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
January 5, 2007

Pros:

It does help ur skin to stay pimples-free.

Cons:

However, once you stop using the product and change to any others, you'll get the worst face you've ever seen. Even accutane might not help.

I've used the product for 4 yrs. But it's too expensive to last forever so i decided to change to a more affordable and so-called reliable products. I regret my decision as my face is full of acne and scar now! I tried to use back proactiv for 2 yrs, nevertheless it never works for me anymore. Just a word of caution to those who are using proactiv: Don't ever change if you've started using.
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December 27, 2006

Pros:

it smells gud. i cant live without it. i LOVE it. some ppl rele dont like it because they use it the wrong way. if u have sensitive skin like me just use a small amount and its awesome. use it urself dont let other ppl talk u out of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cons:

none

its AWESOME. for different ppl its different use. ur either not using it right or too much or not enough. or u can be allergic. dont blame proactiv just move on to acnefree and see if that works for u. be gentle with the lotion because your not supposed to use that much just a dime size. if u use too much the acne fighting ingridents will irritate your skin. it REALLY WORKS. dont listen to other ppl. TRY IT. read the directions!!! u shud probly only need the 3 step system. its only 19.99 not 60.00 like ppl say. thats ONLY IF U GET ALL THE EXTRA STUFF
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December 18, 2006

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

DOES NOT WORK!

Before I used Proactiv, I had very moderate acne...it wasn't that serious but I wanted something to control it. At first (like the first month) I saw results, but eventually it made me breakout more, leaving me with scars. I used it for over a year before I used something else...don't buy into the hype!
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December 17, 2006

Pros:

Proactiv actually works, but you need to give it some time. It has cleared my skin up completely (although I still have some scars). And pimples are a very rare occurence now.

Cons:

The month of my usage resulted in bigger and redder pimples. Also it doesnt help clear up scars, though the exfoliating properties in the cleanser have helped reduce them.

Proactiv works with persistence. My first month of usage was horrible. My pimples were bigger, redder, more frequent. But after this first month, Proactiv began to clear them up, as well as prevented more pimples from forming. Within 3 months most of my skin was clear, and pimples were not forming as regularly. Now, in my 6th month, pimples are a rare occurence and my skin has stayed clear. It has also improved my complexion and the feel of my skin. Initially, Proactiv does dry out your skin (esp the moisturiser) but with persistence, it eventually does refine your skin and smooth it out. I recommend the Oil-free moisturiser if your skin is feeling dry. Basically, keep at it, don't give up on Proactiv just because it isnt showing you instant results. In due time, it does actually work and you'll begin to love the products as much as I do.
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December 8, 2006

Pros:

Definitely a positive difference.

Cons:

SMELLS AWFUL. I'm surprised no one else has mentioned the fact that the face mask consists of Sulfur. Yes, the same sulfur that smells like disgusting rotten eggs. I hate putting this stuff on my face.

Sigh. This product unfortunatley is not a problem solver. It will more than likely work for a short while, maybe longer if you are lucky. I doubt it CAUSES more problems like some people have reported- but you can always expect your pimples to surface as soon as you start a new product. I still think the few weeks of clear skin is worth it. I would definitely reccomend you at least TRY it. Remember, most people on this website leaving comments came here because they were upset. Most happy customers won't take the time of day to randomly log on to a review site and post something great about it. I am sure this product has helped thousands of people.
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December 6, 2006

Pros:

light, not greasy

This stuff is awesome! Dan-you are a genious! Goes great under make-up with Clean and Clear shine control moisture...I don't have one zit!!!!!!!!
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November 26, 2006

Pros:

nice bottle & smell.

Cons:

I find it doesn't absorb as well as Dan says it will. I follow his steps but it seems that my skin has gotten worse. I have mild acne also, and ive been on the regimen for a few months now. Slight improvement at beginning.

I'd give it a shot. its worth the money. But don't expect such wonderous improvements as Dan claims. Myself, I will keep trudging on, maybe until the bottle and cleanser runs out...
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November 26, 2006
I used proactiv for about a year, and it worked wonderfully!! My skin was soft, and there wasn't a single pimple. However, just a few months ago I started haveing a allergic reaction. My eyes got swollen and puffy, and I got red itchy blotches on my face. Turns out I developed a reaction to the benzoyl peroxide, which unfortunatly is the main ingrediant that makes the stuff so good.
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November 25, 2006

Pros:

LISTEN TO ME! You can't tell from the reviews that it will work for you. You just got to try it yourself! Ive been using it off and on and its actually a pretty good product. It just seems like it takes time to work. But im going to stick with it!

Cons:

Theres not realy a store you can buy it at, has to be ordered online. Pretty pricy, but how much money have you spent on all the other acne medication? Why not just give Proactiv a shot?

Well it's pretty good! Basicly like I said you have to use it for yourself to see if it works. If you have realy dry skin, only use it before you go to sleep and just rinse it off with water whenever you take a shower. If you don't have dry skin you can probably use it twice a day. Use it sparingly tho, about a dime size amount of it all, maybe a quarter size amount of the toner, and let the toner dry for about five minutes, just relax with it on and do something relaxing! Remember not everything works but you just gotta try it out to see! I know the price is high for it but do you want alot of money or your acne to be gone? You might even want to just see a dermatoligest. But overall just try it from yourself. From all the other reviews your reading "ITS SOOO GOOD!" "IT SUCKS!"...Just try it for yourself :]
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October 30, 2006

Pros:

Cleared up my acne, my face has been clear for 6 months now. The product goes on smooth, absorbs in about 10 min, I have beautiful glowing skin.

Cons:

dried out my skin the first month I started using it, then I switched from applying it 2 times a day to 1 time per day, now it never dries out my skin and works great!

I love this product. Stick to it!!! I didn't get results until 2 or 3 months, But I sticked to the regimen because it made sense! Now it's worth it. My skin is beautiful now! I still get maybe 1 or 2 pimples per month, but the BP gel helps clear them up faster than usual.I also love that this product is so affordable, 1 tube lasts 2 months. That is just 6.00 per month for clear skin! I also like how this website has no fake advertisments for the product, It's obvious that Dan is doing this to help people with their acne and not just trying to make money! I recommend every-one to give this product a try and be constistant with it for 3 months and see what happens. Thank-you Dan, you're my hero!
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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.