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:

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May 25, 2008

Pros:

It works!!! Dries clear, easy to use, large quantity tube is excellent

Cons:

Dries skin a bit, as already noted, but really no cons to this product

I have tried EVERYTHING for acne. I mean everything. Apple Cider Vinegar, antibiotics, natural cures, Proactiv, Accutane (yes, Accutane) blah, blah, blah. This is the ONLY product that I have found, if used liberally as directed, that keeps my acne away! I love sleeping with my head on my boyfriend's shoulder, which normally gives me extreme acne on my cheek. I slather this stuff on before bed, follow with moisturizer, and my acne hasn't come back for weeks! I love it! Highly recommended. The best regimen is this stuff, twice a day followed by any decent oil-free moisturizer; then use the Proactiv masque every other day (don't bother with the rest of their regimen, it doesn't work long term), which absolutely evens the tone of your skin excellently. I've had acne for over 15 years and this is the best combination of products I've ever found. Thank you Daniel Kern!
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May 22, 2008

Pros:

I have oily adult skin- this treatment does not dry my skin at all, yet decreases the oil. My breakouts are nearly non existent since I've been using the product! My skin is smooth and looks wonderful! My daughter loves it too!

Cons:

At first I wasn't thrilled with the smell of the brown soap- then I realized how well it worked. VERY WELL!!!! Now that I am used to the non perfumed, natural scent it doesn't bother me.

The bottom line is that I love this stuff! My skin is smoother, clearer and looks healthier. No red areas or over drying. The cost of the product is reasonable because 1 bottle lasts months (3-4) and the brown soap is addictive!!!! And comes with the cleanser. The lotions are also worth checking out also. I feel better buying this compared to the expense of proactiv and other acne systems available.
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May 20, 2008

Pros:

i have found nothing that is good for this product

Cons:

i have been bullied for many years and i found this on t.v it gave me huge black spots all over my abdominal area. everyone at the pool just made fun of me worse. my mom now has to put perscription ointment iused this product for a week doesn'twork

i would not get this the black spots eventually rubbed off of me and i would shed all over my bed it was AWEFUL
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May 20, 2008

Pros:

Affordable, easily accessible and works GREAT!

Cons:

Pore Cleanser only comes in 4 oz bottle and you will run out of this first. However, you can purchase individual bottles on line.

I am 39 y.o. and have completed 3 courses of Accutane!! My derm. was stumped as to why she "couldn't keep me clear". Spirnolactone (diuretic) worked for awhile but I grew tired of always swallowing a pill for this!! A friend recommended this and I LOVE, LOVE,LOVE this product. My skin is so clear that I am actually showing it off w/minimal foundation and receiving compliments on my skin. I recommend it to everyone and started my 13 y.o. son on it.
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May 19, 2008

Pros:

Clears acne.Well. 95% gone. What more could I ask for?

Cons:

Burns and itches and makes you want to touch yourface. It makes skin flaky, but if you hang in there, it subsides.Use in conjunction with Keihl's oil-free moisturizer. And get Murad face cleanser. Its the perfect combo.

I had moderate acne that left me with terrible scarring, and after $700 in products and no results, I was getting an appointment for expensive laser treatments. I grabbed this for $5 and not only does it work immediately, but it continues to work. Best $5 I ever spent. Considering the month before I went to Sephora, and spent $100 on the Murad kit.And the month before $70 on Boscia.Proactiv,AcneFree,Clearasil, Retin-A, Clearskin, Tazorac, and Zapzyt all didn't work.Don't waste your time.Good Luck!!
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May 19, 2008

Pros:

After about 3 weeks, my SEVERE acne is under control. There is no "soapy" smell that so many other BP products have. My makeup goes on nicely after product is dry. I noticed an improvement within 2 days.

Cons:

My skin was very dry and tight feeling for the first two weeks. It's a small price to pay while your face is adjusting to the treatment and well worth it for the results! And I no longer have problems with dryness 3 weeks into the program.

I have tried oral prescription medications, Mary Kay, Proactiv, Retin-A, and many prescription acne treatments...all with poor results. I am so thankful for the information on this site and for the 2.5% BP, which is SO affordable and such high quality. I had nice skin until I gave birth to my first child, and have struggled with painful cystic acne and literally hundreds of those awful bumps that are embedded under the skin but never come to a head and look so terrible. My skin has never looking better since giving birth. If you are an adult struggling with acne and wondering if this product could work for you, give it a try. Many people commented that the cleanser was too drying, so I decided to use over-the-counter Cetaphil cleanser, which is so mild and non-drying. I use the Acne.org BP, and the Acne.org moisturizer. I am getting great results! I highly recommend these products.
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May 17, 2008

Pros:

...I can now laugh when the commercials come on and my friends say they want it.

Cons:

Pain pain pain, redness, flaking, breakouts, and embarrassment.

Do NOT be influenced by the media or celebrities. They are either lying or medical miracles. If you buy this product after reading these reviews, you are surely impaired because it DOESN'T WORK!!! Fight the conspiracy.
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May 16, 2008

Pros:

Available everywhere
only $14 at target
works very well

Cons:

does not work in 3 days, but after a week my skin was clear!

I would recomend this item to anyone dealing with bad acne. I have used alot of products that would work for a while but then my skin would just go back the way it was. Recently I got off of birth control and so my skin got out of control. Now my skin is great! I should have got this stuff a long time ago! I bought it at Target for only $14 dollars. Give it about a week before you make your final deciction.
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May 13, 2008

Pros:

It works, after around 2 weeks its a very noticable difference. i Totally recommend it, at least try it.

Cons:

drying...but thats expected

start with the 5% and work ur way up to the 10%, because otherwise it'll be too harsh for ur skin 2 get used too and hence ull be red and dry and flaky. =]
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May 13, 2008

Pros:

good smelling, works FASSSSTTTT

Cons:

dries out skin (may make make-up look like "scales?"

USE IT. but dont use a lot cause it will dry out face.
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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.