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 1, 2007

Pros:

Inexpensive, effective, doesn't take much time, simple. No more worrying if people are distracted by my pimples when they talk to me. No more "industrial strength" cover-up and concealer.The confidence I now have in my skin is amazing

Cons:

None, really.

However, you need to use it EVERY DAY. Don't skip days just because your skin looks great! I stay out of the sun more, and wear sunscreen every day, but I should be doing that anyway.

Absolutely recommend!! After 20 years of large cystic acne on my chin (antibiotics, injections, etc) this gel has "cured" my skin. It is amazing,and amazingly simple- I cannot say enough good things about it. I will never be without it again. My sincerest THANKS to Dan Kern! I feel like I have a new life! Happy Happy Happy! Oh- and the tube lasts a Looooong time!
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August 30, 2007

Pros:

Well packaged, easy to understand. Clears blackheads.

Cons:

Weird smell, dry/red face for the first week.

Im 20 years old, I first started using Proactiv in high school. I wish I was able to get the Green tea moisteriser then because you do get very dry when you first use the system. My acne seemed to tone down at the end of high school. I stopped using the system, and then months after my old oil slicks, pimples, and huge black heads came back. I've been on the sytem for a week now using the Greem tea aswell and today the redness went down drastically, and my black heads are gone. I have a few pimples, but they are going down and no new pimples are coming up.
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August 27, 2007
i have somewhat sensitive skin and i use the gentle form of proactiv. it still uses salaylic acid but instead of having benzoyl peroxide in the formula there is tea tree oil and natural skin soothers like aloe. i still find i have mild acne after using it but think i'll have to deal with acne until i grow out of it. however, i have been dealing with acne all my teen years and have tried many products (including the generic form of proactiv) but the proactiv GENTLE formula has worked the best. i recommend this produce for someone who has sensitive skin along with moderate acne.
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August 27, 2007

Pros:

Works fast for a couple weeks and is pretty cheap except for postage.

Cons:

Acne returns in even bigger ammounts after 4 weeks of using it. Very dry and makes my skin feel bad.

This product was okay to use at first and then after a couple weeks my acne came back even worse than it was before I started using the product. I kept using it because of all the good reviews but it seemed my acne was just getting worser.
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August 27, 2007

Pros:

I have had consistently severe breakouts on my back since I was 12. I have gone through periods of prescription medicine and tried everything from proactive to oxy. Most products cost too much but Natures cure is cheap and WORKS!!!

Cons:

Doesn't give you that nice shower smell but does have a clean scent regardless.

It works. Several of my friends are now using it and while the degree to which it works varies, it does work. Sometimes it takes a week or even a few months before your body begins to react to it but all in all I couldn't be happier. I have been clear of any severe acne breakouts for over a year!
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August 26, 2007

Pros:

It didn't iritate my skin and my skin cleared up within a couple of days

Cons:

None

I usually don't write reviews but I just had to write one on this product because it actually works. I use to have really bad acne. I've used Proactiv, Nature's Cure, AcneFree, Clean and Clear and so much more and none of them worked. But this product works fast and I haven't had a single zit since.
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August 25, 2007

Pros:

I have rosacea. I am also 54 years old.
Klear Action works extremely well to control the flare-up associated with rosacea. I have very dry skin and this product does not leave my skin dry and tight. It works well with Clinque Moisturizer.

Cons:

wish it came in a larger size, but the 4 oz bottles usually last about a month.

It is nice to have a face that is no longer red all the time.......I have received several compliments on how good my skin looks...and when I tell others I have rosacea, they look at me in disbelief. I have been using Klear Action for over a year now and am very pleased with the product. I would highly recommend it to any rosacea sufferer. It has simply been a life changer for me.
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August 24, 2007

Pros:

clears up acne really good.

Cons:

dry skin, USE SUNBLOCK!! and pretty expensive.

try it
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August 23, 2007

Pros:

Clears your skin like nobody's business!

Cons:

A bit drying.
One tube won't last long

Very good. Everyone says that 2% and 5% work as well as 10%, but I've tried 2 and 5 and neither of them work as well as this one. It may be something to do with the denatured alcohol in this Panoxyl product, which is an antibacterial as well as BP. But anyway, the cream cleared my skin up- seriously, cleared it right up! (never thought I'd see myself write that!) It is a bit drying at first, but your skin gets use to it, as long as you use a good moisturiser. I recommend using quite a lot (about the same as Dan recommends) every night and just a little bit in the morning to see you through the day. Oh, and PS- Be extremely careful with clothes and hair- it bleaches it. Make sure you wash your hands after using it and don't get it in your eyebrows! (my brows turned blond when I first used it!) But I think a bit of temporary blondness is worth clear skin, don't you?
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August 21, 2007

Pros:

Really nice how you can get it in the stores
~essentially the same thing as ProActive, but cheaper!
~medical smell to it, which makes it feel like it works, and it does

Cons:

after multiple or even 2 kits you buy... it just stops working
~does cause excessive drying, occasionally
~you gotta juggle with other acne products when using this (masks, moisturizers, spot treatments)

Gets rid of acne effectivley when you first use it. This product is not too good when using makeup because you got that 3rd layer (repair lotion) and it balls up on you Can't really use things like toners cause everything you put on your face will come off and it's strange when it comes to the product because every kit I buy, the products are different. (eg. The wash has a crystal texture, other times it doesn't lather, other times it has a different smell, the toner smells different, and the repair lotion has a crystal texture, or it's smooth). It's just a whole mix n match.
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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.