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 6, 2009

Pros:

It truly works. I have never used something that works so well on pimples. I have been using the PanOxyl bar for 3 years and swer by it. I plan on using it forever! And it's so cheap, might as well give it a try. Make sure you are persistent using it

Cons:

It will burn your eyes REALLY bad if you get it in there.

It works. Use it twice a day, every day. You will see results!!
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June 6, 2009

Pros:

acne free

i have oily skin and this keeps the acne away. i only use the repair lotion, i use other acne products to cleanse and tone. i like this repair lotion better than proactiv, it doesn't bleach my clothing.
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June 5, 2009

Pros:

Clears up face within the first week of using. In my case, the first night.

Cons:

After a while, your skin gets used to it and it stops working. For me, it kept my acne under control, but it still broke out. Also, the price is way to high, and it doesn't even work that well.

It's not worth the price, and if you're going to use this, you won't be able to finish the bottles since it stops working after three months.
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June 4, 2009

Pros:

Works for the first month on face only

Cons:

Stops working after that
Bleaches sheets, towels, clothes
Doesn't work at all on anywhere but the face

Don't use it! Unless all your sheets, towels, and clothes are white maybe use it for a month after that it wont work! When I used proactive, it was quite a few years ago, I had only tried drug store products. This was my first attempt to get serious about fighting my acne, what a disappointment!
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June 3, 2009

Pros:

It is an all natural product. Works better than all of the other products I have tried. Very easy to use. No side effects.

Cons:

Smells a little strange.

My son uses this product for acne. He has tried all of the other products with no success, including pro-active as well as prescriptions and antibiotics. This product works the best for him. It is very easy to use. The company obviously cares about its products and puts much research into the ingredients. We have reordered many many times and always receive quick service. I use their wild rose eye cream and absolutely love it!!! I keep it in the refrigerator and it feels so creamy and smooth going on. I also use their night cream, coconut lotion and mineral make up. Love all of them. No complaints at all.
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June 2, 2009

Pros:

Easily absorbed, good consistency (I like the cream), does the job...

Cons:

It's only a months worth if you use it as the regimen

I gave the regimen a try and its been 2 weeks. I'll update after a month but want to now because I like it. First few times was slightly irritating, but no overall redness or dryness. I have sensitive/combo skin and it is gentle & balances my t-zone oiliness. I mainly break out on my right side...but it still has evened out my left which is now super clear and even. It has brought long lingering little undergrounders to surface and am in that phase after 2 weeks. I notice they go away much faster and will continue to use am/pm. I had no idea this was a preventative treatment, makes sense, & I hope there is no immunity.
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May 31, 2009
it sucks made my face worse
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May 29, 2009

Pros:

Works fast, clean feeling, clean smell, keeps working.

Cons:

None

This is the only product I have used in the past 6 years that has cleared up my acne. Since I started using this I have only had a few light blemishes that disappear within a day or so. I used to have at least 10 different spots on my face at one time some so painful it hurt to smile, right now there are none and it no longer hurts to move my face, the scars are even going away. After 6 years of literal pain and worry I found something that works. I only use it once a day so it doesn't dry out my skin.
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May 29, 2009

Pros:

Helps clear up acne fast!

Cons:

Makes my face red, dry, and a little irritated, but other than that it is great!

I've been using this for about 2 months now and my face is still red on my main problem spots on my face, as my cheeks and chin. Other than that it works great, and you should give it a try!
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May 28, 2009

Pros:

Started to work with 3-4 days. Keeps my skin clear with consistent use. The mask works great on occasional pimples--significantly clears them overnight; in 2 nights, they are usually gone.

Cons:

The daily cream dries the skin a bit, so I only use it every other day.

I have been using ProActive for 5 years. I heard about ProActive from my daughter's 30 something friend when we were planning her wedding. I thought, why not give it a try? When I ordered the intro kit, they made sure I knew that I would receive a full kit every couple of months unless I chose to cancel. I find I don't go thru the product in 2 months (forget some days, and don't use the daily cream everyday). It is not a problem to call and have a shipment either postponed or cancelled altogether (I've done both). I did have a shipment that didn't arrive, and when I called they quickly sent another shipment (at no charge). I have had no problems with this company and find them easy to deal with and can always talk to a live person in customer service.
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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.