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 23, 2016
like it
I like it a lot. It really helps me control my acne and I feel a lot more secure because whenever I feel a pimple coming up, I just apply this gel and just over night the pimple is almost completely gone. this is def worth buying and works very well.
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December 2, 2015
Drugstore Acne Products Are Better Than This Crap
First, I have always been skeptical about products that are advertised on TV and are not sold in stores, instead having to order over the phone or through their website. I get even more skeptical when the company uses celebrities to endorse their products. I have a hard time believing Jessica Simpson uses Proactiv when she has the money to afford high cost treatments and to see the best dermatologists in the world. Not to mention celebrities are getting paid big money to say a product is great. But, despite all this, I decided to go try it since it's been around so long. So, after buying this, I went home and used it, all three steps. My face kind of burned a little after I washed but went away after 20 minutes. However, about 4 hours later, my entire face felt like it was burning. Nothing could stop that sensation. I tried moisturizer, I tried soaking my face with a cold washcloth, nothing worked. The next day the burning sensation was still there. I also noticed that my skin felt very tight, and also felt very dry. It wasn't until the second day after using Proactiv that the burning sensation went away, and that wasn't until the late afternoon. I know it's not from the BP because I've used BP before without ever having this reaction. Thankfully, I didn't use this crap after this. It is a very bad sign to feel like your face is burning for two days after only using a product once! Honestly, there is so much better stuff for acne in your drugstore than this crap, and not to mention much cheaper!
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December 2, 2015
Agree
September 14, 2015
The product is not worth the money! and the CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCKS!!
would recommend people to never buy this! maybe the product is ok.. not worth the money.. but the service is horrible!!! I ordered a product in september 2014 and returned it immediately as it was just automatically sent and I did not order it! they said its 60 day return and money back! I NEVER GOT ANY MONEY BACK.. EVEN AFTER CALLING MULTIPLE TIMES!!! LATER ON THEY SAID THEY HAVE ALREADY PAID ME FOR IT.. i got fed up and never called them back! NOW after 2yrs they call me back to say I need to pay an additional 45$ late fee!! HORRIBLE SERVICE!
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July 31, 2015
PLEASE DON'T USE AS A MASK!!!!!!!
I have been using this product for the past weekish and I decided to try it as a mask today. I had it on for 3 mineuts and the burning sensation got so bad I completely washed it off and even after I did it still burned. My face is completely red now and it feels like someone lit it on fire! Please DON'T use this as a mask! I am warning you, it burns very badly! Though, it has sort of helped my acne when I wasn't using it as a mask, I don't recommend it in the sense that it burns like no other.
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August 25, 2015
If you have highly sensitive skin or you get sunburn easily, I highly don't recommend it. It doesn't work for everyone though. And the burning sensation afterwards? It means that it's working and fighting the dirt and oil clogged up into your pores. The reason why you break out after using it is because it gets rid of ALL the dirt and oils that are stuck under your skin. In fact, all of good acne products make you break out more to get rid of it. So basically that breakout is probably one of the last ones you'll see.
July 2, 2015
Best treatment so far
After lymacyline failed for me I turned back to topical treatment. Despite being only 5% this product has really helped to dry out my spots without over-drying my skin after a few days usage. I use the gel in conjunction with the Acnecide face wash to better results. To avoid over drying I wear sunscreen over the gel. Despite the high cost I definitely recommend it!
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August 6, 2014
Absolute Life Changer
I am 17 and have suffered from extreme back-acne since I was 12. Being a girl, having cystic acne covering every inch of your back is not only painful but horribly embarrassing. I started using PanOxyl 10% body wash in April of this year, and I can honestly say it has changed my life. Within a week all of my acne cleared up and I didn't have a single pimple on my back or body. Occasionally I'll get a pimple here and there, but I can finally wear bathing suits without a shirt on and feel confident in my own skin. PanOxyl is hands down the best acne product I have ever tried. Some advice: I recommend buying a shower brush. Let your back soak in hot water, and then scrub all areas of your back with brush before applyng wash. This will open your pores allowing the wash to soak into your skin. I let the wash sit on my back for a good 5 minutes before rinsing. Because the skin on your back is tougher and thicker than the skin on your face, this product will most likely not dry out your skin on your back. However, for your face, I recommend PanOxyl 5%. Hope this helps!
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July 31, 2011

Pros:

Really works, reducs acne after a few months of CONSISTENT USE. It's good becase it works, while not being prescription.
Skin should be almost clear in 3 months, and you should have very minor acne by 6. After that, skin should look normal.

Cons:

When incorporating into the whole cleansing routine it can get a little pricey. I need to buy my cleanser (Neutrogena) Mask (Body Shop) Toner (Biole) plus the Benzac. Overall, i'm paying about $50 a month. But it's well worth.
I did experience some minor dry skin problems a few weeks after I started to use Benzac, but it cleared up after a week.
It DOESN'T WORK RIGHT AWAY! Don't fret and stop using it. Be consistent and it will work.

Slightly drying and a little pricey. But well worth the money as it really helps. Soon I am going to move up to the 10% as the rate of improvement is slowing down. I would really recommend this product, as it is a great cream to use after cleansing at night, when the skin rejuvinates itself. (:
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July 29, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

Did not help my daughters break outs and actually made her face res and irritated

Bottom line is this product is not as advertised. Plus when I called to cancel because I didn't recieve a shipment so I their customer service rep told me what my final payment would be so I paid and thought all was done. Now a few months later they say I owe them more money for product I didn't get and too much time has elapsed to do anything to resolve the issue but to turn me over to collections if I don't pay. THIS COMPANY AND THEIR PRODUCT IS A RIPOFF DO NOT BUY THEIR PRODUCTS.
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July 21, 2011

Pros:

none

Cons:

chemically burnt my face
puffed up my eye
bleach

Used for 2 days and had to put ice packs and nothing on my face as my face chemically burned.
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July 13, 2011

Pros:

None, never received it. I NEVER got an email saying it was backordered. I was charged and it said it shipped. It is backordered with no date. I called to cancel and told her I was charged and paid extra shipping, she did not care and it was effort to cancel the whole order. She said the credit will take up to a week to do....

Cons:

Wont deal with stupid anymore!!

Customer service needs improvement. How can a business that does not sell to other stores because they believe it gets to the customer faster from them and has tons of commercials daily be out of all the items? How can they not let you know. You are better off to buy out of the machine. So sorry I called to cancel the order and bother such a busy customer service rep....
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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.