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
March 22, 2008

Pros:

Reduces those spots & blackheads from first application. If you have oily skin it will dry it up slightly & get rid of that shiny nose, chin & forehead. The best acne cream I have ever used!!

Cons:

Bleaches materials so always wash your hands after use.

Fantastic!!!!!!
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March 16, 2008

Pros:

Goes on smooth, dries insanely fast, leaves me skin feeling so so so soft, and it actually WORKS!

Cons:

It dries your skin out a little, but DUH, its BP, thats what it does. I said 3 for affordability because I'm a college student :P

Dan's BP WORKS, it actually works. And it works fast. The pump is great because the amount is consistent and its amazing how you can buy a HUGE bottle of it. This product saved my life!
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March 16, 2008

Pros:

It's nice to know that this product is all natural. I've never wanted to take all the oral medications that doctors recommend..they scare me with all the warnings, side effects, etc.

Cons:

None yet.

I wouldn't say I have acne, but I do get occassional breakouts. I got off birth control a while ago and my face just went crazy with breakouts(so embarrasing, I didn't want to leave my house)! I got back on birth control a couple months ago, but still don't have as clear of skin as I did before when I was on it. I'm trying this product tp see if it makes a difference. But I'm only taking the pills, NOT THE CREAM! I've used topical before and it's just too drying. I throw away bottles, which I feel guilty about, because I wish the pills were sold individually so I don't have to waste the cream. I do use a pevonia all natural spot treatment that is not too harsh and doesn't create redness.
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March 12, 2008

Pros:

Kept me from getting bad breakouts.

Cons:

Still allowed some breakouts, especially around that TOM. Bleached all of my colored towels. Would run out of the soap and toner when there was still half a bottle of lotion left.

Proactiv really didn't improve the quality of my skin; rather it just kept me from getting too many pimples. I always had at least one visible one, however. I got tired of spending $40+ dollars per month and decided to switch to something else since Proactive never allowed my skin to clear completely. If switching to something else, I would recommend using a similar three step process that you can find in most stores. I am using Biore Pore Un-clogging Scrub, Biore Triple Action Astringent, and Biore Skin Balancing Moisturizer. I have broken out a little since switching, but am already much happier with the results. The overall tone of my skin is much better! I would recommend the Biore line if looking for something else. Proactiv probably works well for most people, but it just didn't make a difference for me. I would still recommend it to people with severe acne, or those who just can't get anything else to work, however!
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March 12, 2008

Pros:

After trying EVERYTHING it's the only thing that has cleared up my acne. It's also quite reasonably priced.

Cons:

Can cause redness and dryness for the first couple of weeks.

Definitely give the regimen at acne.org a try.
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March 11, 2008

Pros:

easy 3 step system

Cons:

doesn't help with scars, really dries skin, overpriced, is NOT consistent

I was using differin before Proactiv, so I decided to give it a try since it is WAY cheaper. I had good skin, but I wanted something that would keep my skin clear. At first, it simply dried my skin. A few weeks later, I noticed my skin looking better. I rarely had any breakouts in the first year, but then it just stopped working- I began getting blemishes and whiteheads. My biggest complaint is that when you do break out the product does nothing to help the scars. I am now using Clean and Clear products...SO MUCH BETTER! I have only used it for 2 weeks...and I can honestly say it's better than Proactiv and Differin ($160 a tube)!
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March 8, 2008

Pros:

I'm acne free!! Toner aids in cleaning makeup, the smell is better than Proactiv, the price is so much better than Proactiv, and I'm overall very happy with the product.

Cons:

I'm worried by reading the reviews that it'll stop working after a few months!! eek!

Everyone has to remember that EVERYONE has different skin that reacts differently to ANY product. I would really try this if I were you- It worked for me! I have medium brown hair with olive undertones- I tan easily and rarely burn- I have medium oily skin.
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March 7, 2008

Pros:

i like how it goes on clear and has a very mild fragrance. other BP gels/ creams smell pretty awful in comparison.

it's easy to use and seems to be helping clear my skin quite noticeably. when i first started using it, my skin cleared up quick

Cons:

i've been using it a few weeks now and though it cleared my face at first, i have just developed a few more zits. i had hoped the BP would prevent cystic acne altogether, but i guess ill have to wait longer for that to happen.

is very agreeable with my skin, it dries it out but not too badly (dryness is taken care of with moisturizer anyway). it has pretty quick results, but i'm worried about whether the results will be consistent in the future since i've broken out a bit recently. i was pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness and would recommend it.
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March 3, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

Omg I am worse ofnow than ever. bleached my favourite sweater.

Very very expensive, automatically bills your credit card. Not easy to cancel. I guess they got to pay Jessica somehow
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February 29, 2008

Pros:

works well for a few months

Cons:

after about 6 months my face turned into a war zone!

OMG...I have minor to mediocre acne, and for the first few months using proactive I had the clearest skin. It was a gradual process but definitely worked in the beginning. Then I was out of state and didn't use the product for about a month and when I returned to use, the biggest pimples that I ever saw on anybody's face started to appear everwhere. There would be a new extra large pimple everyday. I thought maybe this will only happen the first couple weeks but after a month a threw proactive in the trash. Maybe you get immune to it after a while?? But everybody is different...
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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.