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
December 2, 2011

Pros:

works great, makes skin feel so clean, this is probably my 20th order and I love all the other products they have , especially the Night Time Moisturizer

Cons:

none

my three daughters and I have been using for years, works great and the customer service is superb.
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November 28, 2011

Pros:

- My skin felt fresh
- Cleared up all blackheads
- Got rid of my oily skin (to normal)

Cons:

- After 3 months, I was still not clear of acne
- My acne was worse than before
- Expensive

I was using this for 3 months, and at the start my skin did get worse but the 3 step does claim that your skin will most likely get worse before getting better. The lady at the counter said most people's acne clears up at around 6 weeks of using it, mine however did not but even so I stuck with it. I kept telling myself that my skin would eventually be clear, but my acne never cleared and I finally realised that this was not helping so I went off it. My skin was better before I started this whole clinique regimen.
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November 28, 2011

Pros:

Works fast (overnight results)
Pimples look smaller
Doesn't sting and soothes your skin
Pimples disappear completely within 1 - 2 weeks
Really easy to remove

Cons:

Dries your skin sometimes

When I first bought it I think I might've used it the wrong way and i gave up :P but about a year after I purchased it I ran out of my usual acne spot treatment so I gave it a try I was so so so so happy with the results! I put it on whenever a pimple shows up and it makes my face feel really clean! I put it on at night and take it off in the morning because it dries quickly and turn to flakes that you can peel off your face easily. My pimples are usually gone or visibly smaller in a week.
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November 28, 2011

Pros:

temporally gets rid of acne spots
Goes on clear
Quick to work

Cons:

Funny smell
Slings a little
very harsh for those with sensitive skin

It won't cure your acne, but it's handy for a quick treatment.
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November 22, 2011

Pros:

works great

Cons:

drys a little

oxy works the best
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November 16, 2011

Pros:

Worked VERY well for 2 years- 14-16 yrs old.
Never dried skin

Cons:

stopped using it, had BEAUTIFUL SKIN, tried using it again after about5 months.... made it worse :(

i used this for a couple of years on and off when i was younger... back when having ONE pimple was unbearable. worked absolutely great. loved it. my mum hated it as it bleached every single towel in the house :D stopped using it in about feb of this year. had the most beautiful sin ever without even doing anything to it. i thought i had grown out of my zits. amazingle clear skin for about 5 months. (started using BC pills in november last year) went off them and BOOM. acne disaster. august came and i went to see a doc, prescribed epiduo. i thought it made my face the worst its ever been. started using proactiv again for 3 weeks- now that was the WORST my face has EVER been. (check my pics in the gallery!) unfortunately it made things worse this time around but i am so glad it kept me clear for years beforehand. unfortunately im on anti-biotics now :( possibly accutane if it returns. gave it to my sister who has always had a worse face than me even though she is younger! cleared her up nicely. well worth a shot in my opinion Acne was basically always non-existant, now it is unfortunately recovering from a moderately severe breakout nd dealing with LOTS of ugly ugly hyperpigmentation :'(
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November 14, 2011

Pros:

works great!

Cons:

none

had ance since 9th grade im in 11th now and it had cleared up because of this stuff
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November 10, 2011

Pros:

it works and leavs skin clear and shiny

Cons:

takes a few weeks

it works well. and it technically the same as proactiv they contain the same materials... i got it at BJS and it was on sale for 19.99 and gave you a sulfur mask bottle for free
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November 7, 2011

Pros:

None.

Cons:

If you have sensitive skin I recommend avoiding this product. Commonly cause mild to sever skin irritation.

Avoid, or use a test strip for 2 plus days. This product is extremely strong and I warn anyone with sensitive skin to not use it. There are numerous reports of allergic reactions. I had a sever allergic reaction that lasted over a week, almost like a chemical burn, raised, itchy bumps all over my face and neck, and had followed the usage instruction carefully. Don't say you haven't been warned.
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October 26, 2011

Pros:

skincare that really does what it says!

Cons:

nooooooooooone!

I started out just by trying one of their products and was sent samples of many by them. I have loved everything so much and it all does what it claims to. I have since now bought and used everything i have sampled! Their stuff is so affordable and has quality ingredients that your skin loves and needs. I am a makeup and skin care snob and usually look for the best of the best when it comes to buying things for my face. I dont even look anymore for skincare because their products have everyone else beat by a mile with their effectiveness and their prices. I did forget to mention that their customer service is prompt and very good. They always send good size samples of other products they have so you can try them all. I love this place!!
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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.