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
July 21, 2009

Pros:

Gets rid of pimples quickly

Cons:

Face gets very dry

Works well enough that I wont stop using it, its worth a little dryness if I can look at my face and NOT see pimples everywhere.
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July 14, 2009

Pros:

cleared my acne very well...i was very happy at first but now...im fed up of using it!!!

Cons:

as soon as i stop using it, my acne comes back. its very annoying...i have been using it for the past 6 years!!! how much longer!!! someone help!!!

i need help...
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July 13, 2009

Pros:

This product cleared my acne dramatically in only 3 weeks.Also,because the retinol renewal complex (step 4) contains retinol which is used in under eye products, the area underneathe my eyes started to look less wrinkled and dark.

Cons:

I thought it was a little expensive and I hated that i had to wait 10 minutes between step 2(toner) and step 4(retinol renewal complex)

It works really well. i used to always have alot of pimples on my forehead, but now they are all going away. Since i have only been using this product for about 3 weeks i am not Completely ance free, but my skin has DRAMATICLLY changed. I have a glow to my skin and very very few pimples.My skin has not been like this, since before i hit puberty.
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July 13, 2009

Pros:

you can say you use such a well known brand (thats about all i can think of)

Cons:

it is expensive, it drys out your skin without getting rid of acne, there are alot of steps that ultimately do nothing

It is good if you have the occasional pimple on your face but rubbish for acne sufferers and teenagers with alot of oil.
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July 12, 2009

Pros:

I've been using the aqua-gel or about 4 months now and the improvemet in my skin is incredible. My acne was only mild to moderate to begin with but now it is nonexistent! Easily absorbed and cheap to purchase over the counter.

Cons:

Irritating when I started using Panoxyl, my face looked sunburnt and was extremely itchy. Skin also became extremely flaky but E45 cream was very soothing and got rid of the tight feeling skin and flakiness as soon as it was applied.

A couple of times I gave up using Panoxyl because in the first few weeks it left my skin uncomfortable, itchy and flakey. However, now I've used it continuously for around 4 months I am so glad I persevered with it. My skin is soft, smooth, clear and glowing. It hasn't been like this since I was about 10! Panoxyl is easily available to purchase over the counter from pharmacys for about £3.50. The aqua-gel is definitely preferable to the cream as it is much more easily absorbed. I highly recommend Panoxyl as a BP treatment.
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July 7, 2009

Pros:

Erased all of my blackheads in a couple days. Dried up some oily spots.

Cons:

At first, I thought it was working, but then I saw a picture from before I started using the product, and there weren't any differences. I actually think it made the acne get worse.

Also, the medication is very drying.

Only put it on blackheads, otherwise, try something else. The blackheads come back if you don't put it on constistently. Worth a try for some people, but if two bottles doesn't make the acne go away, don't bother trying anymore. I've stopped using it for a few weeks, and it seemed to get better. One bottle has enough for about a month. I used mine in the morning and before I went to sleep. It doesn't get rid of acne scars, or completely clears the acne.
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July 4, 2009

Pros:

works quickly
affordable
smells niceclean feeling

Cons:

a little drying.

this is by far the best acne cleanser i've used and i've tried EVERYTHING from drugtore brands to clinique to proactiv and nothing worked as well as this. i had like 6 bumps on all over my face and in one day there was only 1 and it was barely noticeable! just in time for the fourth too! I will continue buying this! The only thing is it can be a tad drying but it is nothing a mouisterizer can't take care of1
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July 1, 2009

Pros:

Clears up acne overnight! Visible difference in one application

Cons:

A bit grainy as you put it on your skin but disappears. Consistent use results in some skin dryness. Results outweigh the Cons

My 15 year old son has mild teenage acne and I have occasional mild adult breakouts. We are both amazed at the results in only one application. We don't use it everyday we may use it two days once at night and then every few days after that once at night We used the 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel
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June 27, 2009

Pros:

-CLEARS MOST ACNE WITHIN HOURS!
-Not very strong odor
-Doesn't Dry Skin to Much if you use moisterizer

Cons:

-Some dry skin
-a small sense of burning

I had mild acne on one side of my face. I put a thin layer of this product over hte problem areas. The next morning only a few small very faded places remained. The price was $1. I am shocked! (:
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June 27, 2009

Pros:

it works, minimizes size and redness

Cons:

you can't wear too much when you go out because you can tell by the white parts that stay on your face.

Use it. I put it on.. and every time I use it my pimples go down pretty well. Really works on me... and not much works for me, but I would recommend people try it. :)
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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.