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, 2012

Pros:

Clears Acne
reduces redness

Cons:

causes dryness but lotion takes care of it
may sting a bit

This product really really works ! i love it, I've been using it for only 5 days & my skin is so clear now ! so far this is the only thing that has worked for me ! i recommend it
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December 31, 2011

Pros:

Dries out pimples fast
Smoothes skin

Cons:

Dry, red skin

This stuff is great, works amazingly well, flattens and dries out pimples, only downside is the redness sometimes and dry skin, but a really great moisturizer will help with that, you will see results overnight! I'm not joking!
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December 30, 2011

Pros:

-Worked good for first couple of days
-clears some acne
-the toner is refreshing(:

Cons:

-after about 4-5 days my forehead started to break out more then it was before I bought this product

It okay, but your skin WILL get dry and you could get some breakouts.mand if your like me you'll get a lot of breakouts on some spots!
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December 22, 2011

Pros:

Dries Fairly Quick, Works!

Cons:

Dries skin out if you don't use a moisturizer

This stuff really works, dont know how or why it's different from other bp products but it is. I use it with the cleanser and moisturizer from Acne.org and my skin is perfect for the first time in many years. The regimen can be somewhat exhausting because you have to apply then wait, then apply but it really is worth it if you want to get rid of your acne. I would tell you to follow the guidelines to the T, my girlfriend sometimes uses the cleanser or the moisturizer by themselves and wakes up with a zit or 2. I would recommend that if you want to clear up your face, buy all 3 products and use them 2x a day 12 hrs apart and do it religiously. It will take about 2 weeks for everything to clear up and a month or so for it to be gone for good! This stuff really really does work if you do it right!!
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December 21, 2011

Pros:

Cleared my acne better than anything else I've tried.

Cons:

Dried out my face a little at first. During the "dry times" I cut back to washing once a day and used the green tea moisturizer twice a day and it helped greatly. It does take a little time using it for your skin to get used to washing twice a day with it.

I do have light to moderate acne. Nothing to have to see a dermatologist about, HOWEVER, no other over the counter products have worked for me. Even light acne is really embarrassing to have to live with so don't think I have it easy just because I don't see a dermatologist about it. I've tried it all, washes, cleansers, creams, pads, scrubs, I've even tried not doing anything at all. Nothing worked! I began to see results in about two weeks from beginning to use Proactive and contrary to what I'm seeing posted here, my acne only came back if I stopped washing for extended periods of time. Well worth the $20 a month!
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December 20, 2011

Pros:

It works!!! And it works fast! I've had clear skin for years now!

Cons:

I don't have any cons with these products. They ship really fast!

These products have kept my skin clear for about 6 years now. I even sleep with my makeup on most nights. I don't even use the product according to the instructions (twice a day) and it still keeps my skin blemish free! I've tried it all, from cheap to expensive. The only other thing that worked to keep my skin clear were pills from my dermatologist. Haven't needed those in a long time thanks to these products! I'll always buy this, I hope it never discontinues!
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December 15, 2011

Pros:

the best anti acne treatment not kidding

Cons:

none besides the obvious (dry skin and peeling on the fist weeks you used it which is perfectly normal)

save my social life. and i will continue it buying forever and ever
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December 12, 2011

Pros:

All natural, exfoliant, good value

Cons:

None

I don't have awful acne, but I would get occasional breakouts due to stress or hormones. I was using Proactiv, which I liked, but I hated the price and how they automatically deduct payments from your bank account and ship more to you (even if you don't want or need it). I started researching other products that have benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient, and discovered Carley's. I also like how they send you a bar of natural soap for your face. I've really enjoyed the product, although I still get the occasional blemish due to hormones or stress (same thing happened with Proactiv). You use the soap to wash dirt and grime off your face, then use the scrub to exfoliate and treat the acne, then do another quick wash with the soap to remove any remaining benzoyl peroxide. My skin is smooth and soft and clear, and the price is really affordable. One bottle lasts both my boyfriend and I about three months! My one complaint is I wish the company offered some kind of toner. I have looked but could not find a toner among their products.
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December 12, 2011

Pros:

- It works
- inexpensive

Cons:

- very drying (at first)
- not very travel friendly

I love this stuff. I've been using the whole system for 3 and a half months now, and my skin went through a dramatic transformation. I used to have at least 5 to 7 pimples on my face. Now I have only have 1 or 2 very small ones at a time. At first, your skin is going to look like crap. Its going to super dry and red. But give it some time and you wont regret it.
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December 11, 2011

Pros:

-Smells fresh
-Leaves skin feeling soft, clean

Cons:

-Dried my skin out like CRAZY
-Didn't really treat or prevent acne
-Expensive
-Does not last long

I used this product for around three months and it was just ehhh. In the beginning it dried my skin out soooo bad! At one point it got so dry around my mouth that it actually hurt to open my mouth! When using this, go in after the BP treatment with a moisturizer of your choice. This kit did not prevent my acne at all. I continuously broke up while using this kit. At some point, I felt maybe it helped with previously acne, but not enough to keep using the product. It may work for you, but it did not for me! PS: Since it is expensive, make sure you buy it when it's Clinique Bonus time! :)
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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.