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
February 23, 2010

Pros:

my skin cleared up fast

Cons:

dryed out my skin in certain areas of my face

i first bought the travel size treatment to see if it would work so i wouldn't spend too much. i finished that bottle in 3 weeks, i followed dans directions AND I COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT THIS. i washed with dove sensitive skin bar. and mosturized w. murad skin perfecting lotion! I RUSHED TO BUY THE BIGGEST BOTTLE OF THIS THEY HAD, i use this twice a day, and in between if i feel like i need a little more on problem areas, THIS PRODUCT WORKS EXTREMELY WELL, TRY IT AND DON'T FORGET TO USE A OIL-FREE LITEWEIGHT LOTION ON DRY AREAS!
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January 29, 2010

Pros:

This treatment is amazing. It cleared me up in about 2 weeks. I'm not perfect yet but i havent been on it for so long. I don't have to wear makeup anymore. It's worth the price and it's the only thing that worked. THANKYOU DAN!!!!!

Cons:

none. just use a nice moisturizer so you don't get dry/red :)

BUY THIS PRODUCT! you won't regret it.
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January 23, 2010

Pros:

ugh It cleaned my face???

Cons:

Did nothing for my acne.

For me it was an expensive soap!
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October 23, 2009

Pros:

REALLY WORKS! I have the OXY anca vanishing treatment with microsphere technology cover-up and my face is alot clearer than what it was.

Cons:

The first few weeks my face was dry, but not anymore.

IT really does work. I love it.. before it was oxy5 which made a big difference on my face a huge difference! I had huge boil like pimples but not anymore. I have some scars left over but not pimples.. I get them sometimes but not as often and they don't last. So I recommend it for sure. Wear it 2 times a day to start with, and then when theres a big difference you can cut down to once a day.(That's what I did) and it works.
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September 30, 2009

Pros:

None at all.

Cons:

Dried my skin out in a serious way (skin eventually was just peeling off). Cost a ton and i even stuck it out for a long time (probably out of desperation). Made my acne and overall my skin look way worse.

Was terrible and it makes me sick to see the infomercial on all the time. Was expensive and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I haven't used it for a number of years now but I honestly after seeing how much it's advertised would like to discourage people from going into it blindly (do some research and see if anyone else who is not only on the internet has had it work for them). On a side note i would recommend not trying any acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide as a main ingredient. It is a harsh chemical and ESPECIALLY if you have sensitive skin (or dry skin) it will destroy your skin. And if it does work for some people i haven't met any in real life that have had any success (tens and adults alike) so be very skeptical.
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November 9, 2016
DO NOT BUY
I thought I would give Proactiv a try so ordered a pack, it actually made my skin a lot worse than anything else I've ever tried but not only that, after persevearing for 10 days I gave up. A month later £65 disappeared from my account, a few days after this I received another package which I did not want or ask for. I had read other reviews about being careful of the subscription- I carefully checked through the payment confirmation from my first order (I didn't receive one for the second 'supposed' order) but I couldn't find anywhere that I had signed up to any kind of subscription! Customer service (who were horrendous) told me that it was in very small print on the checkout page and had to walk me through the ordering process so they could point out to me exactly where it was. So this was totally unclear. I was furious- I sent the package back without even opening it (by special delivery as they take no responsibility for receiving it if it's not sent this way or by courier). I have so far waited over a week and still no refund, called the customer service number to which they said "it's not been processed yet, once we get it, we have to send it back to our warehouse abroad so could take a couple of weeks" - so still waiting, THIS COMPANY ARE CON ARTISTS, DO NOT BUY THEIR PRODUCTS. They don't work and you'"" have a nightmare trying to get out of a subscription you supposedly sign up to.. as for getting a refund.. well, I'll let you know when it finally arrives! :(
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February 4, 2017
Total scam, and you wander why nobody trusts you. I hope you drown. Here comes karma!
October 3, 2016
Total Ripoff
ordered it from [link removed] made bloody damn sure I choose the Single Shipment: $29.95 30-Day Supply option. They automatically enroll you in the monthly automatically charge your credit card and ship you monthly... I called and told them I am not stupid, I made sure I was I was ordering the one time, I even kept the screen captures from my order.. they deny it and said even though I picked the Single Shipment: $29.95 30-Day Supply option, on the side of the screen it said I would be shipped a new supply every 30 days and it was my fault that I didn't check it, even though I have screen captures. They already charged my credit card and will not refund my money until I send box back, which was left on my doorstep. What a ripoff, even though when I signed up and ordered it the first time, they have my email address, they never contacted me about the second shipment or when they were charging my credit card. Here is the thing, if they had contacted me maybe I would checked with my daughter and see if she wanted it and decided if we wanted to order, but the lying and deception is what really gets under my skin.
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November 6, 2016
This is UNFORGIVABLE, people (often teens, with little money - and already with a huge burden of being afflicted with acne) should not be tricked into this, and ripped off by an organisation who suggest they are trying to help. SHAME ON YOU PROACTIVE - and if the website ripping people off is not you, You need to withdraw your product... Why was the website name redacted? People need warning of these bandits!
November 6, 2016
This is UNFORGIVABLE, people (often teens, with little money - and already with a huge burden of being afflicted with acne) should not be tricked into this, and ripped off by an organisation who suggest they are trying to help. SHAME ON YOU PROACTIVE - and if the website ripping people off is not you, You need to withdraw your product... Why was the website name redacted? People need warning of these bandits!
September 10, 2016
Amazing!!
This is incredible- 12 years of cystic hormonal acne, tried everything ... Clear within 2 weeks of using this with dove soap. 6 weeks later not a pimple in sight not even with my period. So thankful I found fhis.
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August 13, 2016
SO thankful for this amazing product
LONG REVIEW! sorry but totally worth the read if you need any bit of hope! I have had acne issues on my back and chest for years. By years I mean since I was about 16 years old and I am 27 now and was still having issues. I have been to the dermatologist PLENTY in attempts of finding a product that would clear my skin up. I've never had too much of an issue with facial acne except for a few breakouts here and there. But my back and chest acne ALWAYS caused issues for me. I've tried EVERYTHING..... Retina gel, Ac-zone, Clindagel and even tried home made "cures". From Apple Cider Vinegar homemade toner to lathering T-gel on my back because I thought it would work and every time I tried something new I was so hopeful that SOMETHING would eventually rid my acne. About 3 years ago my dermatologist prescribed me a clindamycin based gel mixed with a 1-5% Benzoyl Peroxide liquid. I put it on once a day before bedtime and surprisingly I was happy with the results but my acne wasn't 100% going away. My dermatologist moved and I totally forgot about my gel having no refills. IMMEDIATELY after I stopped using the gel, totally my fault, my chest and back began to break out BAD. I'm getting married in a couple months and my anxiety was at a high because my dress fully exposed my chest and the embarrassment set in knowing my chest was going to look terrible on my big day. I was desperate to find a fast acting solution since I couldn't get into a different dermatologist for another month. I found reviews of Panoxyl online and was surprised at all the great reviews it had but was still initially not convinced. I took the chance anyways and bought the Panoxyl foaming body wash. I have super sensitive skin so after reading the reviews I got the 4%. I used it for about a week and was highly disappointed when....there was no change. Still desperate I went to the store and bought the 10% despite the reviews saying it was really drying for sensitive skinned people. I have been using it for about 3 weeks now and are you ready for it? ACNE ALMOST GONE completely. Also it hasn't dried my skin out really at all, so I'm not sure if I just got lucky here or what. It does make my skin itch a bit but I'm willing to deal with that for a clear back and chest. I use it once daily in the shower. I wash my body with the Cetaphil antibacterial soap bar. Then I put some Panoxyl on my hands and rub it on my back and chest, I then use a loofah and squeeze some more on that and scrub in circular motion my chest and back and then leave it on there for about 2 minutes. It takes time to work but just be patient!!! and I promise you won't be disappointed :)
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February 15, 2016
Disappointment..
Im giving it 3 stars because it did clear me up for about 2 weeks, but then stopped working. I started using this in January and stopped in July. I was so fed up that I was paying so much and it was doing nothing.. If anything it was making the dark scars on my cheeks EVEN DARKER. The whole thing just felt like putting harsh chemicals all over your face.. I was really hoping it was going to work.. It has been working pretty well on my sister but her acne wasn't nearly as bad as mine. Maybe try it if you have not a lot of acne, but if you have cystic acne like me don't waste your money... Its not worth it.
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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.