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:

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July 22, 2014
So happy I found this...
I'm 33yrs old and I have struggled with acne since I was 12. I tired everything from OTC to prescription medication. Just recently, I broke down and cried. I couldn't deal with my acne anymore. I spent countless hours researching online and came across acne.org. I ordered the sample kit because I was skeptical. Best decision I've ever! Within 3 days of using this product, my acne was slowly disappearing. Within 2 weeks, I had the best result ever and threw out all my prescriptions. I love this product and will continue to keep using it.
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July 20, 2014
Gave me horrible cystic acne!
I really wanted to like this product unfortunately it gave me huge cystic acne. After about 3 weeks of using this product I started to break out so badly on my cheeks and it got progressively worse. Now I'm left with pitted scars =/
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July 9, 2014
Reduces redness overnight.
This product does well to minimize the redness, swelling, and the sore pimples that have just begun to form. Washing with this at night, I'd notice a measurable difference in all of the above. Does NOT do so well to remove excess oil/makeup. Also, I feel like this new scent is geared towards men? It has that cologne aroma I'd usually associate with men's personal care products.
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July 4, 2014
Product used: The Regimen
Simple and effective.
Take 3-6 months and try it. After all, you've probably spent lots of time and money on lots of other products, right? Here's the thing, though: DO NOT add non-regimen products to your routine. If you wear make-up, read Daniel Kern's information about cosmetics and be very savvy about the all-over cosmetics you buy (foundation, primer, blush, powder, etc). I used a popular chain cosmetic store's very generous return policy to try out skin-friendly brands. I selected items that were fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and with as few ingredients as possible. When I found a winner, I knew my choice would not be overriding the benefits of the regimen. Also, be aware of other external factors that can cause acne. The regimen is not a miracle cure. My cystic acne required prescription care as a teenager. I still have large pores and am prone to blackheads. That said, the regimen keeps my skin consistent amid life's inconsistencies. I still have stress acne and some breakouts around a certain time of the month. That might mean one or two small pimples, though, compared to major fallout from a vicious acne cycle (stress, major breakout, stress over breakout, more breakout, scarring, stress. etc.). Take the time and effort to give your skin the chance it deserves. And I really hope the regimen works for you as it has, happily, worked for me.
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July 2, 2014
HORRIBLE!!!!!!
Do not put this on your skin!!! Is so strong and is just gonna make your acne worse!! When I was looking for a cure for acne I always wanted the strongest product as possible because i thought that would speed the process and get my acne cure quicker and that is why i bought this product, what a disappointment!!! It makes your skin red and makes your acne 100% worse!! The only decent product on this is the moisturizers but nothing special specially for the price!
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June 27, 2014
Great
Gets rid of my acne and blackheads. The only downside is that it burns for a couple of minutes.
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June 26, 2014
It's okay...
I was looking for something new that i heard was similar to proactive but cheaper. so i went out on a limb and bought it ... it cleared my skin up a little , i did see slight improvement but after that my face hit a plateau. It stopped working and personally i have oily skin and this made my nose very very very oily and shin which i was trying to avoid.. i personally wouldn't recommend this face wash its not worth all of the hype.
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June 18, 2014
Bad customer service!
I ordered it the first time never knowing that i have to continue buying their product so about 1 month later they sent me the second package. I returned it and asked them to stop the continuous service. They charged me over $10 for the shipping. I didn't say anything because it was my fault for not knowing to cancel the service in the first place. About 3 weeks ago I received another box and was charged $43.97!! I called them and said to cancel the service but the lady said she will pause the service until September. I was like WTF? cancel it! I returned the box for the second time and just got $31.95 back after 3 weeks. I called them again because I am not paying for the shipping of the box I have never ordered. The guy on the phone was so rude; he won't even let me finished my sentence. They made me pay for the shipping when I already told them I DID NOT WANT IT and canceled the service!! I will never buy their products ever again! Also, not a good product for sensitive skin like mine. I experienced redness and dry skin after using this product.
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January 25, 2014
Terrible customer service
I have been using proactiv plus for a little over a month now, and I actually have already seen great results. My skin has cleared up a great amount. I would love to continue using proacitv, however, I have experienced probably the worst customer service I've ever had. During my first order, I was misinformed about the amount I was going to be paying. They told me I would be paying $39.95 for this kit, and then get charged every 3 months for another kit. False. They are charging me $39.95 every single month, making the actual amount $119.85. I called to discuss my disappointment to one of their representatives, and again I just had someone talking in circles rather than being completely honest with me. Once I finally got the chance to talk to a supervisor (whom was not friendly towards a paying customer) he finally said he will send me step 1 to make up for the confusion. I still wasn't completely satisfied, but decided to continue. After a few days, I received a confirmation e-mail saying my package was delivered, yet it was delivered to a different address. I called to talk to another representative (nicer than the others I've spoken to) and explained my situation. She said they will send something in the mail that I need to fill out claiming I didn't receive the product, then they will re-send the product. So at this time, I know have to wait about two weeks to receive this product, yet none of their staff seems sympathetic whatsoever. I have never submitted a complaint to any company, but after working in customer service for several years, I find myself being very unsatisfied. At this point I am looking for a different acne system that will be cheaper than this, only because of their terrible customer service. If it wasn't for that, I would definitely continue using this product.
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December 31, 2013
Pro active plus
I tired pro active plus and didn't notice a change so I've tried canceling twice in the last three months w them and they keep charging me and resenting the product and when I call they say they have nothing on me canceling it. They service is bad and the product sucks .
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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.