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
September 4, 2010

Pros:

BP in large doses is good for preventing acne, along with no milk or soya (for me at least).

Cons:

This is my first big order of the Treatment, and having applied it tonight, it REALLY makes my eyes sting and water badly. I am just applying it to my face, but the vapors and fumes from it cause my eyes to tear up so badly that they drip down onto the treatment itself, thus diluting it on my cheeks.

I also find the dispensers disappointing...

I also find the dispensers to be disappointing. The large dispenser pump was stuck so I had to remove it from the bottle, wash the treatment lotion off it (thus losing a fair amount), and dry it then prize it to open by twisting the inside of the tube and the outside. Then with the small travel size dispenser, the foil seal over the top was stuck inside the lid, and I couldn't get it out without resorting to finding some tweezers, it was so far inside. And then the pumps on the 3 large dispensers I got are different, so they don't match.
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August 26, 2010

Pros:

+the first product that works for me
+a complete line of products (makeup, scalp shampoos, skin lightening product, sunscreen, moisturizer, body wash)
+diferent formulas of product, gentle formula, regular formula or extra strength)

Cons:

+expensivee
+dry skin

I think proactiv it`s a good product, the first that really work for me... I saw a very noticiable improvement in my skin after 3 weeks, but with first weeks you will see an improvement. After 2 months my skin its really clear, i was only the marks.. I used this product for a year and the only problem I had was dry skin, but nothing a good moisturizer can fix... Proactiv works for me, i can ´t said the same for the additional products, because I live in mexico, and they are only sending the principal product, but would not hesitate to try them
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August 25, 2010

Pros:

It has been the only non-prescription treatment that has worked for me.

Cons:

The day gel left my skin feeling tight and looking a little shiny but it went away after a while. They don't make it any more.

It was a great product and they should bring it back! I need it!
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August 24, 2010

Pros:

it was okay.

Cons:

didnt really notice much of a difference. my friends said it worked but it didnt really work for me.

wasnt the product for my face.
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August 22, 2010

Pros:

good for an everyday wash
pretty cheap
works ok
feels nice on skin
not too harsh
nice dispenser

Cons:

a little bit drying (definetely use a moisturizer)
doesn't work well all alone

It's pretty good, especially because it's just a drug store buy. I wouldn't use it morning and night, especially with sensitive skin, and use only one pump. and moisturize with it......
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August 20, 2010

Pros:

I miss stridex power pads, ideal for travel
easy and works!!

Cons:

none

bring it back
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August 3, 2010

Pros:

treated acne well
inexpensive
does not dry out skin
easy to use

Cons:

doesnt last full month if you use too much. use it in moderation and will last a while

it worked really well for me. some people who reviewed only used it for a few days. you have to use it for at least 3 weeks to a month to see your acne veanish. my acne got worse before it got better, but my brother who uses accutane had his acne get a lot worse before it got better. if you use it consistently for at least 2 weeks like i have, you will see a difference. my acne is not clear yet, but 50 percent of it is gone. with another 2 weeks, i feel like my acne will be gone
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August 2, 2010

Pros:

- Good value.
- Easy to find in stores.
- Clears moderate/mild acne.
- Better than proactive.

Cons:

- None really other than it only worked temporarily (personally) which is a problem I have with my acne, its stubborn.

I bought this kit for about 4 months and used it religiously. It was suggested to me by a cosmetics associate in CVS pharmacy. I gave it a shot since I didnt have much to lose. It worked well for the first couple of months, and when I gave a review on their website, they sent me a free full sized kit as a gift! Which I enjoyed. Unfortunately, my acne came back eventually since its stubborn. Overall, I was really surprised by the results. It claims it is better than proactive, and it its true. I would suggest this to people who have less stubborn mild/moderate acne. It's a good regimen
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August 1, 2010

Pros:

less pimples

Cons:

dry skin
my nose gets a little oily & proactiv did not change that
did not receive 2nd package
entire package is actually $60 - 3 monthly payments
cancelled proactiv account & then they sent me another package & STILL charged my account.

I would not recommend Proactiv, they are a hoax! I wasted SO much money for NOTHING! Their customer service is crap, when I called the only thing "Jose A" told me was "I can take 20% off your next payment" ...payment to something that I canceled! Whatever I just don't want anything more to do with them & I would suggest you the same!
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July 26, 2010

Pros:

some reduction in pimple size
other than that, absolutely nothing!!!!!!!

Cons:

dried skin
redness
severe pain and irritation
costly
rough on sensitive skin

i have only used proactive for 3 days and i have already regretted getting it. the secod time i used it i began to notice dryness and it just got worse from there. my skin began to enflame and was sooo red. the it started burning and i just wanted to strip the product off of my face! my acne even started to get worse! i had more bumps on my cheeks even though proactive is supposed to prevent new pimples. i never should have bought it. if someone tells you to try proactive,dont! you and your skin will regret it. it actually makes your acne worse. try using neutrogena. it is much safer and soothing for sensitive skin.
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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.