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
May 4, 2008

Pros:

it works ok

Cons:

doesn't dry clear

I says that it dries clear but it doesn't. it dries white so don't put it on if you're going out. This is ONLY for spot treatments though. do not use it on your whole face. The people that gave it bad reviews on here probably used it on their whole face but this is only to treat individual pimples. also, some people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide which is in this, though it is very uncommon. this product works ok, but OXY does make a cleanser wash also with 10% benzoyl perokide which works GREAT. i totally recommend the wash. not so much this spot treatment stuff. try the regime. it is the best thing i've ever tried. it will definitely work WAY better than this product.
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May 2, 2008

Pros:

Smells nice
Easy to use

Cons:

Dries the skin
Itches and burns
Costly

I tried the proactiv solution for a week, I started to find my skin itching and burning from the first day that I used. I just kept on using it as I thought it can happen when you use a new product. But after a week the itching continued and I could also see my skin drying up like anything. I knew at once this is not for my skin, its going to make matters worse. So I stopped it and am now on Murad, which is working for me nicely.
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April 27, 2008

Pros:

This item works quite well. remember to only use a little at first, then use more guadually.

Cons:

It works well only if you use a little at a time.

The best and cheapest acne treatment around.
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April 26, 2008

Pros:

Not only is the face scrub and bar soap a true product that works, but they by far the best bargain you can find ANYWHERE!!!!

Cons:

ABSOLUTLEY NONE

I bought this for my wife who had complained for years about dry spots on her face that no matter what she tried never worked. She told me the other day WOW this stuff really works and immediately told me she needed more as my son had been coming over and using it on his face also which he had small face blemish issues and thought he would try it and low and behold everything cleared right up. They both want there own and when my son gives me the money we will be getting more. Thanks SOOOO Much. A Natural Product that realy works.
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April 25, 2008

Pros:

I think the refining mask is the only thing I like about Proativ.

Cons:

Everything else I hate. It made me break out in little bumps all over my face. My face is now oily and red all the time. It made my blemishes I already had worse. I hate this product!!

I will never use it again. Does anyone know of a product that does work?
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April 22, 2008

Pros:

Clears up acne fast, leaves face feeling fresh and clean

Cons:

none!

You have to use Proactiv twice a day every single day or you're not going to get any results. If you have stubborn acne like i did you should switch to the extra strength. if you're experiencing dry skin you need to use a little bit more of the 3rd step, or buy one of their moisturizers. The bottles all say that it takes up to 6 months to achieve full results, and they never said that a pimple or two won't pop up once in a while. a dab of the refining mask is great for getting rid of pimples over night! I LOVE THIS STUFF! I once felt very ugly and now i feel and look gorgeous. my face is smooth, and for the first time in my life i have natural, rosy cheeks. THANKS PROACTIV!
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April 18, 2008

Pros:

No fragrance, decent price, fast shipping

Cons:

Does not work at all, takes too long to apply, end up with too much gunk of my face, made red marks darker, must purchase online

I used this stuff for almost half a year hoping it would just take a while to kick in. It just made my red marks look worse with no change in my acne. It was a waste of money and time, resulting in increased hopelessness.
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April 18, 2008

Pros:

this product works!!!

Cons:

dries skin out a little ans stings especially if you do not wash it off before putting on other products such as foundtion!

love it
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April 13, 2008

Pros:

Feels cool, leaves face soft and oil free without over-drying.

Cons:

None!

To the user who said it irritated thier eyes, it clearly says "Wet face. Gently massage Continuous Controlâ„¢ Acne Cleanser all over the face for 20-30 seconds, avoiding eye area. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry." I use this product and it works wonders for my skin. After washing my face with the product I then apply the continuous control moisturizer with SPF 15. It works great. For my skin at least.
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April 10, 2008

Pros:

It works really well. I've been using this every day for about 9 years and it really helps. I apply it twice a day w/ no burning or redness or dryness. Wal-Mart now has a generic version that is cheaper and works just as well.

Cons:

It bleaches clothes and colored sheets, etc. Make sure you wash your hands after you use it and be careful when putting on shirts. Also you should probably have white sheets on your bed if you use it at bedtime. I've had many things get bleached.

Very effective and well worth the money. It works way better than the $20-a-tube prescription stuff I was using. I suppose it could make your skin sensitive at first but I've been using it for many years with no problems at all.
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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.