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
May 13, 2008

Pros:

Skin feels really clean and clear.Really dries out my face. ( my skin is very oily)

Cons:

Kind of expensive and I have only purchased it from their website or a plastic surgeons office.

My skin is really tough and very oily, and my pores are huge. I only reccomend this product to people with tough skin. The facial wash is an anti microbial, so its suppose to kill the dirt that comes in contact with your face through out the day. Then the toner is great. If I have a cyst, I put some on a cotton ball and just hold it there and it dries out. I use to use Pro active, and I went for a chemical peel and the girl told me to try this and I am hooked. Your face will feel tight and very clean. This isn't a miracle for acne. I am also taking Spronalactone. The 2 of these together are a perfect match for me.
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March 31, 2008

Pros:

none really

Cons:

pricing (including shipping), delivery, and crying

Okay so i have been using neutrogena's 2.5 BP CREAM every since i started the regimen and it has worked perfectly. However it is very VERY expensive so i was looking for another option. I have read many RAVES about Dan's BP GEL, i checked it out, the pricing was great compared to neutrogena's, so i ordered it. It came out to about $16(plus shipping) for a 2oz, i thought that was kind of expensive but if u calculate neutrogena's .75oz for like $7.00 you save your self a couple of cents. The delivery took FOREVER!!! to arrive, but when it came i was HYPE. I tried it for 1 whole week morning and night, and MY FACE HAS BEEN SO DRY AND RED ITS UNBELIEVEABLE!! OMG.. my eye lids, under my eyes, and my upper lip feels and looks sooo scaley its DISGUSTING.. Maybe it works for alot of ppl but NOT FOR ME AT ALL!! so i guess imma have to spend those extra bucks for neutrogena's BP Cream because its the only thing that keeps me clear and doesn't dry my face so bad..
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March 16, 2008

Pros:

I like the packaging,good BP concentration,
easy to find.

Cons:

Very pricey, small quantity, not super effective, Cream based.

In my opinion, this is a somewhat effective product since it wont get rid of breakouts completely nor it does stop them completely.The product is cream based which made it dry easily when applying and made white spots appear on the face when sweeting. The package is very small and will run out fast when on the regime (although, when the product is over, you can cut open the tube and you will get out about twice the amount for a regime dose.) Stopped using the product due to low level of effectivess when applied to all the face, since this product is a spot treatment; I also disliked that is cream based. I am using other more effective products for this purpose and will be getting Dan's BP soon and I will review it. I do not reccommend this product to use with the regime, although it may work if used as a spot treatment.
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November 26, 2007

Pros:

it sort of worked... but i had to be anal about it.

Cons:

didnt leave me clean.

i switched out of proactive to another and i started breaking out. i read somewhere that if you switch out of proactiv your face starts freaking out. i think that's true. but i wouldn't use proactive just because i used it for like 2 years and it didnt dramatically change my face at all. i guess it just didnt make it better.
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November 6, 2007

Pros:

This was prescribed for me to deal with my very oily skin and I can definitely tell a difference in just a few days.

Cons:

It's apparently available only as a prescription, so I have to make a copay on it. Also, the consistency is very odd - not really like a cleanser (I use a mild cleanser beforehand to remove makeup).

I like this, but I worry that it will be too drying as winter approaches. For now, though, it seems to be doing a great job making my skin less oily and, along with Duac gel, healing my whiteheads and cysts.
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August 24, 2007
It gets rid your pimple real quick but Don't use it too much.. Eventually you will recover with a burnt skin that will leave a permanent scar on your face ! and also pigmentation ! That is worse than acne ! Trust me u wouldn't want that to happen !This cream is a very strong and harsh cream, it contains 5% Benzoyl Peroxide. Apply it for 30 mins then wash it away ! I would say its an effective cream but limit your usage ! It all comes down to an advice " Be Careful " ! Good Luck !
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April 25, 2007

Pros:

It clears mild/moderate acne quickly and effectively, it is inexpensive.

Cons:

Smells Awful...well, atleast the newer version of this does. They actually don't make this one anymore, its a newer looking one, which i thought was the same product, but the smell proves me wrong

If you have mild/moderate acne this product will work for you, that is if you can stand the smell!
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March 9, 2007

Pros:

skin looked awesome in 3 weeks, & I had really bad acne! $20/month is so worth it. The mask is awesome & the green tea lotion is the best. The make-up, OMG it's fantastic!!! I can change my kit to 2 or 3 cleansers whenever I need to get some extra

Cons:

If you scrub too hard when you use the cleanser, the toner burns. The "initial breakout" is awful-cust serv for Proactiv says that it cleans from the inside out, so it brings everything out when you start using it-but the mask works during that time

Better than Accutane, Murad (which is just the Proactiv gentle system at a way jacked up price), and all the ---cycline products out there. Any possible issue you could have with your skin, from dryness to oiliness to extra breakouts, Proactiv can fix! And, if your skin gets used to the regular kit, they can put you on a different formula so that your skin doesn't freak. Then, like the cherry on top, you can try EVERYTHING they have & if you don't dig it, you can get your money back. I would recommend this to everyone, it is seriously the best product I have ever used.
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February 25, 2007

Pros:

Easy to apply...absorbs well without any noticable film. Doesn't require much per application.

Cons:

Will cause redness if you apply too much. Be sure to establish the right amount that works with your skin type. A nickle sized amount is good to start with I believe...and a great TIP is to wet both your hands and smear on palms and THEN onto face

This product and any like it (containing Benzoly Perioxide WILL work but you must follow these 3 steps almost regligiously! The biggest mistake that ppl with acne make is they dont stick to a regimen...or they apply too much hoping for faster results. Take it easy and do the following: 1 Wash face before each application (once or twice a day) 2 Apply benzyol peroxide cream in a thin layer and let fully absorb. 3 MOISTURIZE - if you skip this stage, you may as well kiss any progress goodbye. Your skin will feel dry...flake...turn red...Trust me, it was an error I made for years. My advice IF you can afford it is to purchase Olay Total Effects...guys and girls. This regminen has done wonders for my face. I use the moisturizer about 15 minutes after I apply the BP and once or twice throughout the day. If you cannot afford to buy Total Effects, just a good oil free face cream will do the trick. Just do not use a cream or lotion that is intended for the hands or
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January 25, 2007

Pros:

It gets rid of acne well. My skin doesn't get dry.

Cons:

A little pricey.

This is amazing, It starts clearing acne in the forst night!
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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.