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
August 16, 2007

Pros:

Best thing I have every used.

Cons:

It is a pricey if your insurance does not cover it.

It works soooo well. Both times I stopped and tried something else, my acne was out of control. I use an oil-free moisterizer and my skin looks great. I love it. I have used it for 8 years.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 12, 2007

Pros:

i just recently began using acne free but it seems to be a really good start to a new face!

Cons:

it drys out my dace

it seems to be working good and i recommend it to anyone in need for clear skin
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 3, 2007

Pros:

within 5 days of using this 90%of jawline acne has dissapeared. Right before this I was using Proactiv for 2 years. It helped a little at first but stopped working. I bought 5 bars of soap for $29 and each bar should last about 2 months.

Cons:

Have to get it online but shipping is fast. mine came within 3 days.

It works. you may notice a few bumps at first but give it time. I got like 2 bumps but they went away within two days. It's just cleaning out your system. Also come with a few bonus samples. Also comes with a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 1, 2007

Pros:

I used this for about 3 days and every time I used it, I can see a noticable difference. It made the pimples smaller and my skin seemed to be clearer.

Cons:

No cons yet. I just hope this will help to wipe out my acne completely.

Try this! But be aware that you rub the cream very very gently on your face. I used to always rub my skin very hard with the creams and facial wash in a desperate attempt to get rid of my acne. Don't ever do this! It only irritates the skin and makes your acne worse. Oh, and use the cream along with clearsil face wash for spots. Good luck!
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 25, 2007

Pros:

The new formulation works much better. Super soft skin. Only takes about 5 minutes start to finish. Purging has not been terrible. Skin is clearing.

Cons:

Does nothing for discoloration. It will dry you out if you use it everyday.

I used the older Clinique acne line and I was not pleased. When they launched the new line I was hesitant but I like everything else from them and I knew I could bring it back. The cleansing foam is not just a make-up remover like the old one. It leaves your skin feeling very soft. The clarifying lotion is very gentle and it has an oil absorbing powder in it so NO SHINE throughout the day which I think is a miracle. Then there is the clarifying moisturizer. I only use it at night or else it drys me out. I use the gel moisturizer by them during the day with Clinique clarifying foundation. There is a definite improvement in my skin even though I am still in the purging process. You can tell stuff is coming up and out but my skin is not unbearable.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 20, 2007

Pros:

It gets rid of small pimples and some scars

Cons:

The refining mask stinks and it dosnt get rid of everything

Its OK if you have minor acne but not severe or all over yor face acne. Also I'v been usuing it for awhile so thrust me.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 10, 2007

Pros:

I didn't see any?

Cons:

Doesn't clear up acne.

I have bad genetic acne and have tried every pill and cream my dermatologist has recommended, and none have worked. In desperation I tried proactiv, and it did not work whatsoever. I did the whole "wait for a few months" and saw no results, except that my face got considerably worse.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 9, 2007

Pros:

cheap and it works been using it for 4 years

Cons:

none

its the best on the market and affordable.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 28, 2007

Pros:

Need small amount.. no bad odors.. really makes skin soft and clean. Affordable compared to "designer" brands.

Cons:

Can only get this product through mail order, so you can either get too much (auto delivery) or run out (a la carte) if you are not careful.

I love this product. I am a 43 year old woman with oily skin, prone to ugly pimples from time to time. This product is so gentle that I am going to buy it for my 10 year old daughter. It's an easy regime that takes about 5 minutes, tops! The toner is not a nasty astringent that burns, it feels good. And the moisturizer is also an acne cream!
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 25, 2007

Pros:

Amazing product! Cleared up my cystic acne and all other acne in a week!

Cons:

None

If you're bothered by breakouts, definitely give this a try. Nothing else works like this!
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.