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 14, 2009

Pros:

very good, i was extremley impressed all my spots gone in a week i have real oily skin so it didnt dry up my skin to bad either

Cons:

had to ship it in as they didnt sell it in this country, not water resistant

great product, the non water resistant is a bit of a pain for me as i got surfing alot, i also get build up of spots round mouth as i use water fountains alot and they wash it off. also manage to die my hair but not to faised coz it looks better now lol
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February 12, 2009

Pros:

It works, it's affordable

Cons:

same as any benzoyl peroxide

I recently had a very severe breakout. I usually only have mild acne if I'm using benzoyl peroxide, but sometimes I would switch products with poor results. The last time I did this, my acne flared up badly, & nothing I tried in the past was able to control it. I tried going back to Proactiv, Differin, & all natural stuff, but nothing would work this time. My face hurt so badly that even smiling was painful. I didn't want to go anywhere, just because it was so physically painful to wash my face or put on makeup. Then I found this message board, & after reading the info on here for days, I finally decided to try the regimen. It took some time, & some getting used to, but I am completely clear now. Sometimes I will get a pimple or too, but it's because I haven't used it in a few days. This stuff is so much better than Proactiv. Just give it a try & a chance to work. I use everything they sell, and it's all amazing stuff. This is the clearest my skin has been in 15 years. Try it!
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February 11, 2009

Pros:

- Dries out larger pimples in a couple of nights
- Easy to apply
- New pimples are smaller, less noticeable

Cons:

- Some stinging, redness, but this was ONLY when I used too much. If you follow Dan's guide on how much to apply and gradually increase the amount, you should be fine
- after waiting for it to dry, moisturiser still doesn't go on very smoothly

I recently bought this product to go with Dan's regimen after mainly trying products with salicylic acid etc. The texture of my skin has really improved and I haven't found the drying effects to be that bad, as long as I moisturise. My skin is not yet completely clear, but I'm very happy so far, considering I only use Benzac at night and only for a week so far. I'm looking forward to clear skin soon!
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February 11, 2009

Pros:

Works very well for getting rid of acne and staying clear if used properly. I have never been more clear since I was 12.

Cons:

It burns quite a bit for the first couple minutes, makes my skin really red for almost a half hour. But worst is that it leaves dry skin that even the lotion cannot seem to take care of.

This is real hay maker of the regimen it's what gets the job done and it does it well. I found that for the first month of using it I wasn't leaving enough time in between steps for drying and therefore the regimen wasn't working to full potential. As soon as I was leaving ample time in between steps it started working like a charm. I believe the last time i had a pimple was 2 months ago! There are a few downsides to it but none seem to be much of an issue if I have an hour before I leave the house. Because I am an athlete one attribute I really loved was that it does not come out of your skin white when you sweat, this is especially important if you have to practice before school or work and wont have time to go through all the steps again. Bottom line it's wayyy cheaper than proactiv wayyy less harsh and wayyy more effective. Recommend to anyone and everyone.
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February 8, 2009

Pros:

I love this product. I am 44 and had clear skin my entire life until a few years ago I developed adult acne. My skin is clear now and I have confidence I wont wake up tommorrow with a face full of zits.

Cons:

Cost is a bit high, but I figure any price is worth having clear skin.

Great Product! I would recommend for anyone who struggles with acne. My skin tone is more even now and my face looks great. Well Worth It
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February 7, 2009

Pros:

-works pretty fast
-cleanser makes my skin feel refreshed
-moisturizer has a great consistency

Cons:

-smells terrible
-overnight cream leaves skin dry (if not used w/moisturizer)
-acne will return QUICKLY if regimen broken

After reducing my severe acne to a more moderate level with antibiotics, I started on this treatement to eliminate whatever I had left. The moisturizer DOES make your skin shiny during the day as it combines with oily skin, but using Clean and Clear oil sheets to wipe once or twice during the day gives great results. Also, I found that applying the moisturizer once more before the night cream helps with dryness and keeps your skin comfortable throughout the night. For me, this product worked exactly as advertised...I've gone from being an Accutane candidate to almost clear skin.
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February 7, 2009

Pros:

generous amount of product for price paid, gel based...goes on clear, helps prevent new acne from forming.

Cons:

does dry skin a bit, leaves you with some flakes but nothing a little moisturizer can't fix, only available on-line.

by far, this is one of the best acne treatments i have used! a few months ago, i started breaking out like crazy, to the point where i didn't want to leave the house. saw a dermatologist who prescribed me clindamycin gel, and differin .01%. long story short...happy to say that as of today, i am 99% clear with help from neither medications. came across this site one day and ordered dan's BP. started using it in the morning along with differin .03% at night for a little over a month and the results have been fabulous!!!
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February 7, 2009

Pros:

Seemed to lessen infected acne as it dried up the skin,

Cons:

Made my face burn terrible. hence the pain would make me angry, and I dont like being angry all the time.

Ive used this product for over a year a few years back. -- Dont have oily T-zone, Acne is on checks chin and lips. -- would get papsuals and zite, my zits would become red and infected, but would pop clean if waited 1 week. not many whiteheads as bp would irritate -I used it properly ffollowing the regimine -after worked up to full dosage, would have so much bp on face and them moisturizer, kind of had a layer of junk on face --face would burn tewrribly after put on. Would have to shower to get relief.
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February 7, 2009

Pros:

Worked very well.
Cleared up my skin and made me more confident about my appearance.

Cons:

Must use every night.

Worked For me
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February 6, 2009

Pros:

-clears up problems immediately if you aren't allergic
-keeps you looking flawless with consistent use
-very reliable when your chemistry is balanced with the medicine

Cons:

-skin gets worse when you stop
-your skin gets used to the product
-a bit too expensive when you need it and are broke

I just want to put my 2 cents here. I just turned 35. I never had acne as a teenager. I started getting acne around age 26-27? It was bad on my cheeks and chin, deep, big whiteheads, blackheads on my nose. Proactive was my acne knight in shining armor! I used it for almost 10 years, and decided I was tired of using and paying for it... my skin was clear, so I stopped. I'm starting to get those horrible deep pimples again, and around my period? I look like a volcano. It's so humiliating, after having had beautiful flawless skin for so long! I'm trying Clinque's acne solution right now, to see if it helps. OTC products do nothing for me. I have latina, white skin, pores not too big. I may try out the Proactive again, and use it maybe every 2 days, with an OTC cleanser in between. It's just hard on the chemistry of my skin, I think. As I'm getting older, it's hard to battle oily pimples and deep wrinkles from dry, tired skin!!! I'll try it and report back if there's a positive change.
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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.