Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.5
20757 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 16, 2017
Customer service starting to falter
I've been using Proactiv for over 10 years now and my skin has stayed quite clear with the occasional flare ups. Most recently I've been getting more flare ups so I called in to see if they could send me a spot treatment. Before I called today, their customer service had been impeccable; no wait, courteous reps, and they always let me try the different moisturizers for free in the winter when my skin got dry. The rep I had today offered for me to pay $20 for the pen and $16 for the blemish treatment. I asked if they had samples since I don't want to try the product and dislike it and waste it. That wasn't an option. Quite disappointed since these are things the company usually gifts me for free and they even note on a flyer in my monthly box and I can receive free product gifts, samples, and sneak previews. Hoping this was just a fluke rep since in the past the company has bent over backwards.
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February 25, 2017
Not sure yet
My Dr actually prescribed bp at 5% I think it's only been a week I use it after I wash and then I moisturise but I don't see much of a difference although my face does feel super clean... she also said it will get worse before it gets better not looking forward to that and it will take 2 months to see results which most of you are saying the same so reading these reviews are giving me hope ! I'll post again next month with an update!
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February 24, 2017
Is the redness and itchyness part of the process?
Hi, I started using this 2 days ago. And my face turns so red and very itchy, but I can see that my acne did clear up. I'm just scared that if i continue using this product it might harm my skin.. is that part of the process or shud i stop using this?, Thank you
April 4, 2017
Same situation I had with dryness and itchiness so I just stopped using it
February 15, 2017
Did not work for me
I am giving this a 3 star rating as it was the first thing that worked for me after 20 years of BP and antibiotics and derms. This gave me a 20% improvement rather than the increase in acne I got after BP. However it made my skin dry and itchy. It was not as dry and itchy as it got from BP but it was not something that I could live with.
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February 11, 2017
Product used: The Regimen
I not so sure, help???
I'm into my 3rd week and my acne has been pretty much the same, if not worse. I have moderate acne on chin and forehead and have oily skin, and this product hasn't made my skin dry at all. It's like it's not doing anything. Should I continue or nah? I was also thinking of not moisturising at night so it can dry my skin out, is this a good idea?
No, keep at it 3 weeks is not long enough to judge this program. You are having some pulling of acne to clear all your pores. It is normal to see more pimples at first. It is purging you clean. This program works like magic. If you get too agrivated or dry or bothered then turn drown the BP to once a day or every other day until you skin catches up and regulates itself. Always moisturizer. Not moisturizing will not dry the pimple out it will dry out the surrounding skin and cause more acne. Plus you will flake and skin will be tight. Keep at it.
February 7, 2017
Help with using BP
I've been using this regimen for 3 weeks now. The BP really helped with my oily t-zone; but it really broke me out in my chin area. I get cystic acne pimples and I have 8 on my chin. I'm so disappointed and upset. I'm not sure if I should continue with this regimen. I have not added in the AHA yet I'm kinda scared. Not sure what to do. I've never had this much breakout at one time before. I have a wedding to attend in a couple of weeks and I'm really upset and nervous about my face. Please help?????
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February 9, 2017
Hey! This is normal, your skin is just going through the normal purging stage. All the trapped acne is coming to its surface. Continue using the regimen, it will all clear up within the next few weeks. The key is to stick with it no matter what. The same thing happened to me, it is discouraging at first but I promise this regimen is amazing with consistency! hope this helped
February 6, 2017
Cleared up angry spots but left my skin dehydrated with blocked pores.
I used this range for around 2 years. After around 18 months I swapped out the moisturiser for a cheaper Simple moisturiser as it had a horrible consistency on my face and left me feeling greasy. I found the foaming cleanser and toner to be useful in preventing my red, angry spots but there are far too many chemicals in these products for my skin. My skin became dry and my pores clogged further. I was told by Clinique staff that I had to use the full range to see the full effects (surprise, surprise) but I now find a cheaper Clearasil face wash, the Clinique anti-blemish toner (or Garnier Micellar cleansing water) and a light Simple moisturiser is a good balance and works best for me. So you can mix and match these products!
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February 5, 2017
Could anyone help?
I have just recently started using this product. I heard many great things so I decided to give it a go. I have been using the regimen for about a little over a week now, and I have started to acquire a lot of dry skin. It has gotten to the point where it is all over my face and looks crusty and awful. I read some reviews on the treatment and realized some others have been experiencing this also. Does anyone know how long the dry skin on my face will last? Your help would be greatly appreciated.
February 9, 2017
I have only been on it for just less than a week but am also experiencing crazy dry skin. I think im going to try just the cleanser and moisturiser in the morning and include the BP in the routine in the evening. Good luck! x
March 18, 2017
Are you following the whole acne.org regimen? Even though my skin is extremely oily, I always follow up bp with moisturizer: in the morning I use Cerave pm facial moisturizer mixed with a drop or 2 of jojoba oil. In the evening I follow up the bp with the Cerave mixed with acne.org's AHA lotion (following their instructions for adding it GRADUALLY or it will sting like the dickens! Following all acne.org's instructions worked great for me!
February 1, 2017
Good for Teen and Possible Once a Week for Older Skin
My daughter really likes this but it is just a little too much for my skin. I think that I could use this once a week but not as a regular cleanser. Also white sheet and towel alert - it bleaches so use light or white sheets and towels.[link edited out]
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January 31, 2017
Only BP
Do some of you JUST use the BP? I've only been using the BP (with CeraVe facewash) and I've gotten mixed results. Just wondering if anyone had success without doing the entire regimen.
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February 4, 2017
Yes! I just use the BP and substitute the face wash for cetaphil and the lotion from neutrogena. Same results and much cheaper!
February 6, 2017
Yes - I've used BP in conjunction with Simple Moisturising face wash (nice clean feel, good foaming action and few ingredients) and Simple Light Moisturiser + jojoba oil drops mixed in (nice light feel but moisturises enough to aid the dryness of BP). I had awful acne (verging on cystic open wounds) and I got completely clear! Follow the regimen to the letter with these products and you'll see good results :)
March 7, 2017
Do we need to use toner? Anyone can suggest the best brand? Thanks

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.