Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.5
20757 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 2, 2020
Worked, Kind of

The product like in their website stated that my acne would flare up in the first 2 weeks, well it did, but for 3weeks lmao but point being that im in the 4th month of using it now and my acne came back worst, it did help for the first 3 months, i started using OTC products with it since i emailed them if i could put OTC Products on my face because my hyperpigmentation is really really bad, they responded with yes, use the kit for a month then i can use OTC product so i did, It improved my face alot i just exchanged the moisturizer with a CeraVe Pm moisturizer, because it had niacanamide. U Still dont know the pH of the cleanser, it would probably be acidic since the cleanser contain azeleic acid.

February 24, 2020
READ IF CONSIDERING BUYING

This product does work well on my skin but WATCH OUT I use it on my back and it bleached my dark clothes and sheets. I always have to wear a white shirt now after I put it on because if I wear a dark shirt it will leave permanent orange bleached spots on it. So use carefully because it will permanently BLEACH YOUR CLOTHES!!!

Evidence.jpg

March 6, 2020

It's literally labeled on the Package... That's your own fault.

October 7, 2019
Good potential, impossible transition. Maybe later?
I tried Carley's based on the great overall acne.org review rating, and what I learned after looking at their ingredients and approach. But, it didn't work out for me. I think that my skin is going to need a while hidden from view to make the switch from a conventional benzoyl peroxide regimen to Carley's products, or just a loooooong transition period of sloooowly phasing down my BP regimen and phasing up Carley's, over a couple months--something that I'm not going to be able to do anytime soon. I'm a very very veery natural and holistic-health person, but I swallowed the proverbial pill and got on BP in order to get consistently clear enough to a) do atrophic scar treatments (in the past, I would break out badly after microneedling); and b) move and interview for new jobs and make new friends. Once clear on BP, I thought, 'Ok, now I can go back to my healthy natural cosmeceuticals, and Carley's seems good.' But, no, that was a mistake. I really like the ingredients and what they're doing, but right now I have to return everything because I started to break out worse than ever while I was on Carley's, so I had to stop.
 
Once I started to break out, I read many, many of the 1-star acne.org reviews for the Industrial Strength KickA** scrub, to see what other people were experiencing -- a lot of people complained of getting tons of small hard red little bumps all over, about 7-14 days in. That is exactly what happened to me; so it seems there's a consistent type of skin response out there. The first 14 days were perfectly fine for me, but then literally overnight, the bumps and stinging started. The bumps were so dense and sudden, it felt like a rash. But, I don't think I'm allergic to BP, because I've been on a Face Reality BP regimen for a while. I don't think I'm allergic to any of the herbs or oils in the scrub, because I've either used them before or am familiar enough with them to not suspect them as problems. I didn't think I'd get a purge period, because my skin was already really clear from BP. So, I really don't know what caused the breakout. Perhaps it was the sudden use of oils and ph 7 products after using no oils and ph 5-ish products for so long? 


So I got a million little superficial bumps on my forehead, temples, ear area, neck, and jaws, and eventually they spread more toward the center of my face on on my back and chest too. I stopped the Kickass and just used the natural soap for a couple days, to see if the bumps would go down; they just stayed put, no real change. Then I added in the sample of the MSM cleanser they sent for a few days, and that seemed to be having some effect, but not enough to take hold; my skin was responding really inconsistently day to day. I know that skin needs more time to get used to a new product, but I quit all Carley's after 20 days, because the bumps were starting to grow, and I couldn't risk them all turning into cysts, because that would have been a horrorshow. So, I went back to my BP regimen, and now I'm almost completely cleared up again after 4 days back on that. Phew!!!!
 
I am keeping the Sea Buckthorn / Rose Otto / Broccoli moisturizer (I think it's the "anti-aging / acne prone moisturizer"?) , because I like the ingredients a lot. I little does go a long way. I'm hoping (fingers crossed) that I can incorporate it into my BP regimen to help nourish my skin, since it gets pretty dull looking with BP over time. It's non-comedogenic too, according to the long list of comedogenic ingredients that Face Reality programs tell you to avoid.
 
 
 
 
March 2, 2019
Product used: The Regimen
Undecided

I’m three months in and have noticed a slight change not enough to give a full 5 star review. My acne is not as bad anymore  and I still have blemishes that I’m trying to banish. Like in the whole three months there has never been a day or days that I haven’t had a breakout. I’m going to push through and finish the kit and give an updated review later. 

February 12, 2019
Helps but doesn't prevent

This stuff actually works pretty well to calm enflamed, red, breakouts. I put it directly on my individual pimples on before bed. It doesn't do anything to prevent acne, and also it's annoying having to go to bed with white dots all over your face, not very sexy and inconvenient for your significant other. 

January 24, 2019
Overall review

This treatment is great first time using it all my acne was gone with in months!!! Happy days :smileys_n_people_32:! Unfortunately it's not a miracle product that actually gets rid of your acne for good. I stopped using it when all my spots where gone. With in a month my spots started to come back and actually a lot worse than before had major breakouts very painful. The treatment just suppressed my spots and kept them away but once stop using acne.org your spots come back so my advice is to honestly look into something that is more permanent as this is just something you will have to always keep using. Also I noticed after a while your skin becomes used to it and it's not as effective as it was from the beginning so that was another problem that I didn't like. Overall it works a lot better then most creams out there and good for a quick fix

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February 9, 2019

I think long-term solutions involve hormonal measures as that's usually the cause of persistent acne. As far as spot treatments go I think it's clear that you've had great results from this topical product.

December 3, 2018
Product used: The Regimen
The Regimen

I started the Regimen a few weeks ago, and I just got a breakout on my cheek, a place I've never had anything before. I don't know if it is getting worse before better, but I am worried.

November 9, 2018
Product used: The Regimen
Couldn't give 5 because I'm not sure if I'm using it correctly!
Adjusting to the product...But I never received instructions and the product seemed tampered with. I'm still using it even though I'm not certain if I'm using it correctly. Placed a second order, so hopefully it came with instructions!
October 27, 2018
Product used: The Regimen
Love 1 of the 3 products
I started using this as a last resort. I suffer from adult acne and have tried everything. My skin is also on the drier side. When I started using the three step treatment my skin became so dry that it was flaking off in pieces. My acne was gone but the dry skin flakes were more embarrassing. I started experimenting and went back to using my old cleanser, then using the acne.org treatmemt and finishing off with a more hydrating moisturizer than the acne.org one (the acne.org moisturizer did not feel moisturizing at all). My skin has never looked better and is not dry at all. Moral of the story: the treatment is amazing but the other two products I do not recommend. Just buy the treatment!!!
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December 1, 2018

I have the same issue with the peeling and I’ve been searching for a moisturizer (and sunscreen) that didn’t break my sensitive, combination skin out. Can you share what you ended up using? I use my own moisturizer but peeling/dry patches still break through after 20 minutes!! 

January 8, 2019

I use first aid beauty face cleanser (amazing and hydrating), then I use the acne.org treatment and then I finish off with pure hyaluronic acid serum that I buy off of amazon. This seems to keep me from breaking out and keep my skin from getting dry. I cannot use cream moisturizers or I immediately break out. I find liquid serums work best. 

April 17, 2019

I find the moisturizer feels really good and moisturizing on my skin, if you want it to add more moisture add more jojoba oil to it. The licorice root is super important so I wouldn't want to skip the moisturizer

October 11, 2018
Week 3 Of Regimen
I can start off by saying I was a little skeptical about purchasing this product. I'm 28 yrs old and suffer from moderate acne pretty much my whole life. When I say I've TRIED EVERYTHING under the sun and nothing seems to work. I am currently on my 3rd week of the acne kit regimen where I am still experiencing pimples every other day but I do feel like the product is working over all. I had some severe chin acne due to a hormonal imbalance and my 1st week of using this regimen it has completely vanished ! So THUMBS UP TO THAT !!! What I will also say is that I have extremely oily skin so I feel as if the loition is way too greasy for my skin and is causing little pimples to appear every few days . I'm still sticking to it and being patient so hopefully I can start seeing 100% great results in the near future

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.