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
July 15, 2012

Pros:

When used properly, keeps skin clear!

Cons:

- 4 steps
- Need to use the product exactly as directed.
- Parabens
- costly

A lot of the reviews I've read here look like the result of using the product wrong. When you follow the directions it's great! Summary: step 1. clean your face with the cleanser (you don't have to buy the harsh one with the exfoliant that comes in the promoted "package", they have a gentle one too). I actually stopped buying the cleanser and use Spectro Jell because it's cheaper. step 2. USE THE TONER! this is really important. It prepares your face for the for the benzoyl peroxide "lotion". If you skip this step, the product doesn't work as well. I've tried cheaping out and using other toners, but this is really the best one. I'll fork over the cash to have clear skin. step 3. let your face dry completely from the toner before applying the benzoyl peroxide "repairing lotion". Use what you need - a little goes a long way. Let this dry, and wash your hands. It's peroxide- of course it bleaches things! step 4. after it's dry (and it shouldn't take too long - you don't need to use a lot!) apply MOISTURIZER. Use your own favourite brand. I use Aveeno. If you don't use a moisterizer, you're skin will be dry and flakey (because you're covering in benzoyl peroxide. duh) Make sure to use sunscreen if you use the benzoyl peroxide. But you should use sunscreen daily anyway. So, there a lot of steps, but I've tried a lot of products and combinations of products and this is the best, hands down. But do it right, or don't bother spending the money. I buy the products seperatley in Canada, so the cost is a bit higher than the package.
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July 14, 2012

Pros:

Works Somewhat

Cons:

Peels off layer at a time
Leaves a Terrible scar

it's ok, but the scars aren't worth it.
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July 10, 2012

Pros:

Smoothen Skin, tighten pores, less oil secretion

Cons:

Dries skin, darkens laugh lines

I feel that this item is pretty effective in drying up spots although I am still having break outs at my upper lip area (because I want to avoid applying the treatment at this area). I am extremely sensitive skin so for people who have extremely sensitive skin please DO NOT apply the treatment at areas near your laugh lines or upper lip area (just below the nose). This is because it will tighten/ dry your skin so much causing the skin around that area to darken and you may end up looking like a old woman. I have such an experience when using products prescribed by my skin doctor. So if you have sensitive skin, only apply the treatment at the apples of the cheek, Jawline, Forehead and your nose bridge. Apply a very thick layer of the moisturizer (from the regime set) to your upper lip and laugh line area to prevent any over drying caused by the cleanser. You won't want to look like an old woman after you get rid of your acnes right? Do a moisturizing mask twice a week using Oat+Honey+Rice Flour to prevent over drying of skin. Hope this helps :)))
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July 8, 2012

Pros:

-Leaves skin felling soft and clean
-Clears pipmples

Cons:

-Can dry and irritate skin
-Can cause more breakoutss
-Bleaches towels

At first, Proactiv really worked for me. Within three days, I saw an improvement. But after about two months, my skin was immune to the system. Then, I alternated the Proactiv cleanser at night and a Neutrogena cleanser in the morning. Plus, I do not use the third step (it really dries my skin) or the toner (it is useless). Instead, I used two prescription creams to zap zits. Bottom line, Proactiv works if you balance it with other products.
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July 3, 2012

Pros:

I took dark spots off my skin. My skin was beautiful.

I really works, better than anything else I've tried. Those other products were a waste of money. Where can I purchase this product, I can't seem to find it any longer?
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June 29, 2012

Pros:

None

Cons:

Flat out doesn't work
BAD breakout after stopping

It didnt do any good for me, and found it to be a waste of money. I get way better results from the DK regimen.
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June 21, 2012

Pros:

Clears acne,
Better looking skin

Cons:

Drys face but it worth it and you can use moisturizer.

Usually don't break out only during my time of the month. Started to use this product and on after the second day there are POSITIVE results. Unlike all the other product you can think of, it never worked but this did. Absolutely TWO THUMBS UP. Make sure you use moisturizer to help with the dryness.
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June 14, 2012

Pros:

cleared up my skin and also kept future acne at bay...as long as I remembered to apply it.

Cons:

Can irritate your skin at first. I also get a good amount of redness when I apply a lot on my face.

It worked for me after I tried clearasil, tetracycline, retin-a, etc. Benzoyl Peroxide is the best treatment for quickly killing Propionibacterium Acnes bacteria, which is the main culprit for causing acne. Since it is a peroxide, it creates oxygen molecules in your pores and your skin, which creates an unlivable environment for the bacteria. When I first bought it, I did what Daniel recommended and smothered it all over my face. That's probably the best aspect of this product, since other BP treatments come in little tubes are only good for "spot treatment." Within a month of doing this each night, most of the existing acne had gone away. I now continue to apply the treatment to my entire face at night, then dab it onto zits in the morning. Really, the only time I get zits is when I forget to cover my entire face with the stuff. I hope you all buy it and give it a try. Good luck!
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May 27, 2012

Pros:

none

Cons:

flaky skin
dries top layer of skin making acne worse
seems good at first but gets worse in time
creates large cysts
company does not honor warranty

This product will fool you. At first it seems like it's working, but what Benzyl Peroxide does is dry your top layer of skin causing the clogged pores underneath to erupt in time. You will have more severe acne after using this product than you started with. Also don't expect a refund from this company. I returned my unused product and never received my promised refund even after multiple emails. Not only did I lose the money I spent on the product, I lost the money I spent to return it. Buyer Beware!
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May 24, 2012

Pros:

I tried using proactive, which seemed to only make my acne a lot worse. After 8 weeks of proactive I gave up and used Brevoxyl 4%, it worked amazingly and now I only get a few pumps here and there, where as before 2 or 3 would spawn over night.

Cons:

not sure how well it works on the nose, or if thats just my skin going crazy.

I recommend trying it because its cheap and effective. You can find it for around $12, so you don't have much to lose and if your skin types like mine, a lot to gain
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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.