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
March 19, 2010

Pros:

-use it once a day
-clears your skin
-makes your skin smooth
-acne product that works

Cons:

Dyes your clothes and towels (the only reason I wouldn't give it a 5)

It works! What else can you say?!
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March 11, 2010

Pros:

fast shipping, really works, makes skin clear and lightens the spots, not expensive, i really like the teen kicka** one it has a higher amount of benzoyl peroxide in it the soap they sell is absolutely amazing it in combination with the scrub is what makes the skin so soft and clear.

Cons:

none

this is a absolutely effective product its up to you to apply it and follow the indications and also keep in mind that when you start using it your skin will get worse then better. This brings out and removes all the build-up. When you continus to use it you will see your skin get better and improve that is with any product. I did get some cystic acne on my chin when i first used it but shortly after it cleared up and has never done that again. This product has given me flawless skin and raely get pimples and when i do they clear up quickly and are only 1-2 on my cheeks. I also struggled with back acne since i was in middle school this was the only product that cleared my back up. I have had a few pimplesonce in awhile but nothing like before. I can now wear tank tops and not feel complexed about my skin showing. wearing tank tops was never an option until i used this line of products. I use only the soap they sell and the teen kick@$$ I also use the foot balm and lotions its my skin saver!
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March 10, 2010

Pros:

Only the refining mask works! It reduces size and redness overnight, noticably. It also completely gets rid of an upcoming pimple that you can feel.

Cons:

Toner and face wash don't work AT ALL. I don't have sensitive skin, and it made my skin flaky and dry and even redder. It made my acne worse, and i saw no improvement after 1 month. It even broke me out where i never had any acne!

I do not recommend this kit, however the refining mask does work pretty well. I imagine if you have sensitive skin, this will ruin your skin.
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February 18, 2010

Pros:

*Kept breakouts to a minimum

*Wasn't too harsh for my skin

*No redness from BP

*Refining Mask worked wonders for spot-treatment for the 1st 5 months, then lost effectivness

Cons:

*I hated the cleanser. It was rough and didn't foam. Weird.

*Price and size of products. Do the math yourself. DKR vs. Proactiv- no comparison. You get more bang for your buck w/ Dan's products.

*Was not effective on my cystic acne. I don't get many cysts (many 4 a year), but when I do, they are huge and painful. Proactiv's BP did NOTHING to heal or prevent them.

*Refining Mask and the other products lost the effectivness over time. I was on Proactiv for almost 10

I have a few pimples that pop up here and there, but I am prone to getting a cyst or 2 every few months on my chin. Proactiv worked for the little zits for a time and whiteheads, but was horrible for cysts. I think the system was not working for me anymore, since I've been on it for so long, so I switched to Dan's regiment. So far, I like what I see and feel.
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February 7, 2010

Pros:

The price

Cons:

Did NOTHING for me!

I used this for about 6 months & this did NOTHING for my acne. Wouldnt reccommend it to anyone with moderatley severe or severe acne. Dont waste your money it will not help you.
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January 29, 2010

Pros:

Gives me a much better complexion, my acne went from moderate to very light/practically nonexistent in about a month.

Cons:

If I discontinue use, my acne comes back. Also, this product really dries out my skin. I have alleviated this by using the product only once a day, and by using less harsh face washes (I only use the proactive lotion, I buy my own separate face wash and toner)

I have heard from many of my friends that this product didn't work for them. I am one of the lucky ones who it did work for. Like I said, I only use the lotion once a day and have formulated my own skin care regimen, in which I incorporate proactive. Since I don't use it that often, I also rarely have to buy it (about twice a year). I used to be extremely self conscious about my skin, and now I can go out in public without makeup and not even think twice about it. Everyone needs to come up with a skin care plan that works best for them. Fortunately for me, proactive has been my golden ticket to clear skin.
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January 28, 2010

Pros:

kees zits from coming up and clears ones that were already there

Cons:

smells funny

best acne wash ive ever used, i tried proactiv and it dried my skin out and did not work...this is the best, it even has stopped hormonal breakouts I LOVE IT i only use the wash
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January 7, 2010

Pros:

works like it says, can wear under make-up, smells nice, doesnt dry my face out alot

Cons:

have to be patient, 2nd week breaks yu out more to get everything underneath out but starts clearing up week 3 for shure!, price a lil bit to expensive for me, had to switch cleanser to another one because doesnt cleanse well at all

i loved the product and i would continue buying this if it wasnt so expensive and if i could jus buy the toner and BP mosturizer. but i did like the product and was surprise it did work after breaking me out so bad.
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December 16, 2009

Pros:

clears up pimples very quickly and effectively, greatly reduces redness

Cons:

can be drying

this is a great acne product to have! it works fast, nearly overnight, and is effective at reducing inflammation, redness, zits, etc.
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December 14, 2009

Pros:

Very affordable, and it works. I am in my thirtys and have been fighting with really bad skin for years. I have tried Proative and many other produts nothing ever worked. Been using this for two weeks now and my skin is 80% clear

Cons:

dry skin

this product works, i never thought i would ever have clear skin again. Honestly gave up hope. My doctor suggested this product for my daughter. So I thought I would give it a try and I have to say I am truly blown away. Every day I notice my skin getting clearer and I have to say if you haven't tried it you need to. Yes your skin feels very dry, but for me i will take that over acne any day.. best of luck to everyone this is a must try product
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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.