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
February 23, 2009

Pros:

smell ok didn't make my skin worse

Cons:

didn't make it any better

only for sertain skin types
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February 22, 2009

Pros:

Very effective
Absorbs quickly
Cheap

Cons:

Dried my neck out badly, but my skin is adjusting

Awesome for treating pimples and clogged pores. My entire cheeks and chin were full of gunk and this has at least halved after 2 weeks. Neck is drying out (I apply it here due to hormonal outbreaks) but I couldn't care less because I've not had a single blemish on this area. I've had 3 pimples that I have squeezed straight away and they were gone within a day. Usually I would get quite a few deep pimples that refuse to be extracted and end up as hard lumps that last 2-3 weeks, this is no longer occurring.
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February 19, 2009

Pros:

Soft skin
Minimizes blackheads
Reduced acne on forehead

Cons:

More red acne
More whiteheads
Doesn't keep skin oil-free very long

I started using this product about a month ago. I really like it. Everytime I wash my face, it feels soft right afterward. The thing is, that feeling doesn't last very long. My skin gets oily in about an hour. I'm not talking very oily but still, it shouldn't do that. The strange thing is it cleared my acne in certain places, while intensifying acne in other places. My cheeks have about 10 small, red, no puss, pimples. People have complained about dry skin. I don't get dry skin at all. It's probably because I have oily skin. One more thing is your face does get a little itchy here and there, but thats probably because of the benzoyle peroxide. Bottomline: Good product for Matt from Detroit, but you need to find what works for you. I would recommend you try this product, but rememeber, no one treatment is good for everybody.
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February 18, 2009

Pros:

Lotion-like consistency, unscented, dries clear, economical, and effective!

Cons:

Dries skin, will bleach fabrics, itching and/or burning sensation on initial use, some patience is required

This product delivers on its promises! I was a Proactiv user for a while, and had good results, but ultimately stopped because it was too expensive. I stumbled on this product looking for something during a *horrible* breakout. It's very much like the Proactive lotion, except cheaper and more effective. When I first used it, it did start burning and made my skin feel itchy. But over the next few applications that feeling went away. And, a good moisturizer is needed as it will dry your skin. (My skin is oily so it's not too bad.) Using an alpha hydroxy cream has also helped. I've also been careful with fabrics as BP tends to bleach them. I saw few results immediately; it took about two weeks for my face to slowly clear up. I've developed my own regimen based on Daniel's and now my skin is the best it's looked in years! I think overall this is a great product.
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February 18, 2009

Pros:

It really worked the 1st time I used it. My skin got completely clear. Then I stopped using it for like 2 months and it didnt work anymore.

Cons:

It didnt work 2nd time.

Use it consistently. No off and on. It wont work if u do.
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February 17, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up all pimples within one week of usage.

Cons:

Makes my skin feel a little sticky but feels better once it dries; Is very drying to skin.

This works great! I had been using Acne Free and I swear it was causing MORE pimples. I switched to this product and after one week, my skin is totally clear. It can be very drying, so I use thick moisturizer with it and exfoliate 3 times a week. My skin feels great. Would definitely recommend it.
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February 17, 2009

Pros:

Spot dissapeared

Cons:

left my face burning and the burn and leathery feel spread down my neck

Going to the docs now cause its so bad - face is swollen and beetroot - scratching my skin off almost
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February 16, 2009

Pros:

Gets rid of acne and prevents (even if persistent!). Don't have to wash off. It really works!

Cons:

If allergic to benozyl peroxide, you can't use it (my mom had this problem). Hardens into stretchy glue-like stuff on the tip of dispenser so you need to remove the residue before dispensing (doesn't happen on skin).

This thing saved my skin. For best results follow, Dan's instructions. I had these consistent breakouts in between my eyebrows (I looked like I had a unibrow) and on my forehead that would never go away no matter what I did. I was so annoyed that I decided to stick religiously to Dan's regimen with this thing (I used cetaphil cleanser and Neutrogena's combination skin moisturizer instead and it worked fine. Maybe when that runs out, I'll get his stuff). It went away and never came back even when I relaxed the regimen a little. Admittedly when I got lazy, I'd get a breakout or two if I hadn't applied the treatment in awhile, but that was to be expected. But my skin held out for a surprising amount of time before breakouts started coming back. So bottom line. Stick to his regimen if you never want to see a breakout ever.
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February 15, 2009

Pros:

Feels good, works, the price was fair, my skin looks and feels better already.

Cons:

Burning and dryness, I might stop using this product.

I think it works good but I just cant stand the dryness and burning. But it might work great for someone else.
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February 15, 2009

Pros:

it is amazing it totally vleared my acne and i finally feel free again i dont have to pile on layers of makeup and i still feel comfortable i love pro-active

Cons:

it leaves skin a bit itchy for about 3 hours after use

USE PRO ACTIVE im always getting comments on my skin rather than people always saying wow what makeup do you use. I know people can be very spectacle about products they are putting on their face but honestly just do what I did: order the $20.00 thirty-day trial kit when you get it pick a spot on your body and just try it out if it makes that spot red and gross send it back if it works go ahead. I mean come on $20.00 what were you gonna do take your family out to taco bell. Honestly this stuff won't work for everyone but i think it will work for most also i know a lot of these reviews say the product is bad but that is because it didn't work for those people the people that probably think about it more are the people that it didn't work for and so thats why you see so many bad reviews and btw if pro active was as bad as these people say i don't think it would be the #1 acne treatment in the world so just keep that in mind before you listen to these idiots. thanks for your time bye!!
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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.