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 6, 2008

Pros:

- Does clear out acne to a certain extent
- Feels decent on the the skin
- No side effects

Cons:

- Doesn't work as well as promised
- Breakouts still occur, but less severe than before.

Does work to a point, but doesn't go through completely. Still have mild and at times mild/moderate acne on forehead. Pimples and breakouts do appear, despite continuous use and clearing of some acne.
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August 5, 2008

Pros:

Works very well if you are consistent with it.

Cons:

Doesn't do well when you sweat a lot. I'm in texas and it's hot so sweating is inevitable especially when i do sports and work out quite a bit.

This product starting out did dry out my face and i had to use a lotion to cause it from flaking...don't use the oily lotions or you'll break out even more. Now it is just fine, have the occasional breakout after sweating...the next day i pay for it. I don't have a good daily face wash, but stick to this stuff morning and at night right before you go to bed. Be religious to it and you should be fine.
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August 5, 2008

Pros:

The best BP I've tried. Gentle and light texture. Goes on clear and less drying than other brands of BP.

Cons:

Very expensive shipping. Not available in stores.

This is highly recommended. I won't go back to other brands of BP as long as Dan's BP is available.
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August 5, 2008

Pros:

easy to use, and buy

Cons:

doesnt work on my face. I see the infomercials and seems to work on them, but it does NOT work on me. Going back to noxema!

this stuff SUCKS. good price, but a waste of money!
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August 4, 2008

Pros:

i honestly don't have anything good to say about it. i used it for a month straight and didn't see a bit of difference after using it like i was supposed to for a whole month

Cons:

the green tea moisturizer burned my skin so bad that it took a few days before the redness was gone. they seem to really stress that proactive doesn't dry out your skin at all, but mine started to peel after about a week and a half.

proactive is a waste of money. their commercials are made to psychologically trick you into thinking that their products are made for "every person, every skin type" but no one's skin is the same. i always wonder how much they end up paying celebrities to say that they use proactive?
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August 4, 2008

Pros:

NONE!

Cons:

gave me MORE pimples & A LOT of little bumps on my jaw area

SUCKS PERIOD. wasted money
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August 4, 2008

Pros:

clearasil worked for me in just one day. and after a few weeks my acne was completely gone.

Cons:

it leaves your skin smooth.

this product works great it always leaves my skin very clean and smooth. and my frinds notice evry time they see me.
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August 3, 2008

Pros:

it really started to clear my acne in just three days.

Cons:

It really dried up my skin so be ready to buy some powerful moisturizer. It might also burn a little or sting your eye.

It works but dries up your skin.
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August 3, 2008

Pros:

This stuff works. Cleared my acne, almost 90% clear now.

Cons:

dries out skin, burns if you perspire even a bit.

I didn't see results until about a month after using. Also, I started out using it in combination with Clindamycin. I would apply the Clindamycin layer first then the One the Spot treatment. After two weeks my skin was so dry, felt like it would crack! I never bothered with moisturizer though because I'm terrified of clogged pores. Instead I just exfoliated as needed to get rid of flakes. I eventually removed the Clindamycin because I hear you become resistant eventually and just continued with this alone. Be patient and consistent - this stuff works.
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August 1, 2008

Pros:

It was easy to use, light on my skin, and smelled decent.

Cons:

I used it pre-acutane and it did nothing for my cysts. NOTHING. I used it post-acutane and it helped smooth things out.

It's ok. I think it may work for some people. I do not want to be hooked on Benzyl P for the rest of my life. Would prefer a more natural path. Also, in speaking with an aesthetician, was told that ProActiv tends to push things down in the skin and people that used to have cystic acne have a chance of getting it again. and I DO NOT want to go through that again. Bottom line, I am returning my package. It's all nice and well packaged, but the reality is that I don't want to much unnatural STUFF on my skin. Thanks!
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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.