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
January 7, 2012

Pros:

>it moisturizes your skin (that's the only thing it did to my skin)

>It doesn't sting

Cons:

>it doesn't work for me
>my pimples got worse even the small ones

I hurriedly went to Walmart last night to get this product hoping it would help get rid of my pimples but when I put it on last night, after 4 hours, they're still visible. And when I woke up this morning to check..they got worse!!! I'm so mad at this thing.. It's like I spent $10 for a moisturizer..I tried to put it this morning again but it's been 5 hours now and my pimples got bigger, so I ended up using baking soda :( please don't be fooled by most acne products.. stop wasting your money on these and look for natural remedies instead. Honestly, I always buy different kinds of acne products and all they did was NOTHING but make my pimples worse (plus they're expensive)
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December 20, 2011

Pros:

Just for the record, I'm reviewing the original formula for this - its for moderate acne, not severe.

- It gets rid of those big "lumps"
-it works overnight
-It dries them up so quickly

Cons:

-The formula (the cream one) sucks, the gel one is SOSOSOSOSO much better
- Its hard to find
- It's ooey gooey
-It doesn't prevent new pimples

This stuff really deserves its name. It does terminate acne, and it works really well on clusters and large lumps. However, I'm disappointed I haven't been able to get the original formula I started using back in like February. That one worked, this cream one sucks.
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December 15, 2011

Pros:

Prevents acne
Helps get rid of some but not all

Cons:

Leaves face very dry
Leaves face super red and ugly

Its ok but my face looks really bad because of the redness and it hurts. Doesn't get rid of most of my pimples.
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December 3, 2011

Pros:

exfoliator

Cons:

everything else..

First of all - after I purchased this product, my account information was hacked from their own site and had $655 worth of charges! It was a NIGHTMARE! They sent an e-mail out saying their site had been hacked and said they were going to put an extra layer of security.. BE CAREFUL! Second - I tried and tried this product. I followed the directions correctly. I just used what they suggested. I have bumps/blackheads/whiteheads and only got cystic or hurtful acne once or twice a month with 2-4 here and there. BUT - the second I started using this I got a ton of HURTFUL cystic acne EVERYWHERE. It was AWFUL! Another nightmare. I could not believe it! I was so horrified. I AM STILL RECOVERING FROM THIS. I really had hope this would work. Going to try the acne.org regimen now!
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November 29, 2011

Pros:

helped acne a little. face cleared up some

Cons:

dried skin out
didn't clear up all of skin
did nothing on blackheads
a hassle to do all three steps twice a day

i recommend it if you have light acne, but if moderate or worse don't get it. it will help a little bit but not enough.
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November 27, 2011

Pros:

none, none, and none

Cons:

took a long time to apply
dried out my skin
i had severe acne after the first month of use

i'm really glad that it has helped so many, however, i guess my skin does not take benzoyl peroxide well. i don't have sensitive skin either. i used to the whole acne.org regimen and i have never had such low self confidence as when i was on this regimen. i started out with moderate acne and heard so many glowing reviews i knew i had to try it. i, like most everyone with acne, have tried every product under the sun. so, thinking it couldn't hurt to try, i spent however much money and placed my order. after a couple weeks everyone was commenting on how bad my skin looked. but everyone on acne.org told me that's how it starts and if i just kept with it, my skin will get better...it's just getting used to the BP. i should've trusted my gut instinct though. i used the regimen exactly as stated and started with the bp little by little, applying it thoroughly and gently, and used to for almost a year. anyways, almost 3 years later and i'm still left with horrible scars. so, if it's working for you, congrats! but if you feel like it's making you're acne worse, please, please, please discontinue use. it's not worth it. rating = 0
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November 24, 2011

Pros:

- I totally love the cooling feeling after you wash
- refreshing
- helps a little with acne

Cons:

- I have sensitive skin so it might start peeling the next day or something
- smells weird to me ..

It pretty good , because I can feel the cookig feeling && then I know that it's working . I do not recommend it for sensitive skinned people though .
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November 19, 2011

Pros:

1. Benzoyl Peroxide really does work to clear up acne.
2. The product prevents future outbreaks.
3. The lower concentration is less irritating to skin

Cons:

4. I prefer a thicker consistency

Benzoyl Peroxide works to clear up acne for me much better than the alternatives and it keeps breakouts away. This is sold at a great price and can last quite a while. I would definitely recommend it to others and will continue to use in the future.
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November 6, 2011
Product used: Spectro (AcneCare)

Pros:

-Fits well into Dan's regimen
-Only 2,5% BP I could find in my city

Cons:

-You have to apply it fast because it starts to dry and peel if you pass your fingers over it.
- Leaves white residue
-Peels throughout the day, it looks like if your skin is peeling from a sunburn

I would suggest it but the product definitely leaves room for improvement. It does help with the acne.
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November 5, 2011

Pros:

absolutely bad

Cons:

expensive, doesnt work whatsoever, ive been using a long time and no result, the skin got irritated and itchy...

the bottles are so small and they charge automatically every month
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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.