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 8, 2010

Pros:

I buy this for my 14 yr old daughter. She had tried proactive but it didn't work for her. This treatment system worked , you could tell a difference within days of her taking the pills.

Cons:

The only cons I can think of is I wish I could buy the pills in a bottle so I didn't have to go back as often :-)

It works for her, I was to the point of taking her to a dermatologist but when I got her this product I , at this time, no longer feel the need... because it is certainly working for her! At the price I don't think you could go wrong in trying it!
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April 16, 2010

Pros:

It really worked for me! It actually doesnt dry my skin out. It is very affordable. Works better than any other product Ive tried (including Proactive!) It doesnt burn at all.

Cons:

It takes FOREVER to start taking effect. takes a couple days to clear up a couple blemish's. took a month to finally get rid of my black heads

It works but takes a while to take effect.doesnt dry up my skin. Affordable, and works!
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March 6, 2010

Pros:

-Reasonably priced if purchasing a large bottle
-Good consistency

Cons:

-Drying and flaking
-The pump doesn't work all of the time

If you break it down by cost per ounce, the price is excellent compared to other brands, even if you include the high shipping charges. Just be very sure you are going to use the entire bottle so you won't feel guilty about dropping so much money at once. I like this more than Neutrogena's On-the-Spot. The application is very smooth. The gel dries quickly on the skin and doesn't bead when I apply moisturizer over it. Because it is BP, it does dry the skin and cause quite a bit of flaking. Also, my skin is more sensitive to the sun. Using a good moisturizing sun screen helps to alleviate any discomfort. I use this once in the morning all over my face and neck, followed by an SPF 15. I don't use it at night any more because I just started tretinoin a month ago. It is gentle enough that I can use the two (at separate times) without any adverse side effects. It is not effective with my cystic acne, but it is very effective with surface blemishes and blackheads. It immediately helped me with oil control. It did take a couple of weeks to see results and for my skin to adjust. I no longer get blackheads or bumps around my nose, temples, or chin. There is a noticeably less acne (about half the originally amount) on my cheeks and along my jaw. After a year of consistent use, it has not completely rid me of acne, but it has greatly reduced it. For an OTC product, I think this gel worked wonderfully.
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February 3, 2010

Pros:

Soft SMOOTH SKIN
Controls Oil
BEAUTIFUL SKIN

Cons:

NONE

I'm amazed. That is all I have to say. After Antibiotics, Cortisone Shots, Dermatologist Visits, Differin, and months of Depression it is pretty crazy that the solution to my acne is PROACTIV. I never thought it would work because of all the stupid celebrities that endorse it. I didn't understand how these 3 steps would help my acne. But they do, they really do. The 1st 2 weeks of Differin brought out a lot of the gunk... I had 4 bumps right along my chin that were terrible. After they went away I still had a lot of clogged pores on my jawline chin and many closed comedones on my forehead. I decided I wanted to give Proactiv a try since my Derm prescribed me Benzoyl Peroxide for during the day. The 5% she prescribed to me made my face look cakey shiny and weird. That's when I figured I would try Proactiv instead. I loved it so much I discontinued everything else, even antibiotics and use it twice a day sometimes just once. I am thrilled with my results. Thrilled. I bought the jumbo size the travel kit and the regular size because I never want to run out, I am in love. I hope it continues to work this well for me, I will never stop using it. Not only did it take the horrible cysts and clogged pores and comedones away but it makes my skin so beautifully smooth. The repairing lotion is awesome for controlling oil on my face which is usually a grease pit by noon. I do my proavtiv 3 steps and then just put some tinted moisturizer on top and I am set. I no longer have to cake on the makeup and I thank God for that everyday, I am so happy. I don't understand why there are so many bad reviews. GIVE IT A TRY PEOPLE!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU PROACTIV! I should be on the damn infomercial I am so ecstatic haa!! =)
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January 24, 2010

Pros:

It defenitely works! I just got it yesterday and i used it in the morning and before i went to bed! My skin totally looks a lot better! My mom told me that i look beautiful! I havent seen my face this clear in a long long long long time! Im sooooooooooo excited to use it tonight i cant wait to go to school and show people how good i really look!

Cons:

The price is really the only thing thats the problem. It was about $71 but thats because i bought some extra stuff too.

Overall this product works really well, i tried clearasil and clean & clear but that didnt work very well. I had flaky, dry, irritated skin all the time, and now my skin is soft and smooth on only the 2nd day! I love this product and i would definitely recommend clinique for makeup products, and skin care products. Its always been a big help to me and i'm sure it would be for you too. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! take my advice and at least consider buying this! It works really well and i'd really like everyone else that struggles with stress related acne and other, similar types to be astonished by this product and releaved as much as i was.
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December 29, 2009

Pros:

-It works
-It doesn't dry out my skin when used with the acne.org moistuerizer
-Goes on easily

Cons:

-Have to order on line

This product works better than anything I've ever used before, and I've tried a lot of probucts. I only wish that I could buy it in stores. I'm a little impatient and hate waiting for packages in the mail. Plus, it would be nice to not have to pay for shipping everytime. Still....I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who is struggling with acne and is getting frustrated with trying to find something that works. If it works this good for me, it could work for you. What else do you have to lose?
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December 31, 2016
no
They take my money and I am a kid and i don't have much they put you on a 90 day kit where you have to pay each month around 30$ they took all my money and refused to give me a refund they took all my birthday money thank you proactiv for making a kid lose money how would i have known they would charge you its in small imprint and who reads those very very few.
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February 4, 2017
Very sad that they manipulate the public into a scheme that they wouldn't think the would see from a what we thought was a reputable company? Slide of hand, magic show. Report this to your creditor. Cancel your card and have a new one issued and you will never have to deal with them again or worry about checking your acct. Karma, here's your sign!
May 18, 2016
Horrible product
This product really did not work for me, unfortunately. When you first use it, it feels tingly which makes you think its working, however, it did not for me. Also this product turned bleached all my towels white and some got on my tshirt once and it also bleached that. It kind of scared me knowing that thats the product I was using on my FACE. This product really dried out my skin, and I couldn't use any moisturizer because the mixture of the products irritated my skin. Overall, horrible product. I have heard nothing but horrible reviews about X out.
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January 5, 2016
TRULY A SCAM !!!!!
FIRST THEY SEND ENOUGH PRODUCT TO LAST A LIFETIME, THEN COME ALL THE CHARGES,THEN DID NOT SEND PRODUCT,BUT CHARGES CONTINUED. CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE, TO CANCEL...AND WAS ASSURED THAT I WAS PAID IN FULL AND THAT I WOULD NOT BE CHARGED AGAIN, BUT THEY KEEP CHARGING ME, WITH NO PRODUCT, AND EACH TIME THEY SAY THAT THEY WILL CANCEL AND THAT I OWE NO MORE...YET EVERY MONTH THEY CHARGE MY ACCOUNT.THIS PRODUCT ALSO BURNT AND DAMAGED MY DAUGHTER'S FACE, AND WHEN I TRIED IT...SAME RESULTS. STAY AWAY!!!!! VERY UNREPUTABLE /SCAM COMPANY. CUSTOMER SERVICE LIES!!!!
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January 28, 2016
I never got scammed, but I heard they are known for that. Horrible company
September 7, 2015
Will Benzac AC 5 work for me?
Ive been to the dermatologist twice with acne problem and he prescribed purbac which worked wonderfully well until i completed the course (my skin felt like a baby's bum), then suddenly terrible breakouts on my face, back and neck leaving scars. Now i've been using benzac AC 5 for almost two weeks now. It's itchy and irritating however now my skin looks worse than before especially on my forehead, back of my ears and chest. Is this a normal reaction? It just looks like all the black and white heads underneath the skin surfaced all at once, everywhere i touch there's a bump. What should i do? Any tips on getting a clear skin?
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March 21, 2016
stick to Benzac-ac.... skin gets worse before getting better; this is so normal because skin renew itself.. That's why all d underneath pimple come to surface...
August 22, 2016
Yes its true , you must stick on it and after 1-2months you will be thankful to its great result

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.