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
February 19, 2008

Pros:

The best acne product on the market by a long shot. Customer service is exceptional and fast. Products are cheap. Unlimited time money back guarantee including shipping.

Cons:

The people who leave negative feeback on this product.

After having acne for over 25 years (severe congestion and deep cystic acne for the past 4 years), I have never used a better product and I have tried them all and I mean all. This product works so fast, everyday your skin keeps getting better. I just had to write a review and let you all know as I am so impressed and blown away by this product. Honestly, my cystic acne is clear after 2 weeks of use. My family and friends can not believe how clear my skin is, everyone wants to buy it. I will be passing the word on to anyone I see with acne and I am starting right here. If you have acne please try it, you won't be sorry. Your skin will feel the best it has ever felt after 3 days. My years of tears are finally over. I bought mine on ebay and I will be a customer for life. To the guy who developed this product, I will be forever grateful.
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February 13, 2008

Pros:

Absolutely NONE.

Cons:

DOES NOT WORK, DOES NOT WORK!! Makes skin WAY worse!! Enough said.

Buying Proactiv is the biggest mistake I've made in my life, period. It made my skin even more sensitive, broke out in places I've NEVER broken out before, made my skin extremely red and irritated everyday. Bottom line; don't trust those highly-paid actresses on TV ads. They do not use Proactiv.
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February 12, 2008

Pros:

All natural, no animal products, no animal testing, pleasant smell, nice consistency, relatively inexpensive.

Cons:

Did not work for me at all.

I too really wanted to like this product and feel I gave it a fair shot of a full 2 months usage. But my skin got worse and worse, worse than it has ever been before. After 10 weeks, I had to give it up. Was using Proactiv before Carley's but was not effective anymore. Really upset that it just didn't work for me and now I a lot of really bad scars.
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February 10, 2008

Pros:

worked really well for 8 years

Cons:

stopped working after 8 years & my skin became ridiculously worse afterwards. Even before i tried proactiv my skin was moderately acne prone Now its so bad I'm on accutane.

It's just a matter of time till this product will stop working and make your skin worse. This is a temporary fix that isn't worth the end result
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February 9, 2008

Pros:

See imporvement straight away
Cheap
Easy to use

Cons:

Very Dry Skin
Some Burning,
Feels like you always have sunburn(Stay out of the sun, when using)

One of the best things ive tried, over Proactiv which did nout for me, roaccutane prob better but benzac is way cheap!
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January 29, 2008

Pros:

Cleared my skin very fast. Could see it working within the first 3 days.

Cons:

Dried me skin a little but not that badly

This product really works. I tired numerous things to get rid of my acne, and nothing seemed to be consistent. I tried this and my face is so much clearer. I get many complements on how clear my skin is. The only time I really break out is if i'm not consistent with the product 2 times a day.
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January 23, 2008

Pros:

At first my acne seemed to be getting worse, but after about the first week my skin improved dramatically! I had a ton of pimples all around my mouth, now I barely have any! Now im just left with scars...

Cons:

If you wear foundation, the face wash may not work extremely well for you.

After using countless acne products and being disappointed again and again, this product is worth the price, it leaves your skin soft and smooth! The clinique emergency gel-lotion works great with this system! I will continue to use this!
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January 23, 2008

Pros:

It works; very affordable; generous quantity; product lasts a good amount of time; fast shipping;

Cons:

None what so ever.

This product worked for me. I seriously have tried everything under the sun and nothing really truly worked for me. I am thirty years old and have had acne problems for several years now. I have been using Charley's Clear & Smooth since Oct. 24th of 07 and my face looks good and soft too. I honestly will not try anything different. This product is it for me! I still get like one or two a month but I think that's just hormones. Also so ladies, I have been using a makeup called "every day minerals" and it works great. It looks natural, feels light and covers really, really well.....I'd check it out. I honestly swear by these two products to have helped me a great deal. FYI - I use the bar soap; acne scrub; acne-prone day moisturizer; and the evening repair moisturize daily.
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January 21, 2008

Pros:

i love the smell, idk why people keep saying the smell is bad lol.. it dries up your acne too

Cons:

dries too much, doesnt work like it says it does..

the product works somewhat.. i love the smell.. the beads gently work to take off your makeup and leave you feeling soft and clean. it really doesnt make the acne disappear as fast as it's supposed to. i just used proactiv before i got this stuff. proactiv didnt work for me either. i dont have that bad of acne, but they both dry me out VERY much.
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January 18, 2008

Pros:

If it's used consistently, it is very effective. Proactiv got rid of my whiteheads and blackheads very well, when nothing else really does that.

Cons:

It's a bit expensive and the lotion runs out much too fast.

It's worth a try if you've tried everything with no results.
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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.