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
June 15, 2011

Pros:

If u are an alligator it might for you.

Cons:

Dry Skin
Irritated skin
Destroys your face
Expensive
Is a Scam

Back in high school my acne was so bad i decided to try proactive. biggest mistake of my life. After two weeks not only was my acne worse my face was so red and dry a girl in the cafeteria told me to go look at my self in the mirror. worse day of my life. I hate proactive so much i hope this company would burst into flames. This product is trash you can find anything in stores stronger and cheaper than this and not as harmful to your skin.
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April 14, 2011

Pros:

None!

Cons:

I thought this product was the best treatment of all since they have so many advertising even in tv, but when i used this i was just so dissapointed to what happened to my skin because it make my skin so worst! To the fact that i always cried every night because i cant see any result,, T_T 

I never had a tons of pimples,,,so that im very emotional too bad proactiv didnt work for me :(, maybe it works to others but not for me. and now  im using ACNE FREE for 2weeks and its alot better th

Didnt work for me at all!! :(
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April 13, 2011

Cons:

Worsens acne conditions. Terrible customer service. Won't stand by their return policy. Way over priced. Secretly rips you off.

After I relocated to FL my skin got really bad. I finally hit rock bottom and decided to try Proactive. My face started to get even worse. I figured it was the impurities coming out and continued using it. My skin just got worse and worse, MASIVE breakouts. So I canceled it. But they sent me the next shipment anyhow saying it was already sent out early before the 30 days so I would have it before my 30 days was up. I was charged for the 2nd shipment more than once since it's a larger shipment. Sent both back before the 60 days were up, got confirmation from tracking saying it arrived on time, and the stupid company still won't refund me. I hate them. What a rip off. Way to take advantage of people in a sensitive situation. DON'T DO IT!! My skin started clearing up after I stopped using it!
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April 9, 2011

Pros:

None!

Cons:

-$$$$

Their ads are very deceiving... they say, "Trial Version," but in reality they take different amounts from your account. I returned the product after call, my cost to return the item, around $15 to return it, and still, no refund. I even called them and all they said was, "We are sorry you were not satisfied." The product did not work. No results. I feel my money would have been better spent going to a "Real" skin doctor. I only have an occassional breakout, sooo... If you don't mind money being taken out! Then sign up! The $20 will cost you well over $100.00++++
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April 3, 2011

Pros:

It works like a charm and have kept my face acne-free for more than 7 years already!

Cons:

NONE!!!

This stuff really works!
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February 15, 2011

Pros:

works well
clears skin eventually
evens complexion

Cons:

takes a while to work
redness in first few weeks
got more zits in first few weeks

ok i love this product, it works great but you people need to give it a fighting chance. It will not work over night or even fully in a month but if ur skin isnt overally sensitive it will work. The reason why you break out from it is because its bringing all the acne bacteria to ur skins surface so it can kill it off(this does not last forever).
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December 6, 2010

Pros:

-Works fast
-Reduces pimple size
-Works for whiteheads and zits
-Cheap

Cons:

-Does nothing for blackheads

Worked for me. I used it on the regimen and it works. I use it with my Clean and Clear Advantage Spot Treatment
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November 14, 2010

Pros:

all natural ingredients! No chemicals. raw baby!

Cons:

my boyfriend uses it

I love this product! It really works! i had 2 be really patient; it took like 2 months for my skin to clear. but now its completely clear & hot. i've tried all those over the counter products & expensive department store crap. Can it! buy this cuz it rocks.
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October 7, 2010

Pros:

Helps clear up existing acne
Staves off severity and frequency of future breakouts
Works great for someone with moderate to severe acne!

Cons:

None

This product has helped reduce the severity and frequency of my breakouts. I suffered severe acne from the time I was in 8th grade to being 19 years old. Luckily, I found Carley's Clear and Smooth Skin. After spending so much time and money on various products - which ranged from all of the drugstore acne treatments (Clearasil, etc.), to Clinique's 3 Step system, to Proactiv - I was grateful for chancing upon this product while perusing eBay. With a money back guarantee - that doesn't have an end date! - I knew I had to try this product. Its price was reasonable compared to the amount of product purchased versus other acne treatments out there. I think it has been about four years since I first purchased Carley's Clear and Smooth Skin. It has not been the last time, and I hope they stick around for as long as I and others out there need relief from acne!
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September 24, 2010

Pros:

-cleared up acne
-made skin extremely smooth

Cons:

-did not work RIGHT away
-has not changed acne scarring
-EXPENSIVE!

When I first started using the product, my face seemed to get worse before it got better. Which I think it was the imprurities coming out. Now my skin is soft and smooth, aside from a few blemishes here and there popping up (which is my case in hereditary) I will be using it 3 weeks this coming Tuesday and so far so good! I was a little aggrivated in the beginning, but now it seems to be working as I hoped. I don't know if I will continue spending the money though. VERY expensive product!
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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.