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
July 28, 2009

Pros:

Makes skin feel very clean after washing with product. I didn't notice a fragrance; it doesn't stink. It doesn't dry out my skin, although I wish it would because then I wouldn't have any pimples.

Cons:

Made my acne worse. I usually have about 3 pimples at my face at any given time. After consistently using the product about 2 or 3 weeks, my face has 12 pimples and dozens of blemishes. My skin looks worse than when I started.

I am going to keep trying this product for 2 more weeks. If my skin doesn't clear up, I am going to try something else or go back to my normal Clean & Clear acne facewash from the store. My skin has never had so many blemishes in my life after using this product. I know some products "make it worse before it gets better." I am hoping that's what is happening here. On the positive side, my skin does feel very clean after washing it with this product.
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July 25, 2009

Pros:

Stopped new breakouts immediately. Easy to use. Tolerable smell.

Cons:

Burned the skin under my eyes pretty badly after the first few uses.

Overall, it seems to be working. I'm beginning to see a difference after about a week of use.
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July 25, 2009

Pros:

Works fast, cleared my teen daughters skin within weeks.

Cons:

Cleanser bottle should be much larger.

Get it. It works!
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July 24, 2009

Pros:

clears up skin, gives a fresh, cool feeling (menthol)

Cons:

contains oil, dries out skin, bleaches things

Before I used C&C products, my acne was pretty bad. Then I bought their entire acne kit which helped SO much. After that ran out, I bought this. I have used this for over a year now and I use nothing else because nothing has worked as well as this, not even prescription medication. I suppose this just works well with my skin and I can understand that it may not work for everyone. However, I suggest you give it a try. This honestly took my acne from pretty darn bad to almost nothing. Try it out.
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July 23, 2009

Pros:

My pimples cleared up and made my skin less oily :)

Cons:

It's a bit drying though and I still have a few blackheads on my nose and cheeks.

Overall, it's a great product! :) I've been using it for 3 years and it works wonders. When I tried to stop using it a couple of months ago, my skin went crazy and started breaking out. I immediately started using it again, and after a week, my skin looked a lot more like that of a human's. :) I'm never gonna stop using it again.
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July 20, 2009

Pros:

doesn't sting

Cons:

it doesn't work on my skin. After i was told to take a break from accutane, i used this product on areas where pimples were about to form. I put it on the areas everyday kept my face clean and the next week the pimple came out

It actually only worked on one of my pimples. I have this huge one. it reduces the size pretty quickly...but i still have the pimple and it fills up and gets big again and it has been this cycle of reducing it then it getting big again by itself for two weeks now
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July 16, 2009

Pros:

Feels great in the morning, delivers to you, and worked instantly

Cons:

Breakouts come back if you stop using for 1-2 days. It actually makes my skin oily, not dry.

I've been using for over a year and was mostly satisfied, but you really pay for it after missing a day or two.
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July 13, 2009

Pros:

Really cleared my acne...

Cons:

I stopped using it and my acne came back and I am using it again but it starting to make my skin feel moderately ichy...this have never before....am i suddenly allergic to it? or is this normal? If it's normal, should i continue using it?

It works well but the iching is unbearable when i put it on at nights
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July 10, 2009

Pros:

Clears up spots well, makes them less red and generally smoothens the skin.

Cons:

It has made my average strength skin very slightly dry.

I have only used this product 4 times (once the night I got it, twice the next day-morning and evening- and once this morning-to be used again later- and it has work amazingly! In under 48 hours my skin looks a lot better and all the spots on the left side of my back (which was less affected) have all calmed down and my right side (which was badly affected) is still less red, smoother and the spots are smaller. My chest was also affected with a few big spots scattered about (not many smaller ones) and they are all less red and some have disappeared. What I do is I put some Clearasil clean and refine on my back and chest. Then in the shower I scrub the stuff off my back and wash the cream on my chest off without a sponge, just in the shower stream. I then dry myself and apply the Quinoderm cream. This has worked really well and i hope it carries on. Seriously try it!
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July 10, 2009

Pros:

IT WORKS REALLY WELL. SKIN WELL'S CLEAN

GREAT PRODUCT. BUY IT! :)
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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.