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:

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August 10, 2010

Pros:

None

Cons:

Smell
Advertising
Did not work

First things first, clean and clear should not advertise that it works on 100% of people after the first day. That is false, after the first day I started breaking out!! It dries your skin to the maximum, and yes it makes your skin feel tight. It was horrible, should have read the reviews before I bought this product. Took over a week for my face to get back to normal. Wouldn't reccomend this product to anyone. I can't believe I wasted my money on this garbage.
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August 7, 2010

Pros:

did make my pimples alot smaller

Cons:

none

this thing accually works. but dont over apply it, it'll make ur skin weird. only put it on pimples, not just normal dots though.
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August 5, 2010

Pros:

My daughter's skin is less red and more even-toned, and larger active acne is disappearing. Areas of scarring seem to be fading. Clinique's customer support is terriffic. I chatted with an online rep who encouraged us to continue even when the acne seemed to get worse. She was very helpful. Clinique guarantees their products.

Cons:

Very drying in the first week. Initial breakout around 10 days in. Broke out in areas that had never broken out before. It is a bit expensive.

My daughter is 14 and has moderate acne. Months of dermatologist appointments yielded us strong antibiotics and topicals (E-Mycin, Minocycline, Differin, Retin A, Tazorac). After 5 months of these things, my daughter's face was not any better than when we began treatment. In fact, it just seemed irritated and red. The dermatologist was pushing Isotretinoin even though my daughter's acne was not cystic or severe. We even registered with ipledge. I just could not put those chemicals into her 14-yr-old body. We discontinued those prescription products and are trying eliminating trigger foods from her diet, eating healthier, taking a multi-vitamin with extra Zinc and Omega supplements, and using this kit. It is making a difference. Started using it on July 15th and it was very drying at first. About 10 days in she had a HUGE breakout all over her cheeks. Usually she breaks out on her chin and around her mouth, and on her forehead, so cheek acne was unexpected. At the advice of a Clinique rep, we persisted with the kit, and now her skin is clearing beautifully. She uses the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel in addition to the Acne Solutions kit. I hope we see continuing improvement.
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August 4, 2010

Pros:

I was able to purchase this product at an 'As Seen On TV' Store, therefore was able to try the product without joining the autoship program.

I found that the program reduced the size of my pimples, although did not clear up my acne entirely. The refining mask is probably my favourite product in the kit, since it is pretty effective at reducing the size and inflammation of the annoying 'look at me' size pimples.

Cons:

Besides clearing up only half of the problem, this product made my face feel like it was on fire! Also as a second note, be very cautious to read the ingredient labels of any products you're combining with ProActiv. A moisturizer with retinol for example may be way too much if your skin is sensitive. Keep this product out of the eye area, especially if you're skin tends to wrinkle since it's so drying.

I had to stop using this because it was so harsh. If you have hormonal acne on your chin, you may be able to get away with just using it in that area. Overall value is mediocre.
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August 3, 2010

Cons:

I had a SEVERE reaction to the product!

I used the product as directed for three days. On the fourth morning my skin felt dry so I used my old facewash, by that night, my face was painfully dry and tight. I couldn't even wash it, it was so tender, instead I put my own face lotion (not the kits) on only. The next day it was even worse and was red. By the afternoon, my eyes and cheeks had begun to swell, my face was so tight from being so dry I had to put lotion on to make it bareable, but when I did, it set me on fire because my skin was so irritated. On the following morning my eyes and cheeks were extremely swollen, red, very tight, and dry. I could not make facial expressions because of how painful it was to move my very tight and dry skin. Total my face was swollen for 2 days, extremely tight going on 4 days, dry going on 5 days. It has just now begun to crack today and I am washing with a gentle scrub and lotioning about every 3 hours to keep it from being too painfully tight by removing the skin that is so dry and causing the tightness. The reaction I have had has been EXTREMELY painful and embarrassing (being swollen to looking like a reptile- scaling, and peeling). I have NEVER had an allergic reaction to any facial product before. Use caution when using this product!
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August 3, 2010
Product used: ZAPZYT (Acne Pack)

Pros:

Great lather from cleanser
Does not over dry my skin
Product melts into your skin
Doesn't leave me oily or greasy
Gentle on my skin

Cons:

None yet, and hopefully ever.

So basically like many others, I have tried tons of products, and nothing really worked(except for Dan's Regime, but it was a bit drying and expensive for me.) So I seen this Zapzyt kit on sale at Rite Aid, for 8 dollars. I figured it couldn't hurt, since I am willing to try anything that claims to help my skin. To be honest, I was a bit hesitant because the face cleanser and day gel are made with salicylic acid, and the night cream is BP. I have heard a ton of times that it is not good to mix the two. Also, salicylic acid has done nothing for me in the past, but seemed to make me break out even more. Regardless, I bought it so I was going to follow it exactly. It comes with moderately sized bottles of a Cleanser (Step 1,) Day Gel (Step 2,) and 5 % BP ( Step 3.) You are suppose to wash your face with the cleanser once in the morning and once at night. In the morning after washing, you are suppose to gently rub in the Day Gel, and it absorbs into your skin in about a minute. At night you wash again, then apply a light layer of the BP. That's it! After using the product for a month, I can say that I am extremely happy with this kit. It has cleaned my face up, made my pores appear tighter, and has cleared my many many blackheads. Check out other reviews online, don't just take my word for it, but it really worked well on my skin.
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July 31, 2010

Pros:

Leaves skin clean

Cons:

ACNE GOT WORSE
works slowly if working
skin feels gross and dry

I've always had moderate acne that got worse around my time of the month I haven't used facial care for acne in years instead i use more natural products. After my skin broke out worse then ever i decided to try proactive. Since I've started use nothing has changed my acne may even be worse. I'm trying to use it differently by following the program on this website i hope it works.
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July 26, 2010

Pros:

cheap, works great!

Cons:

some skin irritation.... but not too much to gripe about

this product works great!:) but the only place i found it was at Dollar General in the skin care isle.
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July 18, 2010

Pros:

cheap. helps with redness

Cons:

more breakouts than before, dries out skin

disappointing. should have went with the real stuff going to proactive soon!
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July 11, 2010

Pros:

Decent Product

Cons:

Auto Billing

I bought Proactive in College (10 years ago) and paid 19.99 a month for 30 day supply. I figured that's what they were advertising again, so I ordered more for my wife a few months ago. We paid the 19.95 they advertise now, and we noticed the bottles were smaller. We figured they just got cheap on us. We called and canceled because the acne cleared up and we found some good stuff at the store that was basically the same stuff and worked just as well. We canceled too late and the second shipment was on it's way. We figured it was fine.. another 19.95. No problem. Instead, it was more like 67.00. We didn't even know or open the box. I checked my account a few months later and realized they sent us a 90 day supply. Too late to return it now. They got us. Keep this in mind if you buy! There are alternatives that are basically the same product. Don't fall for their marketing and do some research. It will save you money.
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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.