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 9, 2013

Pros:

*It works on my daughter's acne-prone skin.
*It's gentle enough that she's able to use it daily without irritating her sensitive skin.
*The tube is HUGE and inexpensive and should last her a year.

Cons:

None yet.

We finally found an inexpensive, low-strength BP gel that my daughter is able to use without the burning and irritation that came with higher-strength BP gels. Since she's able to use it everyday her skin is FINALLY almost clear now, and she'll be able to continue using it as a preventive medication along with her prescription of Differin. It's size alone makes it inexpensive; 8 of the 1-ounce drugstore bottles of BP gel would cost around $40 before tax. I think this was less than half that. Highly recommend!
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January 4, 2013

Pros:

it does how reduce the intensity of my break outs and i have noticed less acne

Cons:

it dries out my skin

it works but make sure you hydrate well!!!
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January 1, 2013
Product used: The Regimen

Pros:

It works!
Super gentle for sensitive skin

Cons:

Flaking
Drying
Redness
A bit expensive for 3 products

I have used this since the beginning of September 2012. I noticed after three months of using the Regimen according to the instructions, my face is finally clear! I have had light to moderate acne for 11 years and now it's finally gone. I used to think that birth control pills was my only option left, because I usually had hormonal acne. I'm super happy knowing that this is probably the only thing I'll buy to treat my acne. It's a bit pricey, but it works!
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December 29, 2012

Pros:

It just works.
Ease of use
3-Step formula

Cons:

Initial Hardening Effect:
Dryness of skin
Itchiness
Peeling

Unfortunately, there seems to be a common misconception with this product. That is, your acne gets worse once you stop. This is untrue. Your acne only reappears (which is normal because acne CANNOT be cured) ...but it by no means becomes worse. Benzoyl Peroxide is NOT an antibiotic, but rather an antimicrobial--this means the acne bacteria cannot develop resistance to Benzoyl Peroxide's killing action. In other words, the product will work the same tomorrow as it does today. Best of luck.
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December 28, 2012
Product used: The Regimen

Pros:

After I used it for just 1 month, my skin had significant improvement. Now, I have used it for 6 months, every one praised me for having flawless skin. I don't even need to put BB Cream or foundation when going out. I just love all Acne.org products, from Cleanser, Treatment, Mosturizer, AHA and Jojoba oil. I have bought the complete set of them. Thanks Danial... You are so great.

Cons:

Initially, it made my skin dry and flaky.

Just continue the regimen strictly, basically, I couldn't find any Cons in Acne.org products. Read the product instructions properly, follow the regimen strictly. Don't mix using other products. You sure can see your skin improve after a short time. I can't imagine if I didn't start Danial's regiment. He has given me a happy life.
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December 23, 2012

Pros:

- works quickly to prevent pimples
- started to clear my skin within 2 weeks
- inexpensive
- prevents any new pimples from growing

Cons:

- can be very drying if not used with a good moisturizer

Really awesome when used properly. I have been using this for a few months now and i have never been so happy with my skin! start off on a tiny amount at a time to prevent extreme drying so that your skin can take to the product and so that you know if your skin can handle it. All in all a great product
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October 21, 2016
may i know how to use this cream. i just squeeze it into my fore-finger and just keep it on the area of acne and just leave it. i wont massage or spread it. is this a correct way of using the cream?
December 21, 2012

Pros:

none

Cons:

made my acne 10x worse, not even worthy of 1 star, i will be going on accutane because of how much this product has destroyed my skin

never should anyone buy this
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December 21, 2012

Pros:

+ Refining Mask
+ Exfoliates Dead Skin
+ Not Complicated to use
+ Smells nice

Cons:

- Currently There are 2 versions of the product (see below)
- Expensive
- Doesn't clear acne fully
- Irritation and Redness
- Poor product for the price you pay

Proactiv is bogus and overrated just like Murad, Dermalogica, and some others that have great advertisements, high prices to convince that "it must be good since the price is high", and a disappointing letdown of purged skin and low confidence. Honestly it's sad when the 2oz tube of refining mask (which really does work wonders like it claims) is the highlight of the show. This 3 step kit talks the talk but can be out beaten by AcneFree or Neutrogena any day of the week, and I suggest you save your cash for that instead.
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December 17, 2012

Pros:

Clears acne FAST. Expect results within few days, and flawless skin in one month

Cons:

benzoyl peroxide doesn't go on clear like the regimens. can be very drying

Been using this for YEARS, the only acne product that's worked for me. I personally have zero patience. When I have a breakout I expect whatever medication I put on to clear it fast. I want immediate results. I have no patience for dans 3-4 month regimen or retin a etc etc. Acnefree clears me up fast. Life is too short to be patient waiting for your face to clear!
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December 11, 2012

Pros:

- Works fast!
- Moisturizer + SPF 15
- 2.5 BP Acne Lotion works wonders!
- Cleanser has a weird consistency but works well.

Cons:

- Acne Lotion can be drying/irritating. (I use the moisturizer AM and PM to avoid overdrying)
- Acne Lotion and Moisturizer finish quicker than the cleanser. Neutrogena should sell these individually.

I ´ve been using this system for three months and it has significantly reduced my acne and scarring. I was considering going into another round of accutane but this has done wonders for my skin. I ´m so amazed that I no longer have to wear foundation anymore! At the beginning I tried using the system as directed, using the lotion AM and PM and moisturizer only on AM but I find it works so much better if I use it AM and PM. I also use Olay PRO-X with this system and it really helps with blackheads and blocked pores. Would recommend.
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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.