Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.5
20757 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 8, 2017
A whole lot of eh.
I used this years ago when I first tried to to my acne under control. It worked at first, but stopped a couple of months in. It also made my skin SO dry and SO agitated. For the large amount of money you have to pay, it really isn't worth it. I feel like they approach skin care in a one "cure" helps all way, which is just not true.
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December 23, 2016
not effective
doesnt really work, your better off with sulfur as a good spot treatment
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November 20, 2016
Ok but just not enough
I tired Proactive for a while. I gave it a good shot, in my opinion. Nearly 2 years. I saw some clearing but nothing heart stopping. People still could tell I had acne. I still knew I had acne. I was still embarrassed by my face which really sucked. Like no amount of makeup helps when you have those craters. Just makes it look like you have makeup on top of acne, which is pretty gauche. Clearly it didn't help that I was in college, ate badly and was under a load of stress. At first, I could see the results with the repairing lotion but then I just kind of plateaued, maybe after like 2-3 weeks. It was really frustrating. I felt pretty lost like nothing would ever work. I went to a dermatologist finally, at my mom's urging but just mainly to hear what they had to say. I wasn't surprised when the derm wanted to put me on accutane - it is like their go-to isn't it?!. But I have hear too many bad things and was really against anything that was prescribed. The side effects sound awful. My mom suggested maybe my lifestyle needed to change so I started doing a lot of research about how lifestyle affects the skin and it turns out it is a lot. Especially stress. Which is hard to stop doing, stressing out. I finally found one company, Ninja, asked for a consultation and they really explained a lot to me that I didn't know. And what I could do on my own to help my skin - drink water, stop stressing out, sleep more, eat healthier. I guess most of it is common sense but hearing it from an expert really helped me. I told them about this product and basically, I think the main problem is that for anyone who has acne, not just a random zit, 2.5% is just not strong enough. I went first to their 5% benzoyl and then graduated to the 10%, which is what I am at now. And I use their Salicylic too in the daytime. And good lord - my face is clear. Clear clear clear. I am in disbelief about it still. but having someone actually tell me what to do step by step has been a miracle. I think the repairing lotion is ok but like I said, you just won't see the full results you want if you actually have acne. You need something stronger, at least in my experience.
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November 16, 2016
Make my skin red, itchy and sensitive
I know most of you here have got good results from BP but I have to say it gave me hives. I had to go to a doctor and get an anti allergy.
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November 10, 2016
Didnt rlly do anything
So Ive been using this for a few months now and It just hasnt done much for me it helped my acne like the first week and after that it just stopped working lmao.
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October 26, 2016
Product used: The Regimen
Just didnt work for me
I have been using this product for almost a year now. At first it seen to work but then it just stopped. I continued using it but i got break outs just the same. Not only that my skin got very sensitive to the product, it burn so bad its almost unbearable. My skin is so dry after washing and using the bp to the point it feels as if its going to break. And adding the moisturizer is more torture as it burns my skin as well. Am very disappointing as i was hoping this would work for me.
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October 20, 2016
Im still getting new pimples
Benzac dried pimples but im still getting new pimples:( I got hormonal csytc acne and it doesnt help to prevent it.
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October 20, 2016
Product used: The Regimen
Always order at least 2 weeks before you run out
Purchased on the 17th shipped on 19th estimated delivery on the 29th. This company takes the cake for the Slowest shipping.
October 15, 2016
Confused - everything turned red!
I used this for a night as per my Doc's recommendation and it seems to have turned all my pimples deep red. Having read all the positive reviews, I decided to persevere and continue using for another night - now they've turned slight brown. Should i continue using the product?
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October 12, 2016
skin reaction
my son just used if for 3 days. he has stopped using it because the mouth area where he applied the lotion has become reddish and painful. now he finds a little difficulty to open his mouth as though the skin is tight. he keeps saying it's painful.

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.