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
May 15, 2009

Pros:

It was the first thing that has actually worked for the blackheads on my nose. I saw results in the first three days. :]

Cons:

Nothing.

I saw results quickly, and I love the product. I had really bad blackheads on my nose and almost all of them have disappeared now. I love that there aren't side affects like Accutane. Plus I couldn't get Accutane because I have very light, to light acne which usually devolopments around my time of the month. Overall great product :]
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May 13, 2009

Pros:

I'm 29 and this is the 1st face product to work on my oily skin & black heads without over drying my skin. The green tea lotion is EXCELLENT and makes your face feel baby soft.

Cons:

The regular product made my skin dry slightly in the winter but, I changed to their set for sensitive skin and it's working great!
I also wish the product wouldn't take 2 weeks + to arrive, when you're out your skin knows immediately.

If you have oily skin with black heads and occasionally break out - this is the product for you! I've tried everything and this is the best cleanser for your money :) The container for 39.95 last about 2 1/2 - 3 months if you use it sparingly twice a day.
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May 13, 2009

Pros:

slight improvement in acne

Cons:

expensive, only a very slight improvement

Ordered this for my son and was extremely disappointed in this product. After the first few weeks there was a very slight improvement in his acne, but it never came close to going completely away...even after 2 months of use. When I called to cancel, their so called customer service rep was rude and couldn't care less about any feedback on the product.
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May 12, 2009

Pros:

Worked quickly when I first started using it
Easy to Use
Does the Job perfectly

Cons:

NONE

No burning from harsh chemicals, it Smells great, does not dry out my skin ,reasonably priced, lasts a long time. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT. Have introduced product to more than 10 people who are now having successful results! THIS PRODUCT IS THE 'ONLY' PRODUCT THAT I DO OR EVER WILL USE ON MY FACE. I HAVE TRIED NUMEROUS OTHERS WITHOUT SUCCESS. NOT EVERYONE'S SKIN IS THE SAME BUT FOR THE COST YOU MUST TRY CARLEY'S IF IT DOES NOT WORK YOU HAVE A MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE, WHO CAN BEAT THAT. TRY CARLEY'S YOU WILL LOVE IT!!
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May 12, 2009

Pros:

it works better then any of the other ones

Cons:

It does make your skin dry

it is the best on the market
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May 11, 2009

Pros:

Works well if you don't have really bad acne.

Cons:

Not much.

I liked it and it works well.
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May 1, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

terrible for your skin! causes premature aging. makes skin very dry. seriously if you can find another skin regimen i STRONGLY suggest it

i always had mild acne. i used it on and off for a few years since 6th grade. around 8th grade it was the only skin care product i was using all through high school. honestly never REALLY worked the way they make it out to be. i have always been self conscious of my skin and would always wear makeup in public so i cant say it worked that great. around 18 i started getting hormonal acne which now my ance can be considered as moderate. it seemed like proactiv had hit a plateau with my skin b/c my acne had never been so bad and proactiv seemed to be irritating it. I JUST recently switched to kate somervilles acne line and im loving it! of course im still getting little breakouts, but nothing like bef but it is really healing my skin with the help of cephalexin(antibiotic) and tanning beds really do the trick! not good for you but it does dry out acne. its worth it to me. I STRONGLY ADVISE ALL OF YOU NOT TO USE PROACTIV. your skin becomes addicted. the withdrawls are breakouts. DO NOT USE!
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April 29, 2009

Pros:

smoother skin, works pretty well

Cons:

some flaking, redness right after use.

For those of you with redness, peeling and bumps on your face, stop immediately! i used a different treatment before and it did that to me too and it sucked I had to get all kinds of meds cause it literally burned me. It is likely because of the salicyclic acid in the medication it is too strong and concentrated for your face. I am using AcneFree for Sensitive Skin and it is not giving me any of those problems. I would recommend trying that for those of you who are having issues. AcneFree for Sensitive Skin also looses the Toner and just gives you a Cleanser, Moisturizer and spot treater and the medication is time-released so it is not attacking you all at once. This seems to be be better for us with sensitive skin because there is less going on your face and not as much of the Evil Acid!!! definitely give it a shot. I have really sensitive skin and this seems to work.
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April 29, 2009

Pros:

It cleared up my blackheads around my nose and cheeks and I haven't had any breakouts.

Cons:

Makes my skin red and tight feeling. Texture is now like sandpaper and feels like it's sunburned. I'm scared that it's seriously damaging my skin.

I am going to try and keep an open mind. I know that I am having a reaction to the peroxide, so I will try to use it less and build up a tolerance to it. But, what is happening to my face? Is it going to damage my skin? When will this feeling stop? If I build up a tolerance, does that mean the effectiveness of the peroxide will be diminished and I will break out again? Hmmm....
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April 28, 2009

Pros:

Clears acne fast. Left skin very smooth. Very affordable, the entire system is under $20.

Cons:

There are none!

I highly recommend this product. I've only used the entire line for a few days and already had great results. If you want to clear skin fast buy the entire line. I'll definately tell others that have skin problems to use this. It's much better and cheaper than Proactiv.
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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.