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 15, 2008

Pros:

Works great..made my skin clear in just 2 weeks!!..

Cons:

The Repair Lotion is a bit oily..

This Products is really worth it...i was about to buy proactive...but when i saw this i decided to give it a try..and it work beautifuly!
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January 15, 2008

Pros:

left my skin feeling clean

Cons:

did not affect my acne whatsoever

another failure
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January 14, 2008

Pros:

Give it time....

Cons:

None at all

I've tried everything on the market for my teenage daughter and nothing helped, in fact it got worse.When we found this product it was the best day for her. We new it would take time to work, I mean we're realistic about any product. In 2 weeks her skin was 80% better and in a month or so it was competly clear and has stayed that way. She is one happy girl. I use the soap for my face also and there is never any drying. Wonderful products. I'm trying other products now. Why not! Thank you, thank you.
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January 14, 2008

Pros:

Does not irritate my skin.

Cons:

Doesn't work! Texture is gritty.

Well I don't have the very pus-filled acne which is surface acne. I have the kind that is mostly under my skin and is hard to treat so this stuff DOESN'T WORK!!! If you're skin is tough like mine ask your doctor for a perscription.
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January 13, 2008

Pros:

All natural, non abrasive, non irritating, leaves your skin flawless and keeps the oiliness away for all day and night!

Cons:

ABSOLUTELY NONE!!

After spending thousands of dollars on retin a, antibiotics, dermatologists, plastic surgeons as well as Obagi products (the cleanser alone is over $45.00!) I came across this product by mistake while desperately searching for something for my 18 year old son who had all of a sudden broken out severely with cystic acne. None of the things the doctor gave for the last 2 years worked for he or my 16 yr. old daughter. I'm ecstatic I found this. After only a week, BOTH teens have cleared up by 90% on their faces with NO scarring and have finally gotten their confidence back! I started using it and have noticed a HUGE difference in my hyperpimentation as well as my face no longer being so oily! My husband noticed instantly!Now I can save all the money I wasted for the last 4 yrs and put it to good use on our new house. The soap is AWESOME. Thank you Carly's for saving our skin in the Cortes home! I've suggested it to friends and family! I'll always be back for more!
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January 13, 2008

Pros:

My skin was completely smooth. There were no bumps, no red-ness, and I had a healthy glow to my skin. It felt really good going on too.

Cons:

It took it a little while to work. I can't remember exactly how long, but I used it consistently and I got great results. However, as soon as I stopped using it I broke out pretty badly.

It's actually been almost two years since I've used proactive, and I only stopped using it because it was a bit too pricey for me at the time. I just remember that while using it my skin looked better than it ever had. I was thinking of trying it again, but I've read alot of bad reviews on it here lately. So, now I'm kind of afraid. I actually started something new. It's Patricia Wexler's Anti-acne starter kit. I got it at Bath and Body Works. I've been using it for about three weeks now and it seems to really be working. The good thing about it is that it's supposed to also fight aging. It's not drying at all, and feels good going on. I think I might stick to this, hopefully it will keep working.
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January 12, 2008

Pros:

Works quickly for me.

Cons:

benzoyl peroxide kind of makes skin burn when you put it on.

Well, i started using it a week ago and i can start to tell the difference. All the little bumps and redness are gone on my forehead. This doesn't work on everyone but i recommend you to try it.
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January 12, 2008

Pros:

Clears up skin QUICKLY!

Cons:

Can irritate skin.

Seriously, the recommended use is WAY TOO MUCH! If you want this product to work effectively (like it does for me), only use it once per day AT THE MOST. I tried using it 2 times per day as recommended at first, but my skin became itchy, dry and flaky. I stopped using it until my skin went back to normal, then began again using it only once per day. It has worked amazingly ever since! :-) Hope this helps!
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January 11, 2008

Pros:

Prevents big pimples. I still get tiny ones from time to time, but it's nothing compared to before. Feels great on skin and the fragrance is actually very pleasant, in my opinion.

Cons:

Not sold in stores D=

Gosh, I couldn't possibly say enough nice things about this product. It, along with Dan's cleanser and moisturizer, has saved my life. My skin looks 95% better than before. I still get a tiny pimple here and there, but it's really nothing to complain about. This is truly the only product that has worked for me. Thank you, Dan, for developing this amazing product! I'm SO glad I found your site! **Just note that it will take some time to see improvements. I know how discouraging it can be, but believe me, you'll be glad you stuck with it in the end.**
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January 11, 2008

Pros:

Controls oiliness and definitely helped control my acne. Plus if you usually get free perks when you make a purchase.

Cons:

It's a bit price, but when you start adding up a face wash, toner, and moisturizer at the store it's actually not that bad.

I'm a 21 year old female who's had acne since the 5th grade. It's never been sever (no cysts or anything like that) but I have consistent black/white heads and bumps all over my cheeks, nose, and forehead. I have used everything under the sun and had just gotten off using DDF for Acne. Clinique JUST started this line and I wanted to give it a shot. Note to other members - there are many 3 step face products by Clinique. Make sure you are reviewing the Acne System. I noticed a big change in my face. In the winter I used Neutrogeana's Combiantion Oil Free Moisturizer following the 3 steps b/c my face did get a little dry. But other than that I use all 3 steps and it works wonderfully on my face.PLUS I signed up to be a member (which is free) when I made my purchase and I got some great free Clinique products. YEY! It not only controlled my acne but my oily face as well and I really do love 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.