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:

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March 19, 2008

Pros:

It clears up my occasional breakouts in a short period of time

Cons:

it is very drying, and it bleached clothes and towels so be careful when applying it, i also don't care for the gritty texture

this may work well for some but i find the cons out weigh the benefits for me, my skin is generally pretty clear and i only tend to break about when stressed so i only use it on need be basis but for the week or so a month i use it i find it drys out m face really badly which is why i only use it when my face is flaring up. i will be switching back to proactive it is worth the extra cost once i am through the last of my acnefree
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March 18, 2008

Pros:

-smells great
-love the texture of the Renewing Cleanser

Cons:

-your skin becomes immune to it and it stops working

i have been using proactiv for almost 2 years and i personally feel that in the beginning it was great, but after a while it stops doing it's job, so i kinda feel it was a waste of money..
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March 17, 2008

Pros:

I had acne for a little while now, tried several products, none worked.. 'til I tried this one. It started working from the first application. I wake up having less every single morning. =)

Cons:

At first, everything was fine.
After a few days, it felt itchy.
Sometimes it burns. (happen to me 2 days)Now, my skin is extremely dry. (without moisturizer)

It's the best product I had ever used. I'm really happy with the improvements. Im almost acne-free =). And everyone around me notise differences everyday. Personal advice: DO NOT use this without a moisturizer. bottom line: I recommend it ALOT. but we dont all have the same skin type, so what works for me, might not work for you.
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March 16, 2008

Pros:

i love this product. it has really cleared out my skin. Try it. u have nothing to lose.

Cons:

in the beginning it dried out my skin, but you have to keep using it. dont give up.

This is a great product. i get rarely get pimples. but i still have red spots from all the acne.
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March 15, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up face, softer skin

Cons:

Sort of expensive

At first, it made my skin dry, and I was breaking out more. However, with continued use, I saw a DRASTIC improvement in my skin. My doctor prescribed all kinds of treatments prior to me trying Proactiv. She had been telling me all along that Proactiv was more effective than the prescriptions, but I didn't believe her. Now I do.
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March 13, 2008

Pros:

soft skin, smells good, clears skin with consistent use of the product

Cons:

bleaches towels!!! will get worse first few weeks.

I was VERY SKEPTICAL concerning proactive at first, but after several trips to the dermatologist & numerous different prescriptions, things were looking hopeless. My freshman year of college, my mom's friend (who is a dermatologist in Texas) informed my mom that my skin had moderate acne (I felt that I had a lot though) & proactive would be my best bet. I am now a junior nursing major & have been using it CONSISTENTLY for 3 years, and I only use the wash & toner at night & in the morning. One bottle of each honestly lasts me about 9-10 months (***was informed by my mom's friend that if you use TOO much of the face wash each time... the granuals can be too rough on your skin and will cause more acne) so I use it sparingly but CONSISTENTLY. I also use a moisturizer am & pm by Jergins that works great w/ proactive I would highly suggest proactive. Just keep in mind Consistency & use Sparingly - don't overuse the wash each time - a pea sized amount can work for the whole face each t
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March 12, 2008

Pros:

It's not ridiculously expensive..

Cons:

Everything. Does NOT work.

I tried Proactiv and it made my skin a thousand times worse than it was before. My skin was literally peeling off in chunks, it was humiliating..and not to mention disappointing. I wrote Proactiv about it and they never replied. But nonetheless, I would NOT recommend this product to anyone..EVER!
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March 11, 2008

Pros:

Great consistency. Goes on easily. Dries quickly. Totally clear. Soft, cool, soothing feel. No odor. Great under makeup and moisturizer. Convenient pump for consistent dosage size each time.

Cons:

Absolutely none.

Best BP product I've ever used. I've tried Persa-gel, Clearasil, Neutrogena and Proactiv, and Dan's 2.5% BP is the BEST of the best. It goes on fast, smooth, soft, and clear. Once it's part of your daily routine, you won't even think twice about it -- it's SO EASY! It's not like the chalky white Neutrogena that has to be blended in just-so, or greasy Proactiv that takes forever to dry. Dan's BP is the best product I have ever used on my skin. I can't say enough about it. I've been using it for over four years and I love the new 16-oz pump dispenser. I use different types of moisturizer depending on the season, and all of them have worked great over this BP product. One caveat: After four years, I have a few bleached-out pillowcases now, but I think it looks kind of cool. Sort of tie-dyed. I make sure to wash the bleached pillowcases regularly so I can use them instead of ruining any other pillowcases.
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March 8, 2008

Pros:

Awesome product. I've been using it for about a month now and it has almost cleared the pimples all over my body.. i thought this day would never come when i can say i don't have much pimples on my body.. great product A+++

Cons:

It's a bar and pain to wash it with your back

Get it..
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March 7, 2008

Pros:

Works, Acne Free within four weeks.

Cons:

None right now

I've been using this product for five weeks now and I've been pretty much acne free for a week. You have to be patient and give it a chance to work. Nothing else has worked for me.
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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.