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 4, 2011

Pros:

Great price
Highly effective in clearing acne fast!
Odorless
Absorbs well
Lightweight

Cons:

Over drying if you do not follow the regimen and start SLOWLY, applying a small amount & working your way up to the recommended dosage.

Does bleach all colored material the product comes in contact with. I switched to white towels and apply it after dressing.

Pros far outweigh the cons! Why? Because IT WORKS!! A few weeks into the regimen and my skin is clear. Amazing. I do recommend following Dan's plan closely and begin slowly. I can go out without ANY makeup now after using this product with Dan's moisturizer and cleanser after just 3 weeks. (I also began using AHA, which is highly effective for very dry skin, although it does sting slightly until it dries) My skin was red for the first few days & then it adjusted perfectly. Worth the $, time and effort. Dan did an excellent job developing this product.
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February 21, 2011

Pros:

Probably works a little better than the usual treatments

Cons:

A lot time spent putting this stuff on
Doesn't work great for those with hardcore acne
A lot of money for something that doesn't work

I wouldn't recommend this product to those with serious acne. It might work for people with a pimple or 2 but for someone like me it was a waste of time and money. I foolishly stayed on the medication for 8 months or so thinking that kick in after a few months.
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February 17, 2011

Pros:

It actually works!

Cons:

It took a long time for my skin to get used to it, and my skin is still quite dry. But it's sooo worth it.

This is the treatment that has worked for me for more than a few days, after my 15 years+ search for a treamtent that works. I've used it for about four months, and my face is still improving. I use this with the AHA . I'll be sticking with this forever.
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February 9, 2011

Pros:

few pimples gone and.......

Cons:

more bigger pimples showed up (non-stop), super-oily face, red & irritated skin

Very expensive for no result. The smell of the anti-oil face lotion smells bad and still oily face. After cancellation made, few days after still charged of almost $50 and must wait for the delivery then shipped it back to the company before getting the refund. Merchandise must be return within 30 days of receipt but at the same time given of a 30 day trial period.. what???? So people can only try this product for 2-3weeks or else they'll charge you very fast and the price almost double from the 1st order. PROACTIV SUCKSSSS!!!!
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February 5, 2011

Pros:

makes my face feel clean
clears up acne fast

Cons:

price
is slow to start working
dries out your face

overall i have been using Proactiv for about 2 weeks. When I first started I had lots of bumps all over my forhead and face. Now after two weeks my skin is nice and creamy and it feels really smooth. Also the bumps have gone down a LOT. Also many people are complaining that it dries your face out. It is supposed to which is why it has Benzyl Peroxide.
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January 29, 2011

Pros:

Clears up acne almost overnight
Doesn't leave any streaks/marks
Cheap (compared to drugstore items/prescription)

Cons:

Dries out skin, making it flaky (as with all BP)
Not available in local stores
Takes some effort to wash face --> BP --> moisturize, with about 15-20 mins waiting in between each

The bottom line is this works, no questions about it. I've never used any other BP products other than acne.org's, so I can't really do any comparisons. I've read stories of people having adverse reactions, but luckily, I never experienced any of that other than the dryness. I heard about Dan's BP in 2007, and after reading all the reviews, I decided to give it a try. It worked like a charm, and gave me clear skin for a couple months. Then stupid me decided to go "all natural" and forgo chemical treatments. For the past several years, I've used BP on and off inconsistently, but have always looked for a more natural treatment to acne. I've tried everything from apple cider vinegar to emu oil to vitamin c...if you see it on the forums, I've probably tried it (including taking various supplements). After 2 years, I realized that natural doesn't always mean it's good (I put undilute straight ACV on my face and ended up with indented scars). Let me clarify that I'm 23, and mainly get acne flare-ups due to my menstrual cycle (figured this out not too long ago). So for about 2 weeks in a month or so, my skin is lovely. Then a week before, during, and after "that time", my skin is horrible. I thought that BP was mostly to treat teenage acne, but finally gave up on my natural treatments and reordered Dan's BP. Although it smells different and has a grittier texture than I remember it, it works amazingly well. I had about 3 active pimples, with about 2 more popping up on my cheeks when my BP arrived. LITERALLY, 2 days later, all was left are hyperpigmentations (I get PIH very easily, whether I touch the pimple or not). I've been using it for the last week and a half, and love it! I don't have to stare at my skin for an hour every night wondering what supplement to take to make it better. I just want to mention that Dan's BP is very cheap, even including shipping. BP is considered a "generally recognized as safe and effective" produ
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January 25, 2011

Pros:

A decent facial clenser for normal skin

Cons:

Dried my skin and moisterizer didn't last long

For me this product just didn't work. I think it is like any other facial clenser it just cleans your skin and for me dried it out and made it feel tight. I will note I used it for about 2 months and gave up. Maybe if I stuck with it, it might have eventually started clearing my skin. I think if your looking for something that will clean your face at the end of the day go for it... but if you have acne prone skin (like everyone on here does) it can make ur skin tight n dry and do more damage with irritation then cleansing and drying out and healing. Some peoples skin respond to strong medicated face washes mine doesn't. If you know you one of those people who react well to drying out products... go for itt.
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January 24, 2011

Pros:

* eliminated ALL of my acne
* dries up skin in my T-zone so its not as oily

Cons:

* Dries skin out really badly
* Stains colored towels

After trying everything under the sun, I would completely recommend combining half pacnex and half Cetaphil gentle cleanser for less dry skin and the same acne fighting properties. After using just pacnex, my skin was super super dry so my dermatologist recommending the combining of the two and to use Refissa Cream for whiteheads. Same time and money and do this routine if you have combination skin. It really works :D
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January 21, 2011

Pros:

CLEARS MY SKIN SOOOOO WELL!!!! It goes on smooth and doesn't burn my skin :D

Cons:

None really that i can think of... :D

I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!! I have suffered (when i say suffered i mean SUFFERED!!) with acne since i was 12 years old and now being 17 i have finally found something that is clearing my skin like no other product! I am just praying that it will continue to faithfully clear my skin and not quit on me. :) I would reccomend to all people suffering with acne to try it!
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January 20, 2011

Pros:

Clears Acne, Softens Skin, Freshens Complexion

Cons:

Takes Upwards of three weeks before improvments are noticable.

I adore the new proactiv. I used to use the old one but found that my skin flaked, stung and became red after using it. This new proactiv is really gentler, I started off using it once per day for the first week to get my skin used to it & then increased it to twice a day use every second day & then increased it further to twice a day everyday. I havent found that i need to put alot of the repairing lotion on my face to reap the rewards, i use a thin layer all over my face & it is absorbed very quickly. I have dry skin & it can be very sensitive to some products, so i was very suprised to see that the new proactiv really is so much gentler.
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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.