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
October 23, 2010

Pros:

I had been using Proactive for many years and still have a major problem with acne. I discovered Carley's clear & smooth online and I have been so happy with their products!! If you have read any bad reviews out there I think that might be people who don't follow the product instructions. Because this product really works! I swear! Give it a try!!

Thanks Clear & Smooth!!!

Cons:

It's easy, natural, great no cons.

GET THIS PRODUCT and follow their directions for use!
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October 19, 2010

Pros:

-so far no redness or flaking
-no allergic reactions!!!
-positive results in two days
-absorbs well
-no artificial smells or colors
-the price is more than right

Cons:

-not a huge fan of the slightly "gritty" texture, but this is so minor, it is hardly worth mentioning. it completely absorbs into my skin within 15 minutes.
-got a little on my lower neck and broke out in a couple hives. so I'll just keep it off my neck!

A story: I tried Proactiv a few years ago and developed a nasty, blistery, red rash all over my face. I assumed this was from the benzoyl peroxide, so have been leary of it ever since. But I was so impressed with the resources and research behind acne.org AND their mission (to help, not simply peddle product!) that I felt confident enough to give it a shot. Even if I had an allergic reaction, I could still use the cleanser and moisturizer and provide support to what I see as a positive organization. I'm on the second day of the regimen and two zits have already vanished (!) and several dark spots just flaked right off. My normal skin has not flaked at all. It is obviously the formulation of the Proactiv products, not the BP itself, that was causing the bad reaction. The acne.org products have some of the shortest ingredient lists I've ever seen and feel great on my skin. I am extremely impressed. Bottom line: I would pay twice as much for the same amount of product.
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October 2, 2010

Pros:

I love Carley's Industrial Strength acne treatment. I am a 42 year old female who did not have acne problems until I was in my late 20's. I have tried just about everything possible to clear my skin but only 2 products have helped: Accutane and Carley's. Since I don't care too much for the side effects I experienced with Accutane I guess I will be using Carley's for a while. Thanks for a great product!

Cons:

None.

I would definitely recommend this product to someone who is having problems with acne.
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September 28, 2010

Pros:

Gets rid of acne = Seriously!
Doesn't have a fragrance to it

Cons:

Takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the skin to get used to
Need to apply lots

It's the only product that I have found after 12 years of acne that actually works. It's expensive to buy in a small tube, but unfortunately the only way that it is available to me in New Zealand. Apply the gel after cleansing your face. Would very much recommend it to anybody but be warned - for the first two weeks go easy on the dosage, apply maybe every second day for the first week, so your skin can become used to it. I started applying it every day and yes my skin went very red and flaky. There is a lot of flaking for first week so get a nice soothing moisturiser. But now that I've passed the 'red stage' (two weeks) my acne is very much under control. Would highly recommend.
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July 28, 2010

Pros:

Goes on smooth, absorbs well, doesn't sting, works, is light unlike some other products

Cons:

Bleaches fabric, stings my eyes a little from the smell,

I think that this treatment works really well. It's the best treatment I've found. I use the regimen cleanser, treatment, moisturizer, and AHA. At first a lot of my blackheads weren't clearing up so I tried a gentle toner without alcohol in it and that did the trick. My face is clearer than it ever had been. My acne was so bad as a teenager that I have so many scars it looks like my face is broken out when it's not. I was on accutane and that made my face a lot better but I was still always broke out a little all the time. I tried proactive when it first came out and it peeled my skin, then I tried it again at 23 and it worked fairly well. Then I wanted something that I didn't have to pay a lot for so I tried this and I love it. I only use it at night and my face stays clear and if I get a pimple it clears up in about a day. I recommend if the regimen isn't working at first try a gentle toner. Boots brand at target has some really good ones and they aren't too expensive. It made all the difference for me!!!!!!!!!
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September 9, 2010

Pros:

It works

Cons:

It doesn't work

This is one of those crazy benzoyl peroxide treatments. If you dont put it on a CLEAN face it makes it worse. It reacts badly with chlorine, This worked great for a week. Then i went swimming and put it on after, it burned my face. I know it works. Just not 4 me. I would definitely try it but dont get your hopes up to high.
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July 13, 2010

Pros:

does clear skin

Cons:

total sham

they sign you up for $19.95 & tell you that you will get billed monthly... what they dont tell you is that each shipment that you get is $60 something & they break down the payments. I went to cancel & they told me i still owed for $40 for the last shipment i was sent. i asked if i could send that shipment back & they said yes but it would take 60-90 days to refund my money. DONT WASTE YOUR TIME!!!!
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July 15, 2010

Pros:

Not to pricy (compared to other things I have tried)
Easily accessible
Clearing my acne

Cons:

Drying
Sometimes Irritation
3 step does not moisturize enough

I have been using this product for about 1.2 weeks straight and let me tell you, I am having the best results that I have not had in years. I will say that I love the soap. It does an amazing job of cleaning. The toner which is hit and miss for me really cleans out my oil and pores. The 3 step is something I am confused about. I find it does not moisturize enough. As a result, I bought the gel of the regular 3 step, which once again does not moisturize enough. However, the moisture surge does. However, sometimes I find that my skin is more red then other times (usually around that time of the month). But, some days my skin has no redness. I have tried 2 dermatologists and topical gels, expensive cleansers, moisturizers and antibotics and have not seen results like these. My only complaint is the toner will bother my skin one day and will be find the other day. As a result, I will continue to 0.00use this product as I believe it will clear my skin!
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July 1, 2010

Pros:

works fow 2 wks

Cons:

extra breakouts more than u begun with,itchy,burning,redening,darkening

do not use this product please it only makes acne worse
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June 30, 2010

Pros:

I struggled with persistent adult acne for over a decade when I found Carley's. I've been using it for over six years now. My skin has been pretty much perfect on it.

As such a long-term user, one thing I've noticed and REALLY appreciate with Carley's is that its developer continues to work with and improve the product. Over the years, the instructions and a couple of the ingredients have subtly changed. The communication is great, and I love the effort that has gone into prepari

Cons:

None. I actually prefer buying it online. The delivery is very fast. I love the natural soap just as much as I love the main product.

It's been miraculous for me. Give it a try; the company is very fair and will refund you if it doesn't work for you. I can't say enough good about it. I only need to use the scrub once every other day at this point as long as I'm consistent and use the natural soap for the other washes. If I have to travel and forget to bring my Carley's and natural soap, my skin begins to get bad again in only three days or so. I definitely still need it, and it works amazingly well for me.
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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.