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
August 7, 2011

Pros:

Makes some large pimples go away

Cons:

Makes my face oily
Leaves huges marks on my face
expensive

I've been using proactiv for about 2 months. At first things went pretty good, HOWEVER, after about 3 weeks of using it, I started getting huge pimples that i never had before using proactiv. I canot be certain that it's the medication that caused my big pimples but it seems more than just a coincidence. Proactiv cleared the big pimples up but it left huge red marks on my face which still didnt go away after a month (It's worse than having pimples). I don't suggest using proactiv
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August 7, 2011

Pros:

Relatively inexpensive
Seemed to help with smaller break outs

Cons:

VERY DRYING
I found that leaving it on overnight left me with red blotches on my skin in the am

I am kind of iffy on this product. I have mild acne, usually only experiencing break outs the week prior to my period. I found that while this product did in fact dry out the pimple, it would often leave my skin red and irritated, almost impossible to conceal with makeup, which was often more embarrassing than the breakout itself. It was also very drying, leaving my skin flaky in treated areas. Basically, the product may help reduce the size and longevity of your pimple, but battling the redness and dry skin is almost worse.
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August 4, 2011

Pros:

Clears up skin
made my skin soft
lightened up scars

Cons:

dried out skin at first

In the last year my skin has gotten worse and worse. I was using mary kay spot treatment which stopped working after 2 months. I read a lot of reviews online about acne free severe. I went to pick it up at my local walmart. Within a week i noticed a huge inpovement in my acne. I have now been using this for two weeks and the longer i use it the better it seems to be getting. The first week it did dry out my skin but this week seems to be better and my skin is soft and not dry anymore. Thank you acnefree for finally giving me hope in having clear skin!!!!
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August 4, 2011

Pros:

-Seems to be working so far

Cons:

-Feels weird on my face
-Strong smell

I tried Proactiv last year, and forgot to use it one night, and my face broke out pretty bad. I got desperate and deided to use it again. I've been using it for about five days, and my face does seem to be clearing up well. I recommend you try it, and if you can't tell a difference within a few weeks, don't use it. If you do try it, be sure to use it twice a day or you'll probably break out. Good luck!
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July 30, 2011

Pros:

-decreases pimple size
-clears chest acne
-decreases redness
-feels tingly
-smells good

Cons:

-hasn't cleared up all acne yet

This product feels great and started working for me the next day. I am a little weary because of the reviews saying that it works for the first week and then stops, but I think it depends on your skin type. I find that I have very tough skin, so the drying aspect of the product doesn't affect me. The biggest pro is that my chest acne (which was very light, but a big concern of mine) is completely gone after 2 days!
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July 28, 2011

Pros:

- Get rids of 90% of ur acne which im thakful for :)
- I only gotten 3 small pimples in the last 2 weeks n i had moderate severe acne.. im super thankful i use to get 3 a day lol
- Been on it for 5 weeks

Cons:

- It only clears ur acne.
- Doesnt help with scars, uneven tone, or redness but it will get rid of ur acne

This product does what it say it will do.. Clear ur acne.. Try it use it twice daily n drink lots of water and eeat more fruits.. :) Bottom line is that it works for acne and I been suffering from severe-moderate acne for the past 7 years n i've tried everything from antibiotics, retinols, and over the counter.. Good luck on ur search friends :(
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July 19, 2011

Pros:

it actually works.. like it really really does. i was so sceptical, especially as i'm black, but now my spots are minimalistic.

Cons:

the first 2 weeks were horrendous. as a joke i got told that i looked like a boy going through puberty again -_-
-my face was one big rash, but it's really cleared up now
-postage is a killer, it really is. but it's well worth it

GET IT, otherwise you'll either never know, or kick yourself that you didn't get it sooner. every time i run out and wait to restock, my spots come straight back. and after using this so long, i'm not even used to having spots anymore. i recommend it to literally everyone
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July 8, 2011

Pros:

Works great
Goes on fast
Good price

Cons:

Bleaches clothes

This product is amazing. I have been using it for several weeks with the Daniel Kern Regimen and my face is about 95% clear now. I have no side effects other than drying but dan's moisturizer helps that right up! I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!
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July 5, 2011

Pros:

It cleared my skin a little but not much

Cons:

It caused my skin to dry out despite the fact that I have oily skin, also my acne got worse over time after I stopped using it.

My dad decided to get my brother and Proactiv because we both have acne but ours isn't that bad so I was a little excited to use it but when I started it burned my sensitive skin and after using it it worked but after I stopped it cause my acne to get worse and my skin dried. I tried to use it again but I had to stop after. I saw that it worked for my brother but I won't use it ever, I guess it works for people how have light acne. Also I have read some stories about bad customer service to cancel your order and I didn't have a problem with it. But don't use it if you have sensitive skin!!!!! It will make it worse!!!!
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June 29, 2011

Pros:

Works really fast
Noticeable results in a couple days

Cons:

Not sure how much to use but I'm not complaining!

I've tried a bunch of stuff. I tried Acnefree, Neutrogena, Clearasil, Clean & Clear and WORST of all Proactiv. None of them worked! I'm glad i've finally found the right one. Just when I had given up hope on all acne products a friend of mine recommended this. I got clear skin now baby! This is a wonderful product, keep it up!
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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.