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
September 2, 2010

Pros:

Does get rid of acne.

Cons:

Used as directed, dries skin out to a frightening degree and caused scarring on both my cheeks.

This product will get rid of acne, but be warned, I've had acne for years and never has such a problem with hyperpigmentation and I've never had pitted scars. After a month of using the regimen religiously, I saw what was happening to my skin and had to quit. I didn't even think I was prone to pitted scars, but this product dried and thinned out my skin and caused them.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 18, 2010

Pros:

- 2.5%
- Super smooth to apply
- Price

Cons:

Non

I've been using several brands of Benzoyl peroxides and finally orded Dan's BP and first thought was WOW!!! Like seriously the difference was night and day. I cannot see myself using any other BP from now on.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 12, 2010

Pros:

cheaper than Pro Activ

doesn't bleach out faceclothes like Pro Activ

Cons:

Can't find it in Canada

slow results

I was a die-hard Pro Activ user for years then it stopped working. I never had acne as a teen, my acne started when I approached 30! Here I am creeping up on 40 and dealing with acne - ug! Bought this while visiting the U.S. once and noticed an improvement, but had to stop using it because I can't find it here. Going to the U.S. next week and hope to stock up. My son who is 11 is struggling with pretty severe acne already, tried Cetaphyl but no luck. I think I might get him to try this product. Anyone know if it is ok for kids his age?
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 10, 2010

Pros:

works and is cheap

Cons:

takes a while to show progress

its a good product but you must be patient took me about a 1 1/2 months to see any improvement.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 7, 2010

Pros:

Non drying and doesnt leave skin feeling oily
Definate reduction in no of pimples, redness and oilyness after a few days

Cons:

Slightly more expensive than lower end products such as clearisil. I always buy clinique when bonus time is on though as I use the free gifts so it doesnt seem so pricey then.
Not a miracle worker
Will not remove make up- I use clinique take the day off and another cleanser first and use this system on a clean make up free face.

I started using this one week ago. I have been using lots of different brands over the past 8 years for my acne such as neutrogena, simple, clearisil, clarins and none of them have worked. I have used the clinique 3 step system for normal skin in the past and that was ok but didnt make a difference. Anyway my friend told me good things about the blemish solutions range so I decided to give it ago. I saw a noticeable difference in my skin after a few days of using it....it has been less oily, has calmed some of the pimples and reduced some of the redness. Brands such as clearisil have made my skin flake in the past and red but this kit didnt make it red or dry at all. However, it hasnt worked miracles yet and I have still had a few new pimples appear but there is a definate difference. Im going to continue using it and I will be buying another set if it continues to work as well as it is doing now.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 31, 2010

Pros:

none

Cons:

-way more expensive than they lead you to believe...
-doesn't work
-drys skin

I was really excited to try it, what with the convincing ads and all. I mean, if Jessica Simpson says it work, it must! Well, I got some, and it did nothing. Trust me, I REALLY wanted it to work but... no luck.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 29, 2010

Pros:

Lightened acne scars, prevented breakouts, skin became tighter & even toned, I don't have to wear as much foundation as I used to!

Cons:

(AcneFree Severe Kit) Repair lotion leaves skin oily with a sandy residue

I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who is suffering from acne. I've had to deal with my acne for the past 15 years and I've tried everything (pills, creams, ointments, expensive acne kits...etc). AcneFree didn't clear up my skin completely, however, it's improved my skin so much that I don't have to be ashamed to put my hair back or go outside without makeup on anymore. I noticed an improvement within the first week of using the AcneFree Severe Kit. I didn't see it available on this site for me to review but since the kit shown in the pic is by the same brand, I'm sure it works just as good. If you have tried ProActiv, this is basically the same product but it's more affordable and it's way stronger which is a huge plus. After using it for a few weeks, I've been able to use a different lotion since the one in the kit leaves my skin a bit oily (I have oily skin to begin with) but I still use the cleansing wash as well as the toner and my skin is still under control. Overall, I say yes to Hollywood! :)
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 27, 2010

Pros:

-Overall more gentle than other products
-Simple process
-Good percentage of medicine
-more options than just the three core products-- gentle and extra strength, plus line extensions available

Cons:

-acne can get worse before it gets better
-requires patience: can take up to 6 weeks for full results, and that's when you use it properly, which is twice a day every day, no skipping
- expensive for some people
- doesn't help cystic acne-- that requires serious dermatological help that Proactiv just can't touch

Proactiv, in my experience from myself and my customers, works quite well. It is a well designed and consistent product. But the three main products-- cleanser, toner, and treatment-- aren't a solve-all for every problem that comes with acne. Dry skin will require a moisturizer, oily the various oil controls in the line, combination skin needs both. It's also pricey compared to some other products. Fifty dollars for a two month supply is sometimes too much for some people, but it's a product that doesn't cut corners on quality. You'll never find mineral oil or alcoholic fillers, but you will find things like tea extracts, chamomile, witch hazel, tea tree oil, and china clay. From a customer angle, my customers tend to return the product either because it's too harsh or they don't think it works or... rarely... because their regular shipment came in the mail and they don't need what they bought from us anymore. The first problem is typically solved with fewer applications or an exchange for the gentle kit. The second problem either needs proper usage or an extra strength kit. The last? Well, there's no help for those. The fact of the matter is that for many, many people, this is a more consistent, dependable, effective, and gentler system than many others out there. And that's why I've kept my job selling this stuff for almost three years now-- the customers are happy, and my life much easier because of it.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 27, 2010

Pros:

EVERYTHING!

Cons:

Skin can get a little dry
When first starting, skin can be irritated

I have tried clean and clear and acnefree and they dont work half as well as this does...my skin is clearer then i have ever seen it!! When i first started it, my skin took awhile to get use to it. My skin was completey cleared in 2 weeks while using this stuff....i have so much confidence in my skin now!
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 12, 2010

Pros:

None

Cons:

Price, too many steps, ruins skin

I used Proactiv Solutions for about 5 months...it ruined my skin. I thought it helped the first few times I used it WRONG after about 3 days my face turned bright red, skin was very tight, it felt like it was on fire then my skin started peeling off. I called their customer service and I did exactly what they told me to...it didn't help. It took about 6 months for my face to recover. Please save your face the pain don't try it.
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.