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
January 21, 2008

Pros:

It helps.

Cons:

Uncomfortable to sleep

I have severe acne. I use a very thick layer every night and rinse with clean and clear face wash. It definitely works better than anything else. I tried neutregena, clearsil,and none of them work better. I still have a lot of acne, but having severe acne this works the best. I use a thick layer so it makes me ugly and it is hard to sleep at night.
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January 21, 2008

Pros:

-Good for quick treatment
-Really helps mild acne
-Skin feels squeaky clean

Cons:

-Can excessively dry out your skin
-After using it for too long, your skin seems as though it becomes immune to it
-So harsh that permanent effects can be seen (broken cappilaries around nose)

If you feel as if you have nothing to loose than TRY IT. It works very well if used as directed. However, do not use it for too long as it is damaging to your skin. After three years of using it, it seemed to stop working and my skin began to break out. I got off it but my face seems to continually break out. DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW!
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January 20, 2008

Pros:

it didn't irritate my face

Cons:

didn't help at all. made my acne worse and made my face overly dry. when i called proactiv they told me that it makes your acne worse before it made it better, but i have used it for a year, and it hasn't gotten better.

waste of money, terrible product.
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January 20, 2008

Pros:

Compared to prescription meds, affordable. Smells good. Does not irritate skin. Very effective.

Cons:

Some what time consuming due to the 3 steps. Mask and Daily Oil Control are not worth the money. The product does not diminish or rid scars as it alludes to in the commercials.

I began to have adult cystic acne at 25. OTC stuff did not help. Went to a dermatologist who had me on Triaz wash, Evoclin foam and Retin-A. Up until this past summer the worked for almost 2 years. I became immune and the co-pay as well as the monthly cost for the prescriptions with medical was draining my wallet even with insurance. I figured Proactiv was worth a 30 day trial they were offering. Since 08/2007 I have used Proactiv and have had very minimal breakouts of usually one pimple here and there none of which were huge, painful or cystic. For people who think the product is to harsh, they do have a gentle formula that one can request. My skin was used to the Benzoyl Peroxide already so I did not experience any breakouts; however, people need to understand that any dermatologist will tell you that a new product will cause breakouts at first. Definitely try to stick it out for at least a month as it may be worth it for you in the long run. I swear by it now.
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January 20, 2008

Pros:

It was fantastic. It really cleared my skin up quickly and felt very good.

Cons:

It's a bit pricey.

Although others say that it has dried their skin out, I don't have super oily skin and it didn't really dry mine out. Although other acne products have helped my skin, proactiv consistently keeps my skin clear. I have been using it for about a month and got my first pimple the other day. I put on that refining mask and it went away in 2 days. I always had moderate acne since I was a teenager that would come an go, but this has been great. Also, if I forgot or was too tired to wash my face twice per day before with other acne washes, I was doomed to get a couple pimples. With proactiv, I have gone to bed without washing my face after a long day and have woken up totally clear, although I recommend using it consistently for good results.
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January 20, 2008

Pros:

None.

Cons:

Horrible! Made my skin so red and itchy. When I slept with the refining mask on, i woke up and my face was on fire! I thought it was just my skin being sensitive to the product at first, but after 2 weeks, the results were the same.

Proactiv causes red, itchy, burning patches on your face. I did not have very much acne before, but I do now (and it is harder to get rid of than before!)
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January 19, 2008

Pros:

gets rid of spot and mild acne

Cons:

not good on sesitive skin!!!

it is good but it mad my skin soo flaking i looked like a old woman and moisturizer does not helpthat much make such you put a little bit on then work up on it.it will sting on the first time or second or third but ohh well it might be worth it
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January 17, 2008

Pros:

Like the large tube, I keep it on the shelf in my shower. I like the creaminess also. Seems to be working really well, my skin is almost completely clear.

Cons:

Lol, hating the bleaching factor for my towels, I had to switch to white. My skin is dry but not horribly so.

It took me a few days to get into my regime of the was, the lotion, duac, and then actually remembering to put on moisturizer. I only use this in the AM (using retin A Micro at night) but so far I like it. I do use a makeup remover first cause I don't want it near my eyes. I think as long as you use a good moisturizer it's relatively easy.
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January 17, 2008

Pros:

Completely cleared up my persistent moderate acne.

Cons:

It's a little expensive, but well worth it.

My holy grail regimen. The only OTC product that completely cleared me up. I never thought it would work, but it got to a point where I was desperate and was just like why not? I'm glad I did it. I've tried a lot of products too - from Clean & Clear to Epicuren. If I stop using Proactiv and switch to a different brand, I start breaking out again. Proactiv has really made a difference in my skin and has been the only product to really do so.
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January 15, 2008

Pros:

*Cleared skin some what
*Got rid of razor burn!! (the alcohol in the toner)

Cons:

*Made skin flake and dry
*Kinda pricey

Being a 20 year old male trying to get rid of off and on acne, i new many people who had clinique, so i got the acne package the starter kit for 40 bucks, i only use it for a week and a half and i know thats not enough time it did kinda work having breakouts on my jawline and from shaving but my skin started peeling and i think there was too drying between the toner and the foam wash the bp lotion is awesome thow!!! it goes on so much nicer than any other bp lotion i have ever tried BP is really the way to go it can be really drying as well thow I had read reviews on line about there mild toner which has no alcohol and there mild face liquid face wash thats really gentle. I'm using those with the BP for now will repost to let you know. **1 1/2 weeks use ace getting better but still breaking out, way less flakiness thow and hardly any irritation!
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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.