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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July 15, 2010

Pros:

None

Cons:

At first it seemed like this product was really working, but I think that was just the left-over positive effects of a chemical peel I had done. After one week of use my skin looks 100% worse than it did before. My jaw line is covered in acne, before I just had a few scattered pimples. I also have pimples around my eyes and on my cheeks- I place where I never got them before.

My dermatologist says this is a common reaction. She suggested I use a simplebar of Dove soap for now...that's a lot cheaper than the cleansing cloths. It's upsetting that I wasted my money on this product.
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July 15, 2010

Pros:

Cleared my skin up for about a week or two
Good for spot treatment, not

Cons:

Strips all the oil from your face (BAD!)
Didn't stop new acne from forming
Left skin dull and grey

I've been going through a lot of stress with school and personal matters and its manifested itself on my face in moderate acne. I looked to proactive to help clear up my skin, and remember using it in highschool and it did a wonderful job. However, I didn't have the same luck with it this time around. I have very oily skin, and since it is so harsh and drying, it will strip ALL the essential oils away from your skin, leaving your skin even oilier, since its trying to overproduce to make up for lost oil. It cleared up a few areas that I was having problems with, but it hasn't stopped new ones from forming. I'm still dealing with the problem. The worst part about this system, is that it does not leave your skin, looking beautiful, clear and healthy. The harsh chemicals just make it look dull and irritated and in my case a lot more oilier. I am starting to use other face wash, toner and moisturizer and use the 3 step treatment ONLY on the actual pimple because I would seriously rather have healthy looking skin with a few pimples I can cover with makeup, than flakey, oil, dull and grey skin! All in all, I would say find another treatment, it is HARSH on skin, might clear up a little acne but leaves your skin looking horrible!
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July 11, 2010

Pros:

Works
Cheaper than most systems
Quick to apply
Easy system to follow

Cons:

It only worked for a few months.
Canceling it is difficult
You should retake the ID every few months
Dried out my skin

It worked for me for about the first three months. Because they base your products on your lifestyle, I read that you should retake the quiz before your next order is submitted. I had some problems with dry skin, and I realized that originally I had put that my skin wasn't sensitive, when it was, so I went through it again, and got a new system. The new system didn't work well. I think I broke out more with the new system than I did before I was using anything. It seemed to me like I couldn't win. If I used the stronger products like they originally suggested, my acne went away, but my skin was really really really dry. The new system for dry, sensitive skin, didn't clear my acne. Because the system changes for everyone, and depends on how correctly you answer the questions, it may work for others, but it didn't work out for me. If you're interested, try it. You set how often you receive new product, so I'd set it to the latest date, until you decide. If you don't like it, cancel it right away. You have to call to cancel the order. I hate phone calls, it's a bit of a phobia for me, so this really proved a challenge.
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July 6, 2010

Pros:

-Fast customer support
-Timely shipping and replies
-All natural
-Generous bottles and samples

Cons:

-Broke me out worse than before
-Lengthy, painful regimen
-Use of washcloths daily
-Two stop washing process in morning, one step at night

This product did not personally work for me, but I still respect their product and think they have a wonderful thing going. While customer support was fast, I was always treated rudely and poorly. I was accused of giving up and was harassed all because I sent an e-mail asking if I was doing it wrong. I have pustules, and they told me to use a washcloth to "exfoliate" every morning and I showed concern because that is basically just like popping a pustule which can result in hyperpigmentation and scarring and they assured me this wouldn't happen but here I am, with hyperpigmentation and scarring from the regimen. Overall, a lot of people have/will have success with this product. I think the product is good, although it didn't personally work for me, and you should definitely give it a try if you are debating it. I am now using a dermatologist prescribed cleanser that is working wonders for me but I wish Carley's and anyone else who uses them the best of luck!
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July 5, 2010

Pros:

nice smell
some effect on acne

Cons:

not very effective
YOU WILL BREAKOUT IF YOU SKIP A DAY

I have been using proactiv for about 3 months now. I've used it before, but wasn't very consistent, so i tried it again, this time using it every morning and night. So, three months in the only thing that's improved is maybe my skin texture and about 30 percent of my acne is gone. Honestly, if none of the skin care systems work, you should go to your dermatoligist, and if nothing else there's always accutane.
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June 29, 2010

Pros:

odorless, rinses clean, gentle, BP, cheap

Cons:

The bar gets slimy after a while:)

I love it. Whether or not it is what is helping my skin, I trust the soap because it doesn't burn though it has BP. Moisturize.
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June 29, 2010

Pros:

it kinda clears up the liitle zits the first two weeks.
the refinig mask works

Cons:

stops working after your skin gets use to it.
makes acne show up in places you never had it before.

I have sensitive skin and i have light acne so i thought it would work bcuze of all the great reviews. Please DONT BUY it IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN. i have olive toned skin and around my mouth my skin started turning black!! bcuze of the first and 2cn step!! i only had acne on my forhead and now i have it on my cheek nose and chin thanks to proactiv. i think its suppose to make ur acne worse so you feel the need to buy it more
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June 21, 2010

Pros:

cheap
easy to get(in all drug stores)

Cons:

had many breakouts while using it

the first few weeks i used this it gave me some tiny dots on my cheeks where i never got acne. after using it 4 a couple of months it barely did anything to help. i didn't like acnefree.
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June 17, 2010

Pros:

The step 3 BP lotion is good

Cons:

everything else sucks, and its expensive. They just want your money

If you're going to use proactiv get a different cleanser and moisturizer, and dont even bother with the toner
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June 15, 2010

Pros:

gentle, non-irritating, very effective, doesn't smell

Cons:

bleaches clothes

Nothing I have ever tried over 25 years has worked faster and more effectively for my mild/moderate acne than Dan's regimen, using Dan's products, specifically the BP 2.5% gel (I've tried pretty much every prescription and non-prescription treatment available). I couldn't recommend it more wholeheartedly. My advice is to follow the regimen as closely as you can, and read the "what to expect" section of Acne.org. It described my experience very accurately and kept me from panicking or giving up. Thank you Dan!
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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.