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
March 22, 2009

Pros:

Helps treat acne. Smooth skin. Helps tone of skin.

Cons:

Burns your skin. The "tingle" you feel isn't pleasant and it drys out skin.

It is an O.K product. It works, but it hurts.
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March 21, 2009

Pros:

Decreased the amount of acne
Dried out acne
Decent scent

Cons:

Dried out rest of the skin
Itching and flaking

I've used Proactiv for a little under five months and it has done wonders to clear my skin. The Benzoyl Peroxide medication is terrific and helps to decrease the severity of any new blemishes. However, my face is now incredibly dry. I apply the Oil-Free Moisturizer five to six times a day. Any makeup that I use looks ridiculous with the flaky skin. Although I enjoy the clearer skin, I may discontinue use after my supply runs out and invest in another product. Despite this, it gets the job done and my acne has decreased.
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March 21, 2009

Pros:

I am 43 and had mild breakouts. This product has given me smooth clear skin with no more breakouts.

Cons:

I have not been able to find a place where I can buy each item in the set separately. They don't run out at the same time and I am always forced to buy a whole new set.

Great product for keeping your skin clear and acne free.
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March 21, 2009

Pros:

it WORKS!!! clears pimples FAST! esp. if you leave it on at night. they're gone in 2-3 days!

Cons:

dries skin terribly if you spread it over your entire face. but if you use it as a spot treatment, its fine.
bleaches pillowcases and towels if you sleep with it on wet!

this stuff is amazing! seriously, its my savior! it clears the occasional pimples that i have in 2-3 days; mine usually last a week. i got this as a free gift with the clearasil ultra kit, which worked really well. it came in a smaller size, about 1/2 an ounce. i purchased this kit maybe a year ago, and have NOT run out yet! so it lasts a LONG time, and the price is worth it. some people complain that it bleaches their pillowcases, but i haven't found that it bleaches mine. i rub some in, and then i leave some on, not rubbed in. i make sure that the cream has hardened on my skin before i go to bed = no bleaching of pillowcases! sometimes i slather this on all over my face to help with blackheads and a major breakout, and it dries my skin terribly! so i make sure that i use a really good moisturizer, like clean and clear's dual action, or lubriderm for extra dry skin. :) it works really well and i recommend this to everybody!
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March 18, 2009

Pros:

works fast

Cons:

doesnt prevent acne and requires constant use otherwise acne will appear again really dry skin at first

buy it use it
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March 17, 2009

Pros:

WORKS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Noticed clearer skin with in 2 days.

Cons:

Hard to squeeze out.

SCORE! This product rocks!
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March 16, 2009

Pros:

Keeps skin clear 90 percent of the time. Keeps skin from getting shiny, even clears up the rosacea on my cheeks.

Cons:

It does not cure acne it just PREVENTS it really well! When you use it do not get discouraged. It will take a week to see results and 2-3 weeks to have clear skin. Pricey $$.

It's a bit pricey but definitely worth it. Once you start you HAVE to keep using it so make sure you are prepared to keep buying it. I have really sensitive skin and this is the only OTC acne treatment I have found that does not dry-out/completely ruin my skin. I was VERY surprised to find it also cured the rosacea on my cheeks. Nice bonus. =)
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March 13, 2009

Pros:

Dried and cleared up my face fast! Cheep! Can get it from the store.

Cons:

I wish there was a mask.

Salicylic Acids have never worked for me. I get a bunch of little grease pimples all over my face. I was using clean and clears 10% benzol peroxide for about a year, It worked OK, no weird little pimples all over my face, but still the BIG pimples here and there. Went to the store to buy more and I saw this. I decided to try it and within days my big icky pimples started to dry up. It worked so well that when my face was clear (about 2 weeks) I stopped using it at night and got lazy about step 2 and 3 in the mornings. BIG MISTAKE! Started to break out again, really badly, so i started to use it like your supposed to, day and night, and within a week I'm clear again! I have very greasy skin and this stuff dried me out perfectly!
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March 10, 2009

Pros:

looks good

Cons:

doesn't work, smooths skin, but thats it.

I thought this was a complete waste. dont use it, buy something else. I warn you.
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March 8, 2009

Pros:

It works overnight!! And it actually works on my skin!!!

Cons:

It drys the skin, but oh well! And the bottle is awfully small.

My acne disappears with 2 days!! Amazing!!
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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.