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
February 13, 2008

Pros:

This product has dramatically cleared up my face. It has even almost completely gotten rid of all the black heads on my nose. I can't wait to look in the mirror and use it everyday and see the progress. I've tried many things and this is the best.

Cons:

It really dries out your skin and makes it sting, but its worth it. During the day I use hydrating cream instead of the BP lotion that comes with the kit. It makes my skin look and feel great during the day. At night I use the entire 3 steps.

This product works.
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February 11, 2008

Pros:

Works to treat and prevent acne.
Maintains clear skin.

Cons:

Unless you rinse your face off really well, it may lighten colored towels. I now use white towels to avoid this issue!

I started to use this product several years ago in my early 30's. I was frustrated of being an adult with ocassional small acne breakouts! I use Carley's Clear & Smooth Skin Treatment" once daily in the shower and now I rarely get even one pimple. I continue to use it as my no acne insurance. I love my clear skin! This is by far the best acne product I have ever tried. If anyone has any amount of acne, this is worth at least trying!
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February 11, 2008

Pros:

It clears up acne! WOOH!

Cons:

Dries skin a bit.

It dries up zits. Along with this, I use BenzaClin at night, and Differin in the morning. If my skin gets dry I use Cetaphil cream. This routine is for greasy,sensitive, and acne ridden skin.
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February 11, 2008

Pros:

Well, it's not 10% BP so it doesn't dry your skin as badly.

Cons:

Bleaches collars, towels, bed sheets. Doesn't work too well. Doesn't absorb easily.

Sorry guys, after buying a bunch of these a long time ago and using the product for two years, I can't say that it works that well. Sure, it's 2.5% BP is *less* drying than the 10% BP is, but it just doesn't work that well. Dan recommends using LOTS of it, but I find that this only makes your face greasy and clogs your pores, as the product does not absorb into the skin that well. And since it doesn't absorb that well and it's BP, prepare for a tremendous amount bleaching of your favorite shirts, your towels, and your bedding. (I can't even tell you how many of my shirts have been ruined by this product. Even if you take care not to apply too low on your neck, ruining collared shirts and other fabrics is completely unavoidable.) I can't recommend this product. It hasn't worked well from the start. I'm looking at the reviews for other products out there, and won't be continuing with "the regimen" when my supply runs out soon. BP, no matter what the form, is not the
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February 11, 2008

Pros:

Price compared to Proactiv and RESULTS

Cons:

Dries out face; 2 companies fill orders and machines are different, so the product texture may be different depending where you buy it

This is a great product! It took me a little bit to learn the best way to do things. First of all, they have 2 companies that fill their product orders with different machines so the textures and ingredients are different if bought at different stores. Their website says they work the same, but for me they do not. I prefer the cleanser (step 1) to have the exfoliating beads in it and it is more watery, and I like the lotion (step 3)to be thicker and not beady. The biggest thing for me is that it dries out my face, but I simply use my old regular moisturizer (Clean&Clear Dual Action) after all 3 steps are complete and I no longer have a problem with the dryness. Also, I do not use the repair lotion (step 3) in the morning (I wash 2x day) to keep the dryness down. The important thing I found for my skin is to make sure each step is dried completely before moving on to the next one. Worth waiting b/c the product works! I saw results in about a week or less.
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February 9, 2008

Pros:

Does the job its suposed to! Gets rid of Acne.

Cons:

Bp makes ur eyes water first few times, but u get used to it.

Well worth it. Gets rid of breakouts, and drys up pimples. Be careful though if you have sensitive skin, the BP may be a bit strong. But I am commpeltly clear thanks to this stuff! I use it to prevent the acne as well, not just to clear it up. I use it up to 4 times a day, cuz of oily skin, so it can be a bit pricy.
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February 7, 2008

Pros:

This original lotion works really well on clearing up pimples within a few days. Lots of times I've seen major changes overnight.

Cons:

I have been using this product since my teens and Iv'e never had problems with it.

This product was so thick that you really could spot on the lotion right where you wanted it. I am an adult now, but my kids used this to with great results. I still used it for ocassinal flare ups. The stuff they have replaced it with is crap,and saying it is a spot treatment is a joke because it fades right into your face! My kids and I hate it!Users who love the original and hate the new one I hope will voice their opinion to the company. I have already done so, but to bring it back we need alot more complaints! Loyal fans of this product, voice your opinion! The number is on the oxy spot treatment tube. Also this new stuff stinks literally! It smells awful!
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February 6, 2008

Pros:

Makes your feel clean and very soft. Noticed a difference within a few days. I have only been using it now for less than a week. Wow!! I'm loving this stuff!

Recommendation to every one try the "Green Tea" moisturizer!... You should always use moisturizer after cleansing. And remember, it always gets worse before it gets better. This really helped me!
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February 6, 2008

Pros:

it really smoothed out my skin and cleared it up in no time.. i have been using it for about 2 and a half years now and my skin has never looked for felt better!

try it!
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February 5, 2008

Pros:

noticed it working really quickly, hasnt dried out my skin much so far. after the first night of usage i noticed the blackheads on my nose were going away!

Cons:

i dont really like the scent but o well. it cost alot where i bought it but its worth it

its good stuff! it hasnt made my skin dry at all yet but i have really oily skin. Buy it!
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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.