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
December 4, 2010

Pros:

works

Cons:

must leave it on awkwardly for a few minutes, doesnt completely get rid of acne

truthfully, this stuff really is great. it gets rid inflamed zits real easily...but if you get more noninflamed acne, it works to some extent but not as effective as using a 10 percent bp gel instead of wash, despite leaving it on. i dont get much inflamed acne, mainly white heads and blackheads. it works on those nose blackheads, but not anywhere else. it kind of gets rid of some white heads but like i said, not to a satisfactory extent. it was good enough that i used the entire bottle, but i think i'll stick to bp gels and treatments instead
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November 30, 2010

Pros:

-Clears acne FAST
-Gets rid of whiteheads really well - I will NEVER have to pop a whitehead again. I just slather this on the whitehead the night before and in the morning, voila! gone
-Makes my skin smooth!

Cons:

-Dries skin A LOT [nothing a good moisturizer wouldn't fix]
-Expensive little bottle [I recommend getting the Acne.org bottle]

GET THIS GET THIS GET THIS! I noticed results the very first night. My whole right cheek, which had A LOT of pimples, has cleared, with only acne scars remaining and it's only been three days! USE A MOISTURIZER. I cannot stress this enough. Your skin will flake like crazy and it might seem hopeless, but DO NOT GIVE UP. Also, APPLY A LOT, but ONLY on the acne itself. I think the reason why this product doesn't work for a lot of people is because they slather it across their face. Don't do that!
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November 21, 2010

Pros:

No stinging, or bad smell. Very effective in a very short time. No drying, when used with Cetaphil lotion.

Cons:

None!

I love this product, my face feels very clean and fresh. I can now have confidence in my skin again. I am 33, so this is not just for teenagers. I didn't even have acne as a teenager, but got it within the last year. I am very happy I found this.
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August 12, 2010

Pros:

REDUCED MY ACNE! :)

Cons:

Redness of cheeks & quite pricey

Wow, i bought this product YESTERDAY! i used it last night, this morning, & tonight and i must say this stuff is amazing. My cheeks have always been very sensitive to acne washes, so the redness this product causes is very typical to my skin. I avoided putting the 3rd step on my cheeks tonight & focused putting it on my chin (which is breaking out HORRIBLY!), therefore the redness has reduced dramatically. I recommed the 3rd step only ONCE a day to avoid irritation. I have struggled w/acne since I was 13 years old & I am now 18. I have tried nearly everything, proactive, acne free, neutrogena, & other washes I received from the dermatologist. The only product that has worked for me was proactive, but it stopped working after a year. I love clinque make-up so I gave this product a shot. My acne reduced after 1 day!!! it's so great. The bumps are nearly flat now! I'm also using Clinique's acne solutions liquid makeup & acne solutions cleaning concealer. Not only is it covering up embarrasing acne, but HEALING it as well. It gives your face a very natural look, without the caking & piling of makeup look. Despite the cost, these products have given me great results so far & i hope to see even more progress in my fight against acne :) The cost is totally worth it :)
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March 17, 2010

Pros:

Has Glycolic Acid, added bonus

Cons:

Can't get the gel.

I can only find the PanOxyl in the Foaming Wash. Where can I get the 10% gel. So far it looks like I have to send for it from England or New Zealand. I do notice that the PanOxyl wash has glycolic acid in, which is one of the best products for wrinkles you can use. So I am a little leary about using another brand of the 10% gel here in the states. They are only spot treatment size where the ones from other countries are for entire face preventive style. PanOxyl has made a difference for me in just one day and I need the wrinkle stuff since I'm 63.
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February 26, 2010

Pros:

-regulates acne when used consistently
-reasonably priced
-absorbs fairly quick

Cons:

-a bit drying
-a shame i didn't find this sooner

This has made all the difference in my skin! Yes, when i started the regimen i experienced the terrible, flaky, dry effects of the BP but after tweaking Dans regimen slightly I made it work for me. Rather than using the 2 full pumps recommended, I find 1/2 to 1 pump to be sufficient enough. Pair this BP w/ a good moisturizer (i use the Equate Face Lotion from Wal-Mart) and you'll see an improvement w/ a little bit of dedication and lots of patience!!!
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February 25, 2010

Pros:

Leaves skin feeling soft, and refreshed. Reduces redness. Odorless. After first use pimples begin to disappear.

Cons:

Burns nose a bit, the price is high.

I have had moderately severe acne for awhile now, and last Sunday I purchased this system. I began to use it Monday morning and noticed that my skin was softer right after I did the three step process. I have now been using it for three days and most of my redness is gone, and my pimples are clearing up. I'll admit it does burn my nose a little and it's a bit pricy, but I already love it! Many people have noticed a difference and keep asking me what my secret is! This system does work.
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January 22, 2010

Pros:

it's easy to find, benzoyl peroxide (woot woot!), fast results!

Cons:

it's pricey, tightens skin, itchiness occurs

i bought this a few days ago because i had tried it at a friends a while back, and it works wonders! redness and the protruding of acne will subside overnight, but it causes skin to become EXTREMELY DRY! use tons of moisturizer and follow the regimen. i would recommend it, just wish it came in a bigger tube...0.75 oz for $10 is quite a lot.
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January 2, 2010

Pros:

-Cleared up half my acne

Cons:

-Doesn't help my oily skin
-My face is always dry no matter how much I put lotion on
-It has never given me a clear face
-Expensive
-Time consuming

It's a waist of money. I have yet to have a clear face. I want to stop using the product, but I don't know what to use.
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October 4, 2009

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

Expensive. Caused a red rough rash on my face and neck that was painful, stinging and itchy.

I would certainly not recommend this product for anyone. I tried it when I was 18 and had really bad pimples and sensitive red skin. The adds on TV suck you in especially when they say it is ok for all skin types when it is not. I used to for about 2 weeks but had bad side effects after 2 days; continued using out of desperation for fix. Ended up with a red rough rash on my face that stung and was itchy and painful. In the end I have found that a good moisturiser (eg matis sos for sensitive skin), eating healthy and having plenty of water is the best way to treat acne. Try and stay away from the strong chemicals.
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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.