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
February 14, 2007
this product works, it does overdry the skin sometimes, just don't use it all over your face. i only use it on the problem areas and it works great.
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February 9, 2007

Pros:

It help clear my skin after the first month

Cons:

After about the 2nd month the pimples came back in numbers

I have had pimples since i was 14 im now 17 and my pimples are worse than ever. This product is a waste of money i just want clear skin!!!!! you wont get clear skin using this product. It probably works on 30% of acne/pimples sufferers
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January 16, 2007

Pros:

works well with my other acne products. the price is right. The sulfur mask is great!

Cons:

If you are allergic to benzoyl Peroxide-- U SHOULD NOT USE THIS PRODUCT!!!! IT WILL ONLY MAKE A BAD SITUATION WORSE!!!!

I've been using it for years. I talked a friend into using it and her skin looked terrible. It turns out she is allergic to benzoyl peroxide----and didn't know it. As for me, it has worked far better than any other product (prescribed or otherwise)
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January 13, 2007

Pros:

dries out pimples very quickly,significantly reduces redness, creates a drastic difference in the size of the pimple overnight, did not overly-dry out my skin (and I have sensitive skin)

Cons:

can be a bit expensive

I had about three pimples on my face that had been driving me crazy and I finally decided that I needed to stop complaining and actually try to do something about it. Therefore, I went down to my local drugstore, looked through the aisle of facial products, and finally chose this "vanishing cream". I was attracted to the whole " clearer skin in 3 days or your money back". Later that night before I went to bed I applied the cream to the affected areas like the directions explained. And I must say, the very next morning the biggest pimple on my face had dried out and reduced to less than half of what it was the day before. I was absolutley amazed! This is an excellent product and I would recommend it to anyone struggling with acne.
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January 9, 2007
Proactiv doesn't work! I tried it when i was 16 and it dried out my skin severely and cause my break outs to get worst..Now 8 years later i decided to give it another go. Wrong decision 3 months before my wedding my face is rediculously scarred and red. I have to go see a dermotologist now! what a waste of money.
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December 13, 2006

Pros:

none

Cons:

didnt work

I ordered this product with high expectations due to all the positive reviews.In returni got a gel that smells like crap.
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October 28, 2006

Pros:

BP stops cystic acne in its tracks. Tube is a nice size - Lasts over a month with the regimen.

Cons:

This stuff takes forever to dry - It's fairly watery. Other products dry much faster. On average this takes me about 13 minutes to dry. Oh, and "Clear Skin Regimen" is damn misleading, because I'm far from clear.

It takes a little while for your skin to adjust to this stuff. It seems to have worked for so many people, not me. My forehead especially can't shake these whiteheads. No I'm not using harsh products and yes I wash my face well before applying this stuff twice a day. I have fairly moderate acne. I'd recommend Benzaclin over this stuff any day. It contains 10% BP but is less irritating than this stuff. Strange, huh? So many people say the regimen works like a miracle product. I disagree and feel like I've wasted several months. Yes I followed the steps correctly and no it didn't work. I came in this regimen optimistic, and now I'm leaving it.
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October 15, 2006

Pros:

umm .. well i have been using proactiv since july && its october now .. annd within the first two weeks .. all my small pimplse went away ... nd now i only have like 2 or 3 big pimples on me ..

Cons:

it drys up my skin .. nd i think its to expensive .. cuz u dont even noe if its gonna work or not ... and i dont like how they dont send u a confirmatinon email telling u that they r gonna ship ur system .. nd the toner finishes to quickly

so idk im still gonna use it .. its like im addicted to it cuz iii want to feel like this is going to help me =/ ... i hopee the bigger pimples go awayy ... butt it mightwork on ur skin so idk .. everyones skin is unique .. nd proactiv might work better f0r u .. so just try it .. nd if it doesnt work in 30 or 60 days return it
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October 2, 2018
Need patience
Great product, but definitely need to be patient to see the result. I've used the entire regiment 2 years ago when I first started breaking out, it worked like a miracle, my skin didn't react badly to it at all, this was exactly what my skin needed. I got off the regimen after nearly a year bc my skin was cleared and I was trying to find other alternatives since this product is only sold in US and shipping was too expensive. But I started having little breakouts again but nowhere near what it was before. Until recently, my skin started breaking out again. WORST THAN EVER!! I went on the pill but it wasn't helping, so I decided to go back to what saved my face 2 years ago, the acne.org regimen. But unlike last time, I had a really rough start this time. My skin was reacting badly to the benzoyl peroxide. My left cheek area which is right under my eye started getting red, irritated and incredibly itchy. It started to have a texture, felt like all my cells were dried up. Even though I was draining my face in moisturizer and serums nothing seemed to be helping the dry rash looking patches I had on my face. It was painful and ugly. But I decided to push through. Now I'm on my 4th week of the regimen. My skin is clearing up and the dry patches I had are slowing disappearing. If you are going through the same problem. Here are some tips. 1. Avoid putting too much benzoyl peroxide on irritated areas because that area probably needs longer time and slower rate to adjust to the benzoyl peroxide. 2. DO NOT SCRATCH, I know it can be really itchy and irritable but trust me, scratching is only going to make it more irritated and might leave you with scars. 3. I used Bio-Oil to help my skin to get back that even texture and it also helps a lot with red acne marks, it was too oily for me before I went on the regimen and it would break me out, but now it works amazing on my skin. 4. I never really liked the acne.org moisturizer, it wasn't moisturizing enough and it was too harsh for my skin, I would get burning sensation when I use this after applying benzoyl peroxide, I found the best moisturizer while on Benzoyl Peroxide and that is Full Of Grace Serum Bar from Lush. It is the best thing!! It is so moisturizing without irritating your skin and leaving your skin glowing and hydrated. Good Luck on your acne journey, you are NOT alone.
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November 15, 2017
So terrible...
I have never broken out like this in my entire life. I tried to stick with it and I have developed INTENSE cystic acne on my face and neck (which I have never had). And no, this is not an allergic reaction. It is more and more acne I have developed since I started using Unblemish. I went to my doctor and got antibiotics to try to treat the bacteria underneath my poor skin. May work for some (seems like very few), but definitely not for me. I cannot believe I paid this much money for a face full of cystic acne ;(
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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.