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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January 23, 2012

Pros:

-Clears acne quick
-Removes dark spots
-Smells fresh
-Great price for how it works

Cons:

-May dry skin after time

I have REALLY SENSITIVE SKIN because I am melato.It's been about a week that I've been using proactiv and I only have 3 pimples left out of the 12 I had.I find it has a nice scent so far my skin hasn't started peeling like with other acne product.At first I read these other reviews and they were all NEGATIVE I almost didn't buy it but I gave it a try and so far it's working great.:)
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January 19, 2012

Pros:

Works fast, reduces amount and size of pimples.

Cons:

Dries out skin, but not as bad as the proactive brand extra strength medication.

I've been using this product 3 days after finally deciding to quit using proactive because it wasn't helping at all. The first day I used zapzyt it made almost all of my acne go away! I wear a lot of makeup on a regular basis so it's good to know there is something that works! I recommend using a moisterizing face wash before applying, it helps with the dry skin.
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January 18, 2012

Pros:

- Well advertised
- Came as a kit
- Easy peasy instructions

Cons:

- Smells like a Rat died in it
- Stupidly over priced
- Bleaches towels and pillow cases

It made my face feel like it was melting, it stung SO much my face was red and slightly puffy around my eyes, it was mortifying to go to school, this happened a week after using it so naturally I stopped using it. It's a scam; we were cheated out of so much more money than it said on the ad! I cancelled my Subscription after winning World War III with Costumer Services and then next thing I know, another batch at my door step my Mom, God. I have never seen her so angry she was apocalyptically cross. Then after two months we FINALLY got it out of our lives.
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January 12, 2012

Pros:

There are no pros

Cons:

It was the worst stuff that I ever used. It actually burned by face. After using all the products they send two days after I used it my face turned completely red like a burn. Its a disgrace to even have this product on the market let alone have commercial's about it. Ask the people who work at the company if they use it. DOUBTFUL

The product is bad believe it doesn't help. I had to pay out of pocket for a determatologist
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January 12, 2012

Pros:

I love the mask! Makes my face feel great! The green tea helps too for the burning effect.

Cons:

Burning / redness with steps 2 & 3

So the product is a little harsh on my face... No big deal. Right now my acne has found its way to my chest & back. I am someone who had such severe acne as a teenager that my dermatologist put me on acutain to save my skin! Now as an adult my acne is minor on my face so I just use step 1 and the refining mask on the chin area for the small zits. But I use the full product on my chest & back and on day 3 am seeing AWESOME results. If you are looking for a product that isn't too harsh on your back or chest then I highly recommend proactive! Please keep in mind that yes, this is a 3 step system but if side affects come along... You can adjust your frequency or what steps you end up using and where. Like my dermatologist says, " you only need to treat the areas with the most acne" so don't make your whole face suffer if only little areas are needing to be treated. If you do this right... You will be happy with the results! Also, for those of you who don't want the hassle of shipping... Find a kiosk or proactive machine at your local mall. They won't ask you for a subscription you just go buy it when you need it. You also won't have to buy in a package but separate if you only want one thing.
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January 12, 2012

Pros:

The product seems to be working.

Cons:

The customer service really sucks. I followed their directions to get the automatic shipments stopped. and returned an unopened package as they directed. I called them because 10 days after receiving the product they did not credit my account. They said that the credit could take up to 6 weeks. This is ridiculous.

Buy somewhere else directly and not through their web-page.
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January 11, 2012
i personally like this alot so far. i saw a dramatic change in my skin in just a few days. i had tiny bumps on my forehead i was struggling to get rid of along with patchy dryness. after two days, my patchy skin and bumps were gone, and my skin was super soft. it makes my skin smooth, and has made my pores smaller. really like this so far, and it smells nice too. it did start to dry my skin out after a week or so, but i moisturize after using the products, and it helps.
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January 10, 2012

Pros:

-It actually works.
-It dries up and reduces the size of acne overnight.
-Its a very inexpensive product. They always say the cheap stuff never works but this does wonders.

Cons:

While there are some cons to ClearZit to me the Pros far outweigh the Cons. :)
-My face gets really dry & starts to peel.
-It burns, but for only 5 minutes or less.

If you struggle with acne like I do where you have tried just about everything and nothing works then I really believe this is the product for you. I tried ClearZit years ago and it worked then, when I started breaking out badly I knew where to turn. ClearZit is a must have, must buy product. Get it & you will love it!
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January 8, 2012

Pros:

The refining is amazing! The steps are really good! I love it

Cons:

Burns my skin
Step number 3 didn't go well with my skin

I loved pro active everything was beautiful it left my skin nice and soft! My blemishes went away after using the refining moisturizer. The only thing I didn't like about it was step #3 did not go well with my skin. Step #3 just left my skin even redder and full of blemishes I looked like a tomato but now I'm using the moisturizer steps 1 and 2 and my acne is clearing up!
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January 5, 2012

Pros:

Easy to order

Cons:

Product did not work well with my skin, in fact, made it worse, I continued (stupidly) thinking that it would get better, it didn't.
Would not recommend this at all. Be aware also that if you order online, Proactiv keep on sending and charging you for the product, even though you don't need it. They will refund you however, once you've paid the P&P, for an item you didn't need or want in the first place... ah....

Stay well clear, its not worth 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.