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
January 14, 2007

Pros:

the scrub is nice, and the bp lotion by itself (now using it with differin) seems to help

Cons:

it didn't actually work?? i used it twice, i figured the first time i must have used it wrong or something but turns out it just didn't work for me. i had to buy another lotion on top of paying for the whole system because the bp dried me out so much

wouldn't recommend it. go to your dermatologist and see what s/he says. they know better than some top-dollar infomercial with paid celebrities to endorse it (lindsay lohan? what a joke!)
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January 14, 2007

Pros:

NON

Cons:

I am freaking out because of this system

IT GAVE ME SKIN IRRITATION AND RED SPOTS. I started using proactive to ensure no breakouts at my wedding. My wedding is in less than 2 months. Instead of clear skin it made my regular skin have red bumps and sting. The cleanser also bleached my pillow cases. This crap should be taken off the market. I just pray now my face is back to normal for the wedding. ... Freaking out in Florida
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January 9, 2007

Pros:

Easy to use. No residue.

Cons:

Takes some patience to apply.

Much better than anything else on the market. Does take some time to apply, but having used Dan's regimen for 5 years, and now his BP gel for over a year, I'm very satisfied.
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January 6, 2007

Pros:

Not only cleared my skin, but evened my emotions and gave me more decisiveness, assertiveness, and ability to handle disappointments in other areas of my life. Guys are so lucky they run on testosterone (which this contains)!

Cons:

Completely halted my monthly female cycle. If you're a girl, make SURE to take the version for females!! Otherwise, you might end up growing a beard and singing bass!

I'm a girl, and the store was out of the "For Females" version. I'd never heard of it before and somehow didn't notice the "For Males" line; I just thought the picture of the guy on the front was an interesting marketing ploy! In desperation, I took it for 3 weeks, and it definitely improved my complexion. I also noticed a big difference in how I handled things emotionally. I guyfriend I'd had a crush on for a year finally asked me out and we had a wonderful first date... but then he never called again! Normally, I would have been absolutely devastated by something like that and cried at least for a weekend, but I was able to think rationally about it and not fall apart. However, the male hormones in it had completely halted my normal monthly cycle and I was afraid of what else it might do -- make me sing bass? So I quit taking it; within 2 days, my normal monthly cycle returned, but for 4 days, I was an emotional wreck worse than anything I'd ever experienced!
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January 6, 2007

Pros:

Doesn't dry out your skin, affordable, controls acne

Cons:

It does take a week or so to really work, but i noticed improvement in my skin right away

I've used proactiv as well, and this works much better than proactiv for less than half the cost, and you don't have to wait to for it to come to you. Also, i have very dry skin and proactiv made it worse, but this product made it less dry without making me break out.
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January 4, 2007

Pros:

Excellent product. It has truly helped my acne and razor bump problems. I've used the product for 1 year and have received many compliments on how healthy and refreshing my skin looks now. Good bye acne and razor bumps!

Cons:

None

Excellent product and well worth the investment for anyone serious about using a daily skin care regiment as recommended.
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January 3, 2007

Pros:

Works well, no white residue, goes on smooth, hardly drying at all, dirt cheap for xsuch a large size

Cons:

almost none, except that it takes a little long to absorb and smells kinda funny

Great product, well worth the very cheap price. I heard some say that they broke out or had a reaction to it, but that didn't happen with me. Just clearer skin within days. I highly recommend this over any other BP, and I've used most of them.
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January 3, 2007

Pros:

Works outside to fight the acne you already have and inside to prevent acne from returning.

Cons:

BPO cream can be irritating if you have sensitive skin.

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! I read the posts on this product and decided to research some of the concerns before buying it 2 months ago. First, the BPO cream is strong, so I had to start with a VERY small amount at first. But the results were almost instant. Second, the tablets are homeopathic (similar concept as immunizations) in a base of lactose and have NO side-effects. They do not cause nausea, low blood-sugar, heart palpitations, etc...the amount of lactose is so insignificant that it will not cause any allergic reaction for those who are lactose intollerant. (It is too lengthy to write about homeopathy, so please reasearch these claims yourself if you'd like.) The tablets are the key to sucess, as they help balance your body's system. You need to take them for a while in order to see long-term results. Also, just like fasting, your acne may get worse before it gets better because the tablets are helping to purify and balance your body. I love this
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January 2, 2007

Pros:

Easy to use and affordable. Two things that are important to me 'cause I'm a student and don't have a lot of time and money to spend on skin care. AcneFree not only eliminates my breakouts but it fades scaring and redness.

Cons:

It's drying and smells weird. That's okay though. I limit my usage to once a day and that does the job. Anymore would irritate my skin. I know I'm going to run out of toner before the other two. I wish they sold items separately for that reason.

For some reason got really, really bad when I moved this fall. I'm not sure if it's because of a change in my diet, stress, or not enough execise to help me sweat out toxins. All I know is that my skin has never been this bad before. Not even in my teenage years. I'm 22 years old and I should not have a face covered with acne. It's embarrasing. I hate wearing make-up (plus make-up seems to exaccerbate the problem) so I don't try to mask the problem. I've tried a lot of different products but nothing has helped much. I've seen this product at the store and decided to give it a shot last week. I'm glad I did. My face looks 75% better than it did this time last week. It's visably noticeable to others and they have commented on the improvement. I can't wait to see the improvement after a months use.
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December 24, 2006

Pros:

GIVE IT TIME, IT WORKS.

Cons:

NONE

HIGHLY RECCOMEND. CLEARS ACNE NOTICEABLY IN WEEKS.AFTER ACNE CLEARS CONTINUE TO USE SO YOU STAY CLEAR.
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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.