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
February 8, 2009

Pros:

It does work quite well.
Large quantity
after 4 months, acne is almost completely under control.

Cons:

Caused me really severe initial break out, extremely drying for my sensitive/combination skin in the beginning, leaves red marks. Packaging needs improvements

Started the regiment in Nov., about 1.5 week in, had one of the worst break ever, big red cystic acne all over cheeks and chin, many reviews stated purging in the beginning, so i decided to stick with it. Skin was extremely dried out and flaking, the moisturizer in kit wasn't effective for me, tried it w/ jojoba oil, caused more breakout. At the time i switched to Clinique moisture surge, skin was still dry but flaking was under control. Seeing improvements about 2 months in, the initial breakout healed & left red marks, still got about 5-6 pimples here and there. Then used AHA at night with BP, alil improvements but still dry and feels rough compare to before. Skin look aging and dehydrated. Now use BP & Olay moisturizer at day only,Bliss groovy peel & toner at nite (skin softened alot!) along with thermaclear to stop any potential pimple. My skin was clear for 2wks, now have 2 pimples(due to my diet), Everyone's skin is diff, hope my review will help s
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February 7, 2009

Pros:

Clears up small pimples fast.

Cons:

Dries out your skin, Might irritate skin if you have sensative skin. Smells like glue.

ive purchaed this just to try it it out on a small pimple that i had on my face. It clear it up in a few days. This is powerful stuff and it will dry out your skin like crazy but you can just use a Moistruizer to clear up your face. i use Biore as a moistruizer.
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February 7, 2009

Pros:

Is good at helping get rid of acne, helps stop new zits coming

Cons:

far from a miracle product, causes a lot of skin dryness and flaking of the skin

If BP helped got rid of red marks then this would be the ultimate treatment. it doesn't however, and people say that it makes red marks linger for longer as it releases free radicals on the skin. Red marks are very irritating too but not as bad as acne so This is a pretty good product. I use to use alot of it day and night now just at night time. It does discolour pillow cases and things btw and the most annoying part is your skin looks sort of worn out and aged from it as well as the really bad flakiness it causes. I can't even get rid of the flakiness with a moisturiser. Overall I give 2.5 % bp a 3.5 out of 5.
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February 5, 2009

Pros:

p.s. this is a review of the maximum strength terminator spot treatment.

it toned my skin, kinda reduced the scars and got like, a few less zits.

Cons:

itched, burned, dryed out and flaked skin...too high of a percentage (10% benzoyl peroxide), did not clear zits

10% is way too powerful. i didn't know that in sixth grade. go with the 2.5%
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February 2, 2009

Pros:

Dries zits out, doesn't smell awful, doesn't make my skin sting. It's really an amazing product.

Cons:

It does dry out skin if used incorrectly.

Nature's Cure is an awesome product. A lot of people complain that the lotion dries out the skin, but it's really only meant to be put directly on the acne - not the whole face! You can only really put it on like once a day, or you'll witness flaking. I'm not entirely sure if the pills work, but I have been using the lotion for a couple years now and if used correctly, it can be amazing. You still need to wash your face regularly and definitely use moisturizer. I'd prefer anything by Neutrogena. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, understand that everyone has different skin types and the amount of lotion you apply really has to do with what your skin is like. I, myself, have combination skin. I haven't seen many problems with this product. Just remember to drink a lot of water and eat properly and also exercise. It's not going to do all of the work for you.
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January 31, 2009

Pros:

I only have breakouts once a month and I generally use Neutrogena products. Tried this as a sample, and bought more right away. My skin feels so soft and the acne is gone in two days as opposed to 5 with Neutrogena. Does not dry my skin at all.

Cons:

The price. I love that it is sold as a system, but for $32.50 for three small bottles, I will be using this sparingly and keeping to Neutrogena in between breakouts.

If you have the extra cash, it is so worth it. I can't speak for people who have severe acne, but it definitely meets the needs of those of us who have our "monthly" breakouts and a few stress pimples in between.
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January 30, 2009

Pros:

Good ad campaign.

Cons:

doesnt help that much

It doesnt make my skin worse like other people say it does to them, but it doesnt get rid of my acne completley. I have moderate acne but I think it only helps light acne
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January 29, 2009

Pros:

none!

Cons:

ugh it made my skin super dry.
it made it red.
it got rough in some areas. it leaves scars.

its dumb. do yourself a favor and dont get this. it wont work at all. it workesd for about a week then it all went down hill. blah it was gross.
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January 28, 2009

Pros:

It cleared my acne within the first two days. My skin looks much less oily than it used to be.

Cons:

It really dried out the skin around my nose, mouth and along my jaw line.

I haven't been using it for that long so I can't really say how good it is yet, but I do think that it's worth trying. I'm going to try the Green Tea Moisturizer to hopefully help with the dryness. I do think that it just takes time and persistence in order to make the product work. Nothing ever works right away, so give it a few weeks before you get rid of it altogether.
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January 28, 2009

Pros:

actually works.

Cons:

dries skin out, small tube, expensive.

I tried Dan's BP and it dried me out so much it was disgusting. I dont know why but this stuff actually doesnt dry my face nearly as much as dan's did and worked faster and better. Of course everyones skin is different but a gentle cleanser, neutrogina on-the-spot and dan's moisterizer is my solution that works.
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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.