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 2, 2011

Pros:

Clears acne
2.5% BP
Lotion and BP in one
Not as drying as other BPs
Fairly inexpensive

Cons:

Very small bottle

I have been using this for many years. I absolutely love it. I recently tried dans BP, which made my skin Peel all over. For me this lotion clears my acne and is not overdrying. I prefer lotion BP to gel BP.
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April 21, 2011

Pros:

Foam goes on quick and easy, comfortable.
Cheap

Cons:

Leaves your skin shiney.
Stops working after about 2 weeks, then acne comes back stronger.
Customer Service is terrible...

Do not buy this product. It stops working after the first 2 weeks, and their customer service reps are ridiculous and wont take no for an answer... Bottom line, this product does not work!!!
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April 13, 2011

Pros:

Leaves the skin feeling clean and soft
Starts working on the 2-3rd day of use :)
Smells really nice :D

Cons:

If it's not being used consistently it doesn't work properly and the skin will break out.

I started to use this product because I was beginning to get fed up with teenage skin! I have been suffering with it since I was 10 and I'm now 16! I had a massive break out of spots on my cheek and every other product that I had used cause the spots to get dry skin on the whole on my right cheek (which has now left me with a little scar in my dimple) I bought this product after reading many good reviews and they were proved right after about a week :D I use the cleanser and moisturizer in the morning and evening and my skin is now perfect. I would recommend using it twice a day, because then it'll really work :D
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April 11, 2011

Pros:

Dries up acne
Makes skin clearer
Dries fast so you won't have to wait an eternity for it to dry.

Cons:

A bit stinky
I don't really like the smell
Makes your face stiff but I kind of like that

It's my 3th day trying it so I have to wait a bit to see the improvements. I went to walmart and it was on sale so I bought it to try and right know, it kind of works. My acne is still there but I guess it is better than before. I got it for a steel!
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April 8, 2011

Pros:

Works well
Not super expensive
Little goes a long way
Cleared me up!

Cons:

Bleaches colored fabric

I have worked with every kind of acne treatment, except accutane, to clear up my acne. This was the final touch that I really needed. I have been on benzoyl peroxide in the past but it dried out my skin too much, but this stuff does not dry me out and in combonation with tazorac my skin is really clear. It also appears to have cleaned out my t-zone pores and made them look smaller!
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April 3, 2011

Pros:

CHEAP! Works really well, easy to apply and doesn't dry my skin out too badly

Cons:

None I know of!

This is pretty much the only BP product you should choose, for the price alone. Similar product from Oxy, Clearasil etc have similar effects for me, but are horrendously expensive. The guys at acne.org are also super friendly, really knowledgeable and all around great guys! Thanks acne.org!
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March 23, 2011

Pros:

Kept my skin clear for a long time.

Cons:

Drying. Irritating. Renewing cleanser too harsh. Dyes clothes and sheets. Smells bad.

I used this product all throughout high school and I had perfect skin, but I also used it preemptively because I didn't really have acne to begin with. It has cleared my face, but also made it worse. I feel like maybe I developed a tolerance to benzoyl peroxide. It dried out my face and made me look ashy. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. BOTTOM LINE: Too expensive and harsh. You can get the same products at the store 2.5% BP, a toner, and BP lotion for probably a fraction of the cost if you think it works for you.
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March 11, 2011

Pros:

Minimized pores

Cons:

broke skin out even worse
dried skin
irritating

It did not stop any of my pimples from forming. The first week it made my face SO RED and dry, my skin was peeling. Then after using it for about 3 weeks I was still getting constant underground pimples, 3 of which I STILL HAVE. I am quiting the product today and using Baking soda.
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March 9, 2011

Pros:

Gentle formula
Cheaper than prescription creams
Aids clearing up acne

Cons:

Nothing new
Skin feels smoother

If you're planning to use such a basic 3-step, you might as well go to your nearest drugstore. Cleanse, tone, moisturize... The ingredients are nothing new, and it's a bit overpriced for what's inside. I didn't see any results other than smoother skin, which I can thank only the moisturizer for. When I went to my dermatologist, they recommded I use Neutrogena products instead.
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February 28, 2011

Pros:

It worked for me and now my skin is FINALLY clear in 2 weeks-14 days. :)

Cons:

okay i have alot to say about this one...
the first few days you wont see a difference.
the days after that will be HELL.
my face was bright red around myy mouthh and was left dry and flaky. but to avoid this just use like cetaphil moisturizer after repairing lotion. butttt....

you cant give up on it. you have to give it time. but it WILL workk. use it every day. 2X a day.and yes you WILL see a difference. thankks.
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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.