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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December 7, 2014
Product used: The Regimen
A BIG thank you
I have tried medication (both western and chinese) and different methods to cure my acne. some of them worked for a while and then stopped working, and some made my problem even worse. The side-effects for western medicine was extremely significant as it caused severe diarrhoea. Regimen was a bit of a pain to start with, but I am very glad that I started it. It was the best decision I could have ever made.
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November 14, 2014
It Takes Time!
After a while the product will show no RESULTS, I tried leaving a little bit of the product on the acne area but nothing worked. After a month or so, my acne was completely GONE!
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October 14, 2014
Bad for my skin!!
It clearly didnt work well on my skin at all because my breakouts grew worse and it was too strong for me. I definitely wouldnt recommend this to people with mild acne.
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October 9, 2014
dark flaky skin
I have a mild acne,and started using this product for 2wks and 2 days to be exact,i notice that there are some spot near and below the circle of my eyes that gets dark and flaky,is this bp can cause burning Of Skin? Please Help...what Should I do?should I still Nees To Continue This?
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September 27, 2014
I hAte proactive
This stuff called proactive is not a good product especially for the skin, it is too harsh for the skin. I used proactive and It had me regret it my whole life, not only I wasted my money, but my skin totally dried out, darkened, and burnt. Now I'm totally dissatisfied and angry at myself for trying out something on my skin that later on would have me feeling down and shameful about myself. I do not recommand this stuff proactive to nobody else.
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September 11, 2014
Best for me, no contest
I've tried everything pharmacies have to offer and nothing works as well as the original Proactiv forumla. I tried switching to Proactiv+ a couple of weeks ago and started breaking out on my chin for the first time since I started using Proactiv in 2011. I'm eagerly awaiting my next shipment of the original formula to come in the mail and am never going to look back.
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August 30, 2014
This stuff actually works
I've been battling acne for 10+ years, well since HS. You name it, I've used OTC ointments, prescription drugs, pills, (Tetratcycline) and even the powerful drug accutane. I was clear for like a year and half, but my acne just came back. But, since I find out about the 2.5% BP it actually does wonders. I know on Daniel Kern vids it mentions to use high amounts of BP in order to work. Well for me it just dried me up big time, I ended up just taking it easy like some of you mentioned and Daniel as well, and what do you know, it works like a wonder on my skin! If used minimal amount all over the face it does wonders, less is more. Since then I've been fairly clear, a little breakouts here and there, but nothing to panic about. Been using Daniel Kern's BP for about 2 1/2 years and kept my skin fairly clear consistently. Overall this is a must try, trust me, use this 2.5% BP, mild face wash and moisturizer and you're golden.
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July 26, 2014
Best of the best -- even for people without sensitive skin
Usually when choosing a product for sensitive skin, you'd know it doesn't have unnecessary things like perfumes, dyes, etc. The cleanser and toner are extremely gentle and effective. The last step, surprisingly burned a bit, but does work very well. The odd thing is, I've tried all Acnefree's kits for both moderate acne, severe acne, and sensitive skin. This kit works the best of those 3, but oddly this one burned the most even at 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide. This kit does clear acne fast, gets rid of redness and can even subside some acne scarring. Another great thing is that I also found this kit does somewhat have an oil-controlling property if you use it regularly. My skin is combination-oily, but this kit is one of the very few things that has helped me and kept working after long term use. And I have tried nearly ALL things for acne! (As I mentioned earlier, I've tried all 3 of Acnefree's kits.) The only cons I would have is that the last step does burn, and if you have sensitive skin, this is a fair warning because my skin is only slightly sensitive, but that last step really does burn! Also, over the day, if you over-applied too much of the last step, it will make your skin appear oily, and it isn't good to wash off if you want it to clear your acne. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who want to get rid of acne, unless your skin is extremely sensitive. If so, consider using a different spot treatment instead of this kit's 3rd step. This detail I don't mind much at all, but for the cleanser, it is based on natural cleansers so it doesn't foam or anything. Just expect to use a bit more than you would with a casual cleanser.
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July 23, 2014
Must use
I loved this benzoyl peroxide treatment my face was horrible with so much redness until I started using this it cleared my face quickly in just a week as I continued to use this for a month my face got sooo much better , my siblings also used this and their face got clear as well I felt like there was no hope for clearing my face thanks to acne.org I feel so much confident about myself and my skin thank you
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July 22, 2014
Definitely worth it!
I am so unbelievably happy that I found this. I'm 23 with combination skin and I've had acne problems since high school to the point where I've had acne cover my entire face, especially on my cheeks. This is the first product that was able to clear my acne without having to get a prescription! I've used salicylic acid treatments before and they always seemed like they worked at first, but after 2 months would just stop. My face always responded better to Benzoyl Peroxide. I definitely prefer this over Neutrogena spot treatment because it's more of a gel consistency and actually feels like it's seeping into my pores and getting everything cleared, rather than just sitting on top of my skin. ALSO, know that from start to clear skin took me about 4 months, so remember to be patient! And, my acne got worse before it got better, but that's because the acne that's already started underneath your skin has to come out. But once the treatment finished pushing all the acne out, it's been so clear. I also got the dry skin that happens at the beginning, but for me it definitely subsided after a month. Now, I'll get 1-2 hormonal acne spots maybe 1 once a month, but they don't last nearly as long as they used to. Usually they're gone within 3 days. A BIG plus for me is that I only purchased the 8oz in November 2013, and it's lasted me this long! Definitely remember to follow the regimen as closely as possible! Best of luck!
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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.