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
March 5, 2011

Cons:

Made my skin worse even after using it a while. did not help my acne 1 bit in fact i found that i had more blemishes!

It just does not work for me and i certainly would NOT recommend the product
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February 28, 2011

Pros:

Cleared up acne/acne scars
Expensive

Cons:

Made skin dry (however, I now use it with the acne even better moisturizer and love it.. stays nice all day)

Product works. It is pricier than most Drug store products, however the results I received with the product was well worth it. I stuck with using it and am so glad I did. It cleared up my acne, and I have been using the Even Better Moisturizer (to even my skin tone from old acne scars) and I just love the results. Well worth it. The starter kit I started with was 40.00 (for the trial sized bottles)... however the 1st step ran out kind of fast (I like to really lather..). The full sized bottles individually are about 18-20.
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February 15, 2011
I bought this to get rid of a few small occasional pimples. I figured this product would do a great job since this product has great reviews and the guy who runs the website made it. However, this crap gave me horrible, painful cystic acne. I stopped using it and my acne went away, but I still have marks from this crap. Just sayin.
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February 9, 2011

Pros:

Love the moisturizer.

Cons:

Way overpriced.

As a system, I'd pass. The cleanser is abrasive and causes discomfort and increased oil production. Toner is an extra useless step. However... love the moisturizer! I don't use it as part of my daily routine, but it's perfect if I'm having a bad skin week. Not moisturizing enough for me for daily use, but stops a breakout in it's tracks, feels great, dries quickly. I always keep some on hand. System is a 1, moisturizer is a 5.
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February 5, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

Completely dried my skin
made skin red and tender
Takes too long to put on
Made acne 10 times worst, in new places i never before got acne!!!

This sucks and i cant believe its still on the market!! My acne became worse and skin hurt. It aged me by about 10years during the first week!!!!!! I started using Clinques line of acne care and noticed results overnight!! No new breakouts and is helping to correct the damage done by proactive! I HATED IT AND WILL NEVER USE IT AGAIN!
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January 31, 2011

Pros:

Works very well!

Especially when the "terminator" from the acnefree system is purchased with it. The basic kit will give you the 3 lotions but the terminator makes a big difference.

Cons:

This product will slightly dry up your skin. I just used a little dove lotion and its not a problem at all.

This product worked very well for me. I have tried everything from Clean and Clear, Skin ID, proactive, you name it i have tried it. This product has cleared up my once severe acne wonderfully and i highly recommend it.
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January 28, 2011

Pros:

got rid of acne on cheek, nose, and forehead
prevented acne from forming
toner/moisturizers protected skin from flaking and kept it moistured
the toner has a really good cell turnover rate, where i just wiped off the dead skin cells
also got rid of some body acne

Cons:

was over my usual budget for acne medication plus another 75 dollars for brown spot serum (which I don't see progress)

I'm very happy with my results, however I didn't really have severe acne to begin with so I don't know how it'd work for people with that. I had mild acne along my cheeks and it took care of that. Overall I reccommend to all my friends, however warn them that it's really expensive. I don't think it's useful as a body acne med., but it did reduce some of it. I use the Clinique Acne solution line with PanOxyl foaming cleanser and the St. Ives Apricot blemish scrub, it's really works for me and now has became my regular skin routine. I totally reccomend it for people that are willing to splurge on their skin, and i t's worth it.
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January 6, 2011

Pros:

Works
Works
Works!

Cons:

CANT FIND IT ANYWHERE ANYMORE

I've tried several different acne treatment and pricey products, none in the past were effective until I tryed Neutrogena. I used it for a year and my suddent break outs went away. It was worth the $20 I paid for it. I only had minor pores every once a few months, nothing serious like before using it. However, my only con against this product is they must have discontinued it without notifying all the loyal users! I tryed call the Neutrogena represenatives and they couldn't verify whether or not this product was discontinued. Overall I was very satisfied with the product, but I am very disappointed that it is no where to be found and my skin is back to terrible break outs.
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January 5, 2011

Pros:

--love this lotion, have used it morning & night for OVER 5 YEARS!!!
--Clears acne fast
--reduces inflammation & redness of pimples

Cons:

--can be drying but...
use a facial brush like DermaNew resurfacing brush & another moisturizer like jojoba oil after! Thats what has worked for me!!

--Just use this product with a facial brush like DermaNew resurfacing brush! These products made such a difference for me!! I have been using Proactive for over 5 years--don't know what I would do without it. But I think this lotion works the best for me out of the whole kit. --Yes I still get pimples--but the bacteria fighting ingredients in this lotion keeps them to a minimum & reveals new, smooth, and healthy skin---especial when I use my DermaNew brush!! I just added this brush to my routine a few months ago & my skin is even better than before! Less breakouts & no flaking skin!! --Then just add a thin layer of jojoba oil for a little more moisture & supple skin--I have oily skin but it doesn't make me more oily promise! :)
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January 4, 2011

Pros:

The spot treatment works allright

Cons:

IT BURNED/IRRITATED MY SKIN

i got this kit thinking it will help my acne i was totally wrong. I used it in the night before going to bed. Next day i woke up to a tomatoe red and burning face. It was so painful i had to put lotion on it. The burning lasted for 4 days until my face got back to normal but it was a little peeled. You should use this with caution not all skin reacts the same.
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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.