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
May 27, 2012

Pros:

Lessen redness

Cons:

Didnt get rid or my Acne at all
Drys skin

I didn't take photos well using this product,but I remember it not working at all and my face was so dry I just stopped using it! A month after stoping use I got a email saying my batch was defectied I was so fed up with the product I didn't get my free one that had all the ingredients in it "/
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 26, 2012

Pros:

Minimizes red dots quicker than most products I've used.
Actually clears acne (with the occasion of casual pimples).

Cons:

A little sting at first... when face is a bit dry, but beauty is pain !

Has been itchy in the past-
After a year and few months of using this product, I stopped for a week while I was on a trip. When I started using it again, my whole check began to slowly turn into crisp red.

*** I recommend to use plenty of moisturizer during this treatment.

When I had stopped using this acne after a year and few months, I realized my face would be filled with pimples without it. Basically, this acne treatment helps reduce the acne from being seen. It does a quick, efficient job in clearing acne and making the face look flawless- sometimes. All I can say is that from my experience of acne products, this is by far the only one that actually works on my skin the best.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 24, 2012

Pros:

I like the toner and repair on their own. The toner acts well to moisturise

Cons:

I used this product for 8 weeks and during this period I had the worst acne of my life. I just though it was getting all the stuff out from deep in my pores and they say it takes 6 weeks. I current haven't used it in around three months and have no pimples but it has left me with minor scars. Plus the customer service was one of the worst I have ever dealt with.

I am a male in my early 20s and if your the same skin type as me, I recommend avoiding it. However it's not a bad idea to attempt it because it must work for some people otherwise it would not be so popular. I worked out that it comes to $1 per day. Now I just use Brevoxyl, which cost $15 every three months and has left me without pimples and I can't be happier
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 16, 2012

Pros:

umm...? Not many

Cons:

Made my acne progressively worse
Ultimately gave me cystic acne
Made me even oiler than I already was. People could almost see their reflections in my forehead. No sarcasm intended.

Proactiv is waaaaay to harsh for sensitive skin. Not only would I not recommend Proactiv for sensitive skin, I also would not reccommend it for skin of color either.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 9, 2012

Pros:

the man made beads in the cleanser where super good! they gently exfoliated my skin leaving it feeling refreshed and clean. I saw results witin the first couple of weeks and with continuous use it is clearing up scarring as well as preventing any major breakouts.

Cons:

in the first week of use my skin began to show signs of dryness, but Proactiv do recommend using a moisteriser after step 3, which does help prevent this.
another con to this product is the frequency in how late the shipments could be, in some cases my shipment would come 1-2 weeks after it was due which was a little inconvienient.

after trying to use different cleansers, lotions, toners, face masks etc. none have been as half as effective as proactiv have been! I wouldn't suggest people with severe acne affected skin to use this product as the exfoliator beads may irritate any blemishes. but for my skin which was prone to blackeads and whiteheads, as well as the common breakouts and scarring due to picking and scratching, this 3 step system works wonders. Keep in consideration that clear skin doesnt automatically come with a new skin regimen, eating healthier and drinking healthie does also play a massive part in creating a beautiful complexion. I don't see why you dont give it a go, and with their money back guarentee you really can't go wrong.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 5, 2012

Pros:

Convenient to buy
Works great
Sunscreen in lotion

Cons:

None!

I've had moderate acne for 10+ years (I'm 25), its never been bad enough to see a doctor but I always hoped it would clear with age, and it never did. I tried every OTC product I could find. Last winter I was visiting my younger cousin and she used this system, so I used it while I was there for about 3 days. In that time, I noticed a significant difference in my skin tone, it looked smooth and healthy. My breakouts were clearing up right away also. I bought some right away, and after the first 2 months of using it consistently, my face was much more clear. The cleanser is wonderful and really cleans everything off. The acne cream is drying, but my face got used to it. I wash and use the cream twice daily, and only use the sunscreen lotion during the day (I live in S. FL and sunscreen is a must), it has been working wonders for me. I've been using the products for about 5 months now, not only are my breakouts gone, but my skin tone is like a child's skin and gets better every month - I've completely stopped wearing face makeup and I'm sure that helps my complexion as well. Everyone has different skin and this probably won't work well for everyone, but if you have mild acne and can commit to using the same products consistently, give it a shot - you have nothing to lose!
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 4, 2012

Pros:

actually works
cleansing foam is so gentle
fast and effective

Cons:

price
bottle size

This product actually works. I have tried everything from proactive to prescribed pills and tablets to clean and clear. I have spent so much money on skin care and I have finally found something that works. I have been using it for a week and my big sore pimples are disappearing. The only problem is your skin does dry out but if you moisturise you'll have no problems. I would definitely recommend this product.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 21, 2012

Pros:

none

Cons:

poor customer service,product doesn't work.my son's acne actually got [link removed]pany continues to hammer your credit card after you cancel.

I actually had to cancel my credit card to stop them from billing my card.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 14, 2012

Cons:

- Makes acne MUCH worse than before
- Dries out skin
- Toner stings like crazy
- Makes skin BRIGHT red
- Getting a refund is impossible
- They charge you monthly without you knowing

My mom bought me this when I was fourteen and I used it for about a month. It caused me to break out HORRIBLY and it made my skin bright red! It was also painful to smile or to touch my face. Also, BEWARE that this company will charge you a fee every month after you get the trial version. It takes FOREVER to get your money back and customer service is AWFUL.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 4, 2012
Product used: The Regimen

Pros:

can't think of any

Cons:

made my skin sooo dark,
causes inflamation,
burns and itches
puffy eyes

I was really hoping that this would be the product that work for me. I'm in my mid twenties with severe acne. I have deep dark skin. This product made my skin soo dark and i saw no results. It saddens me because I had such high hopes in it. Also, every morning I woke up with puffy eyes while using this product. I only used it for 3 weeks. I personally wouldn't recommend it to dark skinned people, especially those with sensitive skin.
This Was Helpful

4 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.