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
April 6, 2018
Product used: The Regimen
The acne will come back
It dries out your skin like crazy, the moisturizer doesn't help much... however it does take away the acne but if you truly want to keep it away you have to make diet changes as well. If you stop using the products the acne will come back. The pro is it takes the acne away the con is the dryness. If you're a girl ur makeup will always look cakey. Perhaps if you find an amazing intense hydrating cream that doesn't clog pores you'll be fine but if not, you're guaranteed very dry skin. Also, I noticed your pores get big. And finally, I've been using the AHA for about 3 months now and my dark spots are the same. I've been using the whole regimen for about 5 months now and it definitely did help with the acne, just don't expect it to completely clear your skin problems you will still get a zit here and there. Personally, I've only been spot treating for the most part and I've noticed breakouts on the areas I don't. It's really frustrating cause I've applied all over again to make it go away but my dryness is back
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April 5, 2018
Best Treatment EVER!
I never write reviews for products but this treatment has changed my life!I have officially been using the acne.org regimen on my face for a year and my skin looks AMAZING!! It has been a bumpy road with dry skin and horrible breakouts but if you stick through it and don't give up on this regimen i promise you the results are worth the trouble! I finally feel comfortable enough to go out in public without any makeup on and i haven't had any new acne in a few months now. LOVE LOVE LOVE these products!
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February 19, 2018
Very effective and helped clear up a severe breakout.
If you have gone from having light to moderate acne onto hormone induced mega breakouts that just wont go away, I definitely recommend 2.5% Benyzoyl Peroxide. I had weeks of inflamed spots that just seemed to trigger new blemishes. Being anti-bacterial it of course is great for preventing the new spots from happening. It is very drying but that does get better overtime. I've been using this stuff since around October through the winter months, so haven't had to worry too much about the sun (very grey and cloudy here in the UK) but on sunny days do remember to wear sunscreen. Also it does bleach your sheets, which is a bit of a pain. I did use old cases but got a bit sick of having sheets that looked a bit sad. Some people on here use disposable cases for hospitals but I found these scratchy. There is a UK company that sells disposable pillowcases for people with acne and those ones are much softer, so for now that's how I keep my bed looking nicer,
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February 5, 2018
16 Year Old Son
We tried Unblemish for over two months and our 16 year sons acne became two or three times worse. The before use and during use photos were shocking! My son's face was completely covered after the two months. We heard the same thing, its purging, keep going it's working. While some may say it works, we feel that it caused more breakouts and completely out of control acne. When we talked to the consultant (a friend), we were told to stop using the product as recommended by their "Nurse". I think it is over priced and I suspect that it is a very highly commissioned product %100 or higher. This is the motivation to push this product.
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April 2, 2018
I work for a cosmetic surgeon. He does not sell R&F, but I did learn something very important from him: when something causes you to break out after awhile, it’s working. Products have to break through the layers and push the funk out. When you see break outs happen after awhile, it’s because it is working. I started using a product my doctor sells. After about 6 weeks, I started breaking out like crazy. I was very vocal about my unhappiness. Two months later, my skin looked amazing. I now look back and wonder how many products I quit using because I thought “break outs” meant they were bad.
February 4, 2018
Works brilliantly for me
I have always had combination skin with blocked pores (I'm now early 40s, and have always had a healthy lifestyle and diet). I very rarely get zits as such, but am always affected to a minor or major degree by watery blisters that pop up really quickly just under my mouth or in the laughter lines going up to my nose. Once they clear, I find a sebum plug but it's impossible to remove these in the early stages without totally destroying my face. But it doesn't stop me from squeezing and making a mess. I used to buy Quinoderm but when this was removed from sale, I put up with my bad skin or tried non over-the-counter stuff that didn't work at all. When I started breaking out massively again a few months ago, I decided to give Acnecide a go (thanks to reviews on this web site !). I was concerned about the "gel" texture, as gel usually leaves a sticky mess. However, it's a cross between a cream and lotion, and is very easy to apply, and it is invisible once rubbed in. It works really well on my skin. If I use it on a new area it might dry the skin a bit, but this doesn't concern me as the product is doing its job. I generally now use it every other night, and this keeps the zitty blisters at bay. I rarely have to use concealer any more. I think it's better than Quinoderm, as that was a very strong formula and if I got a trace onto any clothes or bedding, it would bleach them. I'm really glad I found this product as it's a bit of a life-changer for me.
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January 22, 2018
Working somewhat, HORRIBLE service tho
Was working somewhat. But horrible customer service. My order was delayed (November - December) so we called up to ask, you know, what the hell was going on. They said our subscription had been changed from 30 days to 90 days(even tho we did not request such a thing nor were we told this was going to happen) so we should expect it to be delivered on January 17th. Along comes Jan 17, nothing. It is Jan 22 now and we called up to ask again, what the hell is going on? They told us they were sorry but the order is to come in 21 days. By then, it will be February. My order has been delayed from November all the way to February and who knows,they might even screw up again. Obviously going to cancel once the order comes in as the payment has already gone and of we cancel they product won't be delivered. DEFINITELY DO NOT recommend this stress to be passed on to anyone.
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January 14, 2018
Lifesaver!
I'm 19 and have struggled with acne/hyperpigmentation as soon as I entered junior high. Tried EVERYTHING including big named products. Benzoyl peroxide is what helped my skin SO much! Make sure to slowly ease your way into it (especially if you are like me and have sensitive skin) and it may burn/dry you out a little in the beginning but your skin will adjust and it is so worth it! Also remember sunscreen or a hat whenever you are out!
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January 3, 2018
Not great
I've been using acnecide overnight for 3 weeks today and I don't notice much of a difference, my spots look the same in the morning as they do the night before and I've also been documenting daily photos of my skin and don't see much of a difference. I would like a treatment that works rapidly to kill my spots/acne and help me get clear skin but In the past few days I've seemed to get more spots on my forehead:( any suggestions? Best of luck to you all
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February 13, 2018
Sorry that your no having much luck. Every skin is different so not every product is going to work on everyone. I would recommend you trying T-zone skin clearing face moisturiser.
January 1, 2018
life changer for my daughter
My teenage daughter battled cystic acne. Was under the care of a dermatologist for years and was on antibiotic treatment for 18 months trying several different topical acne treatments and nothing worked. Then he said her next step at 16 years old would be "Birth Control" pills to battle the hormonal changes that was contributing to her acne. My daughter said NO THANK YOU. Then one day we were introduced to UNBLEMISH from R+F and within a matter of weeks her inflamed skin started to look calm and less red. Then she started to have les breakouts and they were minimal not large and swollen and tender nodules all over her face. Now after 5 months of using the UNBLEMISH regimen she has started using the REDEFINE regimen to help heal the pitting scars she has all over her face and her skin is smoother than ever. She will be graduating in May and I am excited for her to be leaving for college with a new complexion! Thank You Drs. Rodan & Fields.
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December 31, 2017
Not for me
I have cystic acne and very sensitive skin. This product was not for me. It irritated my skin and made me break out for a few days. I like how it made my skin feel after washing though. Just wasn't a good fit for my skin problems.
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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.