it. Then money got kinda tight, and I couldn't afford to be paying $30+ every couple months just for my face. So I stopped... long story short, right now my face is 10x worse than it has ever been. I'm doing a "no washing" method right now, and gonna let my skin heal itself. But please, I'm not trying to sound mean and haeful towards the people who created Proactiv, but think about it... BP cleanser, toner, and BP lotion twice a day everyday (or Salacylic acid). Plus a sulfur mask whenever needed. 365 times a year. YOU ARE LITERALLY STRIPPING YOUR SKIN OF IT'S NATURAL OILS. Let your face be. You'd be surprised how fast your face will heal itself it you just leave.it.alone. :) okay I'm done.
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October 6, 2011

Cons:

I have never had sensitive skin issues but the product caused me to break out into a rash. Customer service was TERRIBLE to deal with when I tried to return the product, then three months later started charging me again, stating I never cancelled. I was told I would get a refund only when I returned the products I allegedly received in those three months, but I had not received any because I had cancelled my membership.

I had light acne that had never required a trip to the dermatologist, I just wanted to clear some occasional breakouts, so maybe the product was just too strong for me. I have heard many success stories from people with moderate to severe acne.The customer service, however, ruined this product for me. I never got a refund because I could not return products I wasn't receiving. For the company to stop sending me the product and charging my card, then begin charging my card again three months later and say they had sent me products during those three months makes no sense.
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October 1, 2011

Pros:

Gets rid of acne FAST
Prevents acne
Cheap
Easy to use

Cons:

None at all

Works Great! I have been using it for almost a year and it still works. unlike a lot of other treatments It never stopped working on my skin
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September 26, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

-Expensive
-Made my acne worse
-Smelly
-Burns skin
-

This is the worst acne medicine I have ever used. It made my acne severely worse, worst I have ever had. Did not help what so ever.
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September 20, 2011

Pros:

-Works, helps you control acne and prevent new ones from forming
-Odorless
-Goes on smooth since its a gel type of formula
-Makes face feel clean after moisturizing

Cons:

-May bleach clothes/pillow cover if your not careful
-Bleaches your hair if you don't rinse your hair around the face
-May burn/irritate skin if you apply on your forehead and sweat during workout
-Fumes may irritate sensitive eyes
-May cause redness in certain areas
-May increase sunburn if no sunblock is used
-Doesn't clear acne 100%, maybe 85%-90% for me
-Takes up of time in your day to do the regimen (especially when your on vacation)

I have been using it consistently for about 5 years everyday, it was the best thing I could find after trying a whole mess of products at the store. I was 18 (24 now) and my acne was moderately severe and it wasn't getting any better. After using it consistently, it was working and I never stopped since recently (totally regret it). My skin looked great for 2 weeks after quitting it (to try some natrual alternatives) but then soon after I'm back to exactly what I looked like 5 years ago, too embarrassed to go out now with all these cysts and pustules white heads on my face. I guess I have to get back to using this. I find that also I have to watch my diet as well, completely avoiding milk, which for some reason causes me to breakout even on the regimen which sucks cause I like milk, and avoiding alcohol which also sucks. Just do this regimen, eat a balanced diet, any applying some jojoba oil to my moisturizer (cause my skin gets dry), it helped me look normal and acne free.
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September 20, 2011

Pros:

???

Cons:

Smells kind of funky
Burns

My grandma ordered this "acne system" for me when I was a teenager. I used it religiously for years. I'm really not sure why... I guess because it was purchased for me? It helped with some of the acne, but my face had a weird washed out tone. It was pretty strong stuff and made my face turn red and burn slightly. And I continued to get painful cysts! I expected a lot better results considering that it cost thirty bucks a month! I used it every night for nearly three years before I finally told my grandma to cancel the subscription! I then continued on my quest for clear skin. Thank heavens for Dan's regimen!
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September 12, 2011

Pros:

Started showing clearness the second day I used it. Absolutely love it!

I have tried almost everything under the sun, proactive, murad, clean n clear, etc. Not one of these products worked, and i would use them for months. I would also spend 30-50 dollars on some products. One day I found a coupon for this item and thought I my as well try it. It worked right away.
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September 9, 2011

Pros:

None!!!!

Cons:

Expensive, bleached everything it came in contact with includind my hair, would not recommend to a single soul!! Spent hundreds of dollars replacing bed sheets and clothes!

Do not buy!!!
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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.