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
September 6, 2009

Pros:

It gets rid of acne.

Cons:

None

I think it works great, I'm currently using this product with epiduo and it is working very well.
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September 3, 2009

Pros:

Dries out oily skin, keeps it oil free, gets to work within just a few days, really helps prevent new spots when used constantly.

Cons:

Stings for a minute when you first use it and makes skin go flaky - also can stain things like pillow cases, towels etc and hair !! don't get it too close to ur hairline or on ur eyebrows !

I have been using this cream for 3 weeks now and it has made my skin soooo much better !! i would recommend the 5% one because its not too weak or too strong... I have had acne since i was about 11-12 and i have used sooo many creams and tablets and lotions, but the simple stuff really is the best.. don't try prescription creams or tablets or anything from your doctor until you have tried this cream because you could find yourself saving a lot of hassle and money ! It does make your skin go slightly flaky but that only lasts about 1-2 weeks and if you exfoliate really gently it will gradually remove the dead skin.. if you dont want to get that flakey skin at all, then use an oil free moisturiser, MAKE SURE IT SAYS OIL FREE, and then just put the quinoderm ontop as normal - i wash my face n put the cream on about twice a day sometimes 3 times. I would defo recommend this to anyone :)
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September 2, 2009

Pros:

it keeps down the larger pimples, it smells good and it makes my face feel clean.

Cons:

the fact is, i have been using the stupid product for two years now and the redness and irritation around on my face has stayed the same all along. if i miss one day, or even just one morning, i break out with a HUGE pimple the next day.

Proactive wasnt a complete waste of time, considering that i dnt have huge pimples when i use it everyday, but i have this bad feeling that whats happening is that my skin is so used to it now that i wont be able to stop it without my face looking like a the face of the moon. its rediculous that i have spent so much time and money on it for two years and STILL have acne.
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August 27, 2009

Pros:

Works fast and prevents breakouts

Cons:

None

I don't have severe acne, only several pimples that come up every now and then. I use it before bed and it's completely gone the next day. I only use it when I need it. It works great for me!
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August 25, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up and over time with topical antibiotic ointment (neosporian) it healed past scars. Consistently works well through hormonal cycles unlike popular name brand products that would work for a week then burn my skin, or scab.

Cons:

Too good to be true, hence it actually worked far better than pro active, and similar result products. NONE.

I want to use it! Put a disclaimer on it to continue to sell. People with acne will not care if this product works for them- and it has, if there is a serious issue. My goodness people pay a pretty penny for poison injected in their face (botox) we just want our faces clear!
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August 23, 2009

Pros:

Does what benzoyl peroxide is supposed to do, easily applied (although, with the regimen amount, it does take some time), cheap and packed in large quantity.

Cons:

The pump packaging of the 16 oz version is very annoying when the product starts to run low and air enters the pump.

Bleaching. This is a major flaw with benzoyl peroxide in general, but something that can be minimized with caution.

This is definitely the best benzoyl peroxide product I've tried. It's important that you stick to it and strictly follow the (somewhat slow) accustoming process by starting with a small amount once a day and then upping to full amount followed by full amount twice a day. Also, it's very important with a good, rich moisturiser - especially if you have dry skin tendencies. Finally, be very careful with clothing since benzoyl peroxide will bleach. Specifically endangered are shirt collars and other clothing that sits tight around your neck.
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August 21, 2009

Pros:

works quickly, helps fight oil. the only thing i've found that will take care of my facial acne!!! 2 thumbs up

Cons:

the gel makes my face break out worse than it was because the sent is oily (sorry for the spelling!)

ive tried all types of acne treatments includin proactice and this is the only thing that doesnt cause acid burn marks and irratation to my skin. my favorite thing to use, my only issue is that i broke the top of the bottle when i dropped it at the beach!!!
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August 17, 2009

Pros:

doesn't dry out my skin, leaves it feeling tingly and clean, there is really no fragrance that will hurt my skin, easy to use, fast and reliable

Cons:

leaves my nose a little but shiny

I got the starter kit, only because my mom wanted to see how well it would work. I've been using it for exactly 1 week. I've noticed a BIG difference. I started with about 5 big pimples, many blackheads, and many small blemishes and acne scars around my face. RIght now i only have 2 big pimples, and a few scars. After i use it, it makes my face feel fresh, tingly, and clean. Which is what i love most about it. I have combination skin which is hard to find a good product to treat acne with, without drying it out. Well, i highly reccomend anyone who is interested in using it, but scared to waste their money or that it won't work. BUY IT. trust me, if you use it for at least 2 weeks and you don't see a difference they will let you return it. so you don't have anything to lose(: try it outt.
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August 14, 2009

Pros:

It makes your skin feel clean and soft. Gets rid of few pimples like whiteheads.

Cons:

Never got rid of my papusles on my cheeks. Still I have horrible acne.! Very liquidy

Please read Ok well i paid like over $200 on all these products clean and clear clearasil nuetrogena oxy and never proactive and all these chemicals TOTALLy ruined my skin. My skin will never be the same when i was 10. I started to break out about 7th grd and Horrible. I had irritated my skin to the point where i used like terminator 10 for acne it burned like a layer off my skin :[[ Now im 14 and a girl and i have worse acne my dad and my sisters make fun of me and make comments. My mom never brings me to the dermatoligist because its to much money. My friends never comment though(Thank god i would die) But i feel ugly. Like i cant go out with anyone. So i hope that a good looking boy comes along with acne so i dont feel Left out.ALLLL my friends have beatiful skin. At this point sometimes i cry just looking in the mirror. Even though my pediatrician says its mild it feels like SEVERE. I feel like killing me so i dont have to live with it. I would do anything to cure acne. I hate it
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August 12, 2009

Pros:

make my skin feel clean and takes the dirt and oil off

Cons:

stings around mouth and repair lotion is too small

it is pretty good but still hasnt cleared my skin very much
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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.