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 17, 2016
So far, so good.
I had the proactive 3-step, it took so much so in trying the x out now. The 3-step worked but it made my skin raw and super sensitive. I just switched and so far so good!
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January 28, 2016
Ruined my clothes
I hate proactive. It didn't help my skin and it bleached my clothes
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January 9, 2016
Good spot treatment
When i first started using this, my face was itchy and red and dry. But after a few days, i've noticed that it did dry my pimples which was awesome! The only thing i dont like about this is that, it leaves a brown mark after. But so far, this product works
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November 23, 2015
Don't do it.
I have been trying w/o success to cancel my proactiv account for 6 months, since my son had no real improvement using their system. Now they have the nerve to threaten collections. My attorney will be contacting them next.
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September 15, 2015
Old Formula is Decent
I've tried the older formula, which had mixed results as it caused my face acne to worsen (from step 2 and 3). The only thing I would say is decent is the Repair Treatment (Step 3), but, when I used to use Proactive, you had to buy all three. The Repair treatment, which is benzoyl peroxide, is a ripoff since it's a tiny bottle, forcing you to keep buying Proactive many times each year. You get a much better bargain from Acne.org Benzoyl Peroxide since it's a huge bottle and gentler on your skin. The other two steps of Proactive worsened acne, so I ended up using the Repair treatment, which is simply benzoyl peroxide. Proactive is $20-30, but that lasts a few months (even their larger bottle versions), while The Regimen is $45 and lasts 6 months (depending on how often you use it). If I were to compare the main ingredients (benzoyl peroxide), then The Regimen would beat Proactive, again. It's also extremely difficult to cancel your every 3 month renewal of Proactive (ships to you every 3 months, since it runs out at that point). They'll keep charging you and sending it, even when you cancel it. Untrustworthy company and a scam that uses celebrities to sell their product.
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September 16, 2015
I meant step 1 and 2, not 2 and 3 (in first sentence).
August 2, 2015
I wish I could give this negative stars
As soon as you order from proactive once, they will suddenly start charging you for more items that you never ordered or received. I purchased one package in the month of November and did not like it so I didn't go back online to order more. Suddenly in june they tried charging my card again. I got so mad and after being on the phone with them multiple times I cancelled my card to make sure they wouldn't charge me for things I never asked for or even received. Problem solved right? WRONG I received an email two months later saying there is a $65 charge on my account that they will be sending a bill for. Keep in mind the only products I ever received was the initial package. Multiple phone calls later the charge was dropped and needless to say I will NEVER buy from them again and have already warned my friends and family abouy it.
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February 18, 2015
WORST DECISION EVER!!!!!
I have bad acne that covers my whole cheeks. Its discolored and there are many red bumps and white heads on my cheeks. Over summer my mom bought me Proactiv and i decided to give it a shot. WORST DECISION EVER!!! this gave me such bad break out for long periods of time it even gave my big pimples on my forehead I dont really get pimple on my forehead my forhead is actually pretty clear. This stuff dried the crap out of my skin and flaked it. My face was so red and some reason my face turned brown my face got really brown i dont know why. I also hate the steps its to long for me to many steps. When i stop using Proactiv everything got better but i still have terrible acne and my face is ever more discolored and scarred from Proactiv wished i never used it. DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT USING THIS THERES BETTER PRODUCTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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July 4, 2014
pissed off cutsomer
Im am so f**ken pissed do not order this product I was told by one of the representives that I would get 3 packages of x out for a 3 month supply and now I have been told that I only get 1 package and the whole thing is $90 ...will neverrr go come back to proactive
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November 21, 2013
Worst customer sevice
I wish I could give this "0" stars. First off I ordered this online and the email confirmation said it would ship as quick as possible because waiting sucks right? Is basically what it said. I waited two weeks and nothing came. I called to cancel my order and the girl said ok ill cancel it. I asked when I can get a refund and she said " over night" I'm ok. Of course that never happened so I called again a week later and explained my situation again and not to mention when they first answered they were talking in the bg it sounded to unprofessional. She said ok you'll get your refund after the holiday weekend. Never received it still. I finally called again tonight and the lady said they have to send out a letter for me to fill out letting them know I never received he product in the first place and then fax it back! Wow!!! I've never been so upset before. My advice? See if proactive works for you since it's been around longer. If not just go straight to your dermatologist.
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August 23, 2013
horrible
My best friend had me try some of her xout and it worked fairly well. Ordered some of my own and its been three weeks and still no product. I'm furious if they charge my card again there will be hell to pay
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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.