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
August 8, 2007

Pros:

The first time I tried it, I saw results as little as a week. I've had some friends that had problems with acne and I told them about Proactive and they tried it and like it!

Cons:

I started breaking out really bad soon after I stopped using it and it is pricey.

Everybody's skin is different and this product worked for me. I have sensitive and oily skin and it is gentle on my skin and fragrance free.
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August 8, 2007

Pros:

Affordable and works

Cons:

Missing one ingredient!!

Ok~I am 33 years old and have been stuggling with acne since my mid 20's. I tried everything from perscriptions to 20 B12's pills a day. Then I came across Carley's. The first day I used it I noticed a difference in my skin. My poors got smaller and my acne cleared up about 80%. I used it for 3 months. And still would have break outs. But, nothing like I used to. Then I was reading about how great Cayenne (capsaicin) was for your skin. So I poured some liquid cayenne in my bottle of clean and clear acne treatment. Within 2 days my skin was completely clear. You do have to be careful with cayenne. It is HOT! WOW does it work.
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August 7, 2007

Pros:

Not irritating
Size of Bottle
Price

Cons:

Shipping Cost (All in all a value though)

Was paying much more for prescription (Duac) that had 5% BP. After seeing how well a BP solution worked but not wanting to pay the cost ($40 per month), tried DK product. It's not overdrying for me, but this takes about 3 -4 months of application for the new BP user. I've found that Zirh "Protect" is an excellent moisturizer that can take care of any flakiness in the beginning without making the problem worse. Thanks DK! Nice job!
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August 4, 2007

Pros:

Does a great job of clearing up acne. Goes on incredibly smooth.

Cons:

Postage is pretty expensive.
Will bleach your clothes like mad if they touch anything. Be very careful of what you touch.
Difficult to use on back w/o bleaching shirts.

If your looking for a way to truly clear up your acne this is a great place to start. While it doesnt seem to eliminate it all together it really helps to keep them from breaking out badly. The more you use it the better it will work. I work in the medical industry and see people paying $80 for RXs of benzole peroxide creams. Not nearly worth the price. If you can apply the cream to your face after you put your shirt on int he morning and make sure you don't touch your face to your clothes, then it will not bleach. I have ruined many shirts with this stuff so be careful.
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August 2, 2007

Pros:

i have been using this product for about 4 days and it seems to be working pretty well, i am still getting pimples, but it seems to be clearing them away to

Cons:

it dries out my sking alot and my skin feels dries even after i put on the day cream, i still get new pimples

i believe this product works well
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July 30, 2007

Pros:

Good and effective

Cons:

Once you stop using it, acne returns back

Use these cream for frequent flareups, but it is not a permanent solution
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July 29, 2007

Pros:

I can't say this product doesn't work - it did work for me at first. I didn't have bad acne, just regular breakouts, and this did do the trick, although it took a few weeks to start really working.

Cons:

I had horrible allergic reactions to this. It started out as dryness and peeling, so they told me to cut down the application of it. Then today I got a huge boil under my eye because of it.

I would say that if you have bad acne, get this product. But if like me you have sensitive skin, stay away. The good thing is, Proactiv gave me back my money and they are sending my a free trial of their sensitive skin version that has no benzoyl peroxide in it, but salicylic acid instead. The customer representative was so nice and immediately empathized, and told me how to care for the horrible boil that appeared on my face. My credit card was reimbursed and they are sending me the other product. All in all, this is a great company, with a great product, but you have to have BAD acne to use it. Try out the sensitive skin version with salicylic acid if you have sensitive skin or not bad acne.
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July 28, 2007

Pros:

I noticed results within in a week and from then on my face has been steadily becoming better and better. I only have1 or 2 pimples now and I think I will be all clear in a week or 2

Cons:

The benzoyl peroxide cream dried my face some and I would suggest steadily builing up to 2 apllications aday, 3 is just a little too many I think.

This is honestly a miracle to me. I have tried everything over-the-counter and prescription and I was just about to try Accutane as a last resort but I decided to try this instead, which in my opinion is probably better than Acccutane because you don't have to worry about all the extreme side effects and it works just as well. I mean this stuff is amazing!!!! Not only have my pimples cleared up but my face is less oily, less shiny, much softer & smoother, and it just makes my face feel clean. I also know that it's not the BP because I have used that at least ten times before. So even if you're sensitive to BP I suggest getting it just for the tablets, which you need to make sure you CHEW UP before you swallow.Wow I mean words cannot describe my gratitude to this company
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July 27, 2007

Pros:

Clears and prevents acne, goes on clear, no white residue, doesn't irritate my skin, feels great, unscented

Cons:

Drying, not available in stores

Best acne treatment ever!! I've tried some many acne treatments, but this it the only one that actually cleared me up. It cleared up my mild acne within a month. It is a bit drying, but all BP does that to some degree. A good moisturizer takes care of that. I just wish that this fabulous product was available in stores!
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July 27, 2007

Pros:

works very fast and works very well at getting rid of breakouts fast and preventing new ones.ive been using it for 3 weeks now and i havent had a new breakout out since and i usually always have a breakout on my face..so that says a lot

Cons:

very strong,drys out skin and somewhat causes flakyness but a good moisturizer can fix that

GET IT AND USE 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.