Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.5
20757 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
October 16, 2006

Pros:

Works very well as long as you are very consistent.

Cons:

The price, but I'm willing to pay for it.

ProActive works!! You HAVE to use it EXACTLY as directed! I use it twice a day. I only use my ring and pinky fingers to apply the cleanser..go lightly on the skin and keep it moist!! Do not miss a step. I have found the the key to clear skin with this product is consistency!! I can't emphisize this enough. Don't stop because you don't see results right away..it's different for everyone..give it a chance. Oh, and the blotter sheets work great and so does the mattifying gel.
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October 15, 2006

Pros:

Had very stubborn bumps on forehead that i could not get to go away with any other product. proactiv cleared it up in less than a week..Get very few pimples now and if i do proactiv clears them up quickly

Cons:

Facial redness for the first hour or so following application, but no irritation. Redness clears up quickly.

Im glad i took the chance on this product. i dont think its for people with any type of sensative skin. I have very hardy italian skin that wont even burn in the sun, but it does get a little red with proactiv use.
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October 11, 2006

Pros:

Gets rid of the zits you have and then keeps new ones from forming.

Cons:

Does at first cause a little skin irritation but it tells all about how to address those specific issues in the brochure they send with the product for those of you who didn't read.

This sh*t works. It says that it works for most people. I guess the most people it worked for are out having a good time without their zits to post on here.
October 10, 2006

Pros:

Heals acne lesions and gives my skin a smoother texture

Cons:

I occassionally get small whiteheads even after being on it a while

This is a great product let me tell you when I go into a store and see one ounce BP tubes selling for 6 bucks and I see 4 times the amount selling for a few bucks more my gosh and this stuff works without the ugly white and drying....it's easy to apply and there is a good amount in there
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October 10, 2006

Pros:

gentle, it works!!! takes abot 2 weeks to clear skin, unbelieveable product

Cons:

you have to buy as a set each time

worth it
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October 6, 2006

Pros:

i see little result which less new acne formed.

Cons:

i have been using it for more tha n1 month now, however i didnt see a big improvement yet. MY face is so dry...but i will stick with it....please give me some advice.

i believe i will work.
October 6, 2006

Pros:

Works well.
Originally used the product once/day because my skin is very sensitive. Now hardly use it at all and I've no more outbreaks!!

Cons:

The customer service folks are a bit pushy and (obviously) don't like the fact that I don't use as much of it as they can sell me. I've cut back on my order; but then I'm not using it much any more...much to their chagrin!

This has helped me immensely - my skin was always hideous and I'd little luck even with prescription treatments(metrogel). Using a gentle soap helps along with the proactive. It will be interesting to see how my skin acts over the winter (began using it this summer). My skin is extremely sensitive to heat/cold and changes in temperature/humidity. I'm old and am worried about my skin drying out and appropriate moisturizers to use for this condition. When I use proactive (especially if I use it too frequently) my skin starts to dry out. I just cut back!
October 5, 2006
I love this product I never used a product that worked as well as this and that don't cost too much. The only problem I am having is I can't find it anywhere anymore I found it at a discount dollar store called the dollar warehouse and I have check other dollar store and no luck. So if anyone knows where I can find this product in Chicago please Help!!
October 5, 2006
when i first started using it my skin was oily and i hated it and i got a lot of zits. After a few weeks i noticed a difference, it doesn't get rid of all of them but they are not noticable and it made me feel a lot more confident. I would recommend giving it ago, there's no harm in trying it. And for a week or so my skin was flaky and red but it goes away fast.
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October 5, 2006

Pros:

Wow, this stuff is great. I have mild, usual teenage acne and the first weekend I used it, my skin cleared up.
My skin is more glowy, and I love how it added color to my skin.
Sometimes you wake up in the morning, and a whole section of acne is gone!

Cons:

OK, my skin DID get a little flaky. But then I decided after I used the proactiv 3 step system, I'd add some moisterizer with sunscreen on my face and the flakiness went away.

This stuff does work, and it has worked about 10 times better then anything I've ever used. Personally, it doesn't work as good as the commercials, but still more effective then other ones. IF you use it EVERYDAY, your skin will clear up. BTW the refining mask is GREAT.
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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.