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
April 30, 2008

Pros:

It works, affordable, goes on clear absorbing quickly into the skin.

Cons:

Nothing really.

I would like to thank Dan for saving my skin. Best acne treatment ever. Highly recommend people to try this product with a good moisturizer. I currently use aloe with 2 drops of jojoba oil. My skin still dries a little around the centre of my face so tend to not apply BP as often because it can get irritating. Forehead and chin is 98% clear.
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April 29, 2008

Pros:

It smoothes out bumpy skin, eventually it becomes very smooth and soft. Tingly and 'fresh' feeling.

Cons:

SO expensive, also seems to take an incredibly long time to get rid of red marks - I can't actually tell if it helps with this at all. Also causes dryness and doesn't prevent outbreaks.

I've been using this product for a pretty long time. It's become something I feel quite dependent on, as its the first proper skin product I've invested in and I really wanted it to work, also my skin tone is better than it was before I started using it, so I'm kind of afraid to stop! However, I've come to realise it will never rid me of acne, at best it'll just keep my skin smooth (looks ok with a lot of make up basically). It's way too expensive to carry on using when it's not solving the problem entirely so I'm finally going to end my subscription! To be honest it's a mediocre product with fancy adverts and reputation.
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April 29, 2008

Pros:

great consistency, absorbs well, no pilling or weird white cast.

Cons:

can be drying, prefer tube to pump, takes a little time to rub into skin

this is the best bp i've used. i used proactiv's for a long time, but this is much better. i have found i can only use bp on a limited basis. right now, i use it about every other night.
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April 28, 2008

Pros:

its relatively cheap, its strong- 10% benzoyl Peroxide and has a anti microbial so its better than single treatments like panoxyl.

Cons:

the burn! for me it stings like a bitch when i first put it on (especially if i've just had a shave!) but the burn only lasts for 30 seconds or so then dies down. oh and smells a little like anti-septic BUT not too bad n dies down after a bit.

i really like it, its strong with microbial action so its better than single treatments. Bit of a burn to it when first put on but not too bad n only for 30secs or so. might be worth starting off on the 5% strength then move up after a couple of weeks to let your skin adjust if you still need to. As UK acne treatments go this is one of the strongest and so far one of the best
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April 28, 2008

Pros:

-Cleared my pimples.
-Mild "baby powder" fragrance

Cons:

-Expensive
-May be irritating for some people.

Proactiv is currently working wonders on my skin. I've been using the 3 step system over a month and I currently do not have a single pimple on my face. I can't remember the last time that I can say that. Proactiv might not work for every one's skin. I'm fortunate enough to have resilient skin that isn't allergic of affected by the dryness of benzoyl peroxide. Having said that, Proactiv could be irritating for some people.
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April 28, 2008

Pros:

Smell, no burning, leaves face felling fresh and clean, the refining masks works really well. Nothing burns, All of the products fell light on your skin.

Cons:

May take awhile, but is worth it.

Proavtiv is a great kit for anybody to try i am 14 and started it a few months ago, although it is not fully cleared up there is a huge improvement in the condition of my skin and people really do notice it. It is clearer, smoother and looks way healthier. Most people complain about stinging, but there isnt any tinging at all. It feel so healthy on your skin. Anybody should try it. It REALLY works and most people whp it doesnt dont try it for long enough or dont use it right. It truly is a miracle and i am very thankful for it.
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April 25, 2008

Pros:

Worked effectively.
Clearer looking skin.

Cons:

Dries and burns skin.
Bad for those with sensitive skin or skin allergies.

At first i started to believe this was a great product and for some this may be the case. However, my skin reacted badly to the bezoyl peroxide. I think i have know developed an allergie to it. After about a week of use my skin looked and felt awful; it burned, dried and stung. This did not stop for about a week.A nd so i would like to tell you to be cautious with this product (acnefree severe acne treatment). If you do purchase it, start with just the cleanser and gradually build up to using the full amount of benzoyl peroxide. In hindsight i can see that i was naive in believing this product could cure my acne. I suppose its about your preferance, oh and skin type. I've heard there's a more gentle range of Acnefree products for sensitive skin which could be worth trying. The VERY bottom line is if you have sensitive skin don't use the severe range. If you don't and you have severe acne definately use this product. For me it didn't work. thanks.
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April 23, 2008

Pros:

makes skin feel very clean

Cons:

stops working after a while made my skin worse.

it didnt work for me. dont like it, very harsh on skin smells horrible.
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April 23, 2008

Pros:

Works faster than other medications I have tried. It is drying, but this works great for my oily skin. I used to look like a mirror a hour after washing, but now I come home from school and I'm only slightly oily

Cons:

It is not a "miracle cure." but my face has noticeably improved in the last week that I have been using it. Can be drying

I think this is worth it. I apply it 3 times a day and my moderate/severe acne has been relieved. A week ago, it hurt to smile. Now I can smile and I can count on one hand the number of actives I have (as opposed to 15-20) Give it a chance
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April 22, 2008

Pros:

Affordable, works well, does not irritate my skin, has made my skin visibly healthier

Cons:

The moisturizer is too think to apply my make-up over :)

I started using the Regimen a couple months ago, and I'm very happy with the results. My acne is not cured, but it has worked better than any other product I've tried yet. My skin is smoother, doesn't flake, and my whiteheads are virtually gone. I have very severe acne and Proactiv, Differin, and many over the counter products did nothing but irritate my skin further. I highly recommend the Regimen.
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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.