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 16, 2011

Pros:

Clear Black Heads
Smells Good

Cons:

Dries Out Skin
Acne Still Appears
Refining Mask Doesn't Work!
Very Expensive!

I started using Proactiv about a month ago, and at first it was great. Within days, my skin cleared up! Then, after about 1 1/2 weeks, my whole face started scabbing because it was so dry. I stopped using it for a while, then returned to it. Now it's been about a week, and yet no driness, but acne still comes alot. I know that everybody's skin is different, so I will not discourage you from using it, but anyone with skin like mine: -Oily -Sensitive, I would suggest staying away.
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December 28, 2010

Pros:

Good for blackheads.

Cons:

Irritates and dries skin, SMELLS HORRIBLE, your skin starts to burn after using it for a couple weeks, very pricey.

I am a 20 yr old female. I started using proactiv when I was 16 and it worked back then, I had mild acne, the old proactive worked wonders on my skin. I stopped breaking out for a couple years until about 6 months ago. I have moderate acne, nothing too noticeable but i get really big bumps around my jaw line and chin. I decided to use proactiv since it had worked in the past. Boy was I wrong, the "new and improved" proactiv is nothing like it used to be. It is very harsh on your skin now and dries it out a lot!! The first week was fine, it cleared my skin slowly and got rid of my blackheads on my nose, the second week was hell, my skin started drying out so badly until the point that it felt so tight that I didn't want to smile because my skin felt like it was cracking. My skin looked old and flaky instead of fresh and natural. I don't know what they included in the new proactiv solution but it's nothing like it was before. The moisturizers do not do the job, they stay on top of your skin and make it look flaky. I stopped using it once I felt that burning feeling after applying it. It was so embarrassing too because my face smelled so bad after the first week that I didn't even want to be around my boyfriend without feeling self conscious about the smell. He noticed the smell right away too!! embarrassing!! I switched to Clinique 3 step acne system a month ago and it really works!! Lay off proactiv!!
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December 13, 2010

Cons:

dries out skin, doesn't get rid of all acne, sometimes makes acne worse, makes face red, burns,

I used proactive all throughout high school, and about a month ago, I had finally had it. I threw it all away, and it felt sooo good. Proavtive is such a scam. It did get rid of some pimples, but not enough to clear my face even halfway. Plus, it dried out my skin like mad. I looked about 10 years older because my skin was so dry & dull. Don't be fooled by the celebrities on tv. Of course they're going to endorse it-- they're getting paid! I'd probably endorse it too if they paid me as much as they're paying them. Bottom line is, it's a waste of your money. Try Burts Bees instead!
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December 12, 2010

Pros:

-Does get rid of acne, at least for some

Cons:

-DRIES OUT SKIN LIKE YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE
-Cleanser has beads that can be a bit harsh
-Toner doesn't really do anything
-Expensive!

My mom ordered this for me after I asked her for it. I wanted to try this for awhile. At first, it worked. My acne and pimples cleared up, it was great. Then I noticed I started to get a bit dry. I didn't wash my face in the morning at the time, only at night. I thought no problem, and I just applied some lotion to my face in the morning and I was good to go. My face slowly got drier and drier and drier to the point where I didn't want to even smile because I knew my skin would crack. So it did work for me, but the dryness is soo not worth it.
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December 6, 2010

Pros:

-Goes on clear
-thin consistency
-no residue

Cons:

NONE

LOVE this benzol gel. The only 2%gel that you can buy at the store is AcneFree Terminator sensitive. Dan's benzol is SOOOOO much better. I was using Acnefree benzol until i got Dan's kit in the mail. Let me tell you, I can see and feel the difference! Dan's Benzol goes on so smooth and is less harsh than AcneFree benzol (which has alchohol=drying). I'm so excited I bought this!!
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November 9, 2010

Pros:

-Temporarily clears skin but not completely.
(I've used proactiv several times and it will start to work but within a month or 2, my acne would resurface.)

Cons:

-Expensive
-Only worked temporarily
-Uses harsh chemicals that bleach my towels. If something is strong enough to bleach a towel, what is it doing to my skin?
-The 4 step system should actually be a 5 step system if you wear makeup. If you use the cleanser with make up on, you are essentially rubbing the makeup into your pores because it contains exfoliating beads.

Proactiv does so well because of it's amazing marketing - not because it's a truley great product. I think that this product can help people with their mild acne but I don't see it as a long term solution because who wants to keep putting those chemicals on their face their whole life? The employees don't tell you that you need to remove makeup before using the 4 step system - so for a while my acne was getting worse. Proctiv focuses on drying out the skin - but a lot of acne is cause by dehydration. Hydrating the body and the skin is key - we shouldn't be afraid to moisturize and nourish the skin. Proactiv cleanser beads actually irritate inflamed skin. it's not gentle. my skin was red after using it - a warning sign right off the bat. I give proactiv 2 stars because it did help my acne a bit but the cons outweigh the pros.
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October 21, 2010

Pros:

none

Cons:

-more breakouts
-skin was more red
-did not help with scars

I used proactive for two months and it did nothing for me. I paid way too much for three tiny little bottles because I expected for it to work eventually, but it didn't. Unfortunately they shipped a regular size package to me soon thereafter. I didn't want more, so I sent it back. Still, they continued to charge me $39.90. Awesome. I called today around 9:30 this morning and a very unpleasant, rude woman attempted to "help" me. She raised her voice when I asked her to repeat a couple of things and told me I had to pay. I don't know what is wrong with Proactiv employees, but good gracious, she was so mean. Not only that, but I asked her to give me the number for an employee review and she refused to give me the number. I'm done with this company. I will find treatment elsewhere and support someone who actually needs my business.
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October 18, 2010

Pros:

For me nothing

Cons:

Dried out skin
irritating
harsh
makes acne look more red

I thought this was the ultimate solution to acne but I found it to be another dissapointment. It really dried out my skin to the point where any moisterizer I used would not work on my face inlcuding $60 yonka creams. It made the small pimples look very red. My entire complextion lost any glow to it my skin just looked dull with red dots everywhere. I honestly think it just made my skin worse. Maybe it could work for people who dont have hormonal acne and arent washing their faces properly but If your one of those people who do take care of their skin and have consistent acne then I wouldn't recommend this product. Ultimately their is no face wash that will magically make your acne go away. So instead of suffering for years hoping that your face will clear go to a doctor and fix the problem internally rather than trying to cover the problem externally.
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October 13, 2010

Pros:

Easy to use, see fast results -- within a week or two, great for sensitive skin, reduces redness on the face.

Cons:

Pricey...but sometimes you get a free gift with purchase. I did! ;)

I bought this product for my 15 year old son a couple of weeks ago and it has done wonders to his face. Everyday his acne is disappearing. My son's acne is around his chin, forehead and sideburns area of the cheeks. His acne was becoming severe. This product has stopped the acne from becoming worst. His face is not completely clear but his acne is now controlled! I was very skeptical about purchasing Clinique's products for my son because Clinique mainly targets women however I'm glad I did. My son has used many other different products and non have work as good as this one.
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October 10, 2010

Pros:

-works very quickly on clearing up acne
- tingly sensation afterward

Cons:

- dried my skin out a bit

I had CRAZY breakouts all over my forehead so I switched to this cleanser and within 1 week I was seeing results. My pimples healed really really quickly, and now they're all healed. I haven't gotten any new pimples since I started using this. This product can be a bit drying so just make sure you use moisturizer. Overall, great cleanser!
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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.