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
November 18, 2011

Pros:

Black heads gone

Cons:

Drying
Takes along time to pit every thing on
Expensive
Doesn't work
Ruins skin
Leaves dark red scars

I'm 14 I started using proactive when I was thirteen I never had bad acne a pimple or two every week. I thought that proactive would eliminate them all... Wrong I have been using proactive for about 6 months and my ance has never been worse. I kept telling my self that it will start working never did. Bottom line I'm tired of wasting my dads money on a product that doesn't work. I have started using Oxy maximum face wash that is only $4 and it works so much better. Just because its expensive and the celebrity's say they use doesn't mean its going to help you get clearer skin..
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November 15, 2011

Pros:

Cleared skin
lasts a long time

Cons:

a bit drying

I had been breaking out really badly, nothing was working normally i used proactive but it just wasnt working anymore. I have tried everything with no luck. This system cleared my skin up within the first week. I did have a small flare up around day two but by the end of my first week (which was day one of my periods usually my worst break out day) I was completely clear. This system healed my spots faster and seems to reduce old scares. Even spots that have been consistent and reoccuring are clear. I love this product i dont feel the need to wear makeup anymore. I use the clinque moist. Surg lotion with this because it dose dry my skin out. I normally have really dry skin so i need a lotion anyways. But i cant say enough how much this has help.
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November 15, 2011

Pros:

Kills the culprit
Puts swelling down after a couple uses
Affordable

Cons:

Drying
Purging of acne-very troubling to deal with that

This product IS INDEED WORTH IT. It did make my acne turn quite severe for a few weeks (purging), but I stuck with it! Stick with it however often your skin can handle it, because with Benzoyl Peroxide, using it for a couple weeks and stopping will anger and fluster your skin, resulting in even more pimples. The 10% Bezoyl Peroxide is the best ingredient to truly kill that acne bacteria. Be sure to use a moisturizer before putting a dab on the pimple(s). I typically dab this on at night after applying a good moisturizer since it is drying.
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November 15, 2011

Pros:

- based only on reviews of this page, it seems to work for some people

Cons:

- very dangerous drying effects that can cause your acne to worsen

Be very careful with this product. Everyone's skin is different and this product is very strong and definitely not for everyone. I have used this for a couple of months and it has make my skin horrible. I have been getting huge pimples on my face that are extremely painful. These big painful pimples that I got are actually infections caused by dry skin from using this product. Our pores have sebaceous glands which produce sebum (an oily/waxy matter). When our skin sheds, some dead skin cells left behind may become stuck together by the sebum which causes a blockage of the pore. The glands then produce more sebum which builds up behind the blockage creating pimples. Having dry skin interrupts the skins natural shedding process and can cause more blockage to our pores, and in turn, pimples. The sebum can't get out when our skin is dry cause it blocks the pores, so keep your skin hydrated! I learnt this when I went to a spa this past weekend to get a facial and purchased organic hydrating products and can already see an improvement in my face. Dermotologists and other specialists will tell you that it is good to dry out pimples which is completely wrong. Be careful when looking for acne products as people are usually trying to push certain products for compensation and/or are just unknowledgeable. It's not that easy, as even specialists and professionals misguide you with their advice and they are the ones who are supposed to be the experts.
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November 9, 2011

Pros:

Bang for your buck. One 8 oz tube can easily last 2+ months, mine usually lasts 10 weeks.
Non-irritating (in the long run)
Affordable
User-friendly packaging and instruction
Simple
Effective
Goes on smooth, works under makeup

Cons:

None compared to the pros

It works. It's simple, effective, affordable. This gel based formula has been the only product I've used which has not been messy, extremely irritating, or lumpy under makeup. My skin adjusted to the formula within a month. It goes on clear and is easy, one application in the morning, one at night. Clear(ing) skin. At 10 weeks I have not had any new blemishes, and I am clearing nicely. Old red marks are fading as well. Try this product. It's a must.
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November 1, 2011

Pros:

Cleared acne fast-within the first week.

Cons:

Drys out skin, expensive, and you need to make sure you use it everyday to see results.

It worked for me. I'm in my mid-twenties and struggled with acne all throughout high school and into adulthood. I was desperate to find a product that worked for me. Over-the-counter medications never did the trick. Finally, I gave in to all of the commercials and ads about Proactiv and bought it. It took a couple of days to really see the results. It may not work for some people, but Proactiv has a variety of products that you can pick and choose to better cater to your specific needs. I hear they just came out with a product for sensitive skin that is not so drying. I will most definitely be giving that a try.
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November 1, 2011

Pros:

Honestly nothing. It didn't clear up my skin at all and left it incredibly dry. Had a bit of an off scent as well.

Cons:

It didn't clear up my skin at all and left it incredibly dry. Had a bit of an off scent as well. Be VERY cautious before buying this product.

Not worth the money. Also take care when purchasing. I thought I was buying a one time kit, for 39.99. That is the first installment of a mandatory 3 time payment process. You will get two shipments and pay 99 dollars basically. Incredibly upset especially since I called before I purchased to make sure this wan't going to be the case. Lost a lot of money when it wasn't necessary.
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October 30, 2011

Pros:

amazing! it works great! my acne cleared right up after TWO days. it only took two days! my skin felt amazingly soft. the next month i thought id try clean and clear acne advantage which turned out to be a horribly stupid idea and my acne came back so now im switching back to proactiv and i cant wait till it comes so my skin can feel amazing again.

Cons:

it doesnt smell as good as clean and clear, but it definitely works better!

this is the best acne treatment that you will find. dont waste your money on anything else. so excited to get my new monthly supply!
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October 29, 2011

Pros:

Knowing that when you wake up, you won't have a spot on your face! It took about 2 weeks for it to kick in and I followed every step verbatim but it's well worth the wait. Once again like most reviews, I have tried everything out there..over the counter scrubs and about 8 other products in store and nothing compares at all. I would get a greasy feel from other scrubs about 4 hours after my wash, with Carley's, I feel fresh all day and I don't get that "shine" that most products display.

Cons:

Absolutely nothing. Just be sure to follow the instructions and there will be no problem. It takes 5 minutes to complete the process thoroughly but it's completely worth it.

This is a product I will continue to purchase throughout my life as I have had great success early on. The natural soap is great to use right before bed in a sink without the wash cloth. I have a new found confidence that I really didn't know I could get until I tried this product. Excellent work Steve and I am proud to be a recipient of Carley's! I hope this review is as helpful as the product!
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October 25, 2011

Pros:

pimple's gone in 4 hours (just like what it claims)
dry clear
cheap

Cons:

skin peels (only use it on pimple not entire area)

I try lots of stuff always come back to this. Cheap and effective.
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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.