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
September 5, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up skin for a little while. Seemed to work better than Proactiv.

Cons:

Left my skin with a strange texture. Smells bad. Overdried my skin and produced more acne eventually.

I've had friends who have raved about this product but it left me disappointed and with more acne than when I began.
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September 5, 2008

Pros:

The acne treatment cleared my forty something complexion and normalized it for the first time in my life. The natural soap is AMAZING. It's the only soap our entire family of acne prone people can use. It's a great shampoo too. No animal testing.

Cons:

None

I had horrible hormonal/cystic acne as I approached midlife. Carley's was recommended by a friend who was going through the same thing and had great results. I tried the acne cleanser/scrub and natural soap. It's the greatest. Customer service is personal, shipping is FAST and questions/advice are given quickly (by the owner, himself). Money back guarantees. Pure natural ingredients. No scents. Genius. Soap and scrub last forever. Many free samples with each order.
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September 2, 2008

Pros:

it sucks

Cons:

it sucks

it sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!dont use it
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September 2, 2008

Pros:

Your face feels super clean after using this product, it drastically reduces acne.

Cons:

It may irritate those with sensitive skin because it is 10% BP.

Great product, the best I have used.
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September 2, 2008

Pros:

It almost clears my skin! When I started using it I had about 20 irritated pimples. Today, 2½ week later, I've got like 3. My skin has really start to glow.

Cons:

It really really dries your skin out! In the beginning my skin just peel off, looked horrible! BUT I started using dermalogica active moist, this helped!

Will continuing using it!
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September 2, 2008

Pros:

It tightened my pores and smoothed out my skin.

Cons:

It made my skin more oily, thus causing me to break out even more. I never had bad acne but this product made me have consistant break outs. Luckily I saved my receipts!

its overated
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September 2, 2008

Pros:

This BP on the spot is not over-drying. It worked for me in about a month.

Cons:

The tube is small for such a high price. YOu have to apply alot and do it religously.

I now have friends and family coming up to me say that my skin looks great. I tried everything, from just face wash to tetracycline to benzaclin. This is the only product that has helped at all (I tried differin too).
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September 1, 2008

Pros:

Very effective in drying up pimples, cysts, and zaps all of the redness out of your skin. Perfect for overnight pimple removal. Also very, very cheap.

Cons:

Will cause a slight burning irritation and will dry out skin. Does not have a very pleasurable smell.

People don't use the product very much due to the fact that the burning sensation is just too painful. This is because they apply WAY TOO MUCH. All you need is three little dabs for both sides of your face, chin and nose. Four if acne is on forehead. Also make sure you rub the product in so you can barely see any white left over from the applicant. Also, for guys, best results is to apply right after you shave, perferably a razor, so the BP is straight to the pimples and blemishes. Shaving cream will also help with the moisturizer so your skin won't feel so irritated. Be advised there could be a chance in a rare occurance that the BP won't help any or minimal due to your skin type. For 95% of people this product should dramatically treat your acne. Also this is a product that you can rely on if you have an important day the next day. Picture day, job interview, etc.
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August 29, 2008

Pros:

it really worked on my skin within two weeks

Cons:

i have like 3 pimples on my face and that is because of me not using it for 2 weeks

i had ALOT of pimples but thanks to this product i have like none ! i really think that if you have bad acne use this product
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August 28, 2008

Pros:

I've only been using it for about a week, and already my chin has cleared up already, and so did my forehead. Now I only have to get rid of 2 more, and my skin will be completely clear.

Cons:

It doesn't smell to good.

I can't really say that much becasuse of the little time i've used it for, but hey! It works better then proactive EVER, EVER did for me, and i tried proactive for like, 2 months, and this was way better.
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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.