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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September 22, 2007

Pros:

none.

Cons:

it doesn't work!!

i have been using proactiv for MONTHS every night before i go to bed, and my acne has gotten WORSE. i have no idea how to get rid of my acne now, it's so bad. proactiv is a waste of money. it works for probably 1/5 of people and us 4/5 are left with a hole in our wallets.
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September 22, 2007

Pros:

really evened out my skin tone for about two months.

Cons:

-after a couple of months my skin started to break out again
-made my already oily skin even oilier
-a pain to use so many products twice per day

I have pretty oily skin, especially in the T-zone, and Proactiv made it oilier. I had to blot my face in the bathroom at work a couple of times a day, and if I put my hand to my forehead--whoa oil slick. The products did really even up my skin tone for a couple of months, but mild-mod acne is now back. Also, I never stopped getting cystic acne while using Proactiv. AND it caused my forehead to breakout in little bumps--a new thing for me. I've read too many great reviews of MUCH cheaper products on this website and I'm ditching this stuff. It's hard to get, costs a lot of money, and obviously gets middling results for many users.
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September 21, 2007

Pros:

A bit on the clearer side, a little skin brightening... but that's expected from BP. Ladies, a whole tube can be used for up to two months.

Cons:

Acne persists and it will annoy the sh*t out of you, but it's not as bad as before. You need to stock up on this tube because it'll be more economically 'efficient'.

I've used this for almost two months. Your skin is somehwat noticably red right after you put it on, as well as most of the day. I've been really anal about the regimen and I have to wash my hands everytime after putting this stuff on. But I'm still crossing my fingers and seeing if my skin is getting a little more better. Lately my old ance is starting to flare up (I think it's because of my period? or the seafood I ate? since a skin specialist told me my skin is prone to skin allergies). Oh yeah ladies... please stay away from makeup... even Bare escentuals Primetime & Smashbox wet/dry foundation broke out when I did a trial test on my neck. I've stripped down to lipstick. I'm gonna def. try out the 10% AHA lotion sometime to see if it'll heal the process faster.
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September 17, 2007

Pros:

It works for a month

Cons:

the skin gets to dry so your skin produces more oil making more breakouts

i need a cure and this is not it
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September 15, 2007

Pros:

Skin smooth, cleared pimples to begin with

Cons:

Dries out skin, blackheads increased, pores on face increased in size, massive pimples that would take weeks to disappear

When I first began using this product it really worked for me, I loved it, but I started getting really giant volcano like pimples that would leave bad scares that are still with me. I started getting pimples in places that I normally didnt get pimples, it was just a disaster! Its wayyyy too overpriced, if it really worked, it would be in supermarkets not on infomercials or kiosks.
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September 15, 2007

Pros:

Doesn't take that long to start working, faily easy to get, seems to keep skin clear for months, doesn't seem to have toxic ingredients, smells alright, and isn't too hard on your skin whil it's broken out.

Cons:

You need to keep buying every month, it makes having sun block on a must, you have you use it like every day, it you have facual hair it can bleach it, doesn't seem to do anything for scaring, and brake outs can still happen while you are using it.

I have used this stuff off and on for years, it can work for clearing your skin, but I only use it now at most once a day unless my skin brakes out... many times because I try life with out it for a few days or a week. I always seem to go through the Renewing Cleanser long before the other stuff, I guess that part helps me the most. While I was at the beach for two months I stoped using anything besides Aloe and swiming twice a day for a month and I did great. Once I got back to Colorado though with in not much time with out the Ocean my Acne started back up. I am still on the look out for something that will help me control my acne naturaly and free me of this product nightmare. I do recommended this product for people that have nothing else realy work, but most of all just try not to touch your face a lot, and moisture lotion SPF 15 is realy important too I like Olay complete. Good luck and try to say stress free!
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September 14, 2007

Pros:

I use most all of the product this company sells. I had adult acne&the dermatologist put me on Accutane. Did not work for me at all.I bought Carlys stuff and in 2 wks I was clear and now I get so many compliments on my face.This product is a blessing

Cons:

There are no cons with this product. They offer your money to you...if u are not happy, so u cannot lose.

The bottom line is, you will love this product. I love everything they have... I have a beautiful face again, no more acne and break outs... There acne scrub is better than anything my dermatologist gave.... Give them a try you will not be disappointed. Sounds like I work for them , I don't , I just LOVE LOVE their products.
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September 13, 2007

Pros:

Easy to use,

Cons:

Just an average product, very dry skin

I have used quite a few acne products and this is an averge one, there are many better products and many worse products. It works ok. Since its cheap if you just have moderate acne it a good choice
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September 12, 2007

Pros:

VERY affordable. Better consistency than any other store-bought acne creams or gels that I have ever bought; I can put light makeup over it or wear a thin film no one can see. Most of all it is effective on mild to moderate acne without irritation.

Cons:

took about 2 weeks to get to twice a day application for best effect without irritation. can be drying in winter time without moisturizer

You could not use a more effective and safe product for the money! It may or may not give immediate results, but used consistently over time as part of the Regimen I have developed tremendously healthier and more beautiful skin. I have used this religiously for years now.
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September 12, 2007

Pros:

Eliminates and dries up pimples quickly

Cons:

Also dries out the rest of your skin

This is an excellent spot treatment and really helps to stop the pimples from maturing. My dermatologist even recommended it to me. I would probably use it only as a spot treatment, though as it does dry out your face fairly badly.
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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.