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:

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September 16, 2013
Keep at it!

Pros:

Affordable
Works!

Cons:

Drying at first
Not available in stores

I don't know why I keep thinking that I can live without this. I've used this product for well over three years; usually, as soon as my skin clears, I go on the hunt for an easier regimen - something gentler, more natural, etc. Inevitably, I always come back to this as the only thing that works consistently. My acne is mild to moderate (I'm 27 and female), and I usually deal with little bumps under the skin on my forehead which are seen in natural light and can't be covered with makeup. On top of that, I usually have anywhere from 3-5 blemishes on/around my jawline/chin area (hormonal, I know). This is the only product that clears up EVERYTHING. If you're just starting out with the regimen, here are some of my tips: 1) I don't buy the whole regimen here. I use either Cetaphil face wash (for normal skin) or the new Neutrogena Ultra-Gentle Foaming Daily Cleanser. As for face lotion, during the summer months I use Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. Now that it's cooling off, my face needed a bit more moisture so I've been using L'oreal Ideal Moisture Day Lotion SPF 25 for Sensitive Skin. All of these products, aside from the Neutrogena lotion, are easily found at drugstores (which is why they appeal to me) and are affordable. 2) Consistency is really the key with this stuff. I mostly follow Dan's instructions, though not to a T. In the beginning, I use about a fingers' length worth of the BP morning and night. For the first several weeks, my skin will be angry and red, sensitive and dry. This is not the time to skimp on lotion and in fact, during this time, I recommend using something with sunscreen (a la the L'oreal I recommended above). It protects your skin from getting burned and also offers added moisture. 3) This period lasts several weeks and then suddenly - clear skin! Once I notice that I've had consistently clear skin for a week or two, I start to reduce the amount of BP I use daily - to approximately a quarter sized dollop morning and night. This seems to work perfectly for keeping my acne at bay without drying my skin out too much. The thing to remember here is that it takes approximately six weeks (at least in my case) to begin to see really clear skin. But if you stick with it, you will be rewarded!! I've also switched up the makeup I wear - Tarte Amazonian Clay foundation is the BEST - and I've tried so many high end/drugstore foundations that it's almost shameful. This stuff has amazing coverage and doesn't make me break out. It's my new obsession. Hope this info helps someone!
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September 7, 2013
Holy Grail!

Pros:

Clear acne
Prevents new acne
Smooth skin

Cons:

Drying
Slightly stings eyes (only for a minute)

This benzoyl peroxide has saved my life, literally. My acne got to the point where I would cry, avoid going to school, avoid meeting and talking to people, and load on face makeup to try to cover it up; which was very noticeable. The first few months are kind of tough, but I've been using this consistently for 6 months and my skin is clear!! I now have my confidence back, and can enjoy myself without worrying about how my skin looks. I don't even wear face makeup anymore ;)
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August 31, 2013
Product used: The Regimen
it works

Pros:

it works

Cons:

drying at first

I started using the regimen one year ago. Within 6 weeks my face was completely clear. After a few months I bought the AHA+, which allowed me to only perform the regimen once a day. This worked for a few months but then my skin was not perfectly clear so I had to go back to twice a day. Recently, I ran out of the products for about a month and my skin is not looking good right now. After a week of being back on the regimen, my face is looking better and I know it will bd back to perfect soon!
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July 3, 2013
Excellent - Ance gone in days and Redness has vanished

Pros:

No redness and irratation
most of my acne was gone in three days
gets rid of acne scars too

Cons:

i dont know if i got an older version of this product or what, but it smells absolutely terrible.

I have had acne since the fifth grade, i guess i was an early starter.. Going into my junior year of high school I got tired of always wearing makeup. It was never my color and it looked weird anyways. So i tried oxy face wash and in the three days that i have used it, 80% of my acne is gone and most of my acne scars along with it! I am so happy. But the best part is that i no longer have to wear makeup because all of the redness from my acne is now gone! I couldnt be happier. a bunch of people say that it is a little drying, and it is, but for me it hasnt been an issue. It keeps the oil from my face longer than if it hadnt been drying. I am estatic with the results, and i recommend everyone use this product!
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June 4, 2013
This really worked for me

Pros:

Clears acne really fast and completely!
Inexpensive
Easy to use

Cons:

Does dry your skin, but it's easy to treat with moisturizers

I've had moderate acne for a few months and was getting somewhat desperate. I'm 27 and never had acne before. My guess is that my acne has to do with some kind of hormonal imbalance. I tried other over-the-counter products before this but they didn't help at all. This cream worked immediately. It dried up this area of painful infected pimples on my forehead over night. I noticed a huge difference in just two days. I wasn't getting new pimples anymore and the old ones faded away. Right now my face is almost clear. This product is great and inexpensive ' give it a try.
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April 26, 2013

Pros:

healed quickly
reduced redness
cheap

I've been using Zapzyt (with some generic face moisterizer) for not even a week and already my acne is almost completely healed. That's impressive seeing as I've tried everything out there, including the stupid proactive system and several of its knock-offs...so far the only other sucessful treatment was taking 3 pills a day (which made me sick) combined with 2 different prescription face creams (one of which cost $90 for a three ounce bottle and made my skin boil in sunlight like a pasty vampire) used faithfully for 3+ months before I saw any huge difference. Quite a difference from the $5 over the counter cream that works twice as well. Again, make sure you use a good moisterizer too to prevent too much drying.
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April 10, 2013

Pros:

Reduces pimples, blackheads and lumps within days. Doesn't need to be refrigerated, causes little drying

Cons:

Can leave streaks and make skin white if not applied thoroughly

Great for mild and moderate acne, best treatment so far!
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March 6, 2013

Pros:

Amazing Products!! I agree that the consultants are what make the experience even better. You must buy the product from a consultant though. My consultant is [link removed] and she will answer any questions and also give you the recommendations you need to target the problem areas!

Cons:

Four step process.

It won't let you down!
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February 12, 2013

Pros:

None

Cons:

Overrated
Scam
Pricely
Horrible customer service
Rip off

Worked for me a little definitely expected a lot more. When I stopped using this treatment within 2 days my face broke out more then before. Also not to mention the system is pricey considering the bottles I received were traval size the ones that were a size bigger was three times the price. I canceled my subscription with pro active solutions yet I keep getting billed. This is a huge scam I would not recommend pro active solutions there are other ways to get rid of acne & not constantly get ripped off.
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February 5, 2013

Pros:

There is only one word for this product AWESOME! I now have nice smooth spot free skin. Thank you acne.org.

It has completely cleared up my acne! the 2.5% BP is much nicer and less harsh on the skin compared to the 5% or 10% products. The product spreads easily on the skin.

A lot of product comes in the tube. I bought the 8oz one and 6 weeks later there still is quite a bit left in the tube. Although I only do the regime once a day.

Cons:

Expensive to get in the UK but I will still continue to get this product because it's so worth the money.
Drying but this can be easily avoided by a good moisturizer and a few drops of jojoba oil.

A little bit about me. I've suffered from acne since my late teens with spots over my forehead and chin which began to affect my confidence. I've used other BP treatments but this is by far the best one. I had a rather bad break out of spots about four months ago and used a 10 % BP treatment but this was way to hash and resulted in cystic acne as well! I swapped to this product and 6 weeks on I'm almost clear. It does take a few weeks to kick in but stick with it! It really has improved my skin!
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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.