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
March 6, 2009

Pros:

I have used this product for three years and it works great. Before starting the product, I read all of the directions and followed them explicity. Dryness occurs only if you use too much and/or too often. It has been a success for my cystic acne.

Cons:

None

I recommend to follow the directions sent with the product and see what happens. I started using only one of the products at a time for one week before adding the second product and only did so for once a day until my skin adjusted to the system. If you just jump right in and begin using all the products at once you will have adverse reactions. I know because that is what I did the first time I used proactiv years ago. I also recommend that you use an oil free moisturizer. I apply the moisturizer BEFORE I put on the refining lotion. When applying the products, only use a few dots. A little goes a long way.
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February 26, 2009

Pros:

works wonderfully, ive only used it for about 4 days and. its cleared almost all my acne

Cons:

makes face feel stiff. i only apply at night. and it works great

works great
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February 17, 2009

Pros:

-Effective, simple & gentle ingredient list, lots of product for the money.
-Pills taste pleasant.
-Much less drying than other BP's I've used in the past.

Cons:

-Eyes sting & get watery for about a minute after applying it. (Anyone who's used aloe vera gel on their face knows what I'm talking about).
-Not sure if the pills do anything since I haven't tried them by themselves.

My skin has reacted better to this BP than others I've tried in the past. Neutrogena On The Spot seemed to clog my pores and dry out my skin slightly more (I think it may have been because of the clay base). Despite 2.5% BP being touted as just as effective as stronger formulas in killing acne bacteria, I really believe the 5% BP solution in Nature's Cure is more effective. It's sort of the perfect balance--stronger than a 2.5% BP but without the irritation that comes with the 10% formulas. I cleanse, moisturize with jojoba oil, and then apply a generous amount of the BP before bed. (If my skin is on the dry side I'll mix a little bit of aloe vera gel with it first.) My skin still isn't perfect but Nature's Cure has significantly decreased the amount of clogged pores and pimples. In my opinion it is definitely worth a shot. If it doesn't work, you're only out $10 and a month of your time.
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February 16, 2009

Pros:

Refining Mask Is Nice And Gentle

Cons:

The Worst Product Ever.

The Worst Product Ever. Thanks to this product it made my skin worse. It made it Extra Dry, and Extra Red. As well as made me have bigger pores that I did not already have. It was very uncomfortable to be like this all day. The only nice thing was the refining mask. As that was gentle. I now have to be on Actutane because it had made my acne worse. Then I wanted to return pro active. They charged me $29.00 for a shipping and handling fee. When they say in their ads' A 60 day Money Back Guarantee Free Shipping And Handling'. I definitely do not recommend this product. I recommend you go to your doctor, and get a referral to a dermatologist. As they are the only solution to solve all of your Acne problems. Don't waste your money on this crap. Its false advertisement. Sorry to be so negative but its true. Don't listen to their commercials. As they are all actors paid to say that proactive helps your acne. Think about it. I hope this helps. Good luck
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February 10, 2009

Pros:

treats acne very effectively! Haven't had a pimple since I started using it...

Cons:

very drying, irritating

yes BP is drying/irritating.. but what BP isn't? BP is the ONLY thing that has worked for me and thousands of others so ask yourself.... acne or some bothersome peeling for a little while? give time for the skin to "slough" off (BP gets rid of dead skin as well as oxygenates the skin to make it impossible for bacteria to survive) and you should have some excellent results.
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February 6, 2009

Pros:

no new pimples

Cons:

This cream leaves residue, which makes me put a lot of effort applying it. Very small and expensive.

This seems to be a good project, but it is pretty hard to apply. If this was a gel instead of a cream, I would love it so much better. It's pretty small and cost a bit much.
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January 31, 2009

Pros:

none.

Cons:

absolutely does not work. made my acne WORSE. i went from a few bumps to cystic ones on my forehead (right smack in the middle, i have the ugliest bindi ever now, lol). then i had tiny little bumps on my cheeks show up

don't even bother. i rated affordability as 1 because i may as well have slathered bacon grease (which is free) on my face for all the good it did. proactiv DOES work and MUCH better than this crap.
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January 26, 2009

Pros:

persuasive advertisement, good smell

Cons:

doesnt work at all

it did nothin for my skin, kept my skin dry, and my breakouts got worst. didnt heal acne. However i do reccommend it to others, because it might not work for me but work for another, like in those persons in their ads
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January 22, 2009

Pros:

Works good especially in the beginning

Cons:

having to pay for 3 steps when I only want one.

I started purchasing on ebay, much better prices and I can get what I want, plus I give someone a little business besides the big department stores.
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January 21, 2009

Pros:

After years of trying product after product I am now completely clear!

Cons:

Dries out the skin. Need to moisturize every day.

Amazing!
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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.