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:

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November 20, 2009

Pros:

Fairly effective, but no a miracle cure.

Cons:

Extremely drying.

I've been using this product for about a week. Initially, I liked it a lot because it was clearing up some bumps that had been on my face and preventing any new ones from forming. However, my skin has begun to dry out unbelievably. I have the strangest skin ever. One second it's oily and the next it's dry or sometimes it feels really dry but looks really oily/shiny. Everytime I used it, I would follow it with Pond's Dry Skin Cream. I think it's definitely worth a try, you never know what's going to work for you. I think I'm just going to use it once every two or three days and use a much gentler cleanser the rest of the time. Hope it works better for others :)
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November 18, 2009

Pros:

Removes dirt oil form your face painlessly. Makes skin feel smooth

Cons:

Does not remove current acne

This medication is meant to UNCLOG your pores, not to remove acne. It aids in fighting blackheads, and preventing large pustules to be formed. So for all the disclaimers who use this product, it is not meant to cure current acne. It is a preventative medication. I do recommend this product
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November 16, 2009

Pros:

Got rid of pimples right away

Cons:

Very liquidy

I didn't rub this all over my face because its generally clean due to OXY PADS. But I applied just a bit directly on the pimple. I felt an immediate sense that it was working. It cleaned and dried it out and late the next day it was gone (Note I did open the pimple just a tad and squeezed the stuff out and then applied.)
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November 14, 2009

Pros:

Results within hours
Huge size

Cons:

None!

The only thing I can say about this product that would be negative was that it dried my skin out the first couple days of using it. But that was because I was so stoked to have it, I slathered it on in generous amounts. User error. It's cleared up my skin noticeably over the past few days. And I haven't noticed any fabric bleaching on my clothes or sheets which is the result with most BP's. It's a way better deal than Proactiv and I feel better buying from Acne.org anyway. My skin profile: 25 year old female. Hormonal cystic jawline and chin acne. Embarrassing!
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November 13, 2009

Pros:

I've been using this product for 8 years and I love it!! Affordable, smells good, and it WORKS!!

Cons:

None.

I had tried Proactiv, Murad, and numerous OTC products and none of them worked on my moderate adult acne until I found this product. I have super sensitive skin and can't use products with salycilic acid (Murad). This product started working for me within the first week (although it does take longer for some people). I've referred numerous people of all ages to this product and it's worked for them as well (so I'm not just a fluke!). I still get a random spot once a month (go figure), but I no longer have acne. I can't say enough about this product, it has saved my skin! Plus, it's affordable...a bottle usually lasts me 3 to 4 months. And it smells nice too!! Give it a shot...it works!!
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November 10, 2009

Pros:

works really well to get rid of acne

Cons:

dries suuuuuuuuuuper slowww

this review is from the pump bottle version 8oz that i purchased. It lasted me about 8months wow. i just finished the bottle and i ordered another 8oz in the squeeze bottle. this product works great. i had a major breakout episode last winter after christmas on my cheeks it was pimples that would leave marks after and took forever to heal and this cleared it up with daily use. i apply this to my face after cleansing with clean and clear advantage cleanser with benzoyl peroxide. then i leave it on overnight while i sleep. i make sure to moisturize the areas that i didnt apply the gel in. this product is amazing it works so well i dont know what i would do without it. it will forever be my best friend.
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November 8, 2009

Pros:

leaves face really clean, clears up acne FAST!, awesome price, all-in-all good product

Cons:

a little bit of dry skin.. just use a good moisterizer & youre good!! other than that i love this productt!!

I love this, it's a life saver!! I was using Proactiv, it was alright but wasn't getting rid of all of my acne...and it was expensive on my tight budgett~~ So I decided to buy this and after just ONE day of using it twice my face was SOOOOO much better~! Most of my pimples had dried up, and the ones that were there were so much smaller!!! So I've been using it for a month now and I barely have any pimples left! The occasional 1 or 2, but my skin is so smooth and clean.I would reccomend using a good oil-free moisterizer after washing you face with this.. it can dry it out a bit. ( I use the Clean & Clear dual action moisterizer) Again, I love this & wouldn't live without it. :) I feel so much more confident!!!!
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November 5, 2009

Pros:

skin feels smother instantly

Cons:

developed a rash on chin after three days.

not sure if i want to continue use because of the rash. however, it does visibly reduce acne......
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October 29, 2009

Pros:

I stopped using birthcontrol (hormones went crazy) and I began to have terrible breakouts that left dark scars. Everyday a new red pimples appeared all of over my face. Started using PROACTIVE and my skin began to clear up within days.

Cons:

Burning sensation while applying toner/lotion. Skin is clearing but extremely dry.

The product works great, I can over look the burning sensation since the pimples are gone. Maybe this will pass once my skin adjust or finds a balance while using this product.
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October 29, 2009

Pros:

Cool Refreshing feeling. Smells good.

Cons:

Results aren't THAT great..

I believe this product should be used on light acne.. but you probably be better off with something else.
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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.