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
October 31, 2009

Pros:

it does clear up some pimples,and reduce blemishes

Cons:

frigging drying! May cause peeling, burning sensation.

IM FREAKING OUT OKAY, I GOT A 2 BROWN PATCHES WHERE I APPLIED THIS PRODUCT! Dont listen when ppl say to put it all over, just use this on pimples directly. It does help, but dont use this product excessively. And if ya feel a weird burning sensation, my advice is to wash it off before skin discolouration occurs.
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October 24, 2009

Pros:

AMAZING, Cleared my skin, is gentle, easy to use and quick, made my face less oily, made my face incredibly smooth + clear + soft, given me back my confidence

Cons:

took a little while to have totally clear skin (2 months) but i could see a noticeable difference after 2 weeks!! Kinda made me a bit pale because of the exfoliating beads using it everyday, rubbed off my tan hahah but really i don't care.... =D

Oh my goodness! TRY IT! you have got nothing to lose and all to gain form this! and if it doesn't work for you, you can get a complete refund!! you can even get the S+H back! I love this product and have ordered it for my brother (by the way im 16, but this works for all ages) and i'm very excited to introduce him to this miracle product! It's the only thing that has worked for me! =)
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October 23, 2009

Pros:

Clears skin well
Great price
Easy application

Cons:

Dries skin, makes blackheads, skin never completely clear, loses affectiveness after long time use

Works well for the price. Don't start using 10% right away.
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October 22, 2009

Pros:

Clears blackheads, whiteheads, small to large, over just a few days. I used it with my Clarisonic system and my skin was about 80% clearer in a week. I am using it on my back with a back scrubber and it's not working as well there for some reason.

Cons:

None really, wish it came in a larger bottle with a pump for convenience.

It works. I have very oily skin, congested, acne-prone, not sensitive, very fair. I am a 24 year old female.
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October 21, 2009

Pros:

You can really feel it working and my skin was alot clearer after a few days!

Cons:

Stings after a shave for a good few hours, quite pricey and smells quite bad.

Alot of people complain about this product giving them rashes or dry skin etc but it is because they are using the wrong amount, too much will do this your only supposed to used not even half a squirt of this stuff its made to be strong so you dont have to use so much. It ISNT normal face cream and shouldnt be used like one, when used properly the results are amazing, buy buy buy!
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October 21, 2009

Pros:

Very cheap and easy to use.
Seems to dry and thus clear/ reduce spots.
Gives skin a healthy glow.

Cons:

Few red patches and flaky skin in some areas.

It certainly has a positive affect on the skin, giving it a smoother appearance as well as minimising and clearing spots and keeping them at bay. I would never stop using it as its almost like a miracle cure and I'm surprised it's not been hijacked by some big company and sold as such for a great deal more! Comes in 3 strengths - 2.5, 5 and 10%. I have used the 5% one for months and swear by it and just started on the 10% but may go back to 5% if it's too harsh. Start on the low and increase to what your skin can handle. One of them MUST work - it's amazing. Good luck!
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October 20, 2009

Pros:

It works - clears skin better than other acne products, e.g., Proactiv, Neutrogena, and keeps skin clear. Less expensive than these products.

Cons:

Dries skin. Discolors the collars on some of my clothing. (My bathrobe is really suffering.)

Highly recommend. Using large quantities of the BP is key to its effectiveness. The packaging and pricing lend themselves to this. My skin cleared up very quickly. After a couple of months of use, even the small bumps under my skin went away. I don't even have the occassional breakout.
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October 19, 2009

Pros:

This is the only product that worked for my severe acne.

Cons:

First two weeks acne will worsen, but clears up afterwards.

I've had acne since I was a teen, and now I'm 24 years old still with acne. I've tried everything from Proactiv, Dr. Miracle, Dr. Murad, etc and none of these products worked for me. I believe that Clinique acne system works well on severe acne, and not light to moderate acne. I've notice that people with light to moderate acne felt that the Clinique didn't work for them. I also recommend using the face bar soap for acne, instead of the foam cleanser with the system (the bar soap cleans your face better),and be sure to get the Clinique Moisturizing gel because some parts of your face will be dry.
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October 18, 2009

Pros:

This really does work. This is the second time I have decided to use this specific treatment and within the first few days, my skin had vastly improved.

Cons:

It does make your skin red and a bit sore. Moisturising before using can help with flaky skin patches.

Try it!!! Although it makes your skin a bit red for the first couple of days/weeks, the outcome is completely worth it. I have tried everything (sudocrem, dermalogica, clearsil, toothpaste, tea tree...the list is endless) and was apprehensive about using this again but Im glad I did. My skin and confidence has definitely improved.
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October 18, 2009

Pros:

I used this product for about a year, and it worked well. Not only did it keep my skin clear, it actually kept it from being so oily all the time (but not dry either). My skin also adapted very quickly to the routine.

Cons:

After a year of using it, I have developed an allergy to this product, and had to stop using it.

Definitely worth trying!!!
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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.