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
July 29, 2011

Pros:

-benzyl peroxide and toner were good

Cons:

-expensive
-cleaner was too harsh
-the company makes it hard to stop your auto-renewal payments

Proactive is just not worth the money. I'm convinced the only reason it's famous is because the company spends millions of dollars in marketing the heck out of it. I didn't even use the cleanser in the set because it was much too drying for my skin. I did like their benzyl peroxide product but Dan's Acne.org product is better.
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July 20, 2011

Pros:

This stuff works and works quickly.

Cons:

If you have sensitive skin, it will probably dry your skin out for the first few days/week. Be sure to use a good moisturizer with it and you should be fine :)

I am 26 and have been strugglling with acne since I was 15. I have seriously tried EVERYTHING and for a while had my acne under control, but made the mistake of using the Murad acne system towards the beginning of the year and it made my acne 100 times worse. (Do yourself a favor and avoid that stuff like the plague!!!) I was on antibiotics for a while after the Murad disaster and they helped but once I got off of them my acne started coming back. I purchased the Persa gel along with Clean and Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser and use them both like clockwork morning and night followed by CeraVe facial moisturizer. Bottom line is my skin looks good for the first time in a while. It was a little irritating at first, but well worth it. Just be sure to always use a moisturizer after applying the Persa-Gel. I have spent so much money on different products and was amazed that this inexpensive stuff from the drugstore worked so much better than anything else I have tried. I know everyone's skin is different and this may not work for you, but if it can help just one person this post is worth it :) Good luck!
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June 27, 2011

Pros:

Gentle
Goes on clear

Cons:

Doesnt stop breakouts as well as others

I wanted to like it, but it just isn't as good as other BP products like clinique. This BP is horrendous at stopping breakouts from happening while you're out and about. I would be out having fun, go to a bathroom and be embarrassed to see a few pimples had risen. So I could never feel secure about my face using this stuff when I was out. I will say that it is quality ingredients, it's gentle and goes on clear, I wish I could like it, but it's just not good enough.
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April 24, 2011

Pros:

Delivered fast

Cons:

made my acne worst. Its expensive.

There other methods more cheaper
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April 21, 2011

Pros:

Customer Service was very nice

Cons:

Didn't work, made my face really dry, the toner made my face burn

It doesn't work. I only started breaking out after I got the Depo-Provera shot. It wasn't bad, but I was still self-conscious of it. Proactive didn't make it worse, but it didn't do anything at all to help it. When I did call to cancel it, the customer service lady was very helpful and nice though. I began using Neutrogena Complete Acne System and so far it seems to be helping. It dried out my face for about a week, but I'll deal with that as long as it keeps my skin clear.
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April 18, 2011

Pros:

Absolutely the best Adult Acne treatment I've ever used, and I've tried everything from the stores, and even tried the one from the "Infomercial", and it worked in the beginning, but the results didn't last like they have with Carley's Clean & Smooth. The ingredients are top of the line and the customer service is A+++.

Cons:

There are no CONS for this prodcut or company. They are the TOPS!!

Bottom Line, this product works better than anything I've tried. It is easy to use and my skin has been clear for over a year now. I have saved so much money because I've finally found something that works as described....and I now have no need to continually try new things. The people at Carley's are really great too. If you have a question or concern they actually reply to emails with answers that make sense and are very helpful to guide you to use their products for optimal success. I would recommend that anyone with skin issues, either acne problems or sensitive skin give this line a try.....It really is wonderful.... I noticed another comment said that one of the "CONs" was that it had a bleaching effect, I just wanted to mention that in my experience, any product that contains benzoil peroxide will bleach natural fibers. This includes spot treatments as well as facial washes. I knew this when I started using Carley's and made a point of buying a large pack of white face cloths to make sure I didn't ruin my good ones. Also, per the directions, you are supposedd to lather the cloth up after using the scrub and do a final wash, which should remove any residue of the scrub... I've never had a problem with my clothes or pillow cases being discolored due to this product.... Ultimately....I give it an A++++ and I highly recommend it!!
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April 2, 2011

Pros:

works
odorless

Cons:

dries out skin
bleaches fabric

I had basically given up on trying to treat my acne (I've tried everything, including proactiv and accutane), but after reading reviews on this product I decided to give it a try. I have been using this for a month and a half so far and the results have been great. (note: I only apply this at night, and follow the application with jojoba oil enhanced moisturizer.) The major con is dry skin, which is no joke. I thought only applying it at night would deter my skin from drying out so much, but the dryness is inevitable (although adding jojoba oil to my moisturizer has helped, I think). So, if you're like me and have given up on treating your acne, please consider trying this product. I still have some scars and my skin is not magically clear, but I have seen a significant improvement in the time I have been using it.
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March 21, 2011

Pros:

In the beggining, it made my face soft!
Besides that NO PROS

Cons:

DRY SKIN
Worse Acne
Rash
Redness
Burning

Ok, I never ever review items. I am always the type to give products a chance and not turn them down so fast, but I literally couldnt help but review. In the begging, I thought pro activ was good. Like the first 2 days...After that it made my face dry...SUPER SUPER red..Burn, and VERY VERY DRY.. I still gave it a chance AND continued using...i BROKE out worse then ever!!!! I have a rash all over my mouth. DO NOT USE THIS!!! I am telling you, I never ever review products, but this one is BAD... do not take the chance to use this....ive stopped using it and its been 2 days and my face is still dry and even with make up over it, it looks like i am peeling...i am mortified by this product..over the counter is way better....DO NOT BUY...
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March 9, 2011

Cons:

Not to be a downer but this made my skin worse.

My acne is primarily hormonal so this did not work and irritated my sensitive skin. I would not recommend. I used it for 1-2 months.
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January 21, 2011

Cons:

made my skin flaky, dry, and sensitive.

This product is misleading. Didnt work for me or either of my cousins. It made my skin so sensitive that i would cry when my boyfriend kissed my cheek! There is clearly something wrong here.
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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.