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
October 29, 2006

Pros:

Cheap

Cons:

Causes more acne; reparing lotion is too grainy

This is the WORST product I have ever used on my skin. This product is to blame for the large cysts I got on my face, which lead to my scaring. I decided to use this before I tried Proactiv -- worst thing I could've ever done. It made my skin at its worst state ever. I'd have awful white heads on my face all the time and large painful zits. It lead to major scaring for me. It has permentaly damaged my skin. It didn't get rid of any of my acne, it just caused more. I hope this product rots in hell. It's awful, awful, awful.
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October 26, 2006

Pros:

It got rid of my blackheads after two weeks

Cons:

It completely dried the skin around my nose so badly that it cracks and bleeds. I look like I have a terrible rash. My self confidence is now zero.

Do NOT use this product!
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October 18, 2006

Pros:

Easy to use.

Nothing is fool proof. Acne Free works for a lot of people and works very well. Proactiv I am sure does the same, depending on the person. The difference bewtween the 2 is the cost. Acne Free is so affordable. There are instances for Proactiv that cause people to break out more and they spent all the money! Acne Free is not going to be overnight for everyone, and ACNE has a lot to do with hygeine,and diet also. So if its not working for you. Check out those other aspects in your life. If you use the system and then lay your clean face on a dirty oily pillow case and constantly touch your face maybe that is contributing to your acne troubles.
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October 14, 2006

Pros:

It really clears my skin up right away.

I'll keep buying these product for years!!!
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October 12, 2006

Pros:

Love everything about it. Has completely cleared up my face in the last 3 months. If I even get a pimple it is barely there for maybe a day. But NOTHING like before. I think Dan had this one completely figured out! Thanks Dan for saving my face!

Cons:

The first week it was a little dry and itchy. But I just applied a small amount and sure enough after awhile it was fine (and I have extremely dry and sensitive skin) so anyone who gives it a chance will be fine!

My face has NEVER been this clear!
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November 26, 2006

Pros:

gets your skin feeling really clean

Cons:

its quite pricey

Ive been using the antibacterial soap for over a year now (from the Anti Blemish Solutions) adn whil I doo feel lovely and clean after using it, it hasnt ever cleared me. I find the Spot Treatment Gel and Night treatment Gel good for clearing up spots. And non of it has ever been harsh on my skin.
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May 14, 2018
so many things wrong with this
I am so surprised to see positive reviews here. I mean, even IF the product worked, I am surprised no one just has problems with working with the company itself. I just do not even know where to begin. First the sales people are just there to sell. Sell. Sell. They do not know anything about skin or what products are best for what skin type. I admit it, I fell for the scheme but regretted it after 4 months of getting billed outrageous prices month after month, of products arriving late, of getting billed even after I cancelled the product. And worst of all, of the products you order just not working at all on your skin. I know 3 other people who have used this and we all say the same thing - the company is a huge scam. I have read nearly all the comments here and one thing is for sure, I gave this a big college effort. My friend recommended another product Ninja and then I remembered I had read about it on here somewhere too actually. I called them after 2 months of R&F and told them my skin as worse than ever. Here is the thing that is crazy. Instead of telling me to use their product, they told me that pimples take 2-4 months to form and what I was seeing was likely forming before i started using R&F and that instead of ordering their stuff, I should use up the rest of the R&F stuff I had bought and see if I got clear. I mean I was really shocked and the weird thing is that because they weren't pushy, I believed they knew what they were talking about even more. So I stuck with it and hated every.single.second of it. My skin got worse and worse and worse. After 4 months, I called Ninja again and asked what they would do. They said that by 4 months I should have seen some improvement. But that it was up to me what to do. I decided to give them a shot 'cause R&F was clearly not working. And the funny thing is that after only one month of using their stuff, my skin was 100% clear. That was 3 months ago and I think I have had 1-2 pimples around my jawline in that period, when before I had that many new ones every day. Net net: R&F is a scam. Plain and simple. If you are tempted by these good reviews, keep reading more about the company somewhere else on some other review site. Save your money for something that works.
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July 9, 2018
What is ninja?
July 23, 2018
This review actually pisses me off because its flat out lies. Just because something didn't work for you, doesn't mean its a scam. I've been using RF for a year now and my skin has never looked so amazing. I've also had the best experience ever with my friend who sells it to me. She's there to answer any questiosn I have at any time. And their customer services could not be any better. There was one product I had a problem with and I sent it back for a full 100% refund. How is it a scam if they give you all of your money back when it doesn't work? I can't think of one big pharma company that would do that. Also.. what are these "outrageous prices month after month" ??? My regimen lasts me 3 months and if I'm not ready for more product I just push back my order. Sounds like you have no idea what you're doing. I also used lash boost and it irritated my eyes. I called the nurse line and they told me I was using too much. They were right, I put less on and the redness on my eyes went right downa dn my lashes are long and beautiful. Don't bash a company just because it wasn't right for you or because you don't know how to push back your order.
January 9, 2018
Very confused and don't know what to do?
Hi I'm 15! I've had really bad facial acne for the past 3/4 years and these past few months I have literally had clear skin! I use clinique anti blemish foam, Yasmin pills and occasionally duac. But since the beginning of this month my skin has been constantly breaking out and my cheeks are red and stiff. I haven't changed anything in my routine I wash morning and night. Does anyone know why this is starting to happen now and how I can prevent it cause I really don't want it to go back to how bad it used to be?
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January 2, 2018
Mild- Moderate Cystic Acne Treament
I have mild to moderate cystic acne along my jawline and lower cheeks and with some adult acne on my forehead. PanOxyl is seriously the best. I am using adapelene .03% and clindamycin lotion 1% both perscribed by my derm. I was originally using cetaphil as recommended from the doctor but I had a horrible initial breakout from the adapelene and was so depressed my face was covered in redness and cysts and cetaphil did nothing for my face. I came across PanOxyl in my local pharmacy and decided to give it a try. I saw a noticeable difference in 3 days. By 7 days my face was basically clear of all acne and redness. By week 2, my face is completely clear and my complexion is back to normal! I am still using PanOxyl once daily at night followed by adapelene and Cetaphil moisturizer. In the morning I wash my face with jojoba oil and put clindamycin lotion and cetaphil lotion for the day. This stuff seriously works if you have acne, however, it is severely drying. Like I mean my face is flaming and it's partially because of the adapelene retinoid but I wouldn't recommend using this more than 1 time per day but I would ask your derm. Just load up on mosturizer and you should be fine! I've also heard this doesn't work for everybody but you should give it a try because I had amazing results and wanted to share this because my acne has caused severe depression and if Theres anyone else struggling with it I hope this will help them find their cure as well! (Also the 4 stars is because it's so drying) otherwise would give it a 5.
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January 2, 2018
My face is flaking, not flaming.
December 30, 2017
Love PanOxyl!!!
I'm a 16 year-old girl and I've been using PanOxyl for a little over a month and it is AMAZING. I always thought anything my mom would give me wouldn't work, but I noticed the results in a few weeks. My forehead has cleared up and I barely have any marks on it. My cheeks still have acne scars but it has helped to get rid of new pimples that formed. It's so great, and I recommend it for anyone who is dealing with mild acne. It's also great for me because I have dry skin and it makes my face feel extremely soft afterwards. Just make sure to apply a generous amount of moisturizer after you dry your face.
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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.