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
November 30, 2011

Pros:

Quick results
Really does help with breakouts

Cons:

Over time, can be extremely dehydrating
Bleaches clothes

Proactiv reminds me a little of the double-edged sword that is chemotherapy. Yes, chemo can kill cancer, but it also almost kills you in the process. The same is true with Proactiv - the BP will kill your acne, but it will also strip your skin of many essential oils and nutrients. I used this for years, only going off of it when my skin got clear enough that I felt that constantly applying BP to good skin would be damaging. What I noticed was that as much as my breakouts were kept at bay, Proactiv ultimately made my skin more sensitive and dry, as well as rougher in texture. What scared me was the fact that after accidentally wiping a tiny bit of my shirt, the cotton bleached and eventually became thinner and thinner until it formed a hole. The idea that I was putting such a harsh chemical on my FACE every day kind of freaked me out. I think there are natural methods to improving skin that are far better than creams/lotions like Proactiv that basically kill everything.
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November 7, 2011

Pros:

clears up acne in a short amount of time

Cons:

non for me

i love this product i have only been using this a few days an have already seen an amazing improvement in my skin i usually get breakouts everyday with this i havent had any new pimples since ive started using it. its dried up most of my pimples overnight. i love this product and will continue to use it. definitely recommend to other people with acne as well.
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August 4, 2011

Cons:

Does not work. Actually made my acne worse.

Do not waste your money.
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July 25, 2011

Pros:

Skin feels clean
Makes skin tones even and pores clear (where there is'nt acne)

Cons:

Doesn't stop breakouts

I was so hopeful because of all the fuss about this product there are so many ads. It would be great for someone who already has a decent complexion and wants to even skin tones and improve pore appearance. It just doesn't work on actual acne. Waste of money!
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July 19, 2011

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

Wrinkles
Costs
It doesn't work
Makes acne worse

Dont spend your money on these sh!tty products.
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July 8, 2011

Pros:

Works right away.
Goes on easy.
Washes off easily.
Prevents new pimples from forming.
Cheap as s***!! Get the 4 pack from amazon.

Cons:

Skin was a little dry in the colder months and a little oily now the weather is warmer. Took a little time to get rid of the pimples I already had prior to using this product but that might have been my fault.

I love this product!! Its cheap. I bought a 4 pack off of amazon for I think it was around 20 bucks. It lasted me about 8 months. It starts to work once you put it on. I stopped getting pimples but it took sometime to get rid of the ones I had. That may be because I was using it once a day so I won't overdry my face. I now wash 2x a day 6 days a week. One morning each week I use Nivea revitalizing face scrub and now my face is pimple free and smooth.
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June 23, 2011

Pros:

-easy to use

Cons:

-TRIGGERED SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
-so damn pricey

i didn't know i was allergic to benzoyl peroxide, i continued use for about 2 days until my face was red, blotchy and gross. the acne was still there too... but probably because i didn't use it long enough for it to go down. BASICALLY, TEST THIS BEFORE YOU USE IT. you DON'T WANT the allergic reaction i got!
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June 22, 2011

Pros:

- The toner has glycolic acid in it (a form of AHA) which is helpful in reducing breakouts without irritating skin
-The refining mask has sulfur in it, which is great as a mask or spot treatment for reducing irritation and swelling of acne lesions while being gentle on skin
-The oil-free moisturizer has SPF 15 in it and nylon-12, an ingridient which keeps skin from getting too oily throughout the day

Cons:

- The wash is much to abrasive. I use it once a week or every two weeks, but even then I make sure not to press too hard so I don't irritate my skin (the rest of the time I use Spectro Jel as a gentle cleanser)
- The cleanser also has benzoyl peroxide in it which is very irritating and drying to skin, and promotes free-radicals which damage and age the skin prematurley
- The repairing lotion contains benzoyl peroxide which seems like overkill since the cleanser contains it also. I don't

The Proactive products work to fight acne but the way that Proactive suggests to use them is much to harsh on skin. Doing the entire 3-step system twice a day is much too irritating and drying. I have gotten significant results using the toner, refining mask and moisturizer and will continue to purchase the set even though I don't use the cleanser or repairing lotion because it is cheaper than buying the products individually. (The only other thing I add to my regimen is an AHA moisturizer for night). I should note that I have access to Proactiv products through a store located in a shopping mall in my city. I have never ordered Proactiv online.
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May 28, 2011

Pros:

Carley's Clear & Smooth. Cleared my blackheads in a day and they have not returned at all. My pores are much smaller. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE that I have clear skin. Thank you!!

Cons:

No cons at all. Zero

Great products everyone can trust. I am buying two products to my friends to try out, one has acne so I got the Kick Ass acne treatment, and the other one has large pores like me. I'm confident they will like these products. The eye cream is also very nice, I find all the products very natural, very smoothing. And the prices are unbeatable.
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May 10, 2011

Pros:

Works. Clears pimples... prevents bacteria/breakouts/pushes old bacteria out.

Cons:

Drying. I get a little bit of stinging the first two minutes i put it on.... and it turns a bit red... but it goes away though.

I never had a problem with acne until University... Then I started breaking out badly on my chin only. I figured it was me touching my face but it continued for years... and then it got so bad one summer I was desperate and bought this... I saw results the hour I put it on!!! My chin is finally looking....normal ish. no longer red and full of pimples. The ones I had on are a lot less red and drying out and slowly going away..... I'm praying this continues to work forever, because so far it's amazing. Mosturizer is needed when using this, since it is a medicine not a creme to soothe your face haha
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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.