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 29, 2011

Pros:

gel
smoothes skin
clears acne

Cons:

none

I have been using the Neutrogena on the Spot for like the last 2 months, and after buying like one of those a week, i decided to get this stuff. Sooo much better. Holy moley! The gel is much smoother for application compared to the Neutrogena cream. Also this makes my face feel smooth and works well under makeup and moisturizers. best and most economical i've found! :)
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November 28, 2011

Pros:

Affordable Price

Cons:

Dried out my skin a bit.

I love this product so much, I think I might go back to using it again! It has tea tree oil in it, (i believe) it smells like a pool but worked for me(:
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November 22, 2011

Pros:

-nice clean fresh feeling after treatment
-fairly good bang for your buck
-relative improvement

Cons:

-purchaser will be AUTOMATICALLY signed up for product renewals without consent (it's in the fine print) and you will get continually charged... see below!

HUGEST CON: PROACTIV automatically 'renews' your subscription to the product and continues to charge your credit card monthly. If you're Canadian (which I am) it's near impossible to get through the customer care line to a representative because it requires you to key in your 5 digit zip code (Canada has 6 digit/letter postal codes) and there's no way around it. No matter what your nationality, those robbing bastards want you to return the second shipment before they'll refund and cancel your account - which takes 4-6 wks. I freaked out, demanded a manager, freaked out more and my refund will be issued in 3 days. BS!
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November 21, 2011

Pros:

I started in dec 2009 and was clear after a month or 4-5, combined with a milk- and wheatfree diet. I have been using it ever since! I have very pale sensitive skin that used to get very red with other products. It draw the attention even more than the acne itself. But my skin accepts this product.

Cons:

It takes more time than to just use soap(you need a clean wash cloth every day to take the product off after 30 sec), but..

totally worth the "trouble"!!! And my very sensitive skin
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November 7, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

I used this product and it burned very much so. The initial applications caused a breaking out of my skin then 4 months in to my subscription the company has a new and improved formula without offering any sort of compensation for existing customers. Not only that, I canceled my subscription yet was aware that I was continually being charged. The withrawl three times, once per month to pay for one package. Customer service was very rude and unsympathetic. Worst experience with a company by far.

DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT. Under handed dealings. This company assumes you are knowledgeable about the most detailed aspects of the dealing with Proactiv. It was a waste of time, money, and very uncomfortable skin. I wouldn't recommend this to my worse enemy. Very unprofessional company that uses much marketing to sell thier product as oppose to word of mouth as do the real reputable companies.
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November 4, 2011

Pros:

cleared up my skin for the first few mths I used it.
stays clear if you use all the steps including the overnight mask

Cons:

the mask is not included in that expensive box they send you monthly!
Will dry the heck out of your face!
My skin got use to it so I had to by some cleaning pads to use after using the proactiv cleanser

It is not worth the money you spend! Will trick you because it is the best thing you have ever used at first. I had to switch brands because its insane for me to spend that much money on something that is just okay
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November 2, 2011

Pros:

my skin is perfectly clear

Cons:

it can be drying and even aging
(i recommend sleeping with a humidifier, which can counteract the drying effects of this product combined with dry heat or a/c)

nothing has ever cleared up my skin completely- except this product. i don't use dan's cleanser because it's too drying, i use a different cleanser that has salicylic acid in it, because i feel like exfoliation is important and the AHA makes my facial skin weirdly bumpy and rashy (that AHA has, however, completely cleared my body acne). i feel like my cleanser is also important in getting rid of flakiness and counteracting the aging effects of this product. overall, though, i'm amazed and pretty grateful to dan. i have never felt so pretty in my adult life
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October 30, 2011

Pros:

It cleared my acne at one time.

Cons:

My acne came back eventually.

Couldn't use before going out as it really really dried me out.

I wouldn't recommend it to others, but you could definitely do much worse with your acne product.
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October 26, 2011

Pros:

Effective
Works quickly
Drys up acne
Skin feels smooth and even

Cons:

Can be a bit drying

Basically I used to use Proactiv and that system took 2 to 3 months to put a noticeable dent in my acne. This product (I actually bought the whole Regiment) has cleared up 95% of my acne in 3 weeks. At first when i used it my skin dried out fast, however it went right back to normal once i added an extra moisturizer to my routine. As long as you follow the instructions and use it twice a day you'll get results! I've been trying to get rid of acne for YEARS! I'll definitely be using this for a long time.
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October 18, 2011

Pros:

It works for the first few weeks.
BIG RIP-OFF!!!

Cons:

Skin starts to get worse after a while
Very expensive

Do not start using it. The first few weeks your skin starts to clear really nice. But after that initial period, the skin start to get "use" to it and it seems like you need to apply more and more times. I started out every other day and then daily. My skin got so bad that I ended up using it twice a day. Finally I stopped using the product and my skin starts cleaning up by its own at least a little bit. (Going to try the baking soda scrub!)
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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.