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
January 20, 2009

Pros:

Cheap and effective.

Cons:

Hard to find in stores. I have only seen it in ULTA stores, but I assume it is sold elsewhere.

I have been using this line for well over a year. The exfoliating cleanser is my favorite. It's a fine grit, so it feels effective yet gentle. Contrary to other reviews, I have never felt the toner burn my skin. The lotion is also really mild. Once the lotion absorbs, I use Oil of Olay Sensitive Skin moisturizer, followed by Bare Escentuals mineral makeup. I break out occasionally now, but for the most part, my skin stays generally clear. Before I used Klear Action, my skin was out of control!!
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January 18, 2009

Pros:

Initially gets rid of acne.

Cons:

Skin will eventually grow immune to it.

I started using The 3 piece Proactiv kit about 3 years ago. It cleared up my skin immensely and I was very satisfied with the results. I stopped using it after about a year because my skin was so clear. However, about 5 months later my blemishes returned. I went back on the product only to find that it no longer worked for me! Bummer. It was good while it lasted though! :)
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January 17, 2009

Pros:

Affordable and works fast

Cons:

none I can think of...

I use this product for a week now. My face is not really severe, just need a little clearing up on the blackheads. Now, its all cleared up. I'm so happy, my skin is so soft and it didn't really irritate my skin, but I was cautious enough to use sunscreen the fact that I'm living in Hawaii. You should try this product. It works for me.
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January 17, 2009

Pros:

The cleanser exfoliates my dry skin-

Cons:

seriously..the stuff burns my skin- does not help prevent breakouts

I would recommend this if you need a good sink cleaner or something. It burns my face so badly, bleached the towels I wiped my hands on, and the hoodie I wore. Wonder what it does to your skin!!
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January 3, 2009

Pros:

It made my face bright and they replaced the moisturizer to the moisture surge one because my skin is very dry and it worked very well

Cons:

incredibly expensive for a student like me. I couldn't afford buying it in Japan as the price is twice as expensive.

It didn't work anymore after about 3 weeks

If you're super rich and do not mind that it'll only work for a period of time, use it. It's good. Otherwise, save your money and use baking soda instead. It does the same work.
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January 3, 2009

Pros:

Works!! Started to work immediately. I've only used this for 3 days and my skin looks better. Skin is a little less oily, but that may be because I am taking Zinc as well.

Cons:

A little expensive

I love this stuff. I just started using it, and it is working already. I have noticed somewhat of a decrease in oil and acne, but I've ony been using this for 3 days. I also started taking zinc twice a day, and want to try vitamin B5 as well. Having a positive attitude is essential!!! Never give up on yourself!!!!
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December 31, 2008

Pros:

My skin was oily & I was breaking out even more than normal (my face hurt). The 1st time I used it, my face felt cleaner & less oily. By the 2nd day, my face was clearer & smoother. My pimples are shrinking & don't hurt and I've only used it 3x.

Cons:

None so far. But I could see where it might dry your face out - just use oil-free lotion or use less frequently. I haven't had any problems yet though.

Try it! What have you got to lose? I used Proactiv, and so far this works better (Proactiv made me break out the 1st couple of times I used it).
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December 30, 2008

Pros:

Doesn't neccessarily clear up my skin 100% but it leaves my skin smooth and improved my skin texture.

Cons:

It takes awhile to see results, leaves a mild burning sensation a few seconds when using the products (especially toner) and its kinda pricey for me! x3

I've been using this since high school and by far the only product that works for me. You just need time and patience for the product to actually work.
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December 27, 2008

Pros:

it really worked after a couple of times. i was going into 7th grade and within a month i was pimple free.

Cons:

it dries out your skin. a lot.
it is actually a bit expensive

i use it every two days because it dried out my skin. i was really excited when it started to work. the only problem for me is how much it dries out my skin. i would recommend this product because it does work for people with oily skin and for people with mild to moderate acne. if u have acne in the t zone.( forehead, noes, and chin) this product is also a plus. but again only if you have mild to moderate acne.
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December 26, 2008

Pros:

it works, but you must have it on your face all day

Cons:

will destroy your face if used without lotion or moisturizer

find a way to have this stuff on your face all day and night. it works. i had clear skin until i moved to harrisonburg about a year and a half ago, then i started breaking out within a few weeks of starting my new job. i had always used a 10% cream at night but that stopped working and it only got worse. tried switching products, proactiv, nothing worked. doc prescribed minocycline a few months ago, which helped a little, but was still getting lots of little pimples. when i first bought the BP gel i could only use it at night since it dried out my face too much. about a month ago i started using the the BP gel 2 or 3 times a day with regular lotion, vaseline total moisture...wash, apply lotion and let dry, then add the BP gel. i'm guessing i was coming into contact with something at work that was breaking me out, because since i've started having it on while working i've seen awesome results, and my face isnt totally dried out either. so glad to finally see re
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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.