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
March 2, 2010

Pros:

-Good for teaching teenagers how to properly clean and moisturize skin
-Good for light acne or poorly cleaned skin

Cons:

-Helped for about 3 months, then stopped working
-Just cleans and moisturizes, doesn't really treat acne

I used this for about 6 months, then quit because it wasn't any better than the stuff you can buy cheaper at any store. Also, astringents or "pore refining" products usually seem to make my acne worse or not help at all. Irritates my face too much. I think it cost me $60 for a 3 month supply. I didn't find ProActive products to be worth it. The product should be able to sell itself, without the use of celebrities in your ad campaigns.
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March 2, 2010

Pros:

Free samples.

Cons:

Broke out with cystic acne all over my chin which was never a problem before using this product.

Despite all the great reviews, I believe this product only works for people who have dry skin that is not sensitive. The exfoliants in the scrub are harsh, as is the bar soap, and the oils are too heavy for oily skin. Although my skin felt clean, my acne got much worse and changed from regular papules to large, painful cysts. The regimen is really the way to go for me and I'm happy I switched back. Many reviewers cite the money back gaurantee as a reason to give Carley's a try, often saying "you've got nothing to lose" but if you've suffered from cystic or moderate to severe acne you'll understand that you really do have a lot to lose and it can take months to get the break-outs back under control. I caution you to think carefully before trying this product.
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February 28, 2010

Pros:

It works, though not instantly, in fact not even reasonably soon. i have been using it for a month now and can see an improvement in my skin, but the acne sure aint gone! also dont expect a smooth steady improvement in your skin. you will still have breakouts and skin may yo-yo around alot but overall you will notice an improvement. id say about 3 months before i'll start looking really clear.

Cons:

can dry out your skin if you're sensitive, but thankfully mine didn't, just moisturize!

Definetely worth a try if you havent already, great value for money as well, about a fiver for a 50 gram tube.
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February 23, 2010

Pros:

Cleared up my little pimples, they resembled blackheads but more bumpy. Good customer service. Fast Shipping. Free samples. Good price.

Cons:

Cystic acne spread, I just had it on my chin area, and it spread upwards towards my cheeks and in between my eyebrows, I have huge cystic pimples all bunched up together.

Okay, I'm not sure if it was the bar of soap or the treatment bottle that cleared up my blackhead like pimples. And I'm also not sure which caused my HUGE pimples to spread. My acne got so bad, SO FAST, as a result I am suffering from swollen lymph nodes. I'm not sure if my skin is just purging itself, getting worse, before it can get better, but I've never been so depressed in my entire life. I seriously cry myself to sleep, if not I cry all day. I've been hiding for 2 months in my room. I went to see a Dr. yesterday and she prescribed Tetracyclin & Differin to me. Hopefully it works. I was on Minocyclin & Differin in 2008 and worked wonders until I stopped using it out of pure laziness. Anyways, I don't know if I should continue to use the benzoyl peroxide treatment in the morning? Maybe I shouldn't have bought Carley's strongest bottle? Please message if you guys have any advice or similar experience. Thank you!
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February 8, 2010

Pros:

Clean, no frills, works better than Skin ID, Proactive, Murrad or any other store bought product.

Cons:

None

My daughter and I have used all other products out there and this is the best for the money Consistency is the key to this product. It's not perfect and my daughter still suffers from breakouts but her skin is so much better than it used to be and after tying it all this is the best out there.
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February 7, 2010

Pros:

gets rid of achne

Cons:

achne comes back when you dont use it.. maybe just my skin

Perfect for a couple days before prom
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January 20, 2010

Pros:

Not harsh on my very sensitive skin
Mostly natural
Clears skin
Cost effective

Cons:

Hasn't eliminated acne for good ;)

I love this whole line, and use it with confidence! I have been using it for over a year and enjoy it! Plus, the service rocks, and they always send little extras with the package, and it is shipped quickly. I will continue to use this line!!
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January 19, 2010

Pros:

none

Cons:

if it worked it would be worth the price, but it does not work for me

don't bother
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January 17, 2010

Pros:

Feels great
actually works!!

Cons:

Expensive
Time consuming

My skin has NEVER BEEN BETTER. I had the absolute worst acne ever. I was worse than people on the infomercials. I tried tons and tons and tons of things. Proactive finally worked and people are literally shocked when they hear I used to have acne. I had it from 11 or 12 until I was about 19. I wouldn't use it if you only have a small problem... but this worked GREAT for me. Please, give it time!!!
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January 9, 2010

Pros:

works at first, the customer service is fabulous, and they sent samples. I really wanted it to work...

Cons:

stopped working for me after a few weeks, caused problems

I think your skin gets immune to it and it stops working. also broke out and caused eczema on my chin and around my mouth, that went away went I stooped using this product. I tried it many times to make sure the product was causing it.
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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.