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
August 14, 2008

Pros:

Easy and quick to use, pretty gentle/non-irritating, did minimize the amount of oil a bit.

Cons:

Doesn't help fade scarring, pimples hang around, they don't go away as quickly as I'd like.

I have tried everything you could possibly think of to help with my acne, drugstore products, tv info-mercial products... I've tried not using anything at all just rinsing with water thinking maybe all the products are the problem. Nothing has worked. This is one I had not tried. The products were a little over-drying for me. I used the 3rd step moisturizer only at night and the dramatically different moisturizing gel for day, which did balance out the dryness. My skin felt clean but not great, like it had medicine residue on it or something. After 4 weeks I've noticed a SLIGHT decrease in the amount of new pimples and oil, but little else. My skin's texture and tone have not seemed to change. I will probably be switching to something else.
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August 14, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up some acne

Cons:

dry skin, redness, more acne

I use dthis roduct for 2 months then i stopped because it was making my skin to dry and i started using a different product. but as soon as you stop you get ace prettyfast i hated it . bu my skin is nice and clear now, i use St. Ives apricot scrub now. works liek a charm
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August 13, 2008

Pros:

-you can feel the cleanser working once you put it on
- it leaves skin feeling smooth
- the night cream i use during the day because it keeps my skin from going back to oily

Cons:

- the day cream makes my skin oily, so i just use the night cream

This product will probably work for anyone with oily skin. I've noticed on the other reviews it doesn't work for some people because they have dry skin already. If your skin is dry, this product will probably be irritating to your skin. However, my skin has always been super oily, so it works pretty good so far for me. It leaves your face feeling really clean and smooth..so far so good.
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August 12, 2008

Pros:

Works pretty good. Clears acne but not all.

Cons:

It helps but it doesn't get rid of all pimples and doesn't prevent so well. Not worth it.

Give it a try.
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August 12, 2008

Pros:

My skin looks younger, smoother, softer & acne doesn't stand a chance; it's all natural & safe for my skin; it consistently produces the same results day in & day out over the years I have been using it; the bottle size lasts for months at a time.

Cons:

NONE!

I am very happy with Carley's Clear & Smooth. I have been using it for years. I use it as a face wash and if I get breakouts on my back. It quickly works to take the pimples away. I always had a hard time dealing with acne since I was around 11 and now into my adult years, acne still doesn't want to leave me but by using Carley's Clear & Smooth, it consistently works the same to clear my skin wonderfully. I have used so many different kinds of cleansers over the years and Carley's is the only one that truly works to make my face look smooth, pimple free and wonderful! It's natural with nothing harmful to my skin in it. I so appreciate this product and the great daytime lotion they also produce as most all moisturizers cause a greasy buildup causing more pimples but not that stuff. Their products are great & I'm so thankful I don't have to look any more for a product that work. I've found it in Clear and Smooth. THANKS!!!! :)
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August 11, 2008

Pros:

-Makes your face feel clean,
-You can see the toner removing dirt,
-Affordable

Cons:

The mask doesnt actually work over night like it claims

Ive only been using it for about a week, i feel a difference in my face, there are still a few spots here and there but im pleased with the results so far. i know alot of people say it didnt work for them but everyones skin is different and reacts differently to different ingredients. so i wouldnt say 'it doesnt work' because you really dont know until you try.
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August 8, 2008

Pros:

Its one of the best BP products I had ever used because Its easy on your skin and the most important thing is that it does the job done

Cons:

Nothing

Put the BP Bottle in your refrigerator and it feels way better
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August 8, 2008

Pros:

It slightly cleared my acne but it never got completely rid of it. The toner made it seem like it really was working because of the dirt on the cotton ball.

Cons:

It irritated my skin and caused my face to get really red. It caused new zits to form and didn't get rid of some stubborn ones.

It did clear up for my skin, but that was short lived. I noticed zits popping up and before long, I was breaking out. Maybe it just doesn't work for me, but I wouldn't recommend it.
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August 7, 2008

Pros:

Cleared my severe acne. I no longer have any skin issues other than past acne scarring

Cons:

Need to follow up with a moisturizer, otherwise too drying. I use "cera ve" from walgreens and its amazing.

This last year has been a nightmare for me with my skin. cystic acne was horrible. I tried EVERYTHING, microdermabrasion, OCM, proactive, dans regimine, sensiclear, all over the counter products, organic everything, neutrogena, chemical peels, only water, eat only raw foods, drink only water, prescription drugs, detox, smoothies, apple cider vinegar and green tea. My face would clear up for a few days them massively break out again. I follow up the 3 steps with cera ve moisturizer. I read the reviews on here and it was the best $12 spent. This morning I looked in the mirror and thought to myself...god thank for finding something that works. I do not have ANY blemishes. Please try it with the moisturizer. Hope someone elses life changes from it too!
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August 7, 2008

Pros:

It didn't dry out my skin at all

Cons:

After a few days it stopped working

I saw a difference within the first 3-4 days, but soon after it stopped working. I started getting a ton of zits on my forehead and on my nose. I thought maybe I just needed to use it for longer, but after a few weeks I knew it wasn't working. It ended up making my acne worse than better. I was hoping that I could find a more affordable product, but in the end I went back to prescription products. My advice would be to see a dermatologist or skin care specialist about your acne- so far it has worked best for my skin
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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.