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 2, 2011

Pros:

Completely eliminated large cysts.
Dramatically decreased redness.
Went from a face full of blemishes to almost completely clear.
Works better than prescriptions I tried.

Cons:

Does not do anything for acne marks, but I never expected it to.
Will make your skin dry and flaky if not used to BP.

Unhappy with everything else including prescriptions, facial cleansers, chemical peels, and going au natural, I desperately tried the full regimen and vowed to wait a few months before I could review it honestly. Let me tell you I am completely suprised and happy to report a positive review! I had used Benzyl Peroxide before with a dermatlogist but never had results like this. I have never had this type of improvement with ANY presciption regimes my dermatologist had me on! Upon beginning the full regime, my face instantly got less red and I could see dramatic improvement in blemishes, getting clearer everyday. After maybe a month, some new blemishes began to appear but thankfully acne.org warns that this is normal and simply purging, so I continued and I am definitely glad I did! It's now been about four months and my face is practically clear. It completely eliminated huge cysts and reallly minimized the amount of breakouts and redness. Now it won't do anything for post-acne marks, but it really controlled my face like nothing I have tried before. To go from my almost SEVERE type acne to only, literally, a couple of pimples is completely amazing!! I do the complete regimen at night and in the mornings only wash my face with a simple sulfur/salcylic acid soap (and sometimes some moisturizing like Aloe Vera). I have started to apply the regimen to my chest and it has cleared that up too. If your face is not used to benzyl peroxide, you will get dry and peel, but that is why moisturizers exist. You will probably get an increase in blemishes about 2-4 weeks in, but don't give up! If you have light/moderate acne, I really have a hard time seeing how this could not completely clear your face entirely. If you have moderate to severe like I do, it should either clear up your face enirely or at least maintain it very well. Of course everyone's body is different, but I HIGHLY recommend the acne.org regimen to at least try.
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November 19, 2010

Pros:

Reduced spot size over night, Not expensive, Only been using it for 2 days now and I am very impressed

Cons:

Can sting when you put it on at first and when I say sting it is the tiniest stinging ever. Can cause dry patches put hey to get rid of acne you do need to try the skin out cant have it both ways can we :(

I am 19 years old and have suffered from acne since I was about 11, I have been on antibiotics, creams, gels everything under the sun from doctors and dermatologists! I came across Quinoderm online via boots and thought I would give it ago and I am so glad I have, Its only been two days and already I see a huge improvement! My forehead usually has tiny lumps all over it and there basically gone, My chin which is where its the worst has calmed down alot, the spots have reduced in size and isnt so inflamed. I also have used it where I have black heads on my nose and there nearly gone too! There are a few dry areas with using the cream but I just make sure I moisturise morning and night with a oil free moisturiser so its not unbearable. Yep it nips for a minute when you first apply it but I have been through more pain and dryness through treatments from the doctor and had no results! So far so good :D
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November 19, 2010

Pros:

Can't really comment, suffice to say it wasn't suitable for me

Cons:

Not suitable for sensitive skin!!!

I used this stuff a few years back and ended up with chemical burns to my face, missed school over it and everything. Went to the doctor over the burns, she really was furious, I think she wrote to the company and everything.
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November 9, 2010

Pros:

Cost and ease

Cons:

None

This stuff is beyond good. Be consistent and your skin WILL clear up. Be faithful and your skin will stay clear. I think I use everything they make and I love it all! I give the soap out as Christmas gifts.
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October 23, 2010

Pros:

-clears up skin
-gentle cleanser for something that's 10% BP
-easy to use

Cons:

-none

This is the only acne cleanser I use. It keeps my skin clear (I follow this cleanser with the Clean&Clear 10% BP Persa Gel) I hope they never discontinue it because I love it so much.
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October 23, 2010

Pros:

got rid of some blackheads on nose

Cons:

didn't help my acne
broke me out even more

Doesn't work. Don't buy this if your skin is sensitive! It worked on and got rid of some of the stubborn blackheads on my nose, but that's about it. It made me break out with cystic acne after several uses of this.
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September 28, 2010

Pros:

Ease of regimen, affordable price, fast shipping, wonderful and friendly customer support, it really works

Cons:

None

As with anything else in life, this will not work on everyone. Having said that, I find the reviews that cast aspersions on those who write favorable reviews disturbing. My story is that I an 62 years old and have had terrible acne since I was 10. Not only is my face scarred, but my emotional well being is scarred as well. I have literally spent thousands of dollars on dermatologists using tetracycline, Metrogel, Proactiv, Murad, Avon, Clearasil, and have drawers full to prove it. Nothing and I mean NOTHING has worked for me until I found this product. Use the anti-aging expoliant every other day and I cleanse my skin with the wonderful soap twice a day. I apply the regeneration anti-aging moisturizer each time I wash. I only use the expoliant every other day because my skin is so sensitive and I have rosacea now. I find the customer support people extremely friendly and the shipping is immediate. They are very generous with their free samples, too. My whole family is now using their products. My grand daughter loves the daytime moisturizer and soap. I just ordered the expoliant and soap for my oldest daughter. I am sorry this didn't work for everyone. When I look in the mirror now, I see a clear and glowing skin that I have never had in my life. I do think it is important to stick to the regimen. Thank you Carleys. You have changed my life. Oh and I don't mind using washrags. After a lifetime of acne, it is a small price to pay for clear and youthful skin.
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September 24, 2010

Cons:

nothing

Its kept my skin clear and its affordable.
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August 27, 2010

Pros:

*did help clear my some acne pretty good
*lotion helped overnight
*BP effective

Cons:

*not sure about the toner, didnt notice any change because of it
*dries out skin pretty bad and causes alot of redness
*wierd smell
*a little overpriced

well honestly i feel like if you use the three step process correctly it will help your acne but there's a price to pay and thats very red and dry skin, none the less it really helps acne, I would recommend only at night and little application the first few days so your skin can adapt to the harsh chemicals
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August 15, 2010

Pros:

It did eventually clear up some of my acne

Cons:

It didnt cure my hormonal or cystic acne.

I went through 2 one month supplies of proactiv. So, i obviously used this product for 2 months..i would recommend this product if you only suffer from little white head, but if you suffer from cystic acne or hormonal acne this may not work for you. I never felt as though it was really working for me though. It was like i wasnt even using it.
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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.