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
December 24, 2010

Pros:

NOTHING!

Cons:

My face is burnt like crazy. I have used it once and my face is patchy and red. My skin is itchy and I literally have cried all day because of how bad this stuff hurts!

It hurts so bad!
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December 23, 2010

Pros:

- Calms down spots quickly
- Sorta helps stop breakouts

Cons:

-didn't do anything for my red acne marks

Well, I bought the cleanser (cheaper than the whole kit) and I was impressed after the first week or so because I had hardly any pimples just 1 or 2. BUT then I broke out with 5 pimples, I didn't think much of it but its been almost a month now and they have not gone away, I'm scared!!!!! ARGH I DON"T DESERVE MORE MARKS, WHY GOD WHYYYYYY! X0 Oh, PS, Try this product but I'm unsure about if you will like it or not.
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December 19, 2010

Pros:

the first week, leave my skin very dry, so horryble but after this began to improve, i use this whit my mousterizer in the day and suncreams, in the nigth use only alone, dont recomend to mix with other creams for spots

Cons:

dry skin the first week i little pain when apply

this cream is wonderfull thats clean my all face of spots is a little strong i recomend be have to trial week before the see the result, recomend to use suncreams really RECOMMEND
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December 16, 2010

Pros:

This thing works.

Cons:

It itches when I go running.

I am extremely happy with this product. I been using the regiment for about a month (morning and night) and I have noticed a big difference. Even my husband is amazed at how good my face looks. I'm extremely happy with this product. THIS Really WORKS!!!!
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December 8, 2010

Pros:

Clears up acne quickly.
Worked on both cystic and other acne.
Improved overall quality of skin.
Greatly minimizes new breakouts.

Cons:

Can be a little drying.
The acne lotion runs out much more quickly than the cleanser and the moisturizer, so I end up having to buy the whole kit even though I don't need everything.

I've struggled with acne for years. I've used countless over the counter cleansers, creams, etc. I've been to several dermatologists, and had a horrible trial of Proactive that left me with dry, cracked skin that was covered in cystic acne. Neutrogena has left my skin clear and soft. It cleared up everything I had, and has been preventing new breakouts. Yes, it's drying, but that's a necessary evil when fighting acne. Don't be afraid of the moisturizer!
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December 6, 2010

Pros:

-Excellent price
-Very smooth application
-Gel is clear and leaves no residue
-Extremely effective
-Large size of product

Cons:

NONE

This is the best BP I have ever used, period. It doesn't over dry, it doesn't show once applied, it doesn't burn or irritate, and did not make my skin red. The size should be the seller alone, as it is a fraction of the cost of other brand product. Very impressed, easily Dan's best product.
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December 2, 2010

Pros:

Less expensive than equally effective kits
Controls oil well
Wonderful at clearing acne

Cons:

Leaves skin a little dry, may need additional moisturizer
Still a little pricey

I have pretty terrible, oily skin and seem to build up "resistances" to products so I've had to switch ever few months. I use Clinique foundation and they were having a sale on the Acne Solutions kit so I gave it a try. The results are wonderful. I've never been able to stick to a kit so long and have such clear skin. It works especially well on the T zone. My only complaint is it can be slightly drying sometimes, but I use another Clinique moisturizer when I need it. It's a little pricey, but cheaper than other products and one full kit lasts a long time.
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December 2, 2010

Pros:

Shrinks pimples
Dries quickly

Cons:

Stings
Leaves unaffected skin overly dry
Some white residue

I used this cream when I started the Regimen. It worked decently, but mostly as a spot treatment: it didn't seem to prevent new pimples from forming. At the price, which is exorbitant if you use it as the Regimen recommends, I decided to switch to Dan's gel. I recommend this if you need occasional treatment for a pimple or two. It's too pricey for anything more.
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November 29, 2010

Pros:

None really

Cons:

Expensive
Drying
Smells bag
Time consuming

I had to have one of my parents purchase this for me while I was in college because it was so expensive and nothing else was working. They are very secretive about their products, so I wanted to know what these magical products were that gave such good results (as seen on TV). It's nothing more than 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cleanser with a very coarse exfoliator, a toner, and a moisturizer. You can find 10% benzoyl peroxide gel at the drug store for a fraction of the cost. The cleanser was so coarse that my skin started flaking off, and that's almost impossible to do because I have eczema with scales and need to exfoliate daily. I had to go down to once a day and then once every other day, but then the oil starts building up so I had to get another cleanser to use in between anyway. The toner did nothing at all, so I stopped using it between the cleanser and moisturizer. The moisturizer was too light for the really coarse exfoliant, so I would need to apply it, let it dry, and repeat 1-2 more times. The instructions said that your face had to COMPLETELY dry before going onto the next step, so I was spending about an hour on my face every day (30 minutes/2x day). If I could have bought just the moisturizer by itself, I would have but they only offered an expensive "subscription" plan where you have to buy everything and they will automatically deduct it from your credit card and ship it. No thank you! I have tried so many prescription and non-prescription products, and this is a major dud. A Dove pink beauty bar, St. Ive's apricot scrub, a light moisturizer, and benzoyl peroxide gel will do better a job for probably 1/4-1/2 the cost.
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November 29, 2010

Pros:

~Clears up acne...FAST.
~Inexpensive.
~Found at local drug stores.

Cons:

~Dries out skin horribly if not used with a great moisturizer. I found Aveeno worked well for me,

Great product, cheap, but watch out, dries badly. Make sure to wear sunscreen if you're going to go out.
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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.