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 17, 2008

Pros:

this controls oil VERY VERY well
i had a very oily face before i used this, now it is dry

Cons:

it just leaves your face dry but either with dan's moisturizer or cerave, your face will be properly moisturized

i love this product because it controls my oily face soooo well, i just need to moisturize after, dan's moisturizer is very good but i use cerave because i can get it in stores
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 11, 2008

Pros:

It really WORKS!
I've tried everything and spent hundreds of money on various acne products and this is the BEST product ever. The price is awesome and the result is awesome.

Cons:

It does dries out my skin, a good moisturizer is required

Worth the money, GREAT results, I am going to stick with this.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 10, 2008

Pros:

It seemed to work at first.

Cons:

The cost. Smells bad.broke me out worse after long term use. Feels like sand paper on your skin.

I had pretty bad oily acne prone skin and decided to get proactiv. I used it for about 2 years and it just won't working as great towards the end. I called customer service many times and they said to use less...by the time I finally stopped using it, i was only using a pea size amount and my skin was red and still had acne. I found out that if you have a good cleanser you don't need a toner. THe toner made my skin stink also. After using proactiv i started seaching and found a better solution that works way better!
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 9, 2008

Pros:

works extremely fast, better than the other BP products, just absolutely love it!

Cons:

none!

go buy it! it's been working wonders for me, my sister comments on how clear my skin is beginning to look. i love this product! it's the best BP product out there. I got it on sale at cvs for 3 bucks!
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 7, 2008

Pros:

Left my face feeling clean.

Cons:

Expensive, Dried my skin out soooo much. I kept using it to see if it would go away but it got worse. too much BP.

If you've got oilyoily skin then use it.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 6, 2008

Pros:

Works fast!

Cons:

Dries your skin the first couple of uses

I used the cream wash on my back and within the first week my back was clear! It really worked. It's best to use a good lotion like Cetaphil if your going out. But I really like this product for my back. I felt so confident. I wore a halter. But it works alright on the face. Not the best cleanser for the face but does wonders on your back for some reason.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 30, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of my big annoying pimples within 2 days!

Cons:

But after 2 days my face started to burn and my skin went extremely dry and flakey. And the burning was really bad. I used moisteriser with it but even after I stopped using it, 2 days laters my face is still burning.

I would recommend to use this if your pimples simple wont go away! It wil get rid of your pimples but be really careful to only use it for 1 day or 2 at the max! otherwise you'll have the driest skin and horrible burning feeling. Nothing else got rid of my pimples though so for that, I'm very grateful.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 28, 2008

Pros:

It did clear up my skin at first.

Cons:

It dried up my face leaving it irritated and horribly flake-covered. Your face has to produce more oil to adjust.

I was a user of the proactive system for years and then one year it just quit working. My acne came back worse than it had ever been and proactive team kept switching me to different formulas but none worked. So it will show you results fast, but it will eventually stop working. It is also very expensive.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 22, 2008

Pros:

it dried out my pimples and didnt really dry out skin

Cons:

i still get a pimple every once in a while but not bad at all

Its a great product you should definitly buy it!
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 15, 2008

Pros:

cleared up about 70% of my acne so far. less oily face.

Cons:

still get spots dotted around my face and there always really stubborn, take ages to f*ck off.

when i first started to use this product i noticed a massive improvement, i had no spots within 2 weeks. hardly dries my face out but still use moisturiser. but gradually i started getting spots in places were i never got them, like my cheekbones and mouth area. so bottom line, its cleared up the masses of spots i use to get along my jaw line, and now i just get them dotted around my face. WHICH is a hell lot better. has worked well anough to keep persisting at it and hope it works to clear my whole face. peace, and much love folks.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report

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.