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 10, 2007

Pros:

Nothing Good and nothing special about it.

Cons:

Expensive for the price that you paid. The Proactiv solution is just another brand selling BP. The ingredients they used is fairly common and nothing special. You can still get the same level of results using other less expensive brands of BP.

Best selling acne products doesn't mean that it provide significant relief for acne for most people. For example, the direct response websites, [link removed] selling an ebook on acne free in 3 days is also a best selling product but judging from the testimonials on this website, its definitely not worth buying. I mean the author is just an Internet Marketing expert using some rehashed information he found on the web. The celebrity, Serena Williams, as you can see from TV, when she's playing tennis, her face doesn't have acne. Even if she just used water to wash her face, this has nothing to do with Proactiv. I mean, we all have friends who have flawless complexions, they don't have acne even if they just used plain water to wash their faces.
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May 20, 2007

Pros:

My face cleared up fast and stayed clear for a long time.

Cons:

I can't find it in stores anymore.

I'm not able to use this because I can't find it in stores, but I used it for a year straight and my sin looked great. I use stridex pads, and when used together they worked wonderfully. Some people will have to use lotion with it, but I didn't. I completely recomend ATLEAST trying this product.
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May 19, 2007

Pros:

It keeps my skin under control - after it started going crazy at age 21

Cons:

Every now and then I get a brekout, but nothing like I was before! It also can make your skin feel extremely dry and tight if you dont put the moisture back in.

The first time I used this product I had a red face and it was itchy. But after it got used to the peroxide it was fine. This product is for people with serious acne, not a little bit here and there. The moisturiser is absolutely useless, but you need to use ALL of the other products one after the other. If you skip a product, it wont work. If you skip an application, you get the breakout straight away. I actually use Shiseido Moisturiser and Toner after the Repairing Lotion. This works. Now I have great skin. IF YOU DONT HAVE BAD ACNE TO BEGIN WITH DONT USE THIS PRODUCT, ITS NOT WORTH THE HASSLE
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May 17, 2007
all this product did for me was give me dark dark marks and irritate my skin
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May 15, 2007

Pros:

Very effective at drying out spots and preventing new ones from appearing. It makes my skin look smooth and soft too. I used to suffer from cystic acne. Now, I'm using Oxy 10 and taking the pill and I'm pimple-free.

Cons:

As others have said it can be drying, so use a moisturiser with SPF during the day. Once your skin develops tolerance you shouldnt get redness or flaking anymore. It can take a while to get used to it, but I think it's well worth it ultimately.

Definitely one of the best acne-treatments I have ever tried. I won't stop using it. It's affordable and because it's an antiseptic and not an antibiotic, your skin bacteria doesn't get resistant to it. I love it.
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May 10, 2007

Pros:

it works great with the refining mask!

Cons:

It dries your skin at first and they dont tell you how important the refining mask is.

You need to know that any acne product will dry your skin initially it is expected. I tried moisturizers and found one that worked for me that I would apply after proactiv. Its all trial and error. My face cleared up somewhat at first, then every three days i would apply their refining mask and within like two weeks my face was clear. I think thats why they call it combination therapy which includes the sulfur mask, also i noticed murad also uses a sulfur mask. the sulfur mask which i found in combination with the three steps and the moisturizer that fits YOUR skin really worked. my skin was completely clear, we need patience and dont touch your face!!!!
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April 26, 2007

Pros:

Worked well - could see improvement in first week, skin feels smoother- lightens dark acne marks from previous breakouts

Cons:

Slight redness and makes me very sun sensitive - I wear 50sph everyday and still seem to be a little red eery night.

I didnt have a severe case of acne, but I have used this and pro active before I can tell a bigger difference when using acne free - think I may skip to using only once a day though just because my skin has become so sensitive to sunlight.
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April 10, 2007

Pros:

Its so easy to take the tablets twice per day and apply the lotion.

Cons:

NONE

I am 26 years old and have suffered with Acne since I was 19. I have tried everything you could imagine but nothing worked. I decided to try Natures Cure and I have noticed excellent results. I also have always had a problem with irregular monthly cycles and since starting to take natures cure I am on time every month. I believe this product balances out your hormone levels just enough to both figh acne and keep your cycle regular. Its a life saver in my case!! I love it!
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April 9, 2007

Pros:

sounds good reading the ratings on tv

Cons:

sounds awful when i read the ratings here on this online sheet.. afraid now to try it.

i guess now , i wont try it.!!!
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April 2, 2007

Pros:

I've used all the major name brand acne medications, OXY is by far the best! Cleared up my pimples in no time! Don't waste your time looking around...go straight to OXY

Cons:

You can't use for entire face, just spot treatment only.

Great Product, strong stuff that works great as a spot treatment.
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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.