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
May 15, 2009

Pros:

It works at first.

Cons:

After 60 days, my acne had gotten no better--it just moved from my forehead down. The salesperson said I should try a stronger formula, so I spent even more money on that, and now I have very large pimples on my chin. I cannot stand this.

For many people this product works, but for some reason not on me. I think that for most people reading these reviews it would be a good product. I used it faithfully to no avail. I've gotten the product 4 times due to clever salespeople and have asked for a refund, but it's all caught up in red tape, and the guarantee is screwy. You have to return the product within 60 days of purchase, yet they say you have to use it for 60 days, giving you a window of a few hours to return it. This seems like a sort of scam for people who the product doesn't work on.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 15, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my chest acne & back acne

Cons:

It burns if I leave it on my face for too long :(
& on my face it doesn't work as wekk.

It works lol best on chest & back!
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 12, 2009

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

NEVER ORDER THIS PRODUCT - I CANCELLED IN AUGUSTOF 2008 - STILL FIGHTING FOR REFUNDS AFTER CANCELLING CREDIT CARD! ps their customer service SUCKS!

I cancelled credit card after they continue to charge me a YEAR AND A HALF after I cancelled the order. No refund and I need to tell you that this product will irratate you skin. My dermatoglogist said so. DO NOT ORDER - EVER!!! because you cannot ever cancel!! Not kidding!
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 10, 2009

Pros:

Cleaned it up a little

Cons:

Didnt really do much, my skin is still oily and still red and bumpy

Not right for everyone! I have a friend who it is perfect for, just not me!!!
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 5, 2009

Pros:

It goes on smoothly and absorbs well. I only use it once a day and it's not too drying. It's completely eliminated the minor breakouts i was getting post-Accutane and gotten rid of T-zone oiliness.

Cons:

It can be harsh. I used it once on the skin above my upper lip and it left it red and irritated.

I think it's totally worth the price- you can get a large tube that goes a long way and it's remarkably effective.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 5, 2009

Pros:

my skin has never looked this good!

Cons:

it smells kind of funky

This product is affordable and it works! My chin was a big problem area. It always used to have pimples on it before I started this treatment and now if I ever do get a pimple, you can hardly see it and it goes away practically the next day. I've never been happy with my skin until now. I'm so lucky to have come accross this product.... Yes, when you start the first week or two your skin gets red and it feels like its on fire, but after that goes away its totally worth it!
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 30, 2009

Pros:

Clears up acne when used properly; good value; does not irritate the skin; no animal products or animal testing

Cons:

None

The BP treatment, when used as Dan recommends, works very well to fight and prevent acne. I've used 10% BP before, and find that this works just as well. It's a high-quality product, and a good value.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 20, 2009

Pros:

FULLY SICK cleared my pimples in weeks of use i dont have any . i used it on ingrown pubes and it worked there and on my ass.

Cons:

it drys up my skin . and i get rashes on my ass

its preetty cool!
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 15, 2009

Pros:

Usually ive got relatively clear skin for a teenager, with a few flaws here and there, but when i do get a breakout, its really really bad. PanOxyl really killed the affected areas, in a relatively short period of time.

Cons:

PanOxyl dried out my skin, and no matter how much moisturiser i put on it looked red, inflamed - felt like extreme sunburn. definately do NOT use it more than once a day!!!

Use it once a day maximum.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 14, 2009

Pros:

Its easy, takes hardly anytime, gets rid of red spots from old pimples, reduces scaring, can see a difference in a few days, clean feeling, great for severe acne, cheap you get two months of treatment for about $40, thats $5 a week.

Cons:

if you stop using it your acne comes back worse for a few weeks, very drying, terrible for sensitive skin or light acne

great for drying oily skin, not good for fair skin. If you have light acne you shouldn't use this it will cause more harm then good by drying out your face, gets rid of severe acne and makes your face feel clean
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.