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
June 26, 2010

Pros:

Absolutely none.

Cons:

Unnecessarily dries out skin.
The cleanser and toner = crap.

Overall, this has to be the most absurd thing to ever be advertised. The cleanser and toner do little to nothing; you can get the same results from products you see on regular store shelves, if not better. The system as a whole needlessly dries out the skin, with or without the benzoyl peroxide medication, which, by the way, you can also see on regular store shelves for a fraction of the price and more the product amount. I had used this from 2008 to 2009... I do not know why I stuck with it for so long, when it did nothing for my skin. But it did do something TO my skin, and that was by turning my mild acne into moderate acne.
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June 26, 2010

Pros:

Worked at first, and quickly too. It also wasn't TOO expensive for the starter kit, considering how much they give you.

Cons:

They trick you into a bunch of payments and keep shipping you stuff. Customer service is a pain, and they are pushy. The product stops working after a while, and my skin was literally burning. I bleached a brand new towel. All my pimples came back and then some.

Proactiv works for a while. It is really strong, though, and actually caused me pain from the burning I felt after using it for a long period of time. I've actually "graduated" to using it once every other day, and using a really, really gentle face wash the rest of the time. (Aveeno Clear Complexion) Between the two, it's a really good balance, and my acne is minimal, compared to being almost heavy after using Proactiv for two months. (Plus, I don't feel like my face is on fire.) It made it much worse. I don't quite get what the toner does, but I do see the need for a deep cleaning (hence the scrubbing beads in the cleanser) SOMETIMES, but not every day, or worse, twice a day! Youch! And I did like the repairing treatment; the refining mask is great as well, but it only adds to dryness/irritation if used alongside the other steps. Daily oil control is not needed, and the moisturizer is so-so. Not moisturizing enough for how badly my skin was burning/itching, but now, I don't really need it much because my skin is back in balance. Overall, not worth the price.
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June 24, 2010

Pros:

Makes you feel like it's going to work....

Cons:

Wash irritates your skin because of those stupid beads..

Repairing lotion doesn't really work it makes your skin oily..

Toner is stupid and it makes your skin even more oily...

Just an ineffective product...

Proactiv = Negactiv Too costly... Just try Dans treatment if you havn't yet.. Proactiv doesn't work it's a waste of money because they only made the bottles smaller.. and they trick you into a 4 month buying plan where you end up spending $150 which is ridiculous...
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June 9, 2010

Pros:

Clear
Leaves no film!
Dries quickly

Cons:

None

I am in love with this formulation! I've used BP before for my acne, but could never deal with the product during the day because most are a thick white, dry to a chalky film that almost seems to suds up if you try to put moisturizer over the top. Initially it dries out your skin but just stick with it as your skin adjusts. I still apply it morning and night and my skin is not dry or flaky at all like it was in the first couple of weeks. My breakouts are gone and my skin is the clearest it has been in over a decade! :) I actually have the pump top bottle of this product and it lasts a long time. :)
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June 6, 2010

Pros:

It works! It doesn't smell like the 10% benzoyl peroxide too badly.

Try this if you have severe acne, if not, then use the regular terminator. If your pimple doesn't go down right away, use it a few more times, and it will vanish!
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June 1, 2010

Pros:

Got rid of my acne!

Cons:

Drying
Expensive shippinh

Bottom line, this product is G R E A T! It got rid of my acne! Must try!
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June 1, 2010

Pros:

works
(i am only talking about the break out pen the rest does not work!)

Cons:

smells, cost is a lot!

don't the whole treatment cos it is just crap i just wash my face then dab the break out pen on all my pimples (not just the break outs!) and 1 to 2 weeks there manly all gone.
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May 26, 2010

Pros:

I honestly cannot think of any...but it if I had to it would be it smelled OK.

Cons:

Very expensive, even when by buying it through QVC so I could use it at my own pace instead of being billed monthly. Did not clear up my mild acne AT ALL. I might as well have saved my money and not washed by face for 4 months straight. Very cheap packaging, the directions on the bottle washed away when I dropped them in the sink! Refining mask had hard chunks of something it it that felt like sharp rocks.

Big rip off, I would not recommend Proactiv to anyone. I was very disappointed since it seems to have a high reputation on TV. I wish I would have just gone to the doctors first to get a professional's suggestion rather than rely on advertisements. Best of luck!
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May 21, 2010

Pros:

Feels like it works

Cons:

Burns
Makes skin SUPER dry
causes more acne

Do not use this product! DOES NOT HELP! Waste of money!
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June 22, 2010

Pros:

SKIN FEELS CLEAN
GIVES YOU HOPE IN THE START!
SKIN CLEARS FOR THE FIRST COUPLE OF MONTHS

Cons:

STOPS WORKING AFTER A WHILE
TOOOO EXPESNISVE
RESULTS NOT 100% EFFICENT LIKE INFORMERCIALS PORTRAY IT

PROACTIV IS OK BUT DOES NOT MAKE YOUR FACE SMOOTH CLEAR IT ALSO DEPENDS ON THE TYPE OF SKINS YOU HAVE BUT KEEP IN MIND THAT PROACTIV IS NOT THE CURE TO ACNE AND SOONER OR LATER YOU START BREAKING OUT AGAIN :( bUT KEEP HOPES UP ACNE WILL SOONER OR LATER DISAPPEAR :)
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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.