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 6, 2007
I just got this product 1 day ago and I used it overnight and now when I look at my skin is like so much better.The 3 pimples I had are almost gone it's like 50% better.I'm sure they'll be gone by next morning.YOU SHOULD BUY THIS!!!!IT DOES WORK FOR LESS THEN 3 DAYS.SO IF YOU HAVE SOME SPECIAL DAY USE THIS NOW!
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February 3, 2007

Pros:

Clears up skin within a couple weeks. Works very well with continued use as a routine.

Cons:

Reddens face! Always need sunscreen if outside for long peroids of time while using.

I used proactive for about two years after being frustrated with my skin being very clear for a while then very breaken-out. In the beginning, it worked very well. I got many compliments. Then after a couple months I started breaking out badly then clearing up like before. My skin was also getting red and very very sensetive! I tried to stop using proactive and the week I did, my break outs became worse than before! Way worse! Now my skin can't handle simple over the counter products and going back to proactive is hard because its too harsh for my skin. IF YOU WANT TO USE PROACTIVE, MAKE SURE YOU ARE OK WITH CONTINUIG TO USE IT FOR HOWEVER LONG. I ONLY recommend using it if you have meduim to severe acne.
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January 26, 2007

Pros:

it really does work.

Cons:

it takes a LONG time for it to work

clearasil is good and makes your skin clear and soft, that is, if you keep on using it. As soon as you stop, even for just a couple of days, your face is back to Rocky Road. That is exactly what happened to me. NOw I use it everyday, and I am beginning to get some pretty good results again.
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January 16, 2007

Pros:

every zit gone in 2 weeks!!

Cons:

it gets a little expensive.

i used to have terrible acne. it was like my whole face and neck was a zit. i got really depressed and never wanted to do anything, so i watched a lot of tv. one night i saw an infomercial for it, back when it first came out, before jessica simpson did ads for it. i was only in 6th grade, but i begged and pleaded until i got it because NOTHING else worked for me. i was very impressed! within 2 days i saw results, and within 2 weeks my entire face was cleared up! needless to say, i will never use anything else!
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January 10, 2007

Pros:

Great marketing, effective spokesperson bandwagon....clever strategy

Cons:

occasional burning, time consuming regimen, new daily areas of acne, localized redness, expense of auto-ordering, cleaner seems too harsh/coarse like sandpaper on skin

After having my baby 2 yrs ago i started to get acne for the first time (at 30!) - i finally decided to try proactiv out last month and regret it now. i am stuck in this weird cycle of additional zits each day, and even WAY more extra blemishes when i try to wean myself off the juice, cutting back to once a day or skipping a day. How odd is that!I am going to bite the bullet and try only using it on my chin where the my original blemishes appeared, but if thats ineffective there, i will go cold turkey and discontinue. Worst thing is that I wake up each morning with crazy deep red wrinkles/creases I never had before. And I dont like how it strips my face so much that I feel shiny, especially on the nose. shiny and red - thats reserved for Rudolph. No thanks! Probably better for those with severe acne, not mildly/occasionally blemished folks with dry skin except the t-zone like myself. At least I gave it a try!
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January 9, 2007

Pros:

I JUST started using the Proactive... as in three days, so I am not here to criticize it. I was just looking for reviews and came upon this site. All my THREEs in the rating respresent NEUTRAL because I don't know yet one way or the other. FOURs...

Cons:

... were given because it came well packaged enough and I don't mind the frangrance. I just don't like that my skin does feel a bit dry and itchy afterwards. I think I am going to stop using it NOW as MANY have advised that allowing your face to...

... get used to it and then stopping causes even WORSE break outs, and as it is, I rarely get a pimple; most I usually get at a time is 3, and that's near my cycle. I rather deal with 2 or 3 pimples for a few days, than a lifetime committment to an expensive product, and the possibility of worse breakouts later. I realize the over the counters have worked greatly... I do switch between two or three cleaners every six months or so, which even derms reccommend, I believe. If I had really bad skin, then I might be willing to take the chance that this could help me, but as my skin is probably in the 90th+ percentile, I'll continue with what I have. I am stating that I DO NOT reccommend to those who only get cycle pimples, and guys who really have no need to be obsessed with that one or two pimples during a stressful time. Honestly, I do know that my face is best when I drink at leat the reccommended 8 glasses of water... and I do drink a lot of water.
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January 8, 2007

Pros:

You will probably see a noticeable improvement in your acne.

Cons:

Works really well for awhile, but over time, it does not work as well.

I have had severe acne for over 15 years. I had tried everything, including four courses of Accutane. About four years ago, I was watching a Proactiv infomercial and thought "why not"? I noticed a difference in my skin in less than 2 weeks. Less new pimples were forming, and my skin almost cleared up entirely. However, over time, my acne worsened again. I'm not sure what causes this--maybe your skin starts to get used to the routine. I still use Proactiv and I think my skin is better for it. I would still have more breakouts without it. I have started adding a few drops of Jojoba oil into my oil-free moisturizer, and that is helping a lot (a non-clogging natural oil that tricks your skin into thinking it is producing enough sebum). I have also started following Dan Kern's advice and I put a LOT of the 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide solution that comes in my Proactiv kit on my face. That is also making a difference. BOTTOM LINE: Proactiv is worth a try.
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January 8, 2007

Pros:

This product works wonders on my skin.

Cons:

Over dries my skin, leaves my skin feeling tight and ichy.

It really has help my skin. I have combination/ to oily skin. SO if you have dry skin you would need a different moisturiser as this one really does dry your skin out. Sometimes leaving you feel very tight. I used to have awful skin and this product has helped me keep my skin uder control. But I think using this in the long run may damage your skin because benzoyl peroxide is a powerful bleaching agent. Also it removes the top layer on your skin which is dangerous to the sun. Be sure to put some sort of sunscreen afterwards if you don't want sunburn and premature aging!
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December 25, 2006

Pros:

Works well with time and the product lasts a while

Cons:

A little pricey and product works differently for everyone

I started using ProActiv about 2 years ago. I had mild acne and just wanted to get rid of it. Well, with CONSISTENT use, my skin was flawless. I only broke out the week before my period, and thats it. This summer I ran out of product and decided to buy the competing brand, AcneFree. Well, with 2 months, my skin started flaring up, which I assumed was due to me not exercising anymore or wearing excessive amounts of sunscreen since it was summer, so I moved on to Murad. Didnt help. Skin got worse. Finally went to a Derm and was prescribed Doxycycline (an antibiotic pill) and Retin-A. Both of these prescriptions literally TORE UP my face. So I went back and was prescriped Tazarac. Didnt help. After 6 months of bad BAD skin, 3 failed Rxs and a lot of pain, suffering, and embarrasment, I'm back on ProActiv. After just 2 days my skin is starting to look clearer than it has in 6 months. Proactive seems to work great with me, but every person is different. I love it!
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November 21, 2006

Pros:

Thsi product saved my skin!!! I'll spend my last penny on it!!!! Its amazing! There are only 2 products in this world that I'll vouch for - Proactiv and Vanish stain remover!!

Cons:

Have you ever tried complaining to a member of Staff on the phone in America? GOSH! SO frustrating! They made errors with my shippment,apologised but took forever to send a replacemnt and then eventually deleted me from their system in error!ANGRYYYY

It works but they need to ensure they send it when they're meant to. It SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO works! I cant stress how much more confident it made me. The world noticed! It didnt work for my cousin tho :(
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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.