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
November 24, 2010

Pros:

Really good item works and helps with acne for most people

Cons:

There are a lot of people that have a reaction to this cream after 1-2 days the face will become red, sore and itchy

I am 17 years of age and have had acne since i was around about 13. my local gp actually suggested i use it and it world of been great it cleared up my spots straight away then i notice i was having a reaction i recommend that people with acne should try this but be aware of what might happen
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November 11, 2010

Pros:

None

Cons:

Broke out my neck, back, face, and ears when only my face was barely broken out to begin with; Totally dried my face out

Don't buy this product...It ruined my skin
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November 9, 2010

Pros:

Stops your skin from getting new pimples (mostly).
Doesn't dry out face too much.
Not expensive at all.

Cons:

Doesn't actually rid my face of the pimples, only keeps me from getting more.

I used the clear formula of AcneFree, in the tube, and have tried the 3-step AcneFree products, but they have not worked for me. The clear one may work for some people, and also the 3-step one may work for some people, but these did NOT work for me. I first used the AcneFree Severe 3-step formula for a few months, and it just made my face more oily, and I kept breaking out (the pimples weren't going away!). Then I switched to the "new clear formula", and have been using it for about a year.. It does not get rid of my acne, but the only reason I'm still using it, is because if I go off of it, I know I will break out. Plus, it does nothing to help get rid of the oil on my skin, and my skin is really oily. I use it twice a day, once in the morning, once at night, and I'm very strict about staying on a routine with whatever products I use. My face doesn't have a problem with being too dry, so strong or harsh products are not a no-no for me. All in all, I would not recommend this product to someone with oily skin, as it won't rid your face of the oil. In fact, when I wake up, my skin is so oily that I have to get a paper towel and rub it. I don't know if it's just me, but.. I suppose this product is worth a try, since it is not costly, like many acne treatments.
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November 2, 2010

Pros:

Kills bacteria, clears up acne, makes skin soft

Cons:

a little overdrying, bleaches hair and clothes

If you have moderate to severe acne, this is for you. It does a great job at clearing up skin, but if you only get occasional, mild breakouts, then probably 2.5 benozyl peroxide would work much better. The results are wonderful if you stick with it, and your skin should improve within a week or two. The only problems are that 1) it can over-dry skin and 2) your skin becomes more vulnerable to sun damage. I just use Oil of Olay (SPF 15) after I wash my face, and it works great. Good luck! :)
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October 19, 2010

Pros:

-clears acne
-matte(ish) skin

Cons:

- dries skin
- bleaches anything
- expensive

This actually works for me! It makes my somewhat oily skin more matte than before. It did take awhile to work, about two monthes, but I haven't gotten a pimple since. It does dry your skin, so be careful about how much repairing lotion you use. Overall good!
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October 15, 2010

Pros:

Reduces pimple size
No smell
Works quickly
Prevents future breakouts

Cons:

Dries out skin

This is the best spot treatment that I have found so far.
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October 4, 2010

Pros:

So far, it's been working!
You get a lot for your money
Doesn't dry out my skin

Cons:

Sometimes stings my eyes.

I've been using this for about a month now, and I must say I'm happy with it. I bought the 8 oz tube, just in case it didn't work. I use it twice a day (along with AHA 12% Glycolic Acid and Ambi Even and Clear Fade cream), and I can already see a difference. The condition of my skin is so much better. I had a couple of very tiny pimples that disappear after a day or so, but that's it. Right now, it doesn't dry out my skin, but it's getting colder soon, so we'll see. But so far, I'm really happy with it. I didn't check, but it would be great if Dan had a travel version of his products, maybe a 2 or 4 oz. tube!
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September 30, 2010

Pros:

- See results shortly after first use.
- More effective than anything you can buy in the drug store (in my experience).
- Really works for under-the-skin breakouts.

Cons:

- Makes my sensitive skin sting, itch, peel and turn red, which is really hard to cover up with makeup.
- Expensive for Canadian customers.
- Takes a while to dry, and while waiting you can't lay down on a pillow or get close to your significant other for fear of it rubbing off onto sheets/them.

I bought the entire skin care system from Acne.org, and I have to say that I am pretty satisfied overall. I have very sensitive skin, and although it does make my skin sting, red and itchy, I just deal with it to get the amazing results. Make sure you use the products exactly as described on the bottles or it will not work properly. Also, don't skip any treatments as your acne will come back fairly quickly if you do. I missed one treatment and broke out all over again. It's been over a week now and the products are finally starting to get rid of my new breakout slowly but surely. I definitely recommend this to anyone who has tried Neutrogena, Clearasil, etc. with crappy results.
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September 29, 2010

Pros:

none

Cons:

break out even more when stopped using.
when skin is dry with weather change, lotion can seriously burn your skin.

Bad customer service. they keep sending their crap every 2 weeks and I never agreed to be supplied regularly. lotion hurts so badly, it horrifies me to put on my face.
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September 18, 2010

Pros:

Quickly clears minor acne
Radically reduces the size of large acne

Cons:

Dries out my skin, but lotion helps.

I would DEFINITELY RECOMMEND Zapzyt to anyone. I have literally tried almost all of the over the counter brands in the past, as well as a prescribed acne medication. The prescribed medication (Benzaclin) worked wonders as well, but after a change in insurance, it was far too pricey ($180). So I turned to Proactive, which made my acne worse in just three terrible weeks (my first weeks at college no less!). In desperation I walked down the aisle of my local supermarket, saw Zapzyt, as well as one other brand I have not yet tried, and decided, what have I got to lose? Overnight I saw results, with decreased redness and soreness of acne. I have only been using Zapzyt for a about a week and my acne is steadily clearing up and I feel BEAUTIFUL! I still have acne (again, its only been about a little less than a week), but it has definitely improved and is continuing to improve. Make sure to use some oil free lotion to combat the dryness!
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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.