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
October 24, 2009

Pros:

* Cheap
* Works quickly
* Does not make the skin feel oily & heavy (very light)

Cons:

* Slight irritation
* Leaves the skin lighter than actual colour

GREAT product! My acne set in at around 13 and after numerous failures with other products my older brother introduced me to Clearzit. It worked quickly and it had me raving to my friends. They use it also and they LOVE it. I'm 15 now and still using Clearzit. I can honestly say I have no (real) problem with it.
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October 21, 2009

Pros:

I am 30+ and had a breakout beyond my normal breakouts. I noticed improvement after one use. I've used it for a month now, and my skin is back to normal.

Cons:

Drys out skin. Slight burning sensation the first few uses.

I am completely happy with my purchase. I use about every other day now and only on spots where I have breakouts. I don't want to dry out the areas of my skin that look good.
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October 18, 2009

Pros:

At first i have varied types of acne.Over 1-2 uses there was a visible differece. My skin looked like sparkles when i woke up.
Best used with an over-night apply and daily face moistiorizer
Very soft and will leave you very happy. look nice new

Cons:

drys slightly takes most redness but my cause some for others

This is an amazing product that works for all skin types. It will work go try it,cause ive got my answer in a mirror not in a the bottle and works for everyone! For mild to severe like my brothers
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October 17, 2009

Pros:

Packaged well

Cons:

Does not work; drys out face, flakes, causes MORE pimples, smells terrible, inconsistent, not worth the price

Do not buy this product. Many people I know have had no luck with this cream and neither have I, it drys out skin and can even cause more pimples. It smells terrible and flakes easily. I would not reccomend this to anyone, save your money.
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October 7, 2009

Pros:

-The fastest clearing acne product I have used!!!!
-The most effective acne clearing product I have used!!!!!!!

Cons:

-Dryness of course

Dryness < No acne

I had Papules (white heads with out the white) for about 3 months. They were all over my face. I tried everything to fix these hard to get rid of bumps. I came along this product and have to say I was completely clear of my severe acne in less than two weeks. My Regimen: olay dual exfoaliating cleanser Clean and clear persa-gel St. Ives mineral moisterizer
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October 4, 2009

Pros:

Spreads very well compared to Acne On the Spot which makes it very difficult to be super gentle.

Doesn't leave my skin white afterwards like On the Spot did either. Most importantly, it helped clear up a VERY severe, debilitating breakout I ha

Cons:

None.

This is the cornerstone of the regimen. To get clear you will need a lot of benzoyl peroxide and Dan has been kind enough to provide it in generous 8 and 16 oz bottles. Great product! Use this product and you will get the results you want!
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September 29, 2009

Pros:

i have been using this product every a.m. and p.m. this was in combination with solodyn(an antibiotic) it has been about 2 months and my face looks a lot better, but if i forget then i will have a large blemish appear on my forehead.

Cons:

it does dry my face and make it red. but i am also using retin a so that contributes to it too.

my acne was terrible on my forehead and now it is mild if any. i am 13 and have had acne since i was 9. i am so happy to be clearing it up.
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September 29, 2009

Pros:

large size, always consistent in performance, IT WORKS. Before using Carley's I had deep, cystic acne on my chin. I haven't had one of those pimples since I started using it 6 years ago!

Cons:

Nothing really.

It works. I've been using it as I said for 6 years. I wouldn't ever consider switching to anything else. Not only does it work on the acne, but I think it has kept my skin younger looking and smooth.
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November 18, 2009

Pros:

used the 10% bar with 10% topical gel- completly cleared my skin, inexpensive, easy to use

Cons:

very drying- had to use eucerine creme as moisturizer every time i washed my face which made it more oily (but clear!), bleached towels, bedsheets, and clothes

if you're looking for an inexpensive way to treat moderate acne, i recommend this product. i used the 10% bar along with the 10% topical gel am and pm for 2 years. although it completly cleared my skin, it was harsh and really dried it out. the only moisturizer that worked was eucerine creme which i applied over the topical gel am and pm. that made my skin oily so i did have to use oil sheets and reapply my powder a few times throughout the day. overall i was very happy with the results from this product :)
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September 20, 2009

Pros:

It's awesome!

Cons:

Bleaches coloured fabrics and dries up your skin.

I've been using it for about 2 years and it works very well on my skin. I use it on my arms and on my face whenever I have a pimple.
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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.