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 5, 2011

Pros:

It really clears the acne. Every day I wake up, I see differences. It also takes out the redness and the size of the acne overnight. Also does not irritate my skin.

Cons:

It dries you're skin out if you use the moisturizer on the non-breakout spots. Moisterizer also may flake it you scratch it.

This is amazing for me because it really WORKS! I just put it on at night and when I wake up to go use it again, it seems like a miracle has happen to my face! The giant pimples vanish and shrink, and it reduces the redness/ noticability of the acne as well. The moisturizer is a bit drying, and it will burn you're skin if you use it where you don't need it (I just out it on my forhead, where all the acne is) but overall, it works amazing. Also don't scratch anything, because the moisterizer will flake and turn white (but this can be combatted by putting some lotion on over it). CLINIQUE IS THE BEST BOTTOM LINE!!!
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December 15, 2010

Pros:

Worked so well for me! This plus birth control cleared my skin up completely. Not only did it stop my breakouts but it's also gotten rid of about 98% of my acne scarring. I cannot tell you how much I love this product!

Cons:

A little costly and it is definitely intense-follow the instructions and start off by washing only once a day with it, then move up to two (I didn't do this at first and it dried me out so bad my eyebrows had dandruff).

This worked like a miracle for me but everyone's skin is different. If you don't want to spend all the money to try it out then buy the spot treatment separately first and see how it works for you, that's how I started out, using just that would keep me down to one or two pimples at a time but now I have none!
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December 14, 2010

Pros:

Works effectively, sorta quickly
No aroma
Glides on smooth
A generous amount, will last awhile
Healed small pimples in first week, prevented new ones, shrinking cysts gradually.

Cons:

Feel a little drying, may even feel uncomfortably tight, but only for the first 2 weeks of use

Get it!
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December 10, 2010

Pros:

-Skin Feels Great
-Clears Acne

Cons:

Price

I love this stuff! But it doesn't fit in my budget. I'm on and off of it occasionally, but whenever I use it..it surely works. When I first started, my acne cleared up in a few weeks. If you can afford it,buy it!
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December 7, 2010

Pros:

Works for the first 2 days

Cons:

Dries up skin to flakes, Stretches your skin when you open your mouth, Caused MORE acne, and causes misery

This product is a big fat JOKE. It worked for the first 2 days fine. I followed the instructions and it was OK. Then one morning I woke up to have flakes all over my cheeks, forehead, and a burning sensation to even talk because the "flakes" stretched my skin. It caused 2 zits on my nose. Lovely. I'm miserable right now just writing this review. The only way to stop the burning sensation somewhat is to drink tons of water. It detoxes your skin and body. But this product should be banned. I think the FDA needs to reexamine this product because it's HORRIBLE.
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December 3, 2010

Pros:

None

Cons:

Expensive , dries skin out, and 100% money is bullsh*t.

Don't use it
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November 22, 2010

Pros:

I didn't see any

Cons:

-It didn't clear my acne AT ALL
-Dries Your Skin, But Green Tea Moisturizer Fixes the Problem

I was very confident with it once i started using it, but I didn't see ANY results after using it for 1 month. I used it 2 times a day, 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon, but NOTHING
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October 31, 2010

Pros:

gets rid of some acne...kind of

Cons:

burns
acne causing ingredients

this stuff is alright..not the best...it actually burned my skin and i wouldnt regard my skin as sensitive. definitely work your way up to it. according to paula begoun it had really really harsh cleansers and has ingredients in it that can actually aggravate acne. i mean i have used 10 percent bp before in an ointment form without such adverse reaction...strange..
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October 26, 2010

Pros:

Gets rid of big acne cyst quick, overnight.

Cons:

The first treatment stings at first but later the skin gets used to it

I got free lil samples by mail started using it Sunday today is Tuesday and I can already tell a big difference I'm definitely gonna go an buy the product once I done with the samples. Beware though, I was a little skeptical at first because I read some reviews of the product that people had gotten a rash and blisters all over their face by the first or second day of trying the product so I was scared but I'm perfectly fine. I think they had an allergic reaction to the product so do watch out for that not everyone skin type is the same. And if you have sensitive skin use it once daily.
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October 19, 2010

Pros:

The pads are so handy,in individual packs, they just seem more sanitary.

Cons:

none, other than i can't find them

These are great,I use them on my skin after chemo, I use them daily.Please get them back in stores.
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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.