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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August 14, 2010

Pros:

-Controls acne breakouts
-Helps reduce/control oily skin
-Consistency is weird, but in a good way
-Love the chemical smell, not to strong

-I have to mention the Acne.org customer service~Top-notch

Cons:

-Ordering it offline
-New batch of BP made my face sensitive and brakout in a rash, however my skin became accustomed to it after a week.

I've been using Dan's BP gel since it first came out. I have been an acne sufferer since I was 11 (i'm 22 now). I have incredibly oily skin, sweat a lot on my face and had "pizza face" acne. I stumbled upon Acne.org a long time ago and followed Dan's Regimen (using other gentle, for-sensitive skin products) and my acne cleared up immensely. And the forums on this site, opened me up to some very interesting information and stories from other acne sufferers. I had no idea that acne was a huge problem in most people's lives, so it was nice to know i wasn't alone. It wasn't until i ordered my first BP gel off acne.org, that my acne cleared up almost clearly. I have to stress the importance of being gentle with your skin...Wash gently, apply BP gently and moisturize adequately and GENTLY. I have been an avid "picker" for 8+ years and it has been tough to keep my hands off my face. Also, i noticed a difference between my recent BP purchase from the last one. The consistency has changed, and it was much harsher on my skin then the last batches. My skin turned beat red, slightly burned and was incredibly itchy. However I stuck with it, applying the product for an hour each day then washing it off, and i'm in my 4th week (on the new BP) and i can leave the BP on for 12 hours with no problem. This may just be an individual problem that affects me. But I've been using Dan's BP for almost 3 years, and this was the first time it's ever happened. I absolutely love the BP products (including the AHA+) and recommend it to anyone.
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July 23, 2010

Pros:

AcneFree wash, toner and mask are very gentle. Immediate Redness Relief. Cleared up my skin almost completely in the less than a week washing twice a day. I used nothing else besides acnefree!

Cons:

Absolutely NOTHING!

I have used EVERYTHING, i mean EVERYTHING! Proactive, stridex, clean and clear, neutrogena, dermatologist prescribed everything. NOTHING HELPED! I've had acne for seven years, ive spent thousands of dollars, literally on face stuff. It got so bad i was truant from school because my face was so embarassing. People would comment on it all the time. Ive been using this product for less than one week, and im so happy i could cry, literally. From less than a week ago i had over 40! acne spots, red inflamed, pussy, gross acne. I decided to try acne free, the regular kind to hope it would work. What can i say?... I wasnt' going to quit trying anything until i would hopefully find something that would work. IN less than one week my face has less than 4 spots left on it. Seriously, 4, when i had over fourty (not joking) in less than a week. Nothing has ever helped my face like this, and didn't make it red at all, (proactive lotion irritated my face to hell, looked like an alligator) and acnefree was perfect. I have never been happier in my life! Acnefree is truely an amzing product! I am so grateful to finally have acnefree skin and i can go without makeup!! For the first time ever and still feel beautiful! My face is glowing and i feel beautiful. I love this product! It is my LIFE SAVER! I have never felt so beautiful or grateful in my life! If this product cost 1,000 dollars, i would still buy it, honestly. Being this confident and happy with the results is completely priceless! I also had TOUGH ACNE! I mean, i had moderately severe and i just used the regular kit! Worked perfect! I AM SO HAPPY! Please try this product if your running out of hope! It may be your lifeline, just like it was mine!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU ACNEFREE!!!!!!!!!!!
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July 17, 2010

Pros:

I have rosacea with acne bumps and the power pads worked extremely well. I have been searching desparately to find anywhere that sells the Power Pads any more. I would always buy in bulk so I just recently ran out and was shocked to find that they appear to have been discontinued I have tried other Benzoyl products but the pads were the best. I agree, BRING THEM BACK

They work!
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June 15, 2010

Pros:

Softens skin; clears acne; evens out skin tone

Cons:

Expensive (especially when on a tight budget)

The only acne product that has ever been consistently effective for me. I've used it sice 2001, and I LOVE the results I'm getting from the "New" Proactiv!
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June 10, 2010

Pros:

Nice customer service, large bottle, free samples.

Cons:

Made me break out worse than ever.

This is rare for me. Truthfully, I signed up JUST to post a negative review about this product and I reeeallly wish I didn't have to. From the moment I saw all the great reviews for this product on here and other places, I wanted to love it. Natural ingredients, relatively inexpensive, nice customer service, the works. Boyyyy do I feel like a sucker. For some history, I have had acne for about 8 years and have gone through Proactiv, Dan's regimen, doxycycline, and various over the counter products. All of these products had relatively controlled my acne to the point where I could deal with it. Obviously, wanting perfectly clear skin was something I really wanted, so I jumped from Dan's regimen to try Carley's. I have NEVER EVER EVERRRRRR had worse acne than after 5 months of using this product. The sad thing is that the customer service people convinced me to buy the stronger version after my first had run out and -- shocker of the year -- my acne continued to get worse! 2 months later and my face is STILL recovering from the damage caused by this product -- cystic acne all over my chin and cheeks. Listen, I don't want to say that the people putting positive reviews up about this product are lying but -- something is fishy. Take a look at negative reviews for this product and see how many people say how BADLY it ruined their face. Then check out negative reviews of other products. They say things like "acne didn't improve" and "nothing changed, waste of money" but rarely do ALL of the negative reviews say "this product made my face worse than it has ever been!". Lastly, the fact that they encourage you to wash with a washcloth, which is insanely abrasive AND to wash with regular soap -- 2 things that are just idiotic in my opinion. I just felt the need to tell everyone my experience and I hope it has helped one way or another. Good luck to all with your acne -- hopefully one day we will find an acne panacea.
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June 1, 2010

Pros:

Works to clear up all kinds of acne. After a life change, had the worst skin since I was in my teens (I'm 25 now). I tried acne.org's products, but it wasn't for me. I tried this out of nowhere, it (like almost anything) takes a bit to work, it was about the 2nd bottle that I got really clear. I even, on occasion, sleep in my makeup and it keeps my skin mostly clear. I love this stuff and I have sensitive skin, it is never flaky, and never red.

Cons:

- requires washclothes- a new one a day- (buy a bunch of white ones, it does bleach).
-doesn't clear up skin overnight (what does?)

Try it! It may be what you've been lookign for.
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May 27, 2010

Pros:

Today is my first day using Oxy 10 store brand. Within hours my acne was drying up and the other pimples that was rising, they're gone. My chin is smooth as a baby bottom.

Cons:

It burns, but tolerable.

It's worth the burning. I've never found anything that works as fast. Thumbs up to Oxy 10.
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May 14, 2010

Pros:

Clear, smooth skin

Cons:

None

Carley's Clear & Smooth has been the only product that has worked for me. Period! I've spent hundreds, closer to thousands of dollars in buying acne products, paying to see dermatologists and also doing a few of years (not continously) on Accutane. When the dermatologist and I finally gave up on Accutane, I had nowhere else to go. Out of desperation, I bought this product and lo and behold, after 2 weeks, I was like the product says, clear and smooth! Amazing! I have been buying this ever since. Sometimes I get lazy, run out and not order it for a while and then the acne starts coming back. Fortunately, after reordering this product, it arrives almost instantly and within a week or two, I'm clear again.
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May 11, 2010

Pros:

inexpensive
works!

Cons:

over drying on sensitive skin

I've been suffering from acne since the age of 13 (now 22). Carley's seems to be doing a pretty good job for the past month. However, after applying the wash (treatment/natural soap) everyday it began to over dry my chin/jawline. Once I switched to an every other day plan, i saw a noticeable improvement. All in all, my acne has been in control since I've started using Carley's. I'm about 85% clear.
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April 19, 2010

Pros:

It works
Odorless
Low % of BP

Cons:

Slightly drying
BP can be aging to the skin

This is the only thing that works for my mild acne. I generally use it once or twice a day depending on the condition of my skin. I wish I could find something more natural to keep my acne under control, but I keep coming back to this.
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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.