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
June 16, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin within about a week, worked really well!

Cons:

Dry skin, stings for two or three minutes

I've tried literally everything, even perscription creams and pills for my skin, this is the only thing that's worked for me, I love it.
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June 15, 2009

Pros:

This is the only product I have found to work on my sons face. It clears it RIGHT up. We have tried everything but this is the only thing that really makes his face free of acne.

The bottom line is I have spent a lot of money and tried alot of product and will only use this from now on. We have gone through it all and nothing clears it up as fast as Pan Oxyl.
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June 13, 2009

Pros:

It dried out my acne and made it less visible.

Cons:

It dried out my whole face completely to the point where my skin was flaking off. I decided to take a break from it and start up again later, when I used it a second time, my skin didn't react to it at all and just continued to break out.

Would not recommend this product. Contains too much alcohol.
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June 11, 2009

Pros:

The only products that work for me!!! I use the Kick *ss version and it is a tremendous help! I also use the daytime lotion for acne prone skin and I love that too. These products are my answer to many years of acne problems and research.

I don't normally write reviews, but I cannot recommend this company or their products enough! One of my absolute favorite companies. I have been a customer for over a year and will be a customer for life. I wish I had started using these products sooner since acne has been a big deal in my life for many years. I hope they never stop making their products because they are the only ones that work for me. It takes patience and persistence but the results are more than worth it. Give it as much time as necessary to work. It may sound like I'm advertising for them, but all you have to do is look at their ebay feedback. Thousands of customers have left positive feedback and testimonials. That is all the proof I need - feedback from buyers cannot be faked by a seller. It's worth a try. If it doesn't work for you, they'll give you a refund, even on shipping costs! Excellent company, excellent value, excellent results.
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June 10, 2009

Pros:

The smell is nice, more moisturizing then on-the-spot

Cons:

balls up with my moisturizer, stings like all h@#%! takes for freakin ever to massage in skin

I'm brown skin and ive been using on the spot for 5 and a half weeks. The one-the-spot got rid of most of my acne but left rough patches and dried out my skin! I switched to this and i've been using it for 3 days. So far so good. It got rid of the rest of my acne that the on-the-spt left. I like the fact that it glides on smooth unlike the other crap. And it doesn't dry my skin too bad. I didnt notice any hyperpigmentation like others. The reason why some people may be experiencing this is because the BP does drie your skin and if you're a person of color your skin will look ashy so moisturize and buy the AHA+.
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June 9, 2009

Pros:

Dried up my acne pretty quickly, I can see improvements already and it's only been a little over a week.

Cons:

Dried out my skin a little around my mouth, but that was expected.

I use the Redness Relief Acne Free, and I've been on it for about a week and a half. It's worth a try, and pretty gentle - just be careful during the first few days, as it does dry out your skin a little.
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June 8, 2009

Pros:

It is cheap and it does work!

Cons:

It drys out the skin

It is a good product ive been using it for about a week and it has cleared up my acne
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June 8, 2009

Pros:

Worked somewhat to remove whiteheads mostly.

Cons:

It really made my skin dry and red. I had to stop doing it twice a day and just do it at night, because applying it before you go out for the day is a ridiculous task. The moisturizer burns, and the layers are very thick.

This product got me all excited but ultimately disappointed. The irritation was enough to make me stop because my skin was bright red and dry. The stuff rubs off during the day also, in white rolls. And, it will bleach clothes and washcloths. The moisturizer really burns so much that i would put a fan up to my face to stop the burning sensation. This product didn't work well enough for me to endure the irritation it brought to my skin. The cleaner is very gentle and nice though, so i do recommend that.
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June 8, 2009

Pros:

Worked to get rid of some acne, didn't dry out my skin too badly.

Cons:

1.The BP couldn't keep up with the acne, it would get rid of 1, and 2 new ones would pop up
2. I developed Hyperpigmentation because of the BP, that has destroyed my self-esteem.
3. Makes everything smell bad if you use it at night.

BP is not great to use in the long term. The benefits are not worth the risks 1. It can promote tumors 2. Causes sun senstivity (can lead to skin cancer) 3. Causes hyperpigmentation in some people (like me) 4. Slows down the healing of acne scars 5. Smells bad, (not a problem if you use a moisturizer over it) 6. May dry your skin out. Benzoyl peroxide works by releasing free radicals (oxygen) into your skin, penetrating deep into the pores killing P. acne, that can not survive in the presence of oxygen (anaerobic bacteria). The free radicals however, are proven to be carsogenic. Use this product with caution and definetly not for a long term solution for acne.
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June 7, 2009

Pros:

I can't think of any.

Cons:

Everything

I don't really care how well it works. This product is HELL and so is the company. My son uses it and recently I renovated my bathroom after 25 years. The first week my brand new cream colored marble counter top, marble floor and one of the custom vanity doors has been completely ruined by this stuff. I have spots and rings from the bottom of one of the bottles etched right into the marble. It has eaten right into the stone. I called professionals and was told my $2000. countertop is ruined beyond repair. I won't even mention what it has done to my bedding and towels. I called and e-mailed the company many times and the only response I got was them wanting to know if I wanted more Proactiv. Note that the only warning mentioned on the last page of their booklet that warns that it should be kept away from colored carpet. I am furious. Imagine what this stuff does to SKIN if it can eat right through MARBLE.
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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.