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
September 11, 2007

Pros:

Works great dosen't dry my skin out been using it for just over a week now and my skin is already clearer! Reduced my huge swollen pimples from a week ago and now they're almost gone! Can't wait to see what my skin will look like a month from now!

Cons:

NOTHING!!!!

Great product much cheeper than proactive plus you get more for your money. And unlike proactive the face was actually foams so you don't need to empty half the bottle for one face wash! GREAT PRODUCT!!!! MUST GET!!!!
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September 10, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up my skin for a while, fairly affordable

Cons:

Dried skin like crazy, stopped working after a few months

I used Proactiv for almost a year. At first, my skin cleared up nicely -- I still had pimples, but it was nowhere near as bad as it had been. But after about 3 months, I started breaking out really badly on my cheeks (and I've never had acne there before!) & it didn't let up until I stopped using Proactic products. Additionally, my skin was horribly irritated, flakey, and dried out the entire time I used it. The Proactiv moisturizer is totally useless & the only relief I could get was with, like, 5 applications each morning of Oil of Olay for sensitive skin. Bottom line: this works for some people, but not for everyone, as Proactiv would like you to believe. Don't invest in a lot of product until you're sure it's right for you.
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September 10, 2007

Pros:

Have been following this regimen for *years* and have tried many other plans. This is the only plan that has truly worked for me. I also use retin-A a couple of times a week. Combined with BP it all really keeps my skin acne-free.

Well worth trying!
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September 9, 2007

Pros:

It works for some...

Cons:

But when it doesn't work, it damages the skin causing dryness, pealing, cystic acne, hives, skin lesions, which may result in permanent scarring and discoloration and of course, short term anguish and depression.

The bottom line is that it may or may not work for you, but the risks are scary for those who it may not work for because not only may it not work but it will also damage the face. In my case, the products caused everything described in the cons section includinng severe cystic acne and skin lesions. Worst of all, when reporting my injuries, the reps continued to advise me to use their products as results vary by individual and that the breakout is normal and part of the process. I had to see a professional dermatologist who injected (quite painful) each of my pimples and prescribed me Accutane. Although the acne that ProActiv caused is all gone, I have been left with permanent scarring and discoloration. Read my full story on my personal website at [link removed] and see before and after pictures. Or you can watch the video version posted on YouTube at [link removed]
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September 6, 2007

Pros:

By itself, it works miracles for me. I use it day and night, and rarely get an occasional zit now.

Cons:

Mainly price, and the hassle of dealing with a "club" and their aweful customer service and billing mistakes. Make sure to cancel all monthly shipments, before they send you more and charge your card even more!

Using this, by itself- not the whole P.O.S. proactive kit, works great. I just wash my face with a fragrance free soap (Pure & Natural), and only use this lotion afterward, and I dont have to worry about breakouts. As a teen, I had aweful acne. The only thing that worked for me in my teen years, was either prescription treatments (pills and creams), or proactive. Now I'm 25 years old, and I still am stuck with acne. But its under control, now that I've found out what actually works for my skin. People say that because the main ingredient in this is the same as OTC products, you'll be fine with the store bought alternatives. Not really, if you have acne! Almost everyones' skin reacts differently to different products. I have yet to find a store bought product that works for my skin, besides Stridex Day/Night. But that isn't sold near me anymore.
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September 5, 2007

Pros:

this stuff is so amazing. i just got it on sunday and already i see a HUGE different in my face. my acne is almost gone and it makes my face feel really soft. ive tried a whole bunch of stuff but this actually worked.

Cons:

don't really like the smell and the clarifying lotion burns..only for a sec though.. so i can deal with it. also pretty expensive. but its well worth it

just try it..even though half the reviews on here are bad doesnt mean its not gona work for you. i was sketchy about this stuff but im glad i bought it. its the best acne treatment ive ever used.
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September 4, 2007

Pros:

I tried this tx after it was recommended to me to use as all-over tx rather than just on the spot, and it works great that way!

Cons:

I go through 0.75 oz. quite fast and would like to purchase a larger quantity. I did hear such a package exists, but I can't remember where, so I am searching the net today to find it.

This product will clump sometimes, but I've always found a way to blend it in, with an oil-free moisturizer, and foundation on a daily basis. It has kept my face clearer than any other product. I've recommended it to my younger sisters who are struggling as I was at that age. Most important though, is to go through the daily routine of washing, treating, and moisturizing NO MATTER WHAT! My sisters don't like to wash their face before bed every night and you have to be that dedicated to get clear skin!
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September 4, 2007

Pros:

A bargain! I've tried everything short of Accutane and Dan Kern's regimen absolutely works as long as you stick with it.

Cons:

As with any benzoyl peroxide product, the gel can stain pillowcases and towels. Consider sleeping on white pillowcases or put a soft towel on your pillow.

Try it! And definitely use a lot of it. I'm been using the gel for almost a year now and I won't use any other over-the-counter product. DK's gel doesn't dry out my skin and doesn't irritate it in spite of the fact that I have sensitive skin. After washing my face, I apply moisturizer (or sunscreen in the morning), then I apply the gel (not the other way around because then it forms a paste). Seriously, give it a try, but remember to be diligent.
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August 30, 2007

Pros:

I've used this for six weeks and my face is nearly 100% clear.

Cons:

Very dry and flaky skin.

Stick with the program. The first few weeks I nearly gave up, but I know that it takes a while for skin to change so I stayed with it and six weeks later it is almost cleared up completely. At my doctor's recommendation, I'm cutting back to using it at night and will then use a gentle cleanser in the morning.
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August 30, 2007

Pros:

Clears up breakouts very well. If you apply it on the night, in the morning 80% of the breakouts will fade

Cons:

Drying

It works and buy a moisturizer with 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.