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
June 13, 2018
not strong enough
I have tried a lot of acne products over the years, from over the counter stuff, to prescribed stuff. I am no stranger to benzoyl peroxide. Trust me, I have a lot of stained sheets! Most of the time the benzoyl will help the zits initially, I will get excited then something happens, like my skin becomes immune to it or something. This time was no different. At first, my skin cleared up noticeably and I was, as always, pretty stoked. But as always, after 2 weeks, the zits started coming back almost worse than before I would say. I did give it a solid shot and finished up the entire container. My skin remained broken out until it was gone so I decided to start searching for something else. I can't even remember where I found it but I found a new benzoyl cream from Ninja, who I hadn't ever heard of before. The reviews were pretty stellar so it why not? First of all, this benzoyl was actually quite different in that it was much stronger than any other benzoyl I had ever tried before. My skin started getting very dry immediately, which I have to admit was a little annoying but they assured me that was what we wanted. The zits didnt disappear immediately but they were smaller when they popped up and went away within a day or two which was incredible. I did notice that my skin was much drier than I had ever experienced with other benzoyl products but instead of getting upset by that, I was encouraged. Instead of seeing the same results, seeing something different was very uplifting. My skin got clear within about 6 weeks and stayed clear for nearly six months. Then at 6 months, I think my skin started getting used to it. I checked in with the company and they recommended I add in some salicylic to my regime, which was also refreshing because in the past, when something stopped being as effective I just dropped the line altogether. This time, knowing they had tools to increase the potency was amazing. Now, I have been with the company for 2 years, have increased my medication one additional time and am happy to say that my skin is clear and my scars are so unnoticeable that I don't even have to wear makeup any more.
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June 10, 2018
HORRIBLE
Made me break out MUCH MORE then the bit of forehead acne I used it for NOW I HAVE ACNE ALL OVER MY FACE!!! I WISH I COULD RATE THIS 0 STARS BECAUSE IT *SUCKS*
May 31, 2018
Did nothing
Did nothing for me. I purged a bit at first. But no improvement :(
May 31, 2018
Oily
Did nothing. The gel was kind of oily.
May 31, 2018
Did absolutely nothing
These did absolutely nothing for me.
May 31, 2018
Didnt do a thing for my hormonal acne.
Did not work.
May 31, 2018
Didnt work
Used for awhile and didn't work for me.
May 31, 2018
Didnt work
Used for awhile and didn't work for me.(
May 30, 2018
Product used: The Regimen
Not for everyone
This regimen made my face flaky and will not use it ever again. My skin tone got terrible and not natural. I started getting large pimples although I used to have only 5-6 tiny ones. I don't recommend this regimen to anyone as it makes your skin get addicted to the product and your skin will be 10x oilier when you stop using it. Now it has been 5 months after I stopped using it and my skin finally looks like before although I ended up getting few scares because of this regimen.
May 19, 2018
Product used: The Regimen
Wish I would have never tried it :(
I had very light acne, maybe 3-4 pimples OCCASIONALLY. But I was used to not having any at all so I wanted my clear skin back. I read really good reviews about the regimen & had friends that used it so I decided to purchase. 6 days into the regimen my skin was noticeably worse. Call it "purging" or whatever you want but it just got worse & worse after that. I began getting LARGE white zits- which I never never used to. My skin is now broken out worse than ever around my mouth & chin as well as red & flaky. It has made me not want to leave the house- I can't even put makeup on because of the condition of my skin. I've been using for 16 days & will not continue. I have now been put on birth control to try & combat what this has done to my skin.
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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.