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
February 13, 2011
The biggest mistake I ever made was buying this silly product.Since I started using it my acne has gotten worse , in addition I started getting phenominally huge ingrowths under my skin. As promised , I never got any refund from the company. I think this company is a rip off and one big scam. Thanks for f**king up my life Pro-active. I wouldnt recomend this sh*t to anybody
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February 12, 2011

Pros:

Reduces redness and size
Prevents new pimples from forming
Dries quickly
Removes existing pimples
Very fast and effective

Cons:

Drying
Stings on first applications

I am 15 and I know that acne is common at my age but I just couldn't take it anymore! I used to have at least 20 or more pimples on my face at a time and I hated looking at myself in the mirror. So I bought this cream that a friend recommended and the Clearasil Daily Face Cleanser for 100% of acne. I apply it twice daily, in the morning and night after washing my face. The first week was a drag. It dried out my skin to the point where I felt my face would rip if I moved it. If I tried to put moisturizer on top, it was just a sticky mess. But, it did work. By the end of the week my pimples were barely noticeable. Now, 4 weeks later, my face is clear as it has ever been. If I do get acne, it's only 3 at most at a time. And now that my skin has gotten used to the cream, I don't mind applying it at all. It doesn't dry out my skin as much and it doesn't burn or sting at all. I can add cream on top within a few min. and it will be fine. I recommend this cream, but give it about a month so your skin will adjust. You won't regret it!
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November 26, 2010

Pros:

Heals acne FAST
prevents acne
No more scars!

Cons:

They don't make a gallon sized container.

This stuff saved my (social) life. I had pretty bad acne when I started using it as well as some scarring. I started applying in directly to pimples and got great results. Its just like it kills the zits and if you keep applying it, it will completely get rid of any mark or scar from it. I rub in a small amount over my usual acne locations then let it dry then I glob a spot of it on the actual pimples and let that dry before I go to bed. I now rarely get zits and when I do they are short lived. It does leave white marks on your face, but they're easily washed off with water in the morning. It's worth it, trust me.
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September 17, 2010

Pros:

BP so perhaps it was working

Cons:

Horrific stinging

Well I started the regimen 2 weeks ago and the on-the-spot was just getting more and more painful every single night. So my [link removed] bp came in the mail yesterday, and when I used it last night I was SHOCKED - the pain was completely gone (had I burned my nerve endings? ;)) Anyway, I think there must be some extra ingredients in the neutrogena that are just too strong for burnt skin.
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September 1, 2010

Pros:

Most new products you try quit working by the time you are needing more, but my skin never gets used to this product

Cons:

the acne scrubs bleach, BUT it's totally worth it because the results are awesome

I don't even wanna know how much I've spent over the years at the doc and on prescriptions over the yrs for acne. When I found these products, I was skeptical because nothing seemed to work or work for very long. This scrub has provided consistent results over the last yr 1/2. I tried to get my husband to use these products, but skincare was "too girly." When I finally convinced him to use the scrub, he was addicted after the first use..make sure to use the wash cloth at the end like they say it really helps give you better results.
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July 20, 2010

Pros:

It Works

Cons:

none

This stuff works!
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July 12, 2010

Pros:

None

Cons:

-Made my mild acne turn into moderate acne
-Made it red
-Got a new breakout every single day
-

I have been using this for over a month because I got a few breakouts and hoped it would clear it all up, if anything it has just made the acne on my chin WAY WORSE I dont even want to see anyone. The commericials say "fast results" but I have seen no positive results, its definetly a scam and I DONT RECCOMEND AT ALL
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July 10, 2010

Pros:

No prescription, no fragrance or color, exfoliates chemically,removes deep oil,easy to use,

Cons:

little pricey

i had tried accutane twice, minocycline,tetracycline,benzoyl peroxide,retin-A,benzaclin,azelex, amogn many many other things, and this workS!! the key is to stick to it at least a few months. it exfoliates, which is the key. it also removes deep oil and dirt.i highly highly highly recommend it, coming from someone who has dealt with acne on and off for 11 years. Try it! You'll never go back!!!
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June 4, 2010

Pros:

Not sticky, dont stink, makes my skin smooth, really worth trying, not expensive, great for scars too!

Cons:

None I guess...

I've been using this for 3 weeks and im seeing a diference on my red marks which some are scars(look like red holes), they are disapearing, i cant even believe it. I'll use it till my skin is totally smooth, i guess its possible, this product gave me hope, lots of it, RECOMENDED!
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May 15, 2010

Pros:

Works Quickly, Not too harsh.

Cons:

Drying the first few days, pricey but well worth it.

I've been using this 3-step system for just about a week now and I've seen a dramatic change in the way my face looks. I've gotten many compliments already! I look forward to continue using this product for even better results! :)
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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.