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
September 2, 2010

Pros:

High quality product
No white residue
Large volume for a small price

Cons:

The orange square on the bottle is the same color as the AHA. Its easy to grab the wrong bottle when you don't have your glasses on.

I love this stuff. I have used many different products through the years and Dan's benzoyl peroxide is one of the highest quality products I have encountered. It is as good if not better than many prescription products (like benzaclyn or benzylmycin). It absorbs well and doesn't leave a nasty white residue like may over-the-counter products. I've had to modify my morning routine a little to allow drying time between each step in the regimen, but its a small price to pay for something that works so well.
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 20, 2010

Pros:

Absorbs completely. Can be worn under makeup easily. Reduces shine. Effective.

Cons:

Drying and peeling during first weeks of use.

I think this is a great product. Before using this I knew benzoyl peroxide works for me. I was using BP in a cleanser and for spot treatment, but had a really bad breakout over the summer and decided to look for something that would be more effective. But not harsh on my skin. This fits the bill. I have light acne with an occasional bad breakout. My breakouts always occur around my mouth. I've been using this for about a month and my skin looks and feels great. No breakouts! If do get something they go away quickly and usually now without coming to a head. My makeup goes on smoother. Also it's helped to reduce shine. I don't use a full finger's length though and i only put it on at night. Occasionally I'll put it on in the morning if there's a small breakout. I've been using this with Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser and Neutrogena Health Skin moisturizer w/ retinol. I recommend those products as well.
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 17, 2010

Pros:

cheap, can by at the chemist or online, easy to use, works really well

Cons:

can dry the skin, can sting a little at first, bleaches towels

this stuff is a savior, it works, plain and simple, wash with clinique anti blemish soap or your favourite cleanser,dry thoroughly, apply quinoderm cream to the face avoiding the eye area, use aloe vera 99.9% gel to dry areas if you get any flaky patches of skin, repeat twice and day and you should see results! start with 10% and if too drying step down to the 5% but keep the 10% handy if yo ufeel a spot coming on apply this on the area overnight
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 14, 2010

Pros:

Nice and tingly

Cons:

Left skin very oily!
Made my skin worse!

I have very oily skin to begin with, so if yours is a bit drier than mine, this may work for you. But for mine, it was a disaster. It felt nice for about fifteen minutes, and then, bam! Oil!
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 5, 2010

Pros:

Well It actually did work for me for about 6 to 8 months...

As long as I was using it every day, and also taking the pills too.

Straight forward system.

Easy to use and apply

Started to see results after the 2 month mark

The ability to customize your order to suit your skin needs.

Cons:

After the 6 to 8 month mark I started to get really bad breakouts, and really bad dark circles on the sides of my lips and chin area

Well it worked good for about 6 months or so. But I think my skin just go use to it. After that my skin got worse and worse, so had to stop.
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 3, 2010

Pros:

Very close replacement to Proactiv, but cheaper and available in drugstores.

Cons:

Unable to buy each step individually (except I think for the cleanser.
Scrubbing beads were different in the first step.
I had the same problem wtih this product as I did with Proactiv - seemed to actually make my acne worse due to overdrying, plus the aggravation of eczema on my hands from handling the product.

If proactiv works for you, give this a try, otherwise don't bother.
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 3, 2010

Pros:

Easy to use, takes care of the problem, works on Adult acne, and cystic acne. Portions are huge and last a long time

Cons:

Can't think of any. This stuff really does work.

It works. Really! I can't even tell you how long I looked for a product that would really take care of my adult acne and help prevent the cystic acne that I would get. I followed their instructions and found that it really works. You get SO much for the price that I can hardly believe it! I usually order through ebay and my order is here in a few days. The combo pack is a really great value! I've tried everything from cheap to expensive to outrageously expensive. Nothing helped, most made things worse. After 1 month on this treatment, I really couldn't believe that I didn't have ANY blemishes!
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 26, 2010

Pros:

-removed acne for a while and relatively quickly
-kept it away for a while
-moisturizer works and works as sunscreen

Cons:

-stops working as you build up a tolerance to it
-once you build up the tolerance, it actually makes your acne get worse

I needed a quick fix before my junior prom so I tried proactiv. I had about a week and half to play with, and it worked wonders. I was totally clear and thrilled after struggling with mild acne for a few months. I continued using it for 9 months and it worked great! I was completely clear except for the occasional pimple. I was used to flawless skin until my junior year started. hormones? I dont know. but I had some acne. In January, it seemed to stop working. I dont know if it was the "new" proactiv or what, but it wasnt clearing me up. I took a break, tried probably 4 different treatments (exposed, baking soda, la roche posay), and nothing worked as well as proactiv had. Finally, after trying Exposed for a month with mixed results, I figured I'd try Proactiv again. I was down south and working out a lot, where I'd sweat, and I thought the cleanser with the beads would help exfoliate my skin. I couldnt have been more wrong. After seeming to help the first week, the next two were a disaster. I just went in circles. A zit would start receding just for another one to reappear elsewhere. It drove me crazy. Now I'm frustrated as possible and don't know what to do....college starts in a month and I have no idea what I should do to stop this problem. I do know, though, that I"m done with proactiv
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 26, 2010

Pros:

decreased pimple size, redness, inexpensive, and easy to use

Cons:

moisterizer can feel a little oily but wasnt a big deal because my acne still got better

its worth a shot!
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 4, 2010

Pros:

Easy to use
Relatively quick morning and evening routines

Cons:

Bottles stop dispensing when there seems to be more "foam" left

Just did not work for me

I am a 43 year old male, and I have suffered with acne since age 12. Like most, I have tried almost EVERYTHING out there - including these products - and nothing seems to work. Acne products should clear you up AND keep it under control. I have used these products over 8 weeks now, and I find that it takes awhile to clear up existing acne, and also new acne continues to develop. I had really high hopes for this product. I'm very disappointed. I am currently taking an Acai supplement as I heard it can help with acne. I've only been taking it a few days, but I'll post my results after a month or so.
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report

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.