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 22, 2012

Pros:

Skin cleared within first month
Spot treatments worked at the beginning
Dries out skin

Cons:

First time use gave red irritation and itchiness
Bleaches towels
Stopped working after a while and made acne worse

I used Proactiv Solutions for about 5 years, at the time it seemed like the only thing that actually worked on my face by clearing my acne. But I noticed that once I started using it, I ALWAYS had to use it. I got redness for the first week, but after that it cleared up my acne. Over time, it dried out my skin a lot! My whole face was flaky, and I was using the Daily Moisterizer. Because of how dry my face was, I went through the bottle very quick, so I bought new moisterizer quite often and it wasnt cheap! I've read your supposed to switch cleansers every few months so your face doesnt become immune to it, so I tried doing that but every time I use anything other than Proactiv, I broke out like crazy! But for some odd reason, it got to a point where I switched back to Proactiv, hoping it would clear the acne caused by the previous cleanser but instead, it made it even worse, my face was filled with acne, no one spot of my face didnt have a pimple. I then switched to Biore Deep Pore Cleanser instead and my face cleared up right away. but as soon as I even tried to use Proactiv, I once again broke out. It wasnt just a pimple here and there, it was A LOT of pimples. Spot treatment (Refining Mask) used to work for the first few months, then it stopped! If anything, I think it makes the pimple worse. The pimple(s) will become more red/painful. So would I recommend it? No, and why? Because its a short term effect, and once you start using it, you cant stop. If you stop, you'll break out, and if you start again, at one point you'll still break out. Im not sure if it would happen to everyone, but thats what happened to me. Don't be fooled by the celebrities on the commercials!! There are plenty of other products out there, where you can spend half the amount of money on it and it'll work way better than Proactiv.
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February 5, 2012

Pros:

NOOOOOOOONE

Cons:

They are a shady business just out to trick you out of your money!!!1 STAY AWAY! worst business ever VERY VERY SHADYYYY!!!!!

DO NOT ORDER!
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January 19, 2012

Pros:

Works fast
Easy to get

Cons:

None Yet

On my second week of using proactiv and so far I can say its great. I never really had bad acne i would just have a couple pimples on my face at a time very light. I tried a lot of products to try to get rid of it but none worked. Before proactiv I tried a product called exposed skin care. It made my acne very severe and I used it for about 5 weeks before I stopped and it never got better I just tried it because of all the good reviews and they guaranteed your money back. After I stopped that I felt I had no choice but to try proactiv. I see a lot on negative reviews about this product so I've been ducking it but now I wish I would have tried it earlier!
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January 17, 2012

Pros:

Does work but takes about 1 month to see improvement.

Cons:

Dryness and redness, but i can get over that if the lumps and bumps are flattened or gone.

I apply this bp gel on my tzone every night. It does dry out those areas but so far (3-4wks) it is doing pretty good.Apart from my chin breaking out because thats hormones. Hopefully it continues to rid me of my acne woes.
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January 6, 2012

Pros:

-Erase marks
-Very Cheap
-Dries out pimples very fast!!!

Cons:

-Drying
-Leave red spots sometimes (if you use it everyday)

Its very good and the best part is that is very cheap! I used it overnight. I would totally recommend this!!!! It works!!!
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January 2, 2012

Pros:

I absolutely hated the stuff, it seemed to make my skin softer at first though.

Cons:

It seemed like it was working for a few days then out of the blue I started breaking out, little bumps all over my chin and T-Zone and huge cystic zits under the skin.

I didn't really have cysts before so this really bothered me, but I kept trying it and following directions in hope of a purge or something. It had so many great reviews that I thought it maybe just took a little time. Nope, broke me out everywhere I used it, even my upper shoulders got worse where I just had a few zits.

Don't use it unless you want to take a big risk, it really did a number on my face and I'm feeling even more depressed now with this horrible cystic acne and I pick at my face too so this was just awful for me. I'm really really sad. Use at your own risk.
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December 23, 2011

Pros:

There are a lot of products out there of which my daughter has tried many but for the money this works the best long term. I don't think anything out there is a cure for acne but this at least controls it. We have been using this for approximately 4 years and wouldn't be without it! Thank you Carley's!!

Cons:

None

Try it!!
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December 13, 2011

Pros:

If you stick with it, it works
Good for lesions, or any type of severe acne
If you buy the big bottles, and use properly, you can make the cleanser and toner last for at LEAST a month.

Cons:

Can be drying, especially the toner (2nd step)
Need to use more moisturizer, so you run out of that faster
Expensive
You have to do A.M and P.M

It works really well. I've been using it for almost 4 years now, and I have severe acne, the kind that hurts like a beeznatch. At first it sucks, because it brings out ALL the pimples that have been hiding for a while, but after it clears all those up, you're skin is really nice. Skin is soft, clear and honestly, after 2-3 months, if you ever have to use a heavy concealer and walk out of your house wearing anything but a light powder ladies, it will never work for you. The salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are the only over the counter products that work for me, and the toner has witch hazel, which is mother nature's gift to acne prone skin. It's very soothing and if you stick with it, redness=0. I'm basing price on buying all three big bottles for each month or a little over, but for the starter kit it's about 45.00 (way too overpriced for little bottles)
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December 12, 2011

Pros:

It leaves your skin feeling clean

Cons:

Leaves your face and lips feeling very dry. Can also cause flaking and peeling.
Increases redness of your skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide is very harsh on your skin and initially it causes your face to be very dry and red. Over time these side effects will decrease.
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December 11, 2011

Pros:

Clears Up Acne
Prevents any new acne

Cons:

Dries out skin
Bleaches clothes

I am 27 years old and have had acne since I was 12. I have used everything imaginable from Clearisil, Neutrogena, ProActiv, etc. I even saw a dermatologist and it just got too expensive with all the medications they put me on. I finally stopped going and using Neutrogena which didn't work, then Clearisl products. Nothing seemed to work and I was becoming frustrated. I heard my favorite radio station talk about C&C, so I decided to go buy it. I used this product for the first time about a month ago and wanted to see how it would be once my "monthly breakout" came. I am almost done with that time and I only got two small pimples which is totally amazing to me. I use Neutrogena moisturizer every morning with this as it is super drying. I also use a regular cleansing bar instead of an acne wash as my skin would be overly dry when I used both.
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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.