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
November 14, 2006

Pros:

It gets delivered to you once every two weeks. YOu don't have to got to the store. It's waiting for you in the mail box.

Cons:

They take the money directly out of your bank account. I don't like for someone else to have the authority to withdral my money, but me.

It works. I have tried over the counter treatment, home remedies, even prescibed medicine and nothing worked. Finally, when I was just fed up with my face, I decided to give proactive a try, (hell, I tried everything else, why not). Too my surprise it worked immediately. It has not totally revived my face, but it has worked considerably enough for me to have the confidence to show my face in public again.
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November 13, 2006

Pros:

does as it says on the tin!

Cons:

none

Simply the best - better than all the rest!
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November 6, 2006

Pros:

This gel form of benzoyl peroxide really works better than all others. In 2 weeks following the regimen, my face has cleared up.If I do get a zit, it does not turn big and only lasts for 1 or 2 days. This is a must try. remember to stick with it!

Cons:

Did initially dry my skin and cause flaking, which BP doesnt. I use lac-hydryn five lotion with a few drops of jojoba oil and it took care of the dryness and flaking. It even helped improve my skin tone which is great.

You must try this BP gel with the regimen. It absorbs well when you gently massage it into your skin. You need to stick to the regimen even if you suffer break outs.I have moderate acne and it has cleared me up very well. I dont know how well it would work for those who have severe acne. Stick to the regimen!
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November 1, 2006

Pros:

Works fast and works great! Made my skin clear in just 2 days.

Cons:

NONE!

This product cleared up all my acne; old and new. I'm completely amazed that my skin was clearer than ever in just the first 2 days of use. Trust me, I've tried EVERYTHING... nothing would clear my acne. But now with the power pads, all my acne scars are gone too. I've tried tons of products with benzoyl peroxide but nothing was as successful as this product. I would recommend this product to EVERYONE!
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October 16, 2006

Pros:

Feels great - smooth, goes on easily, isn't too thick or thin.
I've really seen a difference in my skin - I have mildish acne but it gets worse around my period. However this hasn't happened since I've been using it.

Cons:

My skin is a little bit dry, but not as bad as it has been in the past and I haven't even tried using a moisturizer yet, so I'm not worried. It doesn't smell great, but it's not terrible.

I've had acne for probably four or five years, and it's been a constant source of embarrassment/irritation to me. My doctor had been saying that BP was the only thing that works, but I hadn't been able to find anything less than 10%, which was way too harsh for my skin. I'm going to be using this product indefinitely.
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October 15, 2006

Pros:

none

Cons:

Worked great the first few times but then it just made it get worse and worse and it keeps breaking out in the same areas over and over.

SUCKS, to expensive, not effective. The best things I have used to date is: 1) Limit fast food, soda, fried food, etc 2) use what you find at CVS, Genovese, etc. I find that this "Clean & Clear" 10% Benozel peroxide works great except its very conspicious because dosent rub into the skin very well.
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October 15, 2006

Pros:

Great stuff! This product saved my face and confidence. Perfect size and potency- I'll use it for the rest of my life.

Cons:

None

I've used this for the past year and a half. When I started, my acne was moderate-on a good day. I noticed results within weeks, and now my face is completely clear with the exception of the occasional breakout which happens every few months. I owe Dan so much - Thank You for providing this product and regimen to all of us.
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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 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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November 16, 2019
By far best treatment i had

I tried many otc products and visited a couple of derma already. This is by far the most effective and consistent treatment i had. I have been using this since 2014 together with the Regimen facial wash, moisturizer and AHA. My acne has been controlled since then. Unlike proactiv which was only effective for the first 2yrs. So happy to came across this website and community. I even recommended this to my friends :)

Note: First 2 photos were BEFORE; latter photos are AFTER

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December 7, 2019

Wow 

April 26, 2020

Is your skin still dry? 

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.