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 9, 2009

Pros:

there are none

Cons:

it makes your acne worse
drys up your skin really bad

Don't waste your time or money with buying this product. It made my skin even worse than it already was. If you have moderate to severe acne i would prefere accutane. It only takes a few months and it is so worth it. my face is completely cleared up now, not after using the proavtive crap. Plus after I started using it my face got really ichy and I found out that I was allergic to something in it and i had to stop as soon as possible. So don't listen to the comercials for proavtive cause its all bull****.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 4, 2009

Pros:

cleared acne 100%, easy to use, great price

Cons:

can be drying if used excessively, but can be easily taken care of.
shipping is expensive...

ONLY thing that cleared my acne. people actually compliment my skin, which is actually twice as flattering for me b/c i used to have really bad skin. used in conjunction with the AHA+, another amazing product. can't live w/o this stuff.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 29, 2009

Pros:

-Works
-Cheap
-Better then Proactiv

Cons:

-Must be used consistantly
-Stings
-Very runny
-Takes a few weeks to work

Works better then the 60 dollar proactiv kits. Works even better with the oxy spot treatment cream.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 26, 2009

Pros:

All Natural, chemical free

Cons:

A little expensive, but worth it.

I have been using Carley's for about six years. I have had acne prone skin since I was eight years old, I am 39 and still have mild acne. This product is by FAR the best I have ever used. I finally have convinced my teenage daughter to use it. Of course after trying every product available in the stores, and spending a bunch of wasted money, only to have dry, flaking skin, and continual out breaks. She loves it! We use the bar soap, day time moisturizer, the acne prone age defying moisturizer, and the kick _ss teen scrub. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE........and they always send free stuff with your shipment!
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 25, 2009

Pros:

Cheap, behind the counter but no prescription needed, get it at PharmaPlus anytime I run out. No fragrance no medical smell, absorb pretty quick, 4% is mild so takes a few day to clear new ones, not too strong so no peeling all over the face.

Cons:

After 6yrs, none so far.

Suffered from acen for over 25yrs, have used lots of different medication, from over the counter cream to Accutane. This is by far the safest cheapest satifying solution.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 24, 2009

Pros:

Gives you an excuse not to leave the house.

Cons:

Everything,
Ruins yours skin.

Don't buy this or I will come to your house and kick you.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 16, 2009

Pros:

Brilliant product - requires persistance and sticking to the instructions but it WILL help your skin. Looks natural and smells fresh and it is the only alternative to all the "miracel" products around full of chemicals.

Cons:

None so far

This not a "miracle" cure for your acne but it is a producct that will make a HUGE difference to your skin. Your acne will improve until you barely have spots and I have started to notice a decrease in the scars and marks I had. You MUST be focused about using this and give it a chance. If you follow the instructions and keep using it for a few weeks you will see how great it is and how much better your skin starts to feel and look. I have tried a lot of products out there - some work some don't. This is the best I have tried, the nicest to use and has the most realistic and comforting results so far. I live in Israel and I have never waited more than a week or so for it to arrive and it's always full of freebies. Try it if you want to start a skin regime for life.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 11, 2009

Pros:

Not too harsh

Cons:

Did nothing for me

Did nothing for my skin, I still have zits!
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 11, 2009

Pros:

My skin looks rejuvenated. I would dare to say I breakout 1/10 (at least) as much as I used to. Even my scars are fading.

Cons:

Extremely drying. I suggest adding 'Clinque Moisture Surgeâ„¢ Extended Thirst Relief' to your routine, but only when absolutely necessary.

I have been battling with acne (cysts, blackheads, whiteheads...) for almost 10 years exactly and this product (so far!) works amazingly. I am still getting the odd 'new comer' but for the most part, it's working!!!
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 29, 2009

Pros:

inexpensive, easy to use, does not irritate. 10% formula is
best for me, lower %BPs do not help at all. It is a wash, so you do not need to worry about bleaching your cloths. It leaves no residue.

Cons:

I cannot find any!

First I started using 10% salicylic acid which slowed down the black head formation with the added peeling benefit, but it did not help control my acne. This product helped me to control my acne while using 10% SA. I have used BP before both as lotion and wash with smaller percentage like 2.5%, 4%. It seems I needed much higher percent. I like that it is a soap, I use it both for my face and back. About 4 years ago, I remember using prescription 8% BP wash.I think higher numbers were not available over the counter than.That one worked well too, but it left residue inside sebaceous glands which is perhaps good for killing bacteria. But, the BP residue came out from the glands with the sweat on my back, especially while doing sports.I ruined many cotton T-shirts. With this product, I did not have any such problem yet!!! My acne is gone 90%. First time in the last 5-6 years, I am really happy using any acne medicine.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report

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.