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
March 1, 2010

Pros:

•It does clear up SOME acne in the first week.
•It's all in smaller sized bottles so it is easy to carry places.
•It is a great thing to buy if you are just going to try it because you spend LESS money than buying each of the items separately.
•If you get a blemish on your skin and it pops up it usually takes the blemish about a day or two to go away. (That is way faster than any other product I have Used.
•It doesn't make my skin red or irritated like other products.

Cons:

•It doesn't really help with stress acne.
•The Moisturizer comes out way too fast so every time I go to moisturize I always end up using too much.
•The cleanser doesn't take off all of your make up so I have to use use another product by clinique to get my make off.
•You have to use more off the cleanser then recommended.

I have only been using this product for about a week. I love it all. But it does not seem to help stress blemishes... It has cleared up the dried up acne that I have had on my forehead for about a year, now almost all of that is gone. I have only been using this for a short time so I will give it a while longer and then review it again. I would recommend this to anyone!
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January 24, 2010

Pros:

Leaves skin refreshed, oil free, and most importantly--ACNE FREE
Very affordable

Cons:

Dries skin, initial redness
Must use moisturizer with repair lotion

This product WORKS. I tried everything from drugstore brands to doctor prescribed medications before, NONE of which worked. These products tried to cover up my acne, not really clear it. You may experience severe redness within the first week of use, but the acne will soon start to clear up. In the beginning, I experienced painful swelling/itchiness that I simply had to suffer through. But AcneFree is now the only product I use for my face, along with an Aveeno moisturizer.
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January 22, 2010

Pros:

This product goes on and dries clear. As long as you follow a daily regimen and do not have deep cystic acne, this works wonders. Apply at night, rinse face with a cleanser and you're ready to go!

Cons:

May take a day or a week to see results. Varies for skin types. Also if you live in a dry region it may leave some dryness. I use a light averno moisturizer afterwards.

Try it. All you've got to lose is a few bucks:)
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January 20, 2010

Pros:

Cleans up your skin for good. Does not strip your skin. easy to use. just follow instructions. cleans up old product residue

Cons:

did not find it before. caution around colored fabrics - will bleach. Is not an immediate fix. takes time to clear the old problems.

does work. is not an immediate fix. must follow instructions. would recommend to all. very inexpensive product that does work. seller always packs shipping box super full for one shipping price!!! samples of other products are great also!!
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January 18, 2010

Pros:

has everything you need with the 3 steps, scrub, toner and treatment.

Cons:

expensive, doesn't work

i have tried proactiv for 3 years, and it helped a LITTLE bit. I stopped and went to my dermatologist and he said to NOT keep using it. He also said that it is the same medication you could buy with over-the-counter products. Ever since he prescribed me new products and told me to cut it out, my acne has gotten so much better. The only thing I still use from it is the Oil-Free Moisturizer. Thats the best thing of the system. I would say to save your money and spend it on a dermatologist appointment!
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January 17, 2010

Pros:

None

Cons:

-expensive
-doesn't work

This is definitely not a product for teens. I used these products for 3 years and my acne never went away. They kept saying you just need to keep trying with it... But it just didn't work. Don't waste your money!
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January 17, 2010

Pros:

cleared up my acne
The first product I have tried that worked

Cons:

It drys your skin out

i recommend this product. It works. Just be patient and you will have better results.
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January 8, 2010

Pros:

works better than most products in the store..
i used it for 6 months and all it did was maintain my acne!

Cons:

sizes are way to small! the cost is not worth the effectiveness!!!

proactiv is for the rich!
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December 31, 2009

Pros:

makes zits smaller

Cons:

dries skin.. but just use moisturizer

I've used this as a spot treatment and... well it's helped some zits but not others. I don't know why. But it's one of the better spot treatments out there, so I do reccomend it.
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December 21, 2009

Pros:

Fast results. Cleared most of my existing acne in 3 days.

Cons:

I have very sensitive skin. Product was drying and did cause redness and some burning after using. However, the redness seems to be lessening with regular use. Also, I followed the 3 step AcneFree process with my own moisturizer which helped with dryness.

The PROS out weigh the CONS. It may have dried my skin some but it was better than having a face full of acne. This product has worked for me so far!!!
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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.